Patmos (Πάτμος in Greek) is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese, on the eastern frontier of the Aegean Sea (southwest of Samos). Topography presents a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, with small stretches of flat land scattered among low, rocky hills. Impressive crenelated coasts are made up of dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, interspersed with picturesque inlets.
The island’s climate is dry; with frequent northerly winds and exceptionally clear air, it is bathed in sunlight 3,000 hours a year. Patmos has an area of only 34 square kilometers and it is situated 161 nautical miles east of Piraeus and Athens.
Patmos is an ideal place to spend your summer holidays! Besides from being a popular destination for Christian pilgrims, it is also a very inviting island for quite and relaxing holidays and it is visited by thousands of holiday makers from all over the world!
The tourist services are well organized and there are many pubs, bars, clubs, tourist shops and restaurants that serve a variety of Greek and international dishes. There are many hotels in various categories, houses and rooms available throughout the island. Plenty of accommodations for all budgets and tastes!
Patmos mainly is for quiet holidays, but for those who want to “live it out”, there are plenty things to do! Many clubs, bars and discos playing modern sounds. If you would rather go for the traditional Greek way of life, then there is a lot going on… During the summer months, the local Municipality organizes at evenings traditional Greek folk dances at the town’s main squares. There are also many feasts (panigiria) celebrated during the summer months.
Patmos is famous for the hospitality offered by its people which is still present, despite the tourist development. It is a custom and part of the local culture which continues to exist since the ancient days!
The town of Chora (Hora) itself is a place that you should visit! A walk from one end of the town to the other, is well worth the effort. Chora’s medieval town-plan has been preserved unaltered down to the present day!
Among the picturesque typical Greek-Island style houses, one can find dozens of churches, each of which is a small museum. Evangelismos, is a new active convent; it has a significant number of nuns who run important Byzantine icon-painting and vestment-sewing workshops.
An old and very picturesque monastery is Zoodohos Pigi, in the town of Chora. Also, it is worth visiting the several other small monasteries (hermitages) inhabited by Monks from the monastery, located in various enchanting spots around the island.
On the beach of Agios Theologos in Scala stand the remains of the baptistery of St. John the Divine and on the Kastelli Hill are the ruins of the fortification works of the island’s pre-Christian era Acropolis.
There are so much to see in Patmos! So much history and so many wonders of nature. Superb coves, nice sandy and clean beaches, excellent weather and the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea make it a must visit island!
Patmos
The first settlers on Patmos were the Carians, followed by the Ionians. Ruined walls of 4th century BC bear witness to the existence of a fortified town at the Kastelli sit. Preliminary excavations have revealed that Artemis and Apollo were being worshiped there.
The temple of the goddess of hunting, Artemis, is believed to have stood on the site where the great Monastery of Patmos was later built in the 11th century. The temple of the god of music, Apollo, was near the port of Skala.
In the first century BC, Patmos, a dependency of Miletus on the temple of the goddess of hunting, Artemis, is believed to have stood on the site where the great Monastery of Patmos was later built in the 11th century.
The temple of the god of music, Apollo, was near the port of Skala. In the first century BC, Patmos, a dependency of Miletus on the coast of Asia Minor, boasted a large population and a remarkable civilization. Ancient temples, a gymnasium, games, and a association of lampadists (torch-racers) indicate its economic well-being and high level of culture.
Passenger ferries and large cars that connect the Patmos island with Rhodes and Piraeus (Athens and the rest of the mainland) run daily. It is a 9 hour voyage and it is comfortable and very enjoyable! The closest airports are those of Samos and Kos islands and a smaller one in Leros island. Steamboats, hydrofoils and many smaller excursion boats sail frequently during the summer days to neighboring islands.
Patmos harbor now has a new jetty and can accommodate private yachts and you will have no problem mooring or refueling your private vessel. You can get around the island either by bus, taxi or you can rent a car or motor bike and cruise around the island on your own. The island has network of 50 plus kilometers of roads and are all in good condition. You can reach one of the many beaches by any of the motorboats that sail daily from the port. Alternatively, you may choose to visit one of the nearby islands of Lipsi, Arkii and more.
