Halki (Chalki, Khalki, also Chalce) is a Greek island and municipality in the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea, some 6 km (4 mi) west of
Rhodes.
With the area of 28 km2 (11 sq mi), it is the smallest inhabited island of
Dodecanese.
It has permanent population of 330 (increased during the summer months), concentrated in the only village
Emborio.
The 2001 census showed a population of 313 inhabitants, making it the smallest municipality (dímos) in Greece; however, there are many smaller communes (koinótita). The community is divided in two parts, Chorio (Emborio) and the port.
History
The island supported a much larger population but following emigration in the mid twentieth century Chorio was almost completely abandoned. A ruined medieval castle of the Knights of St. John overlooks the old town and the chapel contains some of the original frescoes.
Municipality
The Municipality of Halki includes several uninhabited offshore islands, the largest of which is Alimia to the northeast, and has a total land area of 37.043 km².
The island's primary industry is tourism, although fishing is also substantial. There is virtually no natural water supply on the island and rainfall is collected in large
cisterns.
Drinking water is brought in from Rhodes but there can be shortages during the summer months with the increased population. |
