Top Things to do in Halki
What to do and see in Halki, Greece: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Halki, Greece including Kania Beach, Potamos Beach, Meseoniko Kastro, Ftenagia Beach, Church of Agios Nikolaos, Town Hall, Monestary of Agios Ioannis, The Clock Tower.
Restaurants in Halki
1. Kania Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
On holiday, again in Halki, for 2 weeks from 24th May to 7th June. We visited our favourite beach all but 1 day of our holiday, the weather was awful on that day.
There is a shuttle bus that runs from the Port over to the beach, about 3 times a day and costs €3 each way. The last shuttle leaves at 17.00, our favourite time to sit and have a sundowner beer and admire the scenery and tranquillity.
We always walk to the beach, it takes about 30 minutes, there is a steep climb to start but then a gradual descent, not ideal in flip flops. The walk is an opportunity to take in the stunning views of the Island and surroundings.
It is a very popular beach so sometimes it gets busy, not a problem, room for all and everyone welcomed as a friend. All of the people here, Garifalia, Poppy and Panagiotis are amazing, friendly and welcoming.
The water here is crystal clear and the beach is situated in a beautiful sheltered and secluded bay. The beach is predominantly pebbles, some rocks and a little sand, some people wear rubber shoes getting in to the sea.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are free provided guests have a meal/drinks at the superb restaurant there (Kania - reviewed separately) - fabulous chef Poppy.
2. Potamos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By sarahanddarren - Stamford, United Kingdom
This beach is about 15 minutes walk from the main town, but there is also a minibus to take you there as well. The subbed show are 6 euros for two including an umbrella. The bar is great with friendly staff and loads of choice for lunch, reasonably priced as well. Worth the small walk from the town.
3. Meseoniko Kastro
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew B - Thirsk, United Kingdom
This is the fortress of the Knights of St. Johns (from 15th century) approx. 3km out of Halki's main town but a steep walk up the hill to the castle. The castle is visible from the town and as you arrive on the boat. We followed the road out of the town and just followed it the 3 km (up steep and winding road at times) to the old ruined town of Chorio. The castle is on the top of the hill above the old city of Chorio. When at the castle the views of the island are amazing and the fortress is wonderful. its well worth spending some time to explore the old city of Chorio whilst here.
4. Ftenagia Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
Saturday 27th May and the weather was not too brilliant and there is not a great deal to on the Island on these days. So in between the showers we ventured our for a walk and ended up here at Ftenagia beach and the Taverna (reviewed separately).
Due to the weather conditions it was really quiet here, in fact there was nobody on the beach, so we saw it in all its glory and not full of tourists.
The beach popular is situauted behind the hotel and police station there is a small sign to the beach, this leads done a small pathway. From the town centre it is about 10 to 15 minute walk.
The coastline is rugged and rocky with some small secluded little bays. The beach is not very long, but is also rocky, stoney with very little sand. There were some sun beds and umbrellas on the beach but most were on a raised concrete area. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available, €6 for 2 beds and 1 umbrella for the day.
Worth a visit to see the views of the rugged coastline and the views out to sea towards Rhodes.
Ftenagia Taverna (reviewed separately) is there serving good food and cold drinks.
5. Church of Agios Nikolaos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
Late afternoon Saturday 14th October and we were privileged to attend a wedding ceremony in this grand old church.
The Church was packed with relatives and friends, the 3 big chandeliers were lit and the magnificent icons shimmered in the light, it was beautiful making the occasion even more special.
Have visited here before, but today's visit was very beautiful.
6. Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
This is one of the grandest buildings on the Island and is situated just a few minutes walk from the port of Emporio and it's neighbour is the iconic Clock Tower (reviewed separately).
Outside the building there is a flight of steps, which lead to the main door, there are 2 staircases leading up to the next floor with its terrace/balcony. There is a third floor with a veranda.
The building is painted white with a blue door and window frames. It really is an impressive building and worth a visit. The building is also illuminated at night which makes it a spectacular sight.
7. Monestary of Agios Ioannis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
The small but religious significant Monastery of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Alarga is situated on a high plateau and lies at the west end of Halki. There is a nice peaceful courtyard in the monastery with a large cypress tree. Visitors can spend the night there in rooms/cells The monastery is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) west of Emporio, it is a good 2 hours plus walk. The Monastery is of great religious significance to the Islanders and at the end of August 28/9th there is a huge festival and people come from all over and stay.
There is a local bus which goes to the Monastery on Friday evenings, some people choose to walk there, we were very fortunate to be given a lift, this was Monday evening 13th June about 5.30. It really did give us the opportunity to see another aspect of life past and present on the Island and the spectacular views.
On route to the Monastery we passed the virtually deserted village of Chorio, the old village, where the church of Panagia dedicated to the Virgin Mary, proudly stands. On the feast of the Virgin Mary (15th of August), there is a celebration on the night of the 14th with traditional Greek music.
Right above the church, there is the is the breathraking UNESCO protected 14th century castle/fortress built for the protection from the pirates. It is a steep climb, but worth it - recommend wearing sturdy shoes, not flip flop territory.
The journey to the Monastery was so worth it, it was a real privilege to been taken there and shown the sights en route.
8. The Clock Tower
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
The stone built clock tower stands in front of the Town Hall and is one of the first sights on the Halki skyline when approaching the island.
The clock stopped many years ago at 4.20 and the rusting clock faces comfirms that the tower has been neglected for a long time
The impressive structure is about 5 minutes walk from the Port of Emporio. It is not possible to enter the tower as it is boarded up and part of the base is surrounded by weeds, additional signs of neglect.
The tower has 4 levels, the base being the largest and the others getting smaller and narrower as it stretches skyward. The clock faces are on the 3rd level, with a bell housing above that. It is topped with a shaped structure with what looks like a fish, weather vane, capping it off.
Despite the years of neglect the clock tower stands proud as part of the skyline of Halki. It is well worth the small walk up to the tower, a good photo opportunity. Also near by is a traditional round house (no longer in use), not sure how pronounced but sounds like Kifi.
It is also an opportunity to see the big white house with its many steps that is the Town Hall.
