Halki, Greece is a tiny gem in the Dodecanese with a few hundred residents and one seaside town. The island has a postcard-perfect harbor, colorful Venetian architecture, and a slow life vibe. If you’re looking for some R&R, Halki will steal your heart. Days are lazily spent by the sea or hanging around the port watching boats bobbing along the harbor, fisherman sorting their catch, and locals playing backgammon. Explore the best that tiny but mighty Halki has to offer with these local tips for the top things to do, see, and eat around the island.
Wander Around Town
Explore car-free Nimporio with its stone houses, 18th and 19th-century villas, and quaint alleyways filled with bougainvillea. Halki’s pastel-colored mansions were built during its grand sponge fishing days and once belonged to wealthy captains. Pass by the Clock Tower, where the time has read twenty past four for over 20 years. Head to the 19th-century church of Agios Nikolaos, the island’s patron saint and protector of sailors and fishermen, with its mosaic-tiled courtyard. Check out the Traditional House of Halki, a museum offering a glimpse at how past generations lived.
Local Tip
Greece’s GR-eco Islands initiative started with Halki in 2021. Its goal is to transition Greek islands to a fully sustainable and zero-emission mobility energy economy. Through the project, Halki became entirely energy self-sufficient by early 2023, and its Municipality was donated six tiny (and adorable) electric vehicles by the French car company Citroën!
Go for a Dive
Arguably the most magical place to swim in Halki is right in town. West of the harbor are seafront houses lined with passageways that lead down to the water, some with ladders into the sea. First-timers to the island often miss these spots or think they’re private. Swimming here, with views of the harbor to the right and distant islands to the left, feels like being in on Halki’s best kept-secret.
Local Tip
The spot pictured below is down a passageway to the side of Villa Praxithea. Stay at one of the seafront rentals right around here for the ultimate vacation.
Hang at the Harbor
Life in Halki revolves around Nimporio’s harbor. Theodosia’s Cafe is the go-to place from morning to night for coffee and sweets. Don’t miss their homemade fig or pistachio kunefe ice cream.
At the many good restaurants lining the harbor, go for fresh fish or local specialties like makarounia (handmade pasta), ofto (slow-cooked lamb or goat), or tiny local shrimps. To switch things up, head to Remezzo’s for pizza.
For drinks, go to Steki’s Bar and admire the carefully adorned boats bobbing right in front.
Hit the Beach
Halki’s three most popular beaches are within a 15-40 minute walk from Nimporio. They have tavernas to eat at and sunbeds and umbrellas to rent. Sandy Potamos beach is the closest and most popular for its shallow waters and dreamy sunset views. Pebbly Ftenagia beach to the south is quieter, while Kania beach, the farthest away, has the best seafood.
Local Tip
Take a short water taxi from the harbor to Kania beach for beautiful views of the town. It costs €5 roundtrip. Boats also go to Areta and Trahia beaches and Alimia island.
Photo Credit: Discover Greece (Potamos Beach)
Explore the Island
Visit Halki’s three windmills on the hilltop above Nimporio or walk 40 minutes to Horio, the old capital of the island that was inhabited until 1870. Above Horio is the now-ruined 14th-century Castle of the Knights. The Temple of Agios Nikolaos, inside the castle’s medieval walls, has frescos from the 15th and 17th centuries. By bus or a two-hour walk from Nimporio is the 19th-century Monastery of St. John (Agios Ioannis Alargas), who is considered the patron saint of sponge divers. The blue and white colored monastery has an ancient cypress tree in its courtyard. Visitors can arrange to spend a night in one of the monk’s cells.
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