General information about the island of Chalki
Strengths:
Points of interest, not crowded.
Average:
Sea and beaches, excursions, prices, nightlife.
Weaknesses:
Connections, not very suitable for families with children.
- Capital: Nimborio
- Population: 300
- Area: 28 km²
- Port: Nimborio
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: no
- Campsites: no
Chalki or Calchi or Halki (from Greek Χάλκη) is an island of the Dodecanese located west of Rhodes, from which it is 35 nautical miles away. It can only be reached by sea, for example from the Greek port of Piraeus (300 nautical miles), from Rhodes, or from Kos.
It has an area of 28 km² and a population of about 300 inhabitants.
The island is very similar to Rhodes in terms of its configuration but is much quieter. Its territory is arid, rocky, and mountainous, with the highest peak (Maistro) reaching 500 meters. The waters of its sea are extremely clear and very colorful.
The inhabitants mainly engage in fishing, the collection of the now rare sponges like those of Kalymnos, and tourism. In the past, some copper mines were active on the island. For several years, significant emigration to the United States has greatly reduced the population.
The capital of the island, and also the only real village, is Nimborio where the main port is located.
Chalki was declared in 1983 "Island of Friendship and Peace of Youth," and for that occasion, an International Center for youth from all over the world was built. In summer, the main tourism comes from day trips from nearby Rhodes.
A partly cemented road connects some places on the island, but in Chalki, car or motorcycle traffic is prohibited for non-residents. There is a taxi and a minibus to reach the beaches and main places. There are no car or scooter rental services.
