Halki

Halki, also known as Chalki, is around 6km west of Rhodes and is the smallest inhabited Dodecanese Island, with around 330 inhabitants, mainly in Emborio, the island’s port and only village. 

Halki was once a thriving sponge-fishing island but was virtually abandoned in the early 1900s when its sponge divers emigrated to America in search of work.  Once fertile, the island’s water table was infiltrated by seawater and the island is now barren and fresh drinking water is shipped in by tanker from Rhodes; while rainwater is collected in large cisterns.  There is thus little cultivation and fresh produce is shipped in from Rhodes.  Tourism on the island has been growing steadily and it is now a popular getaway for Greeks and other nationalities alike.