Although mythology and history are an integral part of any Greek vacation, very few places in the country can boast as sacred a temperament as Patmos. This particularly distinguishes the island from others, giving it a spiritual aura along with the trademark picturesque charms of Greek islands. As such, the best places to visit in Patmos showcase its religious disposition as well as the island’s appealingly traditional and natural side.
Travelers planning an island-hoping trip around the Dodecanese archipelago ought to include Patmos in their itinerary for a genuinely fascinating and mystical experience. Furthermore, the island’s stunning beaches, friendly residents, and gastronomic offerings guarantee your ferry adventure is full of exciting moments and discoveries.
Monastery of St. John The Theologian
Situated on a hill overlooking the capital of Patmos, Chora, the Monastery of St. John is a prominent landmark and center of Greek orthodox learning. St. John wrote the Book of Revelations in this UNESCO-listed monument, initially established in 1088 by the hermit Agios Christodoulous.
Built on a Christian church’s ruins, the monastery complex has several chapels, a library with over 13,000 historical documents, books, and manuscripts, and a museum with ancient relics and vestments on display.
The monument’s design takes inspiration from Byzantine architecture dating back to 330 AD. Walking around the complex, an imposing sight no matter where you are in the region, notice the heavy fortification with stone towers, ramparts, and high walls on all sides. Moreover, the courtyard in the sanctuary is a vibrant space with flowers and frescoes depicting the miracles of St. John.
The Cave of Revelation
Alternatively known as the “Cave of Apocalypse” or the “Holy Grotto,” the Cave of Revelation is a famous Christian pilgrimage and one of the most important places to visit in Patmos. It is said that St. John received visions from God for the Book of Revelations in this cave in 95 CE.
Present halfway on the hill leading to the monastery, the cave lies between the coastal village of Skala and Chora. In 2006, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. The cave was St. John’s home for 18 months during his exile, ordered by Roman Emperor Domitian.
In the cave, pilgrims can see various mosaics depicting visions from the Bible. There are also seven silver lamps, with the largest hanging over the saint’s resting place. Additionally, tiny fissures in the rock, depicting the Holy Trinity, are from where St. John received God’s sermons to humankind.
Port town of Skala
There is no escaping Skala since Patmos’ biggest town is also the island’s main port. It thus welcomes all passengers arriving on ferries from Rhodes, Leros, Athens, and several other Greek destinations.
One of the pleasures of spending a few days on the island is the chance to walk around aimlessly in the streets of Skala. Colorful and lively, as you stroll around, expect to come across Venetian buildings, souvenir shops, seaside tavernas, traditional bars, and several vantage points from where to admire the beauty of the Aegean.
Just as Skala is the first town most travelers encounter, Skala Beach is the most convenient shoreline to lounge on before or after your ferry trip. The sandy strip has all modern-day amenities and leads into beautiful crystal-clear waters.
Unlike the capital Chora, Skala has a much livelier personality. Many consider it to be the center of all nightlife on the island. Consequently, Skala remains loud and vibrant till late after sundown.
Rock of Kalikatsou
A symbol of scientific and religious beliefs, the Kalikatsou rock is an attention-grabbing landmark at Grikos Bay. Located in the island’s southeast, Grikos Bay is roughly 5 km from the port town of Skala.
Sometimes referred to as “Petra of Kalikatsou,” the boulder is now a protected area. It once housed a rare species of black crows, from whom the rock gets its present-day name. On the uniquely shaped boulder, you can spot multiple window-like circular carvings through which one can relish panoramic views of the island and the sea.
Formed by volcanic activity, scientists believe that the rock dates back four million years. As per local folklore, the stone was at one time a temple of Aphrodite. Moreover, Kalikatsou is also a religious site with several cave-like shapes, paintings, and ritual remains. Another belief is that of a supposed tunnel between the Monastery of St John and Petra, used to hide and move artifices during attacks.
While it is possible to climb the rock, take care as its smooth surface is slippery in places. Also, remember that the entire wetland area around Kalilatsou is protected and still home to several bird species.
Windmills of Patmos
Located by the seaside, three windmills to the monastery’s east are among the first views tourists get to admire when arriving in Patmos on a ferry. Built in 1588, the first two windmills represented the growth of farming techniques in Europe during the Renaissance. Along with the third windmill, constructed in 1863, the trio was responsible for grinding grains on the island until the start of the 1950s industrial revolution.
Left in ruins for over half a century, it was Swiss banker Charles Pictet, along with a team of Greek and Swiss architects, who took on restoring the windmills to their former glory in 2010. The idea behind the project was not to modernize the constructions but to present them as true to the original as possible.
Today, one of the stone mills serves as a museum and working pounder, occasionally grinding a small amount of wheat. The second mill generates wind power, whereas the third assists in pumping water. Besides offering a chance to admire the island’s pastoral heritage, the windmills, now a heritage site, also are one of the best places to visit in Patmos for a stunning photography session.
Nearby islands and a ferry trip to Arki
The province of Patmos consists of neighboring islands and uninhabited islets. This cluster comprises islands such as Marathi, Aspronisi, Tsouka, Tsoukaki, and Arki, the largest in the group.
From Patmos, tourists can hire a ferryboat to Arki, nearing the Asia Minor coast towards the east in the Aegean Sea. On average, the journey to the protected area takes 40 minutes, with tickets costing between €4 – €16.
Arki’s total size is approximately 6 square kilometers. However, over three-quarters of the island is uninhabited terrain. The island is home to a few remnants, like a 4th-century castle. Arki is an ideal destination for short treks, beach lounging, and birding, wherein you can look for rare species of migratory birds from Africa. You’ll also come across the Church of Panagia here. It is the venue of a feast held in honor of the Virgin Mary on 23rd August every year.
How to reach Patmos?
Since Patmos does not have an airport, the only way to reach the island is by boat. It is also one reason Patmos remains somewhat devoid of commercial tourism, maintaining its authentic allure.
For a memorable vacation in Patmos, you can book affordable ferry tickets from various locations through Ferryscanner. Ferries from Athens and the islands of Rhodes, Symi, Chios, and Inousses take roughly 7 to 8 hours. In contrast, sailing time from Kalymnos, Leros, and Mykonos ranges between 1 to 3 hours.
When to visit Patmos?
Due to its religious legacy, Patmos is one of few Greek islands that stays busy with tourists and pilgrims all year round. Thus, it is an excellent stop on an island-hopping ferry trip in winter.
At the same time, it attracts maximum visitors during the warmer summer months. From the end of May to the first week of October, you can work on that perfect tan and enjoy the inviting, warm waters of the sea. Like most Greek islands, July and August are extremely busy in Patmos.
Best place to eat in Patmos before taking a ferry
Pantelis is a popular seafood and grill restaurant near the port where you can savor a delicious meal before taking a ferry out of Patmos to numerous destinations. Originally a flour mill, the restaurant is a family establishment that dates back to 1950.
Offering authentic recipes and live music every Saturday, Pantelis is a local institution known for its fish soup, grilled octopus, and shrimp of Symi.
Fun facts about Patmos
Patmos is a relatively small and intimate island covering an area of 34.05 square kilometers with a coastline of just over 60km. Patmos is home to nearly 3000 permanent residents.
Although the best places to visit in Patmos hold religious importance, it also attracts niche travelers looking for a secluded destination and a laidback atmosphere.
When viewed from above, the coastline of Patmos looks like a seahorse. The island’s unique formation includes three large landmasses connected via two isthmuses.
The island has many names. Some of which are “Island of the Apocalypse,” “Sacred Island,” and the “Jerusalem of the Aegean.”
Patmos officially became a “holy island” as per Greek law in 1981.
If we go by Greek mythology, Patmos was an underwater island. It was Artemis who requested Zeus to raise it above water.
Patmos’ rugged terrain comprises a volcanic landmass, cliffs, and a shoreline brimming with coves and sandy outlets, making it an idyllic place for hiking and sunbathing.