Halki (Chalki) is a small Dodecanese island west of Rhodes, with a few hundred inhabitants and very few cars. Like Symi, it grew rich on sponge diving in the 19th century; then many islanders emigrated, mostly to Florida.
The harbour of Emborio is an amphitheatre of pastel neoclassical houses, many restored, with a stone bell tower and seaside tavernas. A road climbs to Chorio, the abandoned old capital, crowned by a Knights' castle with views as far as Rhodes. At the western tip the monastery of Agios Ioannis draws a pilgrimage at the end of August. Beaches are close to the port: sandy Pondamos, Kania and Ftenagia; by boat you can reach Trachia and the islet of Alimia.
Getting there
Boats from Kamiros Skala, on the west coast of Rhodes (about an hour), and ferries from Rhodes town; there is no airport.