PatmosDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Patmos

Known as the island of the Apocalypse, Patmos is a location of biblical proportions due to its significant place in Christianity. It is here, on a small Greek island in the Aegean, that Saint John is said to have received visions for the Book of Revelation in the New Testament and the location where he wrote the texts. You will certainly notice the spiritual vibes of this serene destination once you set foot on it and will be inspired by the fortress-like monastery of St. John overlooking the main town of Chora. Apart from the important cultural history of the island, you will discover a beautiful landscape of undulating hills and mountains, a long stretch of indented coastline that creates unique bays and beaches, and a charming ambiance untouched by mass tourism.

The municipality of Patmos also includes the offshore islands of Arkoi, Marathos, and several uninhabited islets, making a total population of 3,047 permanent residents. The beauty of the island has inspired poets to write of its wonderful landscapes and its sacred significance makes it a place of pilgrimage for many devout Christians. Originally inhabited since 3000 BCE, excavations on the island have uncovered various structures, cemeteries, a fortress, and evidence of an ancient acropolis. When the Romans took over, it was used as a place of exile, which is why the Apostle John found himself there. After writing the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse, he put Patmos on the map and you can even visit the cave where the Apostle is thought to have written down the holy word.

The monastery of St John is a major attraction, that was built in 1088. Its impressive heavy gate opens up to reveal a beautiful courtyard and a well with holy water at its center. The monastery is built like a fortress, with thick walls, towers, and ramparts erected in the Byzantine architectural style. Inside, you will find many frescoes and the relic of the monastery founder himself. The working monastery is highly decorative, with a well-stocked library of religious texts and manuscripts, and a small museum houses valuable icons, ecclesiastical objects, vestments, and other precious objects.
 

Routes and Ferries to Patmos

You can book your ferry to Patmos with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries. The journey lasts for about 8 hours and 20 minutes, with stop-offs at Fourni (1.20 hrs), and Ikaria (2 hrs). There are other lines departing from numerous destinations in the Aegean such as SAOS Lines and Dodekanisos Seaways, so you can also book your ferry tickets to Patmos from Leros (1.30 hrs), Agathonisi (1 hr), Arki (30 mins), Kalymnos (2 hrs), Mykonos (3 hrs), Chios (7 hrs), Inousses (7.45 hrs), Nisyros (4.55 hrs), Syros (4 hrs), and Lipsi in 30 minutes. Book your ferry tickets to Patmos if you are on the islands of Karpathos (14.55 hrs), Kasos (13.30 hrs), Rhodes (8 hrs), Symi (7.40 hrs), and Kastelorizo (12.50 hrs). From Lesvos, the ferry crossing takes 9 hours and 55 minutes, while you can also book ferry tickets to sail from Limnos and arrive there in 14 hours, 40 minutes. If you are in the north of Greece, there are frequent ferries from Kavala to Patmos in high season and you can book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner to sail there in 18 hours with Blue Star Ferries.

If you wish to sail to Patmos from the port of Piraeus, upon arrival at Athens International Airport, take the X96 express bus that leaves every 30-40 minutes, or jump in a taxi. There is no airport in Patmos but you can catch a flight to Leros Municipal Airport, which lasts 50 minutes. Once in Leros, take a taxi from the airport to the port. Alternatively, fly to Kos International Airport ‘Hippocrates’ from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Astypalaia or certain European destinations in summer and reach the port to catch the ferry to Patmos by taxi or public bus.
 

Ports of Patmos

Patmos has a stunning port named Skala, which receives all ferry traffic from other destinations. It is the main hub of the island and is set in a picturesque sheltered bay. In the 16th century, Skala was an important commercial port offering warehouses and maintenance facilities for ships. At Skala, you will find most of the public services, supermarkets, gift shops, restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, bars, and all other tourist amenities.
 

Capital & Villages

There are only a few villages on Patmos, most of which are pretty coastal settlements. Each one has retained its traditional character so if you are seeking a taste of authentic island life, then you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to visit the magnificent monastery of St. John in Chora, one of the most important cultural and religious centers in Greece, and the Christian world.

Skala

The harbor town of Skala is a lively meeting point and heart of the island in many ways. Here, you will find all of the tourist facilities and the main roads that lead to other parts of the island. The village prospered in the 19th century due to trade and you will enjoy a walk around the narrow alleyways while checking out the well-preserved houses. Make sure to visit the ruins of an ancient acropolis, the church of Panagia Koumana, and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. You can also take a short boat trip to the adjacent islet of Petrokaravo or reach more secluded beaches on daily excursions.

Chora

Chora (Hora) is the capital of the island, built 3 km southwest of the harbor. Here, you will find a different vibe from busy Skala, with the monastery of St. John dominating the settlement. A cluster of whitewashed houses, mansions, captain’s residences, narrow streets, and alleyways dating back to the 11th century have made Chora a much-desired location for property buyers from all over the world. Its historic beauty makes it truly unique and when walking around, you will come across many restored old homes. The houses were originally built in rows with thick walls to discourage invaders and within the walls, doors locked each interconnecting passageway. As the fear of pirates died off, many homes were deserted or their stones and wood were used to build residences elsewhere in the village. One of the oldest buildings still standing dates back to 1522 while another traditional home known as the Simandiri mansion is now a museum. The romantic town can be reached by a track leading up from Skala through a pine forest, passing the Cave of the Revelation on the way.

Kambos

Kambos is about 6 km from Skala and is divided into upper (Ano) and lower (Kato) Kambos, where you will find the beach. Ano Kambos is built around a picturesque square and it is a lovely spot to enjoy a traditional meal or to sip on an iced coffee. You will see the church of the Annunciation, built by the villagers in 1937, as well as the small church of Panagia tou Geranou and that of Saint Nicholas of Evdimos, one of the oldest on the island.

Grikos

Grikos is situated in the southeast of the island and is approximately 4.5 km from Skala. As a summer resort, the fishing village sees many visitors in high season, then returns to its sleepy rhythms when they leave. It is built around a small plateau surrounded by greenery and offers a nice sandy beach with some interesting rock formations. On the hilltop, you will see the small chapel of Agios Ioannis Theologos (St. John), which is well worth a visit.

Castelli

Castelli is not really a village but a small collection of hotels and a few houses sitting on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. It is named after the site of an ancient acropolis found there dating back to the Bronze Age that is now an archaeological site. You will enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and can visit the chapel of Agios Konstantinos, as well as find ancient windmills which used to serve the islanders.
 

Best Beaches

When you have finished with your sightseeing, visit one of the islands’ many pristine beaches and enjoy a swim in crystalline waters surrounded by unparalleled scenery.

Kambos Beach

This is a long beach situated 9 km from Chora and it has wonderfully clean shallow water, making it a family favorite. It is an organized beach where you can enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, paragliding, and canoeing. Some of the island’s finest seaside taverns can also be found here, serving succulent freshly caught lobster, so make sure to check them out after your swim.

Skala Beach

Skala beach is next to the harbor, making it a convenient spot for swimming and sunbathing if you wish to stay near to town. The small, sandy beach is well-developed and despite its proximity to the port, the waters are immaculately clean, with some trees offering natural shade and sunbeds & umbrellas available for rent.

Grikos Beach

Grikos beach can be found 4 km southeast of Chora and offers all the amenities for a pleasant day spent at the seaside. There are some water sports facilities available and superb views of Petra, or Kalikastou as it is called by the locals, which is a natural landmark. Tragonissi, or Ram Island, also sits opposite, populated only by goats and one goat herder, while the sheltered bay is a popular mooring spot for yachts and boats.

Psili Ammos Beach

This fine-sand beach is situated 10 km southwest of Chora and is one of the best on the island. The combination of sand dunes and tamarisk trees makes it a lovely spot to enjoy crystal-clear waters and you can reach it either by bus or with one of the boats leaving Skala daily. Sometimes it can be windy, although the waves never reach more than half a meter in height, and a few people do pitch their tents there for the whole summer.

Agriolivado Beach

Agriolivadi is approximately 1.5 km from Skala and is a long sandy beach with small pebbles. You will find sunbeds and water sports facilities for rent on the beach and a tavern serving delicious meals. The waters are very warm and shallow, making it ideal for toddlers, and there are some nice little coves to explore on the left-hand side. The tiny islet of Agia Thekla sits opposite the cove and if you can paddle out to it, you will find a small beach.
 

Transportation Around Patmos

Local buses can take you to most of the villages and beaches on the island and the main bus station is in Chora. Taxis are also available and you can rent a car or motorbike if you prefer to get around independently. Water taxis leave Skala on a regular basis for day trips to the surrounding beaches so you have plenty of options for discovering the island during your stay