Halki Frequent Questions

The island of Halki has developed a rich folk culture, including poetry, folk music and dancing, traditional costumes, weaving, embroidery, and handwork such as carving from wood. On August 28 and 29 of each year, the feast of Aghios Ioannis Prodromos takes place. It is the biggest feast of the island, where traditional food is offered (local split peas, honey, as well as other meatless food). The celebrations last until the morning with typical dances by local dance groups of Halki.

Halki is a dry and barren island with no natural springs for fresh water, so the all-important water supply has to be regularly brought in by the 'water tanker', from the island of Rhodes. Obviously this makes careful conservation essential during the busy summer months.

Halki is the perfect island for reading, relaxing, sunbathing, swimming and generally ;chilling out'. However, it would be wrong to assume that opportunities for eating and drinking are restricted on such a small island. The island has 15 tavernas and cafes with lavish menus of the local cuisine.

The island of Halki has no bank but does now have a cash machine on the harbour front, at the 'information kiosk'. Credit cards are accepted at a couple of tavernas and one gift shop will take them. Travel agencies will exchange money also.

You can shop at one of the supermarkets, at the kiosk or at one of the two bakeries, where the local cheese or spinach pies are a delight. Breakfasts are served at a selection of the tavernas and bars and for the evening, the variety of food served is second to none. There are also a few tourist shops selling goods ranging from beach wear to ceramics.

Halki has one senior and one junior Doctor and one Nurse. The Medical Centre has recently moved into much larger premises and is open from 09.00-12.00 and 18.00-20.00 Monday to Friday. For weekends, the Doctor's and nurse's emergency mobile numbers are displayed. The Hospital Hydrofoil visits once a month to provide specialists and specialist treatment.There is no pharmacy and medicines must be ordered from Rhodes. Halki has no dentist.

There is only one taxi on the island of Halki and it is usually parked near the Post Office, if not out on a journey. There is no other public transport other than one water taxi. No cars, bikes or boat hire so unless one has the taxi, everyone walks or negotiates lifts. Some local boat owners will take you to the beaches inaccessible by foot and daily boat trips are on offer to Rhodes.

Both the Police and Port Police on Halki share the same building, the Port Police being downstairs, in an Italian style building near the boatyard and a Hotel. Port Police are recognised by their white uniforms in summer and can be seen at every arrival and departure of any passenger craft in the harbour.

There are a number of call boxes around the harbour front of Halki - near the toilets, one at each kiosk and one near the Police Station. There is also another at Pondamos Beach. These take phone cards which can be purchased at the kiosks or supermarkets and cost around 3 Euros.

The climate in Halki is very dry and with warm wonderful evenings during the summer months, is one of the most sought-after locations for ideal holiday weather. Normally the last rain has stopped by the end of April and it begins again at the end of October, giving plenty of opportunity for swimming. The region is famous for long, sunny summers when temperatures can normally reach 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are during the peak months of July and August, although there are slight breezes, which help to keep things cool.

The main church on Halki is the Church of St Nikolas in Emborio. It has services on Saturday from around 7.00pm and Sunday morning services from 07.30 onwards. It is very difficult to find the church open outside the service times. The inside is very beautiful and well worth a visit. Anyone is welcome, just buy a candle for around 50cents and you are free to leave when you please. A new set of bells has been donated and installed, with varied and attractive peals, a welcome replacement for the previous monotonous toll. Other churches throughout the island of Halki are open to individual worshippers and visitors, though the church of the Virgin Mary at Chorio is kept locked except at specific Festivals ￿ eg 14th August.

As throughout still many parts of Greece, the hours of the summer afternoon are reserved for resting away from the heat. The custom is to maintain quietness between the hours of 14.30 and 17.30, so that refreshed, people are ready to enjoy themselves in the cool of the evening and late into the night.