Greece - Korina Miller [430]
Getting There & Away
There is a daily boat from Skala Kamirou on Rhodes with a connecting bus to Rhodes Town every day but Sunday. Walk 150m from the Skala Kamirou ferry quay to the main road to find the bus stop.
Ferries also connect Halki with Sitia on Crete, Karpathos, Santorini and Piraeus. Tickets are available from Chalki Tours and Zifos Travel in Emborios (see below). For more information, Island Hopping.
Getting Around
The majority of people get around the island on foot. In summer, a minibus runs hourly between Emborios and Moni Agiou Ioanni (€2). The island also has a lone taxi usually found parked near the post office. Prices and telephone numbers are posted at kiosks. There’s also a water taxi that serves the main beaches and you can find excursion boats to the uninhabited island of Alimia (€30), with fields of wild herbs. There are no hire cars or motorcycles on Halki.
Return to beginning of chapter
EMBORIOS ΕΜΠΟΡΕΙΟΣ
pop 50
The picturesque port village of Emborios is draped around a narrow horseshoe bay of crystal-blue waters. The mansions surrounding it were once the homes of sea captains who took inspiration for the large Venetian-style shuttered windows from their travels across the Mediterranean. Cars are banned from the harbour once the ferries have come and gone, so the waterside enjoys a relaxing, vehicle-free setting.
Orientation & Information
Boats arrive at the centre of Emborios’ harbour and most services and accommodation are within easy walking distance. The free quarterly Halki Visitor is a good source of local information.
There’s a DodecNet ATM at the information booth on the harbour although there’s no bank on the island.
Chalki Tours ( 22460 45281; fax 22460 45219) For assistance on accommodation, travel, excursions and currency exchange.
Clinic ( 22460 45206; 9am-noon & 6-8pm Mon-Fri) Weekend numbers posted at clinic for emergencies.
Information Hut (quay) Local info posted.
Police and Port Police ( 22460 45220) On the harbour.
Post office ( 9am-1.30pm Mon-Fri) On the harbour.
www.chalki.gr A useful (though slightly dated) reference point.
www.halki-travel-guide.com Packed with lots of local info.
Zifos Travel ( 22460 45082; zifostravel.gr) Helps with accommodation, travel, excursions and currency exchange.
Sights
The old mansions that festoon the harbour are a visual feast. Many have been, or are being, restored to their former glory, while others rest in a complete state of disrepair. Together they give Halki a picturesque look and make wandering around the harbour a popular pastime.
The impressive stone clock tower at the southern side of the harbour is a gift from the Halki community in Florida. The tower looks resolutely impressive but don’t rely on it for the time.
The Church of Agios Nikolaos has the tallest belfry in the Dodecanese and boasts an impressive pebbled courtyard on the east side. A small upstairs museum (adult €2; 6-7pm Mon & Fri, 11am-noon Sun) houses ancient bibles, icons and other ecclesiastical displays.
Sleeping
Most accommodation is prebooked months in advance by foreign tour companies, so booking ahead is best. Both travel agents in town can help you find a room.
Captain’s House ( 22460 45201; capt50@otenet.gr; d €40) This snug 19th-century house has slightly dated decor and period furniture in comfortable rooms. The tranquil tree-shaded garden is a lovely place to relax. Bookings are always recommended.
Mouthouria ( 22460 72755; www.halkimouthauria.com; house €90) Once the home of a Turkish Governor, this house is decorated in deep reds and yellows, with an intricately painted ceiling. With two bedrooms, it can accommodate up to six people and its fully equipped kitchen, garden and view-filled balcony make it ideal for longer stays.
Villa Fiona ( 44 01363 83343; www.villafiona.com; house per week €375) This charming restored home will make you want to stay forever. Sleeping up to six, its two bedrooms and lounge are simple and airy. The separate, bright kitchen will inspire you to whip up