Patmos Island

The Jerusalem of the Aegean

The island of Patmos is relatively small but picturesque, located in the Dodecannese. Patmos is frequently visited by large cruise ships filled with tourists in the summer months waiting to pay homage to this holy island of the Apocalypse.

It was here on Patmos that Saint John the Apostle was said to have written the Apocalypse also known as the book of Revelation while living in exile on the island.

The capital of Patmos is Chora, a charming village with whitewashed houses, traditional Greek mansions, hotels, seaside cafes, tavernas, restaurants and shops which line the surrounding cobblestone streets.

Located 3km. from Chora is Skala the main port of Patmos where the ferries dock and also has a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, discos, cafes, supermarkets and shops to explore. A walk through the village is a must to travel around and take in the sights this island has to offer.

Sightseeing

Patmos is rich in religious and historical sights such as the monastery and cave of Saint John where he was said to have written the book of revelation. The monastery is located on a hill above Chora built around the cave.

As with all monasteries in Greece a strict dress code applies to those wishing to enter the monastery. Pants and shorts are forbidden for women, men are required to wear pants while women should wear a dress or skirt. To reach the monastery you can either walk up the path from Skala or take the local bus.

Patmos Beaches

Psili Ammos is the nicest and only sandy beach on Patmos. There is a small taverna that serves traditional Greek food. Agriolivado is a pebbly but organized beach with water sport facilities. Kambos is the most famous beach on the island. It is crowded especially in August and offers water sports facilities. There is also a seaside cafe on the beach.

Patmos Nightlife

Patmos is not famed for its nightlife due to the religious feel of the island but you will find several nightclubs, discos, pubs and beach bars which offer for a pleasant night on the town, most of which are located in Chora as well as the surrounding seaside villages.

Patmos Transportation

Transportation around the island of Patmos consists of local bus routes which connect to the surrounding villages and beaches several times a day.

Taxis can be found in Skala port. If you are staying outside of town, renting a car or scooter is a better way to travel independently around the island and go sightseeing at you own pace.

Getting to Patmos

Patmos can be reached by ferry from Piraeus port, in Athens which depart daily. The trip takes from 7 to 10 hours. Ferries are large with comfortable sleeping cabins. The return to Piraeus is normally overnight.

Patmos does not have an airport but there are several hydrofoil services that connect the island during the day with the islands of Samos, Rhodes and Kos, followed by hydrofoil to Patmos, which takes an around an hour and a half.

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