Halki: Nimborio, Churches and Trails

Nimborio and the Churches of Halki

Nimborio is the only hamlet on Chalki and was built amphitheatrically around a natural harbor. The Church of Agios Nikolaos stands in Nimborio. Its bell tower was built using marble remains from the ancient Temple of Apollo and is the tallest bell tower in the Dodecanese. The church also houses a small ecclesiastical museum. The building, tower and museum offer several distinct cultural points of interest, without requiring a visit to focus on just one of them.

Above Chorio is the chapel of Panagia Choriani, also known as Panagia Horiani. It contains beautiful frescoes. A path leads from the church to the Castle of the Knights. The Temple of Agios Nikolaos stands among the castle ruins; frescoes from the 15th and 17th centuries have been preserved there. The chapel, castle and temple can therefore be explored as separate stops when discovering the island’s sacred buildings.

Chorio and Walking Trails

Chorio was the former capital of Halki. It is located on a hill, 2.5 kilometers from the port. The descriptions of the settlements thus present two distinct settings: Nimborio was built around a natural harbor, while former Chorio sits on a hill. This helps you distinguish the place names and historical references when planning your trip.

The trails also lead to different destinations. The Nimborio–Chorio–Palarniotis trail passes the Byzantine chapel of Agioi Anargyroi. Kameno Spilio is accessible on foot via a network of old paths. Another route, Emborio–Areta Beach, starts outside Nimborio and leads to Areta Beach. Parts of the path are poorly marked; take care on the final descent. Keep this in mind when planning and distinguish the beach route from paths that pass a chapel or lead to the cave.

Beaches, Diving and the Coast

Some of Halki’s beaches can be reached on foot, while others are accessible by kaiki from Nimporio. Local boat services and beach access may vary by season. Before planning your visit, check which access option is available for the beach you want to visit.

The Chalki Dive Centre offers diving courses for children aged eight and over, families, and people of all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Course availability may change. With the center, visitors can explore Chalki’s seabed, including shipwrecks and underwater caves. Both sea visibility and diving options depend on the conditions at the time.

Protected Area and Monastery Festival

Halki and the islets of Kolofonas, Pano Prasouda, Tragousa, Strogyli, Agios Theodoros, Maelonisi, Alimia, Krevatia, Nisaki and Makri, including their coastal zones, form the Natura 2000 protected area GR4210026. Its total area is 353.2 square kilometers. Halki’s protected area is particularly important for seabird breeding. The protected-area designation therefore covers the island, the listed islets and their coastal zones.

A major festival is held on Halki at the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Alargas on August 29. Pilgrims come for the occasion and are accommodated in the monks’ cells. People eat, sing and dance the Sousta until morning. Check the festival dates and local arrangements before your trip. This will help you factor the event into your plans without assuming that the date or arrangements are guaranteed.

Discover more destinations: Kolympia, Pastida, Apolakkia, Salakos, Vati, Stegna, Soroni, Lindos.

For the main travel overview: Rhodes.