Greece / Aegean Islands / Dodecanese Islands / Halki
Emborio Harbour
Pontamos Bay
Trachia Bay
Areta Bay
Ftenagia Beach
Climb the path from Emborio to the abandoned village of Chorio
Ring the bell tower of Agios Nikolaos, the tallest in the Dodecanese
Hike up to the Knights’ castle above Chorio
Swim at Pontamos Beach
Take a caique excursion to the islet of Alimia
Emborio
Chorio and its Knights’ Castle
Agios Nikolaos Church
Alimia islet
Agios Ioannis Monastery
May through October gives the most settled weather, with July and August the hottest and driest months and also the strongest for the Aegean meltemi wind. Because the ferry and yacht crossing to Rhodes runs over open water, a building meltemi can make that hop uncomfortable, so many captains build in a spare day either side. June and September offer calmer seas and a still-warm sea for swimming.
Halki has no airport, so the nearest is on Rhodes, about ten kilometres from Rhodes Town. From there it’s a ferry crossing of roughly two hours on the regular boat from Rhodes Town, or around one hour on the faster summer service from Skala Kamirou on the island’s northwest coast. Many charter guests simply join their yacht already under way from Rhodes.
Emborio’s harbour is the natural choice, putting guests a few steps from the waterfront tavernas and within the pastel sweep of the village itself. Pontamos Bay, just around the headland, offers a sandier, quieter alternative for swimming off the boat. In settled summer weather, Trachia and Areta further along the coast make good spots for a secluded afternoon stop.
One or two nights suit most itineraries, enough time to walk up to Chorio, swim at Pontamos and enjoy a slow dinner in Emborio. Halki works best as a quiet counterpoint within a longer Dodecanese route, paired naturally with Rhodes, Symi or Tilos rather than treated as a stand-alone week.
UNESCO named Halki the Island of Peace and Friendship in 1983, recognising its role hosting international youth gatherings focused on dialogue between nations. The island still marks the designation each July with the Festival of Halki, a programme of concerts and cultural events held in Emborio. It’s a fitting title for an island whose defining quality is how little has changed.
Tell us what you would like to know, and our team will respond with clear details on availability, specification, pricing and next steps.