Chalki has many caves, ideal for exploration. One of the most beautiful caves is Kameno Spilio (Burnt Cave).

Kameno Spilio

Kameno Spilio is one of the most impressive attractions of Chalki. In this cave, the women and children of Chalki sought refuge to escape the vengeful wrath of the Italian Morosini, as the people of Chalki had warned Rhodes about the movement of his fleet towards it. This cave was impregnable, and for this reason, Morosini set enormous fires at the base of the cave, using wood from the nearby almond grove in the Amiglai area. As a result, those inside suffocated to death. This is why it is called the Burnt Cave, with the marks from the smoke still visible today.

The caves are accessible on foot through a network of old paths.

Chalki has numerous trails ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Trails

Nimborio-Chorio-Palarniotis

The trail crosses a few areas with greenery and many rocky areas. Moving away from Nimborio, it first passes by the Byzantine chapel of Agioi Anargyroi, the ancient domed tomb at Spilios tou Arapi, the old olive press of Chorio, Kato Vriti with its old well and large pine tree, and Pano Vriti (possibly the oldest well of Chorio). It then crosses the old cemetery with the church of Metamorfosi, built with earlier architectural elements, and enters an area with sheds. The ascent to the Monastery of Archangel Michael of Palarniotis, at Plagia, begins immediately after the valley.

Palarniotis – Agios Georgios Riakiou

The route from Plagia, where the Monastery of Palarnitios is located, to Agios Georgios passes through the ruins of medieval churches, dry stone walls, and abandoned windmills. In the end, it leads, via a winding and at some points stone-built trail, hanging above the sea until it reaches a hidden oasis of ancient trees, the avramithies (Pistacia terebinthus), with a small chapel in the distance.

Stavros tou Xilou – Kameno Spilio – Pirgos

An interesting route starts from the road to the chapel of Stavros tou Xilou, where, before heading towards Agios Ioannis, a half-hour hiking trail begins towards Kameno Spilio. Here, in the 17th century, Admiral Francesco Morosini burned the inhabitants of Chalki that were hidden in the cave, as they had warned the Ottomans of Rhodes about the arrival of the Venetian fleet. From Kameno Spilio, two trails start, one towards Lefko and the other towards Pirgos, though they are not always clearly marked. The second trail passes through the areas of Vounia and Chrousoi, reaching the northwest tip of the island, where Pirgos and its beautiful, unspoiled beach are located.

Emborio – Areta Beach

This trail was created as part of an educational program by the Chalki Secondary School. It starts just outside the main settlement of Chalki, Nimborio, and reaches Areta Beach. The return route passes by the site of the ancient temple of Apollo.

The trail primarily follows a not very well-marked path. The route is of moderate difficulty, except for the final stretch leading to Areta Beach, where the descent requires extra caution. Alternatively, there is an easier trail that leads to the sea, from where one can swim to Areta Beach.

The Chalki Dive Center was established in 2018 and is the only authorized Padi Dive Resort on the island of Chalki. Over the past 3 years, the dive center has become particularly popular due to the professionalism of its staff and excellent customer service.

In 2019, it received the Certificate to Excellence award from the global diving organization for the educational skills of its instructors. The center offers a significant number of activities for children from 8 years old, for the whole family, as well as diving courses suitable for all levels, from beginners to professionals.

During your visit to the island’s dive center, you will discover the magical seabed of Chalki with its crystal-clear waters and the renowned 40-meter visibility, as well as the island’s shipwrecks and underwater caves.

Contact Information

Phone number: +30 6943 117 220

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.chalkidive.com