Hiking around Halki
Halki is a small quiet mountainous island 5 miles away from Rhodes and Tilos, with a picturesque village port, golden sand beaches and only a few inhabitants.
Recently Halki proclaimed the title of "Center of Peace and Friendship" especially among young people who visit the area in summer and organize various cultural events.
Throughout the island there is a peaceful atmosphere, chapels hidden in the mountain and restored neo-Classical villas. The island is ideal for those who love hiking, as the longest distance from one end of the island to the other is about 10 km. One of the most beautiful paths starts from Emborios, the only residential area of the island in the amphitheatrically shaped bay, passes by the church of Agios Nikolaos (built in 1861) with the highest bell tower in Dodecanese and continues to the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi. The trail then continues through the now abandoned village Horio the old capital of the island with 4,000 people on its glorious days and the Knights of St. John castle which was built on the site of the Ancient Acropolis.
Halki also hosts a
lot of caves ideal for exploring. The most well-known is the cave of Kelia
which was eremite residence and is accessible by boat from Emborios. It is also
worth visiting the monastery of Palariniotis and the ruined windmills and
stonewalls at the nearby area.
The island of Halki is ideal for quiet holidays for those who love walks, which
are definitely rewarding. With only one village, a few of roads and cars, Halki
is a tranquil heaven for those who want a holiday away from the stress of the
city as the wonderful climate and polite people.
