Halki is one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese. It lies west of Rhodes and has a total area of 28 sq. km and a coastline of 34 km. It is 320 nautical miles from Piraeus and the trip takes about 30 hours. It is a mountainous, rocky island with excellent shores and numerous caves. Its stone houses are built amphitheatrically on mount Maistros (593 m), the island's highest peak. Its climate is very healthy, as it is mild both in winter and in summer. The winds can be very strong sometimes though and the sea can get stormy. It has a population of about 350 inhabitants, which are mostly stock-breeders and fishermen. Halki produces various stock-breeding products and fresh fish catches are served in every taverna. The inhabitants are simple, jolly, and warm-hearted people. In recent years, the island has been proclaimed an international meeting centre for young people. A municipal guest house has been built for this purpose. The locals approve of this movement and contribute the best they can to its preservation and further development.