For us, it was love at first sight. Patmos Island has something magical about it and if you walk high up on the Chora through the historic alleys, you get the feeling of being able to touch the sky. Patmos doesn’t let you go and we also return again and again. In this article, we will introduce you to our personal Patmos highlights.
“The small island in the shape of a seahorse is located in the eastern Aegean Sea and, despite its only 35 square kilometers, is a real treasure chest to discover.”
Just 3,000 inhabitants live on Patmos. The island has so far been able to maintain a soft tourism. Only in July and August does it get a little more crowded, mainly due to the cruise tourists. Before and after there is heavenly calm.
Patmos is considered to be the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea and is one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. Everywhere you will find churches, chapels and monasteries. In a cave below the mountain village of Chora, the apostle John is said to have received the vision to write the Apocalypse. In 1983, the Greek parliament declared Patmos a “Holy Island”.
But Patmos is much more than a Mecca for believers. Charming sandy beaches, cozy taverns, wild nature and photogenic old town alleys make the island one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese. We will take you to the most interesting corners that we explored during a week on the island of Patmos.
#1 The beautiful harbour town of Skala
Our journey of discovery begins in the coastal town of Skala. Since there is no airport on Patmos, the only way to get there is by ferry. As soon as you enter the port of Skala, you will be greeted by the enchanting island scenery. Skala with its white houses and pretty shopping alleys is an ideal place to stroll and relax.
In the coastal town there are countless boutiques, fashion shops and souvenir shops. Along the waterfront and on the plaza, you can relax in one of the cozy cafes watch the hustle and bustle at the harbour with a Freddo Cappuccino.
Take your time to stroll a little through the alleys of Skala. They are in no way inferior to Mykonos, Santorini & Co. On every corner there are pretty photo motifs or rustic taverns to stop at.
Around noon in the summer season, the first cruise ships and the small town is literally overrun by vacationers. If you want to escape the big rush, then visit Skala in the morning or late afternoon or evening. Then most of the ships are gone again.
#2 Chora: Old Town of Patmos
We drive from Skala up the hill to Chora. Already on arrival, everyone has probably noticed the massive dark St. John’s Monastery high up on the mountain. The old town of Chora and its monastery are UNESCO World Heritage Site and hardly any holidaymaker leaves Patmos without having seen the picturesque old town alleys.
Like in a labyrinth, the white stone houses huddle together. In the cobbled alleys you can only see a few cats dozing in the sun at lunchtime. One mystical peace is in the air and numerous photo motifs are waiting for explorers.
Walking through Chora, you feel like you’re in a heavenly maze. New paths branch off everywhere and somehow you don’t want to find an exit.
You won’t meet a soul and you’ll have the picturesque alleys all to yourself. Enjoy the silence up here and let your gaze wander. In many corners you will find pretty doors and shutters that you can capture with the camera.
On the main square of Chora there are some taverns and bars. Especially in the evening, the bear is dancing here and the old town suddenly comes to life. You can sit comfortably in the alleys with a cocktail or glass of wine, chat and dance to Greek music. Chora looks transformed after sunset and the illuminated square shines magically in the evening light.
Before the sun disappears behind the horizon, it is also worth taking a detour to the three Windmills of Patmos on the edge of the old town. They have been restored in recent years. From here you have a magnificent view of the Chora and the St. John’s Monastery.
#3 Holy Monastery of John
In the middle of the old town of Chora sits the magnificent St. John’s Monastery, built around 1088 from dark volcanic rock. It has been since the beginning religious center of the island and has been inhabited by monks for 900 years.
The beautiful courtyard with its arcades and chapels is worth a visit. The monastery also houses a museum with ecclesiastical relics and icons, which can also be visited for an additional fee.
Between Skala and Chora there is also the Cave of the Apocalypse. The apostle John is said to have heard the voice of God in this grotto and then wrote the book of Revelation. This is known as the last chapter of the Christian Bible.
Since then, the cave has been a popular pilgrimage site. The small cave chapel is worth a detour for its decorated altars, golden icons and candlesticks. Admission to the grotto is free of charge.
#4 Profitis Ilias: Patmos’ highest mountain
With only 269 meters, the Profitis Ilias is the highest elevation on Patmos. The mountain is located south of the Chora. On it shines a small white church in honor of the prophet Elijah. Unfortunately, the chapel is mostly closed, but from up here you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the island and the Aegean Sea.
You can drive up almost to the top with the rental car and climb up a few steps to the monastery. There is also a hiking Trail to the Profitis Ilias, from which the mountain can be climbed from the north. A visit in the evening is particularly beautiful, when the sun bathes the monastery and the Chora in warm light.
#5 Bathing Paradise Psili Amos
After all the sightseeing, it’s time to explore the most beautiful beaches of Patmos. The island does not skimp on turquoise bays with charming beaches and compared to its neighbors, Patmos has quite a few pretty bays.
The most popular jewel of the island is the beach Psili Amos in the very southwest of the island. It can only be reached on foot or by boat. The beautiful bay is lined with tamarisk trees and a fine sandy beach. The sea water is crystal clear and shines in wonderful shades of blue. The shallow entrance and sandy bottom is also ideal for children. The back part of the beach is usually firmly in the hands of nudists.
Even in midsummer, however, the bay is not overcrowded due to its hidden location. From Skala there is a daily excursion boat over to the beach. We recommend that you discover the beach on foot. The small trail leads from the bay of Stavros along the mountain slopes for about 30 minutes.
You make your way past fragrant herbs and rugged rocks. Every now and then a goat jumps across the path. On a hill you can then click on the paradisiacal bay look down. There is a small tavern with good food on site, but it is only open in the high season.
#6 Kalikatsou Rock near Grikos
Near the village of Grikos in the southeast of Patmos, you immediately notice a bizarre monolith on a headland in the sea. The Rock of Kalikatsou is about 10 meters high and forms the beginning of Petras Bay. The stone colossus is considered an archaeological site. An Aphrodite temple is said to have been located here in ancient times.
The view from above of the bay and the small offshore island of Tragonisi is fantastic. From the caves and indentations in the rock, interesting perspectives of the Aegean Sea open up to you.
On the elongated Petra’s Beach you can refresh yourself wonderfully. The sea access is rocky, but as everywhere on Patmos, the water is wonderfully clear. A small beach bar is open in the summer months. Beach loungers and umbrellas can be rented on site.
#7 The lonely north of Patmos
The beaches in the north of the island are also impressive. The wind-protected bay of Livadi Geranou offers everything a bathing heart desires. A mix of sand and pebble beach, crystal clear shallow water and trees that provide shade.
If you are a good swimmer, you can crawl over to the small opposite island with the chapel. An on-site tavern provides bathers with cool drinks and mezedes.
Before Livadi Geranou beach, you will also pass the twin bays of Didimes. They nestle picturesquely against the coast and sparkle in beautiful blue. You can get to one of the small beach bays, the Liginou Livadi, on foot and can usually swim undisturbed.
#8 Day trip to Lipsi Island
From Patmos, it is worth taking a day trip to the small neighboring island of Lipsi. Sleepily, the fishing boats sail here in the harbor pier. The clocks seem to turn slower on Lipsi. The main town of Chora enchants with its blue-and-white houses and its pretty church.
On the waterfront of Lipsi, quaint taverns provide day guests with fresh fish and other Greek delicacies. The freshly caught octopus is hung cat-proof on the roof of the tavern.
On a day tour, there are only a few hours to get a first impression of the island. It’s best to rent a scooter and stop in the north at what is probably the most beautiful bay of Lipsi, the Platis Gialos Beach.
Even from afar, the sea shimmers turquoise blue and the white sandy beach creates a Caribbean atmosphere. The entrance to the water is shallow and you can walk out into the sea for meters like on a sandbank. In the south, the Chochlakoura Beach another dream beach, but it is made of gravel.
→ Here you can find more information about this little island gem, as well as useful travel tips and our Lipsi highlights: Insel Lipsi
Restaurant recommendation on Patmos
Tavern Votris, Skala Marina
The Tavern Votris is a culinary delight and we couldn’t get enough of the Greek dishes with an oriental touch. Whether hummus with flatbread, souvlaki or fresh fish, everything was simply delicious.
The boss and his staff are very hospitable and accommodating. The prices for Patmos absolutely reasonable. The restaurant is located outside Skala directly at the marina. Especially in the high season, you should reserve a place on the terrace in advance.
Pernera Vegan Restaurant, Skala
Since 2019, there has been a special restaurant in the main town of Skala. It is the first vegan restaurant on the island of Patmos. That Pernera Restaurant offers only vegan dishes and prefers to use organic products from the island or the Aegean region.
The homemade food are surprisingly delicious! From lentil salad to falafel with hummus to Turkish pizza lahmacun (meat-free, of course), there is something for every taste. Even we as non-vegans found the food simply delicious! The small cooperative of three friends is a lovable team and has turned the Pernera into a photogenic paradise with lots of recycled furniture.
VagiaCafe, Vagia Beach
That Vagia Café is our absolute favorite on Patmos. It is idyllically located above the beach in a lovingly planted garden. The sweet and savoury dishes are extremely tasty. From the terrace you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Aegean Sea with a cool frappé. Particularly popular and really delicious is the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
Where to stay on Patmos Island
The island of Patmos attaches great importance to soft tourism. Therefore, there are no huge hotel complexes or resorts. On the other hand, Patmos is home to some fantastic boutique hotels, holiday homes and numerous apartments.
→ About Booking.com* you will find many accommodation on Patmos and you can check prices here:
➲ To beautiful accommodations on the island*
Our hotel tips for Patmos
Below we have put together a personal selection of beautiful hotels and apartments with very good guest reviews on the island of Patmos. Click on the Booking.com* booking links to find out more about prices and availability of the accommodations:
Manos House, Chora
Traditional holiday home for up to 4 people on the slope of the Chora of Patmos. Roof terrace with stunning views over the Aegean Sea. The Chora and the windmills are within walking distance.
Eirini Luxury Hotel Villas, Grikos
Villa complex in a magnificent location above Grikos. Traditional rooms with sea views. Beautiful outdoor area with large terrace and pool as well as in-house restaurant & bar.
Mistral Patmos, Scale
Tasteful self-catering apartments in a central location with stunning sea views. The friendly hosts ensure a family atmosphere.
Latmos 1860, Scale
Renovated stone house with beautiful garden. The individual apartments are traditionally and tastefully furnished. Very central location near the port.
Skala Hotel, Skala
Solid 3-star hotel near the harbour with simply furnished rooms, pool and beautiful garden.
Here we stayed on Patmos
Optasia Apartments, Skala
The Optasia Apartments of Fotini are very centrally located in Skala near the port. They are traditionally and tastefully furnished. From the upper floor you have a wonderful view of the harbor pier as well as the Chora of Patmos.
All rooms have a balcony or terrace, kitchen, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The four apartments can be purchased directly from their homepage Optasia Patmos book. Fotini and her family are very warm and hospitable and are always available to answer any questions you may have.
🗺️ 12 Islands with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🔍 Our best planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
How to get to the island of Patmos
The island does not have an airport so you can Patmos only achieve by boat. The large ferries of Blue Star Ferries call at Patmos daily from Piraeus during the summer season. We use the portal Ferryhopper* to search for suitable ferry connections and check prices:
➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*
The catamarans of the Dodekanisos Seaways connect the individual islands of the Dodecanese and are ideal for a Greece Island Hopping. A good starting point for a journey to Patmos are flights to the islands of Kos or Samos and then the ferry to Patmos.
→ You can get more information about the neighboring islands of Patmos here: Dodecanese Islands
Patmos Youtube Video
Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Robert Polasek © :
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