Page 184 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

22 Its Crusader castle, perched high on a
Hálki crag, is worth a visit for the coat of arms
Χάλκη and Byzantine frescoes in the ruined
chapel. On a clear day you can see Crete.
g Emborió n Piátsa,
Emborió; www.dimosc
halkis.gr
the tree of life. The watchful frescoes, and is the hub of an
eye painted over the main
Hálki was once a thriving
annual festival held on 14–15
EXPERIENCE The Dodecanese sponge divers emigrated to stands above the harbour, mountainside opposite is the
August, the only time the
sponge-fishing island, but was
door is to ward off evil spirits.
building opens. Clinging to the
A row of restored windmills
virtually abandoned when its
which also has an Italian ate
church of Stavrós (the Cross).
Florida in search of work in
town hall and post office, plus
From Horió you can follow
the early 1900s. Tourism has
steadily replaced the trade as
a fine stone clock tower.
the road west to the 18th-
Nearby is the small and sandy
century Moní Agíou Ioánnou
the island has been smart-
ened up. While it used to be a
Prodrómou (St John the
Póndamos beach, which is
Baptist). The round-trip walk
suitable for children as it is
fertile island, the water table
was infiltrated by sea water
and it is now barren, with
20-minute drive. The mon-
The island is almost traffic-
free, so it is ideal for walkers.
fresh water shipped in by
astery courtyard is shaded by
a giant juniper tree. It is best
tanker and produce imported protected and shallow. takes about four hours, or is a
An hour’s walk uphill from
from Rhodes. Emborió is the abandoned to visit in the early morning or
Hálki’s harbour and only former capital of Horió. Its to stay overnight: the care-
settlement, Emborió is a Crusader castle, perched takers will offer you a cell.
quiet and picturesque village high on a crag, is worth a
with a Neo-Classical flavour. visit for the coat of arms and
The main sight in Emborió is Byzantine frescoes in the
the church of Ágios Nikólaos ruined chapel. On a clear day Did You Know?
with its elegant bell tower, the you can see Crete. The Knights
highest in the Dodecanese, of St John built the castle on Sponge divers used to
tiered like a wedding cake. The an ancient acropolis, using descend to depths of
church is also known for its much of the earlier stone. 30 m (99 feet) –
magnificent black-and-white The Byzantine church of the without using any
votsalotó, a pebble-mosaic Panagía (Virgin Mary) below diving equipment.
courtyard depicting birds and the castle has interesting

Hálki harbour, offering a
view to its tiered church
tower back across the water
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