Chalki Town: Fishing boats in front of the town’s prominent clock tower
It my be only 5 miles from Rhodes but Chalki is a world away from the busy holiday resorts like Faliraki.
It’s a pretty place, its pastel coloured buildings contrasting with the barren hillsides. As you approach you’ll see windmills on the hill tops, and a large castle, testament to a long history.
The island has been inhabited since Roman times and more recently was a major sponge fishing centre, but the decline of this industry has been matched by an exodus of the population.
There were once two towns, Horio / Chorio, an hours walk inland, and the port, Emborios /Nimporio. Horio is now abandoned and with its castle, high on the hill, is well worth a visit. The castle was build in medieval times by the Knights of St John (the same construction firm that build Rhodes)!
Chalki: the Crusader Castle at the now largely uninhabited village of Horio.
The energetic may also head further inland to see the Monastery of St John, one of a large number of religious building in the interior. But many will taken by the calm of the place and head for the beach or a cafe.
There are two beaches to chose from within 15 minutes walk of the port, of which Pondamos is the sandiest (though still shingle in part).
There are plenty of tavernas to chose from, with a handful of shops in between giving you a choice of mini markets, a bakery and a few gift sops to chose from. Don’t expect a wild night life (or indeed any) – you’ll be doing well to find a bar playing some music.
Make sure you arrive with enough water in your yacht’s tanks – there’s no water on the island and supplies bought in by sea from Rhodes do run out from time to time.