Getting from Athens to Halki

If you are heading to Halki from Athens you are going to one of the most charming small islands in the Dodecanese. Halki has a single settlement, the neoclassical village of Emborios, built around a horseshoe harbour by sea captains who made their fortunes in the sponge trade. The mansions are painted in faded ochre, terracotta and cream, the waterfront tavernas serve fresh fish and the pace of life is so slow that the island was once declared a peace and friendship island by UNESCO. There are no cars, only a handful of scooters, and the beaches require a walk or a boat to reach. It is the kind of place you arrive at expecting a day and stay for a week.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Athens to Halki. The island is connected primarily to Rhodes, which is the nearest hub, with local ferries and day boats running between the two. Getting to Rhodes from Athens by sea means the long Piraeus to Rhodes crossing, which takes around 14 to 18 hours. From Rhodes the crossing to Halki takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Getting there by air

Halki has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express both operate daily flights from Athens to Rhodes taking around 1 hour. From Rhodes Airport a taxi to the ferry port takes around 15 minutes and the crossing to Halki takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Total travel time from Athens is around 3 to 4 hours.

Your best option

Fly to Rhodes and take the ferry across to Halki. It is the only realistic approach for most travellers and the connection from Rhodes is straightforward. Check the Rhodes to Halki ferry schedule before booking your flights and give yourself at least two nights on Halki. The island is small enough to walk around and tranquil enough to make you want to stay much longer.