Halki Overview

The island of Halki has its name changed considerably over the times in an attempt to replicate the aspirated sound of its initial letter 'ch' as in the Scottish 'loch'. It was called Chalkia by the ancient Greeks and Chalkia by the sailors. The name Halki most probably originated from the copper work shops there. (Halkos being the Greek work for copper) or from the Phoenician word 'Harki', meaning 'shells', being found in abundance along the shores of the island.

Although once the home of 5,000 residents, fewer than 200 people inhabit Halki today and roughly 25 to 30 men continue the tradition of fishing. Small wooden sail craft were once used here as fishing vessels and now new boats run by motors and engines, rather than the wind,have taken their place. The waters are relatively calm in this part of the Mediterranean and only in winter, when the occasional easterly or westerly winds pick up and storms blow, is the weather a threat. In the wintertime, boats are moved to moorings in the harbour and if the wind isn￿t blowing too badly, the men get out to fish.

Sponge diving on the island of Halki, was the main source of wealth until the 1940's. Difficulties with high taxes and disease meant loss of livelihood for many of the inhabitants. This blight caused the divers to emigrate to Florida, especially to Tarpon Springs, where sponge diving could be continued. However some of the new money found its way back to Halki and was invested in a new road, known as Tarpon Springs Boulevard, finally completed in 1995. Today the residents of Tarpon Springs Florida, do not forget their roots and have financed the funding for the stone clock tower and a new road to the Monastery, far up in the mountains.

The residents of the island live in one unique village and port of the island, known as Nimporio, built to the crown of the mountain. There are about 300 locals, making a living by fishery, cattle breeding and the later years from tourism. Having no cars or motorbikes makes it the perfect place for anyone who loves peace and quiet and total rest.