Interesting places on Halki

Interesting places

Some of the most important sights of Halki worth visiting are the following: 1. Ancient crusader castle 2. Church of St. Nicholas 3. Monastery of Stavros 4. Old monastery of Taxiarchis Michail Panormitis 5. Small chapel of Ai Giannis 6. Phoeniki with the partly-ruined monastery of St. Zaharias 7. Pefkia with Apollo's temple 8. The islets of Alimia and Krev

Chorio

Chorio, the old settlement of Halki, now mainly ruined, is situated on the slopes below the hilltop 'Kastro' (Fortress), which is actually hidden from view from the sea, high up and away from the marauding of pirates. It is about 35 minutes walk up the concrete road, which winds up the valley. It is on August 14th that the population ascends to Chorio for the Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, when the beautiful church is opened, and the church hall is full, with feasting and dancing.

Kastro

The remains of this castle of the medieval Knights of St John, are above the smallest peak behind Emborio. The panoramic views of Halki and the surrounding areas are spectacular. Once at Chorio, it takes a further 10-15 minutes to ascend to the Kastro. Access and safety in visiting the Kastro have recently been greatly improved by the archaeological team, whose work commenced in 2001.

Monastery of St. John

The Monastery is situated on the high plateau at the Western end of Halki. It is more than two hours walk from Emborio, up the concrete road. Drinks can be bought from the caretaker or his wife, and it is possible, by arrangement with them, to stay the night in one of the simple rooms off the peaceful courtyard with its ancient spreading cypress tree. No charge is set for a stay - just make a donation. Although many people like to walk to appreciate the wonderful views, others opt to get lifts or take the taxi.

Church of Ag Nikolaos

The church of Agios Nikolaos, on Halki is also famous for is wonderful mosaic courtyard, created with the use of black and white pebbles known as Cholkakia Mosaics. This method has been used in the Dodecanese since Byzantine times. It also has the tallest bell tower in the Dodecanese.

Church Museum

Wonderful displays of vestments, icons, silver dishes and bibles collected from various churches around the islands are here to be seen in the Church Museum of Halki. Postcards of Old Halki are for sale here. Opening times are displayed on the notice outside as this is staffed by volunteers, and the entrance fee is 2 Euros.

Mountains

Halki is surprisingly mountainous, considering its size. The bare and precipitous mountains can be seen as a dramatic backdrop to the bell-tower of the port. Although these mountains are not particularly high, with the highest peak of Maistro, located a little east of the centre of the island, being only 593 metres high, they give an impression of greater height due to their somewhat gloomy and haughty appearance.