Patmos belongs to the group of Dodecanese islands; it is the holy Island of Revelation. This is where Saint John the Evangelist received from God the context of the last book in of the New Testament «Apocalypse». This island is characterized by its holiness, complete architectural beauty and chest which hold ecclesiastic treasures in Saint John’s Monastery which lies on its highest point.

Getting There You can reach Patmos by ferry from the Port of Piraeus. There are two ferries daily, one in the afternoon and one late at night. The trip lasts 8-9 hours, depending on the ferry. There are also ferries available from the port of Samos, Kos and Rhodes. The closest route is that coming from Samos.

Where to stay The biggest village is that of Skala and where most of the population is gathered. You can get a room here and use it a base to see the rest of the island. You will find luxurious resorts and other hotels in the towns of Chora, Kampos and Grikos.

Getting Around

There are four main village is Patmos: Chora, Skala, Kampos and Grikos. Chora is built under the Monastery of St. John and it is an impressive architectural monument full of white houses and magnificent mansions. To get a grip on the towns unique atmosphere take a stroll through the narrow alleyways. In Skala you will find the commercial port of Patmos as well as the largest housing of the island where the heart of the island is beating. This place is full of hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars.

You will be impressed by the Old Italian headquarters that today house the civil services. Visit the Saint John Baptistery, where Saint Johns used to baptize the locals. At night take a stroll by the seaside a notice how the sea is lit by the buoy that warns about the presence of Kinopas reef. Blend in with the friendly locals who will reveal the island’s myth and secrets to you. Kampos is the most pure and authentic part of Patmos. Entering the village you will find yourself on the northern part and you will notice the central square and continue heading down towards the beach. On the way you will see beautiful homes revealing themselves to you with with their large porches and lands with vines. The beach of Kampos is very shallow and is ideal for families. Last but not least Grikos is a picturesque village which has turned into an attractive touristic resort. With of the Rock of Kalikatsous a visitor will enjoy swimming, dinning and the warm hospitality.

Beaches

There are a variety of beaches on the island. Kato Kampos is an organized beach with sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports facilities. As well as a snack-bar cafe. Agriolivado is another organized sandy beach with water sport facilities. At Agriolivado you will find a taverna as well as a bar. Beaches with easy access include: Aspri which is family friendly and with a restaurant, Meloi which is essentially the beach near the camping where you will also find a restaurant on site, Lampi which is known for its colorful pebbles, Vagia which is known for its clean waters and has a snack bar, Petra which is next to the Stone of Kalikatsous ideal for exploration, Livadi Geranou which is a nice beach with a taverna on site and Grikos which is a welcoming small harbor.

If you a fan of natural wilderness and you would prefer an isolated beach for relaxing you should check out Ligginos beach (or Didimes). It is a place with two beaches that are divided by a larger rock. To reach this places you will have to takes a 15 minute hike and it is suggested that you are well equipped with supplies (Water, cooler, supplies etc). Two other rather isolated beaches are Livadi Kalogiron with large pebbles and a cantina with delicious snacks and Psili Ammos which many consider the beast beach on the island. To reach Psili Ammos you would need to get a taxi boat or take a 30 minute hike from Diakoftis.

Highlights

Kalikatsou Rock, which is found across Grikos bay, has given its name to the surrounding area. There were many monks here is the past. Check out the handmade stairs and cisterns on the edges of the rock. Next to the rock and in the sea you will discover the ruins of a small church Saint John’s Theologos Monastery is one of the most significant monasteries of the East which is under the rule of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It was built at 1088 and it is surrounded by an impressive 15 meter-tall wall.

When visiting the monastery you endorse among others the wall paintings which go back from 12th to the 19th century. You will also find a two story museum where treasures of the monastery and scrolls from the ancient times up to the 20th century are being kept. In this Monastery you will find one of the most significant and organized libraries of the modern Christian Word as well as laboratories for preserving manuscripts and well as paintings which is only open to researchers. To get a full overview on the monastery you will need about two hours.

Don’t miss visiting the Cave of Revelation. Forty-three steps are enough to take you on a quick travel back in time and experience a spiritual scene. According to the saga at 95 AD Saint John the Evangelist received from God the context of the last book in of the New Testament «Apocalypse», which translates as revelation. The highlight of this visit is the crack on the rock from with Saint John heard the Word of God.