The name “Chalki” originates from the greek name for copper, which was mined here in the antique. At this time, about 8.000 people lived on the island Chalki, which was still covered by woods and had plenty of rain, which allowed the growing of wheat.
Together with the islands of Symi and Kalymnos, Chalki was for a longe time the center of sponge diving in the Aegean Sea, which was a main source of income of the population.
The island is said to have once been a wealthy island. In the course of the last century, however, the sponge diving was given up because it did no longer pay, due to the increasing industrialization. The loss of this important source of income caused many islanders to emigrate, e.g. to Africa, Australia and to the United States, mainly to Florida. There, they founded the settlement Tarpon Springs, the place of the sponge divers.
Since  1983,  the island bears the official co-name “Island of Peace and Friendship”, conferred by the UNESCO.
At a first glance, the island looks like a barren heap of stones. But exactly this makes its charm.
Nowadays, the island is very short of water. The costly wet has to be shipped from Rhodos throughout the year. Since there is nearly no agriculture on the island, nearly all goods necessary for living must be brought to the island. Only the breeding of sheep and goats remained .
Today, about 380 people are living on the island. In the month of summer, they are joined by  up-to 1.150 tourists. The harbor is called Emborio. The quaint architecture of the buildings built in the style of classicism is most impressive.