Tourism and Fishing on Chalki

Chalki (Halki, Khalki, also Chalce; Greek: Χάλκη) is a Greek island and municipality in the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea, some 6 km west of Rhodes. With the area of 28 km² (11 sq. mi.), it is the smallest inhabited island of Dodecanese. It has permanent population of 330 (much increased during the summer months), concentrated in the only village Emborio. The 2001 census showed a population of 313 inhabitants, making it the smallest municipality (category dímos, Greek δήμος) in Greece; however, there are many smaller communes (category koinótita, Greek κοινότητα). The community is divided in two parts, Chorio and the port. The island supported a much larger population but following emigration in the mid twentieth century Chorio was almost completely abandoned. A ruined medieval castle of the Knights of St. John overlooks the old town and the chapel contains some of the original frescoes. There is virtually no natural water supply on the island and rainfall is collected in large cisterns. Drinking water is brought in from Rhodes but there can be shortages during the summer months with the increased population. The island's primary industry is tourism, although fishing is also substantial.