Chalki is one of the islands of the southeastern Aegean, part of the Dodecanese archipelago, with a population of 478 residents. It is located 5 miles west of the Armenistis cape in Rhodes, southeast of Tilos, in the northeastern part of the Karpathian Sea. The island’s area is 28 square kilometers, with a coastline extending 34 kilometers. There are two theories about the origin of the island’s name: it was either named after the copper mines and workshops that existed on the island in ancient times, or the Phoenician word “karki” or “kalchi,” meaning “porfira” referring to the seashells that were abundant on the island’s shores at that time and which the Phoenicians traded—a theory which is considered more likely. Chalki has been declared “The Island of Peace and Friendship for the Youth of the World,” which has led to a significant number of young visitors from around the world. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of senior visitors.
Geographical Information
In general, the terrain of Chalki is semi-mountainous and barren. The highest peaks are Merovigli (593 m) in the northeastern part of the island and Prophet Elias (578 m) in the central part. The coastlines are mostly steep and rocky, with small sandy and pebbly beaches, mainly located in the northern and southern parts of the island. The waters surrounding the island are some of the clearest ever seen by anyone.
At the southeastern tip of the island, the cape Krevati is formed, north of which extends the bay of Himborio (from the name Emporio), where the village of Chalki, also known as Nimborio, is located at its inner bay. The settlement is charming, with neoclassical-style houses that reflect the grandeur of past times. The northeastern tip of the island ends at the cape Limanari, while the northwestern tip forms a small peninsula that ends at the cape Kefalos.
The general appearance of Chalki is mountainous; however, the mountainous formations are interrupted by small or large plains, such as the valleys of Zion, Pondamos, Lentaki, Kissos, etc. In these valleys, there was abundant cereal production in ancient times, favored by the land and the temperate southern climate of the island. According to the book “Chalki of the Dodecanese” written by Konstantinos Iliadis, the fertility of Chalki’s soil was praised by ancient writers, such as Theophrastus in his work “Enquiry into plants”.
It is worth noting that between Chalki and Rhodes, there are many small islands, islets, and reefs that require special attention. The largest of these islands is Alimia.
With the implementation of the new administrative division of the country (the “Kallikratis” program) in 2011, there was no change in the administrative status of the Municipality of Chalki, according to Article 1, Paragraph 2.10.C.
Based on the above, the Municipality of Chalki includes the island of Chalki and the islets: Agios Theodoros, Nisaki, Alimia, Kato Prasoua, Kolofonas, Krevati, Maelonisi, Makri, Nipouri, Pano Prasoua, Stroggili, Sfira, Tragousa, Tsouka, and Nisos Plateia.
Protected Area
The island of Chalki, the islets Kolofonas, Pano Prasouda, Tragousa, Stroggili, Agios Theodoros, Maelonisi, Alimia, Krevatia, Nisaki, Makri, and their coastal areas, with a total area of 353.2 square kilometers, are protected habitats of Natura 2000, under the code GR4210026. The area is significant for the breeding of seabirds. Protected bird species in the area include: Eleonora’s falcons, Aegean gulls, moustached warblers, and others.