The island is not that big and is mainly related to holy things, but you may be surprised as there are many things to do in Patmos Greece. We visited the island of Patmos in Greece after leisure for five days on Ikaria island and while being at Samos island before that.
This small holy island that has weaved its name with the Apocalypse of John of Patmos is in the Aegean Sea and part of the Dodecanese islands. It obtained new habitats in the 11th century.
The history of the Greek holy island of Patmos is fascinating. Initially, it was known as Letois after goddess Artemis, the daughter of Leto.
Patmos is also referred to as Jerusalem of the Aegean and is popular among Greek orthodox people.
The Greek island of Patmos is famous for being the place where Saint John of Patmos (exiled by Emperor Domitian) had a vision.
He wrote the Book of Revelation (“Apocalypsis Tou Ioanni”), Christianity’s most ancient pilgrimage site.
At the time the book was conceived, Patmos island was an exile prison. Today it is a beautiful island that has a mild cosmopolitan character.
Allegedly, during the Emperor Domitian reign, John the Divine (also called St John the Theologian) was tortured by being dipped into boiling oil, where miraculously nothing happened to him.
The audience of Colosseum changes to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle.
Patmos island is worth a visit.
What Things To Do in Patmos Greece?
On this island, there are many things to do, and the most fun thing is to discover your favorite spot.
In this article, we will list the top things that one can do while on the island.
Alleys of the Medieval Chora of Patmos
The accommodations part of the Greek island of Patmos is Chora, the capital village.
It was built on top of a hill to protect it from attacks of pirates back in the 1000s.
In this town, you will get to see traditional whitewashed captain houses and medieval churches. The city is declared a UN world heritage site.
It is at the top of a hill you will have a great view of the sea.
Agia Levia Square
One of the evenings while at Patmos island, visit the busy square of Agia Levia in Chora, a perfect spot for you to relax.
Make sure you get a seat next to the wall in one of the cafes so as you will manage to view the coming and going of the chic yacht visitors.
Cave of Apocalypse of Patmos
The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site that everyone who visits Patmos island should attend regardless of religion.
Here Saint John of Patmos (also called John the Divine or John of Patmos) is believed to have received the vision. The English-speaking tour guides will explain the whole story.
Walk the “Monopatia”
These trails used to be the main transportation route of the island. While on the island, enjoy trekking in these old paths.
Today the trails are sadly deserted, but they will give you a good island view as well as an insight into how people used to live.
Ecclesiastical Museum of Patmos Greece
It is a small museum in the Monastery of St John. The museum houses all the valuable things of the monastery like icons, clothing of the priests, embroideries, religious ornaments, and superb figures.
Visit the Monastery of St John museum to see all these things.
Monasteries of Patmos
That is, of course, one of the main attractions on the island (besides the beaches).
Monastery of Saint John of Patmos
This monastery is a thousand years old, founded in 1088 by Ossios Ioannis Christodoulos with a grant by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos.
It has a church and a museum that has ancient treasures. To enjoy the monastery view, you should visit in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
You can trek up the hill or use a bus from Skala, Patmos.
The Monastery of St John was founded in 1088 by Ossios Christodoulos. Its walls are over fifteen meters high; it has a length of 70 meters and a width of 53 meters.
It even looks more prominent when you stand at the entrance.
There are tour guides that will help you understand the story of Saint John.
Ensure you visit the beautiful churchyard to enjoy a moment of peace before living.
Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi of Patmos
The monastery is on the southwest of the Holy island Monastery.
It is the largest nunnery on the island and the second most popular convent after the most populous Evangelismos, founded in 1607 by the Patmian hieromonk Parthenios Pangostas.
The monastery was built to function as a refuge for widows, orphans, and disabled people.
The church traditions here include the feast of the Virgin Mary. That feast happens on the 5th of August. Murals and carvings date back to the 16th century.
Villages of Patmos, Greece
Skala Patmos
This village is at the center of the island. It is the main port of Patmos. It has the most significant settlement built along with the port.
Skala is the trade and commercial center of Patmos island. This village flourished back in the 19th century when many wealthy families settled here.
There are sites in this village worth seeing, including the ruins of an ancient acropolis, the 17th-century church of Agia Paraskevi of Cavos, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, and the church of Panagia Koumana.
Kambos village
The village is 9 kilometers north of the Chora. It is made up of two smaller communities; upper Kambos and lower Kambos.
The village is the home of the famous and beautiful church of the Annunciation. The people here are primarily involved in farming.
It is a green village with beautiful beaches that attract people.
Chora of Patmos
The village is on the southern side of the island. It is built on top of a hill and has traditional houses known for their elegant architecture. It gives visitors a great view of the sea.
The village stretches around the monastery of Saint John.
Sapsila village, Patmos
This village is 3 kilometers from Chora.
It has some lovely beaches and excellent fish taverns. The village rarely gets overcrowded, and therefore, it is a perfect destination for those wanting to have a quiet and peaceful holiday.
Grikos
Grikos is 4 kilometers to the southeast of Chora village.
It has pebbled beaches and many tourist facilities, making it a perfect destination. The green settlement situates around a plateau.
The long sandy beach has tall palm trees swinging in the ocean breeze, making the spot a favorite for locals and tourists.
It is the home of the chapel of Agios Ioannis Theologos.
Best Beaches in Patmos Greece
Apart from all things related to religion, Patmos is very popular for its beaches. Swimming to them (either in the popular ones or the remote) is one of the best things to do in Patmos Greece.
Petra beach
It is commonly known as “the rock” or the stone of Kallikatsou.
The myth claims that this stone once used to be an open-air sanctuary dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
Today it is a stunning beach where you get to experience the spiritual energy of the island.
Agrio Livadi beach
This beach has blue-green waters that are said to be the best on this island. The beach has umbrellas, sunbeds, snacks, and beverages.
There is also a hotel in front of the beach that serves simple and good quality Greek food.
Diakofti beach
It is among the most secluded beaches on the island, surrounded by wild mountains and short vegetation that gives it a splendid view.
The mirror-like waters and looks make it very attractive. It is 4 kilometers away from Chora.
Geranou beach
The beach is located 13 kilometers from Chora village.
You can get here using all means of transport. It is a lovely beach with a calm environment, protected from the Aegean “meltemia” winds common during summer. It gets popular during the summer holiday.
Psili Ammos beach
Psili Ammos is among the most exquisite beaches you can visit on this island.
The clean waters and the soft pure golden sand attract a lot of people. The beach also has trees that provide shadows to the people during the summer season.
To reach the beach, people use boats from Skala or a bus that will take them to Diakofti and walk to the place for about 30 minutes.
Lefkes beach
This beach is the home of the Gulf of Lefkes that offers a perfect place for visitors to relax. The beach has a calm environment, and fishing boats frequently moor here.
It has crystalline waters considered the most beautiful on this island and remains a refreshing place for people of all ages. The beach is 12 km northwest of Chora.
Vagia beach
If you are the kind of person who loves privacy, this is the perfect beach for you to visit during the summer.
This beach is said to have the coldest waters in Patmos.
Down the beach, there is a small café in case one wants some refreshment. To get here, you use a boat, car, or bus.
Agios Nikolaos beach, Patmos
The beach is 12 kilometers north of Chora.
It is a secluded beach with a rocky ambiance that provides shelter that enhances privacy.
This beach took its name after a church that resides within the beach, called Agios Nikolaos Evdilos or Avdelos. The church is a main attraction on the beach.
Alikes beach
This beach is 7 kilometers south of Chora and is among the calmest beaches in Patmos. Alikes is a large bay on the southern side of the island. The beach lies in an area where the monks collected salt. It took her name after Alyki, which means salt I greek.
Other Things to Do in Patmos Greece
Swimming and cultural things are a must but allocate more time for other things.
Have lunch in the seaside taverns
After swimming and enjoying the beach sands, you can pop in one of the seaside bars and enjoy simple, well-cooked foods and refreshments.
Wine and dine in the evenings
Many taverns and restaurants place their chairs and tables on the sand. Some of them are just a few meters away from the waters.
All that gives the places excellent and romantic sites for dinners. Dine and enjoy your wine as you watch the sea.
All your worries and stresses will go away with the combination of the summer sea breeze, delicious fresh food, and a sip of the 36% alcohol drink.
Hiking Patmos island, Greece
There are hills on the island that provide perfect sites for hiking for those interested in hiking.
However, during summer, hiking might be a bit uncomfortable due to the heat. Hiking is more enjoyable during spring and autumn.
How to get to Patmos, Greece
There is no airport on the island; therefore, the only means to get to Patmos is by ferry.
For ferry prices and options, click here. Ferry ticket fees are around 45 USD.
Some come only for one day in Patmos, coming from Samos. In this case, you can book one from Samos. Click here to see all the options. Book ferry from and to Patmos.
The closest airports are Leros and Kos. Kos airport is busier than Leros and receives flights from Athens and international flights in summer.
Check prices for Flights to Patmos from here.
Lithos, on the other hand, receives domestic flights from Athens, Greece. After landing here, one can use a ferry to get to Patmos.
You can also use a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens.
The ferry carries people three times a week.
These ferries also connect Patmos island to the other Dodecanese like; Rhodes, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, and Kalymnos.
From Athens to Patmos island it will take 8 hours.
Some boats carry people from the neighboring islands of Leros and Lipsi every day. The ferry tickets can be booked online on various platforms.
Getting around Patmos, Greece
There are also cars for hire for those people who do not feel comfortable trekking long distances.
However, if you plan to hire a car, you must be ready to spend much more. Car hires are pretty expensive.
There are also scooters for hire available. They are relatively cheaper compared to cars. They will help you get everywhere where the buses cannot cover.
Conclusion for your Ιtinerary in Patmos Island, Greece
Patmos Island is another Greek island with many things to do; a perfect destination for your holiday. Regardless of your religion, this place has a lot of sites for you to visit.
Many beaches give you a wide selection for fun, depending on your age and personality. The activities to engage in are also an extensive list meaning you can never get bored here.
Get ready for lots of fun and memorable experiences. You will also get a chance to learn a lot more so about Saint John.
Life on Patmos island is very affordable; you will find accommodation and food to suit your preferences and budgets.
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