We still remember our first visit to Patmos very well: young and naive, yet visibly moved by the beauty of this small Greek island, by the light that surrounds it, and by the spiritual mystique that few places in the world possess. At the time, the Monastery of St. John on Patmos was just a photo stop. It wasn’t until many years later that we understood why Patmos is considered a holy island.
The Monastery of St. John on Patmos stands impressively some 200 meters above the sea of snow-white houses in the main town of Chora. Whether you have a spiritual background or not, this place touches you in a magical way.
Tom & Ella
It’s no coincidence that Patmos is called the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” for it is here that John, while in exile, is said to have received the Book of Revelation—the last book of the Bible—in the year 95 AD. Anyone who enters the Cave of the Apocalypse will understand the fascination this place has held for 2,000 years. Incidentally, Chora, the monastery, and the cave have collectively been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Here, we’ve put together all the important information you’ll need for your visit to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse—from how to get there to opening hours, tours, and the best time to visit.
- #1 Getting to St. John’s Monastery on Patmos
- #2 Guided Tours to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave
- #3 St. John’s Monastery: Hours and Admission
- #4 Cave of the Apocalypse
- #5 Tour of the Monastery of St. John on Patmos
- #6 Hike from Skala via the Cave to the Monastery
- #7 Hotels near the Monastery of St. John
- #8 Things to see near the Monastery
- #9 Is it worth visiting the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse?
- FAQs about the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Getting to St. John’s Monastery on Patmos
The island of Patmos is located in the eastern Aegean Sea—more specifically, in the Dodecanese archipelago—and does not have an airport. From the island of Kos, you can reach Patmos in about two and a half hours by high-speed ferry operated by Dodekanisos Seaways; from Samos (Pythagorion), the trip takes one and a half to three hours. All ferries dock at the port of Skala on the island of Patmos. You can find current schedules on our partner site Ferryhopper*:
➲ Search for ferries with Ferryhopper*
Both the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of St. John are located just a few minutes outside of Skala. The cave is situated halfway between Skala and the main town of Chora. The Monastery of St. John is perched on the highest point of Chora’s old town, at an elevation of about 180 meters.
How far is it to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave?
- Skala to the Cave of the Apocalypse: approx. 1.2 km, 20–30 min uphill on foot
- Skala to Chora (monastery): 2 km, 10 min by bus or taxi
- From the Cave to the Monastery of St. John: approx. 1 km, 15-minute walk
Half-day tours including the monastery, the Cave of the Apocalypse, and Chora are ideal if you’re short on time or only have one day on Patmos while on a cruise ship. You can book the tour here*.
Taking the bus to the Patmos Monastery
The public bus runs from Skala past the cave to the stop in Chora, which is located directly below the monastery walls. A bus ride to the monastery costs about €2. The first bus from Skala leaves at 7:40 a.m. in the summer and arrives in Chora before the monastery opens at 8:00 a.m. This gives you plenty of time to explore the monastery at your leisure. If you’re a good walker, you can then explore Chora and walk downhill to the cave.
Bus schedule from Skala to Chora:
- Midsummer (July/August): The first bus from Skala departs at 7:40 a.m.; after that, buses run at varying intervals, with a total of eleven trips; the last bus departs at 9:30 p.m. From Chora, buses depart starting at 8:00 a.m., with the last trip at 9:45 p.m.
- Off-season (starting October 15, 2026): only four trips daily; the first trip from Skala departs at 9:45 a.m., and the last trip at 5:30 p.m. From Chora, the first bus leaves at 10:00 a.m., and the last at 5:45 p.m.
During the off-season, buses run less frequently; you can view the current Patmos bus schedule here: patmosbus.gr
By taxi from Skala to the monastery
The main taxi stand is located in Skala, right at the harbor. In Chora, it’s situated slightly above the bus stop, right by the staircase leading to the monastery. There are about a dozen taxis on Patmos, and they’re in high demand on days when cruise ships are in port. The ride from Skala to Chora costs about 10–12 €, so be sure to confirm the price before getting in. You can arrange for a pickup after your visit by speaking with the driver.
It’s recommended to reserve a taxi from Skala to the Monastery of St. John
at least one day in advance. Hier kannst du book a taxi online here*.
To Chora by Rental Car or Scooter
Patmos is a great island for renting a scooter. The main roads are very well developed and the terrain is very flat. A scooter gives you flexibility, and you can find a parking spot almost anywhere. A 50 cc scooter costs about 25 to 35 € per day—just ask at Moto Leo Rentals. If you want to really explore more of Patmos, we recommend renting a car. Compact cars are available starting at 40 € per day at Billis Patmos Rentals.
➲ Compare rental cars on Patmos at Discover Cars*
The parking situation in Chora definitely needs improvement. Below the castle walls, near the bus stop, there’s a stretch of street with available spots. If you get there early, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot, but they start to run out around noon. Alternatively, you can park your rental car below the windmills or along the road on the south side of Chora. But be careful—the yellow lines mean no parking.
#2 Guided Tours to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave
A guided tour to St. John’s Monastery usually lasts between 2.5 and 4 hours. After a short bus ride from Skala, you’ll visit the cave (about a 30-minute stop), the monastery with its treasury (about a 45-minute stop), and usually the old town of Chora as well (about a 1-hour stop). Prices start at about 60 € per person; you usually pay the admission fees for the cave, monastery, and museum on site.
🗺️ Find tours in Patmos
The advantages of a guided tour include the tour guide’s detailed explanations, especially about John the Hermit and monastic life. The tour also includes a bus transfer, so you don’t have to worry about taxis or rental cars. As a cruise passenger, you should choose a small-group tour—that way, you’ll get more out of the day and won’t have to walk through the sites in a single file. Of course, if you head to Chora on your own, it’ll be significantly cheaper.
For more information on excursions on the island of Patmos, visit our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ Tours to the monastery and the cave*
Private guided tour of the Patmos Monastery
A private half-day tour is available upon request through the tour operator patmostours.com. However, due to the high price, this is only worthwhile for large groups. Another option is to hire licensed local guides who can provide personalized insights into the Book of Revelation and the medieval fortress monastery. Tours are conducted in English, and transportation can be arranged if needed. You can find all the details on the ToursByLocals website.
🕊️ The Jerusalem of the Aegean: Patmos is considered one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Europe. This nickname stems from John and the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, which states: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Rev 22:13) The island is also linked to Jerusalem through the custom of the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday. Patmos has been officially designated a Holy Island since 1981, and pilgrims visit especially during Easter and on the Feast of St. John (September 26).
#3 St. John’s Monastery: Hours and Admission
The same visiting hours generally apply to both the Patmos Monastery and the cave. The opening hours of the Monastery of St. John on Patmos, which is an important pilgrimage destination, are now heavily tied to tourism. There are summer and winter schedules, though even during the off-season, last-minute changes—including on holidays—are possible. You can find the current visiting hours on the official website of the Ministry of Culture (odysseus.culture.gr).
- St. John’s Monastery opening hours: daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; in the afternoon, only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The monastery is closed in the afternoon on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Admission to the Patmos Monastery: 5 € per person
- Admission to the Treasury (Monastery Museum): 5 € per person
- Monastery opening hours in winter (Nov.–March): approx. 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; closed on the first three days of Lent.
There is no combined ticket for the Cave of the Apocalypse and the monastery. Admission is paid directly at the ticket counter on site; online tickets are not available. Tickets for St. John’s Monastery and the cave are usually paid for in cash.
Dress Code at the Patmos Monastery
Since the monastery and the cave are sacred sites for the Orthodox Church, visitors should enter them with due respect. In general, shoulders and knees must be covered inside St. John’s Monastery. Beachwear will result in being turned away at the entrance. More strictly speaking, men must wear long pants and women must wear long skirts or dresses; sleeveless tops are not permitted. It’s best to pack appropriate clothing, as rental clothing isn’t available everywhere.
By the way, Ella always brings her sky-blue sarong (View on Amazon*) with her. That way, you avoid having to wear the rental clothes that have been used by hundreds of people. Even in the height of summer, Tom brings a pair of long pants, which he puts on before visiting the monastery if necessary and then swaps back to shorts afterward. Also, remove your hat, set your cell phone to silent, and speak quietly, as these are active religious sites.
Best time to visit the Patmos Monastery
It’s best to arrive at the Patmos Monastery right when it opens at 8 or 9 a.m., as the biggest crowds are between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. We arrived at the Cave of the Apocalypse around 10 a.m. and were lucky, as the first bus tour group didn’t arrive until 10:15 a.m. So we had the cave to ourselves for just under five minutes, which was a very impressive experience.
It’s the same at the monastery—it’s still quiet until 10 a.m., after which the first tour buses start arriving. In general, it’s also worth visiting the Monastery of St. John on Patmos in the late afternoon, since by then many groups have already passed through and you can once again enjoy the tranquility of the courtyard. Afterward, it’s worth walking over to the windmills across the way, and starting at 6 p.m., the first restaurants in Chora open (tip: Loza).
If you’re traveling independently, you can check the arrival times of cruise ships on the websites Cruisetimetables.com or Cruisemapper.com. Generally, the religious sites are most crowded in July and August. The best time to visit the Monastery of St. John on Patmos is from May through June and from September through October.
→ You’ll find the most important information and tips for your vacation on Patmos in this post: Patmos Travel Tips
#4 Cave of the Apocalypse
This religious pilgrimage site, also known as the Cave of the Revelation, is located just about 1.2 km above Skala, roughly halfway to the Monastery of St. John. It has become a must-see, not just for religious travelers. If you’re arriving by rental car, be aware that parking in front of the cave is very limited. The few available spots are used by both buses and rental cars.
But what’s the story behind the pitch-black Cave of the Apocalypse? To find out, you’ll have to go back a good 2,000 years in history. Ancient Greece had long since passed its heyday, and the divided country had been incorporated into the Roman Empire. Worship of the gods was still widespread, even though Zeus was called Jupiter by the Romans.
According to tradition, John, Jesus’s favorite disciple, was exiled to Patmos in 95 AD by Emperor Domitian from Ephesus in present-day Turkey. The Book of Revelation states: “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island called Patmos” (Rev 1:9). A sign at the entrance marks the site of his stay.
It is said that John received the Revelation in this cave, which he is said to have dictated to his disciple Prochoros. The command is found in Rev. 1:11: “Write in a book what you see.” The Greek word *apokalypsis* literally means “unveiling” or “revelation”—that is, the uncovering of what is hidden—and initially has nothing to do with the end of the world. It was only the book’s somber imagery that, over time, shaped our concept of the end of the world.
You enter the cave via the monastery complex dedicated to Saint Anne, which was incorporated into the grotto centuries ago. After purchasing your ticket at the monastery shop, a staircase leads down to the lowest point of the monastery. Once there, you’ll find yourself in the pitch-black Holy Cave, into which only a little light filters through a window. On the left side are benches that invite you to linger or pray.
On the altar in the center is the icon “Vision of John” by Thomas Vathas (Venice, 1596). On the right side of the cave, you’ll find the famous triple crack in the rock, said to symbolize the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A little further down the wall, you’ll also see the spot where John is said to have rested, the recesses that helped him stand up, and Prochoros’s writing desk.
Feel free to touch the indentation—it’s said to work miracles. By the way, Orthodox pilgrims kiss the icons. But don’t expect a stalactite cave. Decorated with icons and votive tablets, the natural space felt more like a shrine, and the overhanging rock seemed intimidating. If you speak Greek, you can get additional information from the monk in charge. A 20-minute visit is sufficient, but if you take your time, allow about 45 minutes.
- Cave of the Apocalypse opening hours: daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; in the afternoon, only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed in the afternoon on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Admission to the Cave of the Apocalypse: €3 per person
- Cave opening hours in winter (Nov.–March): approx. 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; closed during the first three days of Lent.
📵 Photography at the Patmos Monastery: Photography is prohibited in the Cave of the Apocalypse and in the monastery’s main church. For the monks and their helpers, these are places of prayer where numerous icons are venerated as holy and miraculous. Taking selfies in front of them or using a flash is considered disrespectful to the faithful. However, photos are permitted from the outside, from the monastery courtyard, and, of course, of the view.
#5 Tour of the Monastery of St. John on Patmos
From the outside, with its defensive walls and battlements, the monastery resembles a medieval castle more than a monastery. It was founded in 1088 by Saint Christodoulos and served as a fortress to protect against pirates. The settlement of Chora sprang up around the fortress walls at almost the same time.
Before you enter the monastery from the north, you’ll pass by icon shops from which a beguiling scent of incense wafts. Follow the signs marked “Monastery” or, in Greek, “Pros I. Moni” (To the Holy Monastery), and it’s about a five-minute walk along the wide pilgrimage path—which includes a few steps—to the entrance. Of course, depending on your fitness level and the number of photo stops, it may take longer.
You can purchase your ticket for St. John’s Monastery at a small ticket booth. Please make sure to wear appropriate clothing when entering the monastery. Many a tourist in swimwear has been turned away at the ticket counter. Then you’ll walk past a basilica and through a gate into a sort of gallery. Shortly afterward, you’ll find yourself in the courtyard with its medieval arcades.
Inside, the air is filled with the scent of incense; every now and then a monk hurries by; there are flower pots with geraniums and basil everywhere; and ancient frescoes adorn the walls. If you arrive early, the atmosphere is one of silence and reverence. On the left is the candle altar, where you can light a candle and make a wish. In the monastery’s main church, the Katholikon, you’ll find frescoes and a richly decorated iconostasis.
The courtyard is open to the public, and signs marked “Exit” or “Museum” show you which way to go. All areas that are off-limits, such as the monks’ dormitories, are locked or marked with “No Entry” signs. Be sure to take the unassuming staircase up to the upper floor. From there, you’ll have a panoramic view of the complex, look down on the courtyard from above, and can take photos of the imposing bell tower.
A special highlight is the treasury of the Monastery of St. John on Patmos, which spans two floors. It is considered the largest museum in the Aegean and displays icons, liturgical vestments, relics, and manuscripts spanning over 1,500 years of church history. On the second floor, there are even ancient artifacts on display that were unearthed during the construction of the monastery and prove that this site was already a sacred place before the birth of Christ.
Among the treasures are the 6th-century Purple Codex, a 33-page Gospel of Mark written in silver ink on purple-dyed parchment, and the Chrysobull of 1088, the monastery’s founding charter. A separate admission fee applies for the museum, and you should plan to spend 45 to 60 minutes there. Also well worth seeing are the old bakery and the refectory (Greek: Trapezá), a dining hall with a marble table set.
Finally, it’s worth taking a stroll through the monastery garden, a small park southeast of the castle walls with a variety of trees, including pines and cypresses. Roses have been planted on several levels, and a few benches invite you to take a break. From the garden, you can admire the monastery’s massive outer walls up close. They provided protection for around 1,000 years, especially during the Middle Ages against pirate attacks.
Easter on Patmos
At Easter, Patmos is a very special place, as the ceremonies take place at their original sites: in the monastery courtyard, on the town square in Chora, and in the Cave of the Apocalypse within the monastery complex. At the Monastery of St. John itself, services are held during Holy Week at 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you visit Patmos at Easter, you can expect the following, among other things:
- Palm Sunday: At the end of the service, wafers shaped like crosses and fish are distributed.
- Maundy Thursday: At 11 a.m., the Niptir takes place on the town hall square in Chora. A procession makes its way there from the Monastery of St. John, and the abbot symbolically washes the monks’ feet. The custom dates back to the 4th century.
- Good Friday: Ten epitaphioi (shrouds) are carried through the towns; in Chora, they gather at Agia Levias Square, and in Skala, at the central square. Women scatter rose petals from their homes.
- Holy Saturday: The Resurrection celebration at the Monastery of St. John and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi is considered particularly mystical. At midnight, the lights go out, and the Holy Fire from Jerusalem is passed from person to person by candlelight.
- Easter Sunday: During the Agape service in the afternoon, the Gospel is read in seven languages.
- Easter Tuesday: The parishes bring the holy icons to the homes of the faithful for blessing; afterward, there is usually a barbecue and celebration.
→ Find out here how the Greeks celebrate Easter and which other places, besides Patmos, are particularly special: Easter in Greece
History of the Monastery of St. John
The history of the site begins with John, who was exiled to Patmos in 95 AD and is said to have received the Revelation there. The monastery itself was founded nearly 1,000 years later, in 1088, by Saint Christodoulos in honor of John the Theologian.
Emperor Alexios I Komnenos had granted him the entire island by charter (chrysobull). The complex, built as a fortress against pirates, was expanded in the 15th and 17th centuries, and pilgrims seeking protection settled around the monastery in Chora. For a long time, the monks ruled over the entire southern half of the island, and their influence extended far beyond Patmos to the neighboring islands of Lipsi, Samos, and even Amorgos.
In 1713, Makarios Kalogeras founded the Patmiada School above the cave. During the Ottoman period, it served as an intellectual center where Greek scholars were educated. In 1981, Patmos was declared the “Holy Island” by law, and in 1999 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To this day, the monastery remains under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, now Istanbul.
Monks have lived at this holy site for about 900 years. In a world that seems to be falling apart, many people are once again seeking solace in their faith. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for Bible tours to Greece. Patmos is included as an essential stop on these tours for its connection to the Book of Revelation.
For more information on trips on the island of Patmos, visit our partner GetYourGuide*:
#6 Hike from Skala via the Cave to the Monastery
If you’d like to hike from Skala to Chora, you can take the Kalderimi, a pilgrimage trail established as early as 1794. It leads from Skala up to the cave and on to Chora and the monastery. The total length is about 2 km, and depending on your fitness level, the hike takes 45 to 60 minutes. After leaving Skala, the original section of the trail begins at Kalderimi Studios (view on Booking.com*). From there, the path winds upward over rough cobblestones.
You’ll reach the cave after just 1.2 km, in about 20–30 minutes. The Kalderimi Trail crosses the road several times—where tour buses travel at high speeds—so be careful. In the summer, the lush pine forest—once planted by monks—provides shade. Even though the distance isn’t far, we still recommend setting out early in the morning and packing sturdy shoes, a hat, and a water bottle.
We’ve never walked the trail ourselves, but we’ve seen hikers and eager pilgrims on every visit. Maybe we’ll make it next time. After all, we have to motivate our young daughter, and a 200-meter elevation gain with a gradient of about 9 percent is no small feat. For the return trip, there’s the Aporthiano Trail, the oldest path between Chora and Skala, which starts below the windmills.
#7 Hotels near the Monastery of St. John
If you’d like to stay near the Patmos Monastery, you can choose between the towns of Chora and Skala. Chora is quiet, but there are only a few places to stay and countless steps. The cobblestone streets make it difficult to roll your suitcases. On the plus side, you can enter the monastery right when it opens without the crowds.
In Skala, there’s a wider selection. The bus to the monastery takes barely ten minutes, and the cave is within walking distance from Skala anyway. In the off-season, you can find a simple place to stay in Skala for just under 80 €, or at least 120 € with breakfast. In the summer, prices climb to 150–200 € and higher. Accommodation prices in Chora are significantly higher; expect to pay at least 250 € per night.
On Booking.com*, you’ll find many more accommodations on Patmos and can compare prices and availability directly:
🛏️ Find hotels in Patmos
All hotels at a glance, check prices & availability directly:
Our Hotel Recommendations for Patmos
Manos House, Chora
A traditional vacation home for up to four people on the hillside of Chora. From the rooftop terrace, you can look out over the Aegean Sea, and the windmills are within walking distance.
Mistral Patmos, Skala
Simple self-catering apartments in a central location with ocean views. Family-friendly atmosphere; the harbor and bus stop are nearby.
Patmos Eye Hotel, Skala
We spent three relaxing nights here in the quiet part of Skala. Hotel manager Nikos and his team—including Vicky and Katerina—make sure you feel right at home from the very beginning with their warm hospitality.
#8 Things to see near the Monastery
Patmos is compact, and in two days you can see almost all of Patmos’ highlights. Head to the cave early in the morning and then on to the monastery. Around noon, take a stroll through Chora—that’s when it’s at its quietest. Afterward, hit to the windmills for photos, and afterwards to Petra Beach for a dip in the cool sea, and take a selfie at Kalikatsou Rock. You can easily do all this in one day, provided you’ve arranged for a rental car.
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To thoroughly explore the north and south of the island, you’ll need a second day. The Monastery of the Annunciation is a must-see for those interested in spirituality and culture, but it’s only open in the morning. To reach the island’s most beautiful beach, Psili Ammos Beach, it takes about 20 minutes to get there and another 40 minutes to walk to the beach. By the way, you’ll experience the most beautiful sunset on Patmos from Mount Profitis Ilias.
Chora and the Windmills
The UNESCO-listed old town of Chora, with its white houses, charming courtyards, and labyrinth of narrow streets, is situated around the monastery. You can easily reach the quiet southern part via the monastery garden or the Platia. In the summer, the bars (tip: Pougki Bar) and taverns on the main square come alive after sunset. For a coffee and a snack, we recommend the Bakaliko Patmos bistro below the monastery.
The windmills of Chora are a five-minute walk from the monastery. You can also park below the road and walk the short way up. They stand on a hill next to Chora, in front of the elementary school: three restored mills and an old mill stump. On some days, the windmills’ blades are even set in motion; the mills are open to the public and house a sort of local history museum.
→ We’ll share our personal highlights of Patmos with you in this post: Patmos Attractions
Monastery of the Annunciation (Evangelismos)
The Evangelismos Convent is located southwest of Chora, about 2.5 kilometers from the Monastery of St. John. It’s open only in the mornings and is especially worth a visit for culture lovers and the devout. The monastery courtyard is lush with greenery, and the nuns are known for their knitting. From here, a hiking trail leads down to the Gardens of the Saints (Kipi) and to the wild Kipi Beach. An absolute hidden gem on Patmos!
Beaches around Chora and the Monastery
The golden sandy beach of Psili Ammos is located in the very south and can be reached by boat from Skala or on foot from the hamlet of Diakofti in about 35 minutes. A rustic tavern opens here in the summer. In the resort town of Grikos, it’s worth visiting Paralia Petra (Greek for “rock”), home to the Kalikatsou Rock, which once housed a hermitage. You can even reach Grikos by bus from Skala in about 15 minutes.
#9 Is it worth visiting the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse?
Yes, a visit to the Monastery of St. John on Patmos is an absolute must when traveling to the island. The monastery impresses with its fortress-like architecture, its treasury, and its unique atmosphere, which transports you back to the Middle Ages. For believers, a trip to the island of Patmos and the experience in the cave and monastery is, in any case, a very special experience.
The monastery and cave aren’t just for the devout. Even those with no religious affiliation but a keen interest in culture will find something to enjoy here. However, there’s no denying that both sites are heavily marketed to tourists these days. If that doesn’t bother you, there’s no reason not to visit.
Vacationers who aren’t interested in culture—but would rather lounge on the beach and seek all-inclusive deals and pure entertainment—won’t be happy on Patmos anyway. The Book of Revelation is inextricably linked to the island of Patmos, and you’ll encounter this biblical theme everywhere. If you’re there at the right time, the Monastery of St. John will leave you with fond memories.
FAQs about the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse
How do I get from Skala Harbor to the Monastery of St. John?
By bus (approx. 10 min, €1.50–2), by taxi (approx. €10–12), or on foot via the Kalderimi (approx. 2 km, 45–60 min).
How far is the Cave of the Apocalypse from Skala?
About 1.2 km. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to walk uphill, and just a few minutes by bus or taxi.
When are the monastery and the cave open?
Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In the afternoon, they’re open only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In winter, the hours are shorter.
How much is admission?
Admission to the monastery is €5; the treasure chamber costs an additional €5; and the cave costs about €3. Payment is made on site in cash.
What clothing is permitted in the monastery?
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Strictly speaking, this means long pants or long skirts and no sleeveless tops. It’s a good idea to pack a shawl or sarong.
Is photography allowed in the Cave of the Apocalypse?
No, photography is prohibited inside the cave, as well as in the monastery’s main church. You may take photos of the outdoor areas, the courtyard, and the view.
How long does the visit take?
The cave takes 20 to 45 minutes to explore, and the monastery with its treasury takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Including travel time and a visit to Chora, you should plan on 3 to 4 hours.
Can I see the monastery and the cave in one day as a cruise passenger?
Yes, if your ship docks early enough. Take a taxi with a waiting time or a guided tour and arrive before 1:30 p.m. Allow at least 90 minutes for the return trip to the ship.
Do I need a rental car to visit the monastery and the cave?
No, a bus, taxi, or walking are sufficient. A rental car or scooter is more worthwhile for the beaches.
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