Patmos
Patmos, considered sacred by Christians, is the island where Saint John is believed to have written his Gospel and the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse). With its UNESCO-protected monastery, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the whitewashed village of Chora, Patmos is both a centre of pilgrimage and a destination for those seeking tranquillity.
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Beaches
Patmos’s most iconic beach is Psili Ammos, situated in a secluded cove in the south-west; it is known for its fine golden sand and turquoise waters, and is usually reached by water taxis departing from Skala or by a short walk.
Grikos is the island’s longest beach; with its sand, clear water and facilities, it is ideal for families. The beach right next to the harbour town of Skala, whilst shallow and convenient, can get crowded during the high season.
History and Culture
The heart of Patmos is the Monastery of St John, situated at the island’s highest point; founded in 1088, the monastery, with its towers and battlements, resembles a fortress and houses valuable manuscripts and icons.
The Cave of the Apocalypse, situated on the road between Chora and Skala, is, according to tradition, the place where Saint John received his revelations. The monastery, the cave and the historic centre of Chora were jointly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Chora, situated around the monastery, is one of the Aegean’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, with its whitewashed cube-shaped houses, narrow stone streets impassable to vehicles, and views of the sea from every corner.
What to Do
The island’s spiritual itinerary is clear: first the Cave of the Apocalypse, then St John’s Monastery on the hilltop. During the visit, care is taken to observe the etiquette of this sacred site regarding dress and silence.
Walking through Chora’s cobbled streets and wandering amongst the courtyards and monastery walls is an experience in itself. Skala harbour, meanwhile, is the island’s liveliest spot: cafés, fishing boats and the departure point for water taxis.
For those who love exploring by sea, boat or water taxi tours to secluded coves such as Psili Ammos are the most enjoyable way to discover the island’s tranquil coastline.
Best Time to Visit & Getting There
Ferries to Patmos operate mainly during the summer months, particularly between June and September. The island’s peaceful atmosphere is even more pronounced outside the peak season. The crossing from Kuşadası takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on the type of ferry.
The island is small; you can use a car, scooter or water taxi to get between Skala, Chora and the beaches. You can book both the ferry and car hire together via TravelBeez.
