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The island of Patmos has an area of 34 sq. kilometres and a coastline of 63
kilometres making it one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Aegean. With an
approximate population of 3000 persons, Patmos forms part of the Dodecanese
Islands and lies between the islands of Leros, Fourni and Ikaria.
Famous for its religious past, the island is where Saint John wrote the Book of
Revelation. Also known as the "Jerusalem of the Aegean", Patmos was formally
declared a Holy Island in 1983 by the Greek government. For many years now,
Patmos has been an island of pilgrimage for Catholic and Orthodox faithful who
come to the island to absorb the spiritual heritage and bask in its beauty and
serenity. Today, this mountainous island with small coves also attracts various sun
lovers, wanting to swim in the crystalline waters.
The 2 most architecturally significant elements of Patmos are the towns of Skala
and Chora, which is dominated by the majestic and fortress like, Byzantine
monastery of Saint John. Although the architecture is traditionally Dodecanese,
there are similarities with the Cycladic style of cubic whitewashed houses with
flat or tiled roofs and an assortment of coloured shutters and doors.
THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF PATMOS
Skala
The main harbour of Patmos, Skala is the most populated town on the island.
Skala as is stands today started its development in the 19th century as prior to
this it was susceptible to pirate raids. Houses started to be built and the area
gradually became a business and shipping centre. Now with the growth of tourism,
Skala is taking on the role of "the city of Patmos" offering the most in the way
of public services, supermarkets, gift shops, restaurants, and evening
entertainment.
All roads lead to Skala on this island so chances are you will be passing through
Skala several times a day. Regular buses connect Skala with the rest of Patmos
and there are fishing boats offering daily excursions to various secluded beaches.
Among the many sights of Skala are the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the
convent of Zoodochos Pigi, and the church of Panagia Koumana.
Patmos Town (Chora)
Chora is the capital of Patmos and can be found 4km to the southwest of Skala.
Built around the imposing fortified Monastery of Saint John during the 12
century, the town came to prominence during the 16 Century when beautiful
mansions houses and captain residences were built, testifying to the wealth of the
people of Patmos. These can be seen along side the traditional architecture of
lovely whitewashed houses on narrow streets and alleyways with flourishing
courtyards.
There is a donkey track going from Skala to Chora that was built in 1794. It
starts about 1 kilometre in from the port, and takes between 20-30 minutes to
walk up to Chora, which can be hard work on a hot summers day. A good idea
would be to take a bus up to Chora and walk down, calling in to visit the Cave of
the Revelation before returning to Skala.
Kambos
A picturesque village approximately 11 kilometres from Chora. In actuality it's
two villages Pano & Kato Kambos (upper & Lower Kambos). The principal is Pano
Kambos, with it's village square, school, the beautiful church of the Annunciation
plus small tavernas with a good traditional food. Kato Kambos is enchanting, full
of greenery, whitewashed houses and narrow alleys plus has one of the best
beaches on Patmos.
Grikos
Situated approximately 5 kilometres from the port of Skala, with a road that
runs parallel to the coast making walking to and from Skala very beautiful.
Grikos is a lovely fishing village and a popular village during the summer because
it is quieter than most towns around the island.
THE BEACHES OF PATMOS
Patmos may not be a large island but the coastline offers a varied selection of
beaches from well organised sandy beaches with beach bars to solitary coves for
those moments of tranquillity. Due to the strong religious association, Patmos has
never being an island very tolerant with nudism and there are many sings
prohibiting topless and nude bathing. But times are changing and with the growth
of tourism, signs are often ignored in the more isolated areas.
Kambos
Kato Kambos or Kambos beach is the most popular beach on the island. It is
mainly a sandy beach with small pebbles, extending over kilometres, with clean,
shallow waters making it safe for children and plenty of tamarisk trees for
natural shade. Kambos beach is the best organised beach of Patmos with sun beds,
umbrellas and various water sports facilities.
Agriolivado
A sand and pebble beach surrounded by lush vegetation approximately 2
kilometres north of Skala. There is a taverna and beach bar and on the beach you
can find sun beds and umbrellas. Its mainly shallow waters make it ideal for
children with the added attraction of some water sports being available.
Grikos
The longest beach on Patmos, sandy with with crystal-clear waters, umbrellas, sun
beds and a lot of water sports. A good place for families. It is also close to
Alikes Beach and 5 kilometres south-east of Chora, the capital of Patmos.
Skala
This is the beach located just next to the port of Patmos. Skala is a sandy beach
with shallow and clean waters but which can get very crowded during high season.
Psili Ammos
Located on the south-west corner of Patmos and about 10 kilometres south of
Chora. Not the most accessible beach but well worth the effort. A picturesque
cove with pure golden sand, sweeping dunes and lined with many tamarisk trees.
Unofficially divided in half, the furthest end is the nudist half even if nudism is
prohibited on Patmos on some beaches it is tolerated. There is also a taverna
which serves excellent local food. You can get to Psili Amos by regular water taxi
from Skala (takes about 45 minutes) or by bus until Diakofti followed by a 30
minute walk!
Meloi
This beach is only two kilometres north-east of Skala. A golden sandy beach with
clear waters and tamarisk trees for shade. The islands camp site is only 20
meters away from the beach and has a popular restaurant and a mini market.
Lambi
A pebble beach to the north of Patmos. The word Lambi is derived from the sun
reflecting against the multicoloured pebbles and the clear waters of the bay.
Lambi can be reached from Kambos beach, walking it takes around 25 minutes or
by fishing boat from Skala if the winds are not too strong. A pleasant location
for lunch or dinner with tavernas on the beach serving delicious food in a
peaceful atmosphere.
WORTH SEEING ON PATMOS
Monastery of St. John
Or in Greek, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos, is the first thing you will
notice when arriving on Patmos, sitting high on the hill above Chora it is visible
from every part of the island. Established in 1088, it has remained the most
significant religious and cultural centre on the island.
As you enter the gate you come to the main courtyard inlaid with local pebbles
and stones. The eastern side is dominated by an arch with four curves and many
frescoes representing the miracles performed by Saint John. In total, the
monastery houses ten chapels, and the most impressive part of the monastery is
the main chapel with a beautiful wood-carved icon stand, marble floor and rich
decoration.
The Library, established by St Christodoulos, is of extreme interest, it includes
2,000 volumes, 13,000 historic documents and 900 manuscripts.
There is also a museum, located next to the bakery. It houses an amazing
collection of icons, original manuscripts, sacred relics, vestments embroiled with
silver or gold threads and bejewelled with precious stones to list a few. Most of
the items within the museum must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Cave of the Apocalypse
St. John the Divine is said to have made his home in this cave and is said to be
where he had his revelation, which he dictated to his disciple, Prohoros, and
became known as the Book of the Apocalypse, or Revelation, the last book of the
Christian Bible. The cave today is enclosed within a sanctuary. There is a monk
and/or spiritual leader that will guide you through the cave, although it is
recommended to sit on one of the stools and absorb the energy of this miraculous
cave that some believe is one of the great mysteries of the world.
Zoodohou Pigis
A women's convent in Chora that was founded by the abbot of the monastery of
St. John, in 1607. Even though under renovation the convent is worth a visit.
There are two churches, Zoodohou Pigis and St. John the theologian, both with
icons dating from the 16th to the 18th century. The courtyards are filled with
bougainvilleas and other flourishing flowers well taken care of by the nuns who
also make incense and sow or embroider religious garments.
kilometres making it one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Aegean. With an
approximate population of 3000 persons, Patmos forms part of the Dodecanese
Islands and lies between the islands of Leros, Fourni and Ikaria.
Famous for its religious past, the island is where Saint John wrote the Book of
Revelation. Also known as the "Jerusalem of the Aegean", Patmos was formally
declared a Holy Island in 1983 by the Greek government. For many years now,
Patmos has been an island of pilgrimage for Catholic and Orthodox faithful who
come to the island to absorb the spiritual heritage and bask in its beauty and
serenity. Today, this mountainous island with small coves also attracts various sun
lovers, wanting to swim in the crystalline waters.
The 2 most architecturally significant elements of Patmos are the towns of Skala
and Chora, which is dominated by the majestic and fortress like, Byzantine
monastery of Saint John. Although the architecture is traditionally Dodecanese,
there are similarities with the Cycladic style of cubic whitewashed houses with
flat or tiled roofs and an assortment of coloured shutters and doors.
THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF PATMOS
Skala
The main harbour of Patmos, Skala is the most populated town on the island.
Skala as is stands today started its development in the 19th century as prior to
this it was susceptible to pirate raids. Houses started to be built and the area
gradually became a business and shipping centre. Now with the growth of tourism,
Skala is taking on the role of "the city of Patmos" offering the most in the way
of public services, supermarkets, gift shops, restaurants, and evening
entertainment.
All roads lead to Skala on this island so chances are you will be passing through
Skala several times a day. Regular buses connect Skala with the rest of Patmos
and there are fishing boats offering daily excursions to various secluded beaches.
Among the many sights of Skala are the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the
convent of Zoodochos Pigi, and the church of Panagia Koumana.
Patmos Town (Chora)
Chora is the capital of Patmos and can be found 4km to the southwest of Skala.
Built around the imposing fortified Monastery of Saint John during the 12
century, the town came to prominence during the 16 Century when beautiful
mansions houses and captain residences were built, testifying to the wealth of the
people of Patmos. These can be seen along side the traditional architecture of
lovely whitewashed houses on narrow streets and alleyways with flourishing
courtyards.
There is a donkey track going from Skala to Chora that was built in 1794. It
starts about 1 kilometre in from the port, and takes between 20-30 minutes to
walk up to Chora, which can be hard work on a hot summers day. A good idea
would be to take a bus up to Chora and walk down, calling in to visit the Cave of
the Revelation before returning to Skala.
Kambos
A picturesque village approximately 11 kilometres from Chora. In actuality it's
two villages Pano & Kato Kambos (upper & Lower Kambos). The principal is Pano
Kambos, with it's village square, school, the beautiful church of the Annunciation
plus small tavernas with a good traditional food. Kato Kambos is enchanting, full
of greenery, whitewashed houses and narrow alleys plus has one of the best
beaches on Patmos.
Grikos
Situated approximately 5 kilometres from the port of Skala, with a road that
runs parallel to the coast making walking to and from Skala very beautiful.
Grikos is a lovely fishing village and a popular village during the summer because
it is quieter than most towns around the island.
THE BEACHES OF PATMOS
Patmos may not be a large island but the coastline offers a varied selection of
beaches from well organised sandy beaches with beach bars to solitary coves for
those moments of tranquillity. Due to the strong religious association, Patmos has
never being an island very tolerant with nudism and there are many sings
prohibiting topless and nude bathing. But times are changing and with the growth
of tourism, signs are often ignored in the more isolated areas.
Kambos
Kato Kambos or Kambos beach is the most popular beach on the island. It is
mainly a sandy beach with small pebbles, extending over kilometres, with clean,
shallow waters making it safe for children and plenty of tamarisk trees for
natural shade. Kambos beach is the best organised beach of Patmos with sun beds,
umbrellas and various water sports facilities.
Agriolivado
A sand and pebble beach surrounded by lush vegetation approximately 2
kilometres north of Skala. There is a taverna and beach bar and on the beach you
can find sun beds and umbrellas. Its mainly shallow waters make it ideal for
children with the added attraction of some water sports being available.
Grikos
The longest beach on Patmos, sandy with with crystal-clear waters, umbrellas, sun
beds and a lot of water sports. A good place for families. It is also close to
Alikes Beach and 5 kilometres south-east of Chora, the capital of Patmos.
Skala
This is the beach located just next to the port of Patmos. Skala is a sandy beach
with shallow and clean waters but which can get very crowded during high season.
Psili Ammos
Located on the south-west corner of Patmos and about 10 kilometres south of
Chora. Not the most accessible beach but well worth the effort. A picturesque
cove with pure golden sand, sweeping dunes and lined with many tamarisk trees.
Unofficially divided in half, the furthest end is the nudist half even if nudism is
prohibited on Patmos on some beaches it is tolerated. There is also a taverna
which serves excellent local food. You can get to Psili Amos by regular water taxi
from Skala (takes about 45 minutes) or by bus until Diakofti followed by a 30
minute walk!
Meloi
This beach is only two kilometres north-east of Skala. A golden sandy beach with
clear waters and tamarisk trees for shade. The islands camp site is only 20
meters away from the beach and has a popular restaurant and a mini market.
Lambi
A pebble beach to the north of Patmos. The word Lambi is derived from the sun
reflecting against the multicoloured pebbles and the clear waters of the bay.
Lambi can be reached from Kambos beach, walking it takes around 25 minutes or
by fishing boat from Skala if the winds are not too strong. A pleasant location
for lunch or dinner with tavernas on the beach serving delicious food in a
peaceful atmosphere.
WORTH SEEING ON PATMOS
Monastery of St. John
Or in Greek, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos, is the first thing you will
notice when arriving on Patmos, sitting high on the hill above Chora it is visible
from every part of the island. Established in 1088, it has remained the most
significant religious and cultural centre on the island.
As you enter the gate you come to the main courtyard inlaid with local pebbles
and stones. The eastern side is dominated by an arch with four curves and many
frescoes representing the miracles performed by Saint John. In total, the
monastery houses ten chapels, and the most impressive part of the monastery is
the main chapel with a beautiful wood-carved icon stand, marble floor and rich
decoration.
The Library, established by St Christodoulos, is of extreme interest, it includes
2,000 volumes, 13,000 historic documents and 900 manuscripts.
There is also a museum, located next to the bakery. It houses an amazing
collection of icons, original manuscripts, sacred relics, vestments embroiled with
silver or gold threads and bejewelled with precious stones to list a few. Most of
the items within the museum must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Cave of the Apocalypse
St. John the Divine is said to have made his home in this cave and is said to be
where he had his revelation, which he dictated to his disciple, Prohoros, and
became known as the Book of the Apocalypse, or Revelation, the last book of the
Christian Bible. The cave today is enclosed within a sanctuary. There is a monk
and/or spiritual leader that will guide you through the cave, although it is
recommended to sit on one of the stools and absorb the energy of this miraculous
cave that some believe is one of the great mysteries of the world.
Zoodohou Pigis
A women's convent in Chora that was founded by the abbot of the monastery of
St. John, in 1607. Even though under renovation the convent is worth a visit.
There are two churches, Zoodohou Pigis and St. John the theologian, both with
icons dating from the 16th to the 18th century. The courtyards are filled with
bougainvilleas and other flourishing flowers well taken care of by the nuns who
also make incense and sow or embroider religious garments.
Patmos Info
Patmos
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