1. Emporios is a small natural harbor and the picturesque capital of Halki. Arriving by ferry or catamaran, the visitor will be enchanted by it from the first moment, with its impressive multicolored houses built almost in the waves and the narrow little streets that encourage you to walk around and discover their every corner. The smiling, hospitable residents of the island will welcome you. In the picturesque tavernas and cafés of Emporios, you will enjoy your coffee and ouzo along with the view of the sea and the boats. The island exudes a special sense of tranquility and relaxation which is enhanced by the facts that cars are scarce and driving is even forbidden during most of the day. Essential accessories are a swimsuit, sunscreen, and of course your camera to capture moments that will make even your most-traveled friends jealous.
2. The Castle of Halki was built in the 14th to 15th century by the Knights Hospitallers of Rhodes. It is located above Palio Chorio, the first settlement of the island, and a visit to it will take you back to another era. Admire the high walls that have survived intact, the little church of Saint Nicholas inside the castle walls, and the unique view of Trachia and the Aegean Sea. Do not forget to see the coat of arms of the Knights, the ancient inscription, and the Throne of Zeus and Hecate.
3. The church of Saint John Alarga (Agios Ioannis o Alarga) is located on the other side of the island. You can get there by following the paved part of the main road to its end. You will come across a country church with trees, where you will find the beginning of the path to the surrounding points of interest. Should you find yourself at the church of Saint John at the time of its annual festival (August 29), don’t miss it! \
4. Saint George of the Creek is another picturesque little church. Located at the end of a cobbled path and surrounded by dozens of trees, it is a cool oasis for visitors hiking in Halki. Farther down lies Gialoui Beach of Saint Giorkios.
5. Many visitors will wish to explore the dozens of small country churches scattered across the island (over 200, many unfortunately now crumbling). Some still contain remnants of unique religious paintings. While some of the churches are in a sad state of rustic disrepair that appeals to sheep as well as tourists, others have more successfully resisted years of neglect and humidity. We were particularly impressed by the fragments of frescoes we found in Saint Nikitas, a 13th century country church.
6. The Burnt Cave (Kameno Spilio in Greek) really is a huge cave that is striking not only for its size and extent, but also because of the history associated with it. In this cave, the women and children of Halki died due to the vengeful fury of Admiral Francesco Morosini, head of the Venetian fleet that sailed to occupy the island in 1658.
7. A reference Point for Halki is - without a second thought - the beaches. While mainly small, they will win you over immediately with crystal clear blue waters that invite endless swims.
8. The impressive homes of the island are built just above the sea. A few steps are enough to get anyone into that water, essentially an endless, deep blue pool! Incredible photos, images really plucked from a travel magazine, lie in front of you in real life.
9. The kyfi, as the traditional rural house of Halki is called. Located in almost every part of the island, visitors will notice their large stones and special construction, which used to provide accommodation and protection for the rural families of Halki. They are currently used primarily as enclosures for sheep.
10. Halki is a place that you feel you will definitely return to. In a day or two, you have become friends with everyone, enjoying the delicious food, the endless blue of the sea, the colorful houses in harmony with the dry landscape, the boating with the fishing boats. It is a feeling that hits you when you get on the ferry to leave; certainly Halki will leave you only happy memories of enjoyable moments.
