Chalki is home to numerous caves that are ideal for exploration. One of the most remarkable is Kameno Spilio (Burnt Cave).

Kameno Spilio (Burnt Cave)

Kameno Spilio is one of the most impressive sights on Chalki. According to historical accounts, women and children from the island sought refuge in this cave in order to escape the retaliatory fury of the Italian Morosini, after the inhabitants of Chalki had warned Rhodes of the movement of his fleet. As the cave was impregnable, Morosini lit large fires at its entrance using wood from the nearby almond grove in the area of Amiglai. As a result, those sheltering inside died from suffocation. This tragic event gave the cave its name, with traces of soot still visible today.

The caves are accessible on foot via a network of old footpaths.

Chalki features numerous trails, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Trails

Nimborio-Chorio-Palarniotis

This trail passes through limited green areas and extensive rocky terrain. Leaving Nimborio, it first passes 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 in Chorio). It then crosses the old cemetery with the Church of the Transfiguration, built using earlier architectural elements, before entering an area with beehives. The ascent towards 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 Palarniotis is located, to Agios Georgios passes through the ruins of medieval churches, dry-stone walls and abandoned windmills. It eventually follows a winding trail—partly stone-built—suspended above the sea, leading to a hidden oasis of centuries-old trees, the avramithies (Pistacia terebinthus), with a small chapel in the distance.

Stavros tou Xilou – Kameno Spilio – Pirgos

An interesting route begins from the road leading to the chapel of Stavros tou Xylou. Before turning towards Agios Ioannis, a trail of approximately thirty minutes starts towards Kamenos Spilios. Here, in the 17th century, Admiral Francesco Morosini burned the inhabitants of Chalki who were hiding in the cave, after they had warned the Ottomans of Rhodes about the arrival of the Venetian fleet. From Kamenos Spilios, two trails lead respectively to Lefkos and Pirgos, although they are not always clearly marked. The second route passes through the areas of Vounia and Chrousoi, reaching the north-western tip of the island at Pirgos, with its beautiful and untouched beach.

Emborio – Areta Beach

This route was created as part of an educational programme of the Chalki Secondary School. It begins just outside the main settlement of Chalki, Nimborio, and leads to Areta Beach. The return route passes by the site of the ancient Temple of Apollo.

The trail mainly follows a poorly marked path and is of moderate difficulty, except for the final descent to Areta Beach, which requires additional caution. Alternatively, an easier path leads to the sea, from where visitors can swim to Areta Beach.

The Chalki Dive Centre was established in 2018 and is the only authorised PADI Dive Resort on the island. In recent years, it has become particularly popular thanks to the professionalism of its staff and the quality of services provided.

In 2019, it received a Certificate of Excellence from the international diving organisation for the training standards of its instructors. The centre offers a wide range of activities for children aged eight and above, for families, as well as diving courses suitable for all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore Chalki’s enchanting seabed, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, visibility reaching up to 40 metres, as well as the island’s shipwrecks and underwater caves.

Contact Details Contact Telephone (Responsible Person): +30 6943 117 220 

E-mail: [email protected] 

Website: www.chalkidive.com