
Holidays in Patmos island
The unpretentious cosmopolitan island of Patmos, known as the "Jerusalem of the Aegean" or "Island of the Apocalypse", belongs to the Dodecanese complex. The captivating Chora; the island’s capital, the stone Monastery of Agios Ioannis o Theologos (St. John the Theologian), the white houses, the narrow streets and the picturesque villages, combined with the pervasive atmosphere of devotion and the assorted scents of the pine trees, eucalyptus and frankincense, create a special and absolutely lovable place!
The picturesque Chora, which is lazily perched on a hillside, is one of the most charming villages of the Aegean, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whitewashed houses, the two-storey mansions, the flowery gardens, the labyrinthine alleyways around the fortified monastery, the stone arches, the arcades, the small squares and the countless churches compose a dreamlike setting, the like of which does not exist! The medieval village of Chora unfolds around the famous Monastery of (St. John the Theologian); built of local stone. The monastery which is, basically, a Byzantine castle, crowns the hill. Of particular interest is the collection of the library of the Monastery, as well as the collection of relics. In Chora, you will find several café/bars, restaurants, taverns, as well as traditional bakeries where you can buy local delicacies from.
Cosmopolitan Skala is the only port and the largest settlement on the island. You will be fascinated by the Italian administrative buildings, which currently house the Port Authority and the Police Station. Walk down the hidden streets, climb up to the church of Agia Paraskevi, which dominates the southern end of Skala and enjoy the stunning Port and views! In Skala there are restaurants, traditional taverns with fresh fish, as well as shops. At the port the heartbeat of the island’s nightlife is vivid, with options covering all tastes. Finally, from here, the excursion boats to the beaches of Patmos or to the neighboring islands start.
Between Skala and Chora, there is the Cave of the Apocalypse. Here, according to Christian tradition, John the Evangelist wrote the text of Revelation while listening to the voice of God through three cracks on the rock which symbolize the Holy Trinity. Today, part of the cave has been turned into a church. Silence and solemn atmosphere dominate the space, creating a unique sense of awe!
During your stay in Patmos, you can visit the picturesque Grikos fishing village. In the old square with the widespread nostalgic and romantic aura, you will find taverns with beautiful views. Grikos has combined its name with the impressive Kalikaltsou rock which seems to emerge from the sea. Kalikaltsou rock used to be a shelter for hermits, who left their imprint on the rock, carving steps and positions for coals and candles.
Those who like walking will love Patmos, as it has a wide network of old paths which either connect different villages or villages with churches and monasteries. Many of these paths are now signposted. While hiking, you will have the chance to see unique natural beauty, historical monuments, old churches and hermitages.
The island of the Apocalypse is an ideal destination for your Easter holidays, as, in Patmos, every Easter, unique traditions; with the ceremony of the Holy Basin being the most typical one; are revived in absolute devout atmosphere. This ceremony is actually a representation of the divine drama of the Last Supper, which takes place on Maundy Thursday morning, at the Town Hall Square.
This beautiful island with its mysterious aura, unique energy and intense diversity, invites you on a journey of images and colors, full of awe, romance and nostalgia ...
Patmos has a beautiful coastline, along which countless beaches are formed, some with pebbles, some with fine sand and some with rocks.
On the eastern coast of the island, the cosmopolitan beach of Campos, ideal for water sports lovers, unfolds. On the same side of Patmos, there is the organized and sandy Agriolivado beach, with trees offering shade, as well as the sandy Meloe, with calm waters and trees. In Geranos pebble, unorganized beach, the deep blue, the trees and the small island with the small church create an idyllic setting!
On the north coast of Patmos, there is Lambi beach, which is famous for its colorful pebbles, as well as Didymes (Twin) beaches; known as Linginou beaches; ideal for those who love tranquility.
In the southern part of the island, in a stunning natural landscape, there is the beautiful beach of Psili Ammos; a fine sandy beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for those who prefer solitary dives.
On the southeast coast, in the Grikos settlement, the homonymous, organized beach, with the famous Kalikaltsou rock, unfolds. Next to Kalikaltsou, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty, there is the organized beach Petra, with pebbles, offering a few loungers. Another option is dipping in the crystal waters of the neighboring islands, such as Marathi and Arkioi.
Visiting
- Kastelli village
- Campos village
- Apollou Iero Kathisma (Apollou Sanctuary Seat)
- Marathi village
- Arkioi village
- Chiliomodi village
- Agathonisi
- Lipsi
Tasting
- Patmian Cheese Pie
- Touloumotyri (Local Cheese)
- Myzithra Cheese
- Dry Myzithra Cheese
- Kalathoto cheese (Hard Cheese from Goat's Milk)
- Pougkia
- Achladakia (kind of marzipan)
- Svigkous
- Dasogalo (Almond Beverage)
How to get there
Travelling by boat
You can travel to Patmos by boat, from the port of Piraeus, on the Blue Star Ferries line. For more information on the itineraries visit the company’s site:
http://www.bluestarferries.gr/
Travelling by airplane
To reach Patmos by air, you can fly from Eleftherios Venizelos - Athens International Airport, on a direct flight to Kos and then take the ferry-boat to Patmos, as the island has no airport.
For more information on the flights schedule from Athens Airport click here:
Connections with other ports
Patmos is connected by boat with the islands of Syros, Leros, Kos, Rhodes, Amorgos, Kalimnos, Astypalea, Lipsi, Nisyros, Tilos, Symi, Kastelorizo.
Transfer within Patmos Island
For your transportation on the island you can use the local buses, as well as taxies, which can take you to any tourist spot on the island.
Medical Care
During your stay in Patmos, you can be served for health issues:
Health Center of Patmos, Tel: (+30) 22473 60000
Useful phone numbers
Patmos Port Authority: (+30) 22470 31231
Police Station of Patmos: (+30) 22470 31303
Health Center of Patmos: (+30) 22473 60000
ΤΑXΙ: (+30) 22470 31225
View Map