For us, it was love at first sight. The island of Patmos has a magical quality, and anyone who strolls through the historic alleys high up in Chora feels as though they could touch the sky. Patmos never lets you go, and we, too, keep coming back. In this post, we’ll share our personal highlights of Patmos with you.
“The small island, shaped like a seahorse, lies in the eastern Aegean Sea and, despite its mere 35 square kilometers, is a true treasure trove waiting to be discovered.”
Just 3,000 people live on Patmos. The island has managed to maintain a low-impact tourism scene so far. It only gets a bit busier in July and August, mainly due to cruise ship tourists. Before and after that, there’s heavenly peace and quiet.
Patmos is also called the Jerusalem of the Aegean and is one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. You’ll find churches, chapels, and monasteries everywhere. In a cave below the mountain village of Chora, the Apostle John is said to have received the vision that led to the writing of the Book of Revelation. In 1983, the Greek Parliament declared Patmos the “Holy Island.”
But Patmos is far more than a mecca for the faithful. Charming sandy beaches, cozy taverns, wild nature, and photogenic old town alleys make the island one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese. We’ll take you to the most picturesque spots we explored during a week on the island of Patmos.
#1 The beautiful port 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 harbor of Skala, you’ll be greeted by the island’s enchanting scenery. Skala, with its white houses and charming shopping streets, is an ideal place to stroll and relax.
The coastal town is home to countless boutiques, fashion stores, and souvenir shops. Along the waterfront promenade and in the plaza, you can watch the bustling activity at the harbor while enjoying a freddo cappuccino in one of the cozy cafés.
Take some time to stroll through the alleys of Skala. They’re every bit as charming as those in Mykonos, Santorini, and other popular destinations. At every turn, you’ll find picturesque photo spots or quaint taverns to stop in.
Around noon during the summer season, the first cruise ships usually dock, and the small town is literally overrun by vacationers. If you want to escape the crowds, it’s best to visit Skala in the morning, late afternoon, or evening. By then, most of the ships have left.
#2 Chora: Old Town of Patmos
We drive up the hill from Skala to Chora. Even on the way there, everyone has probably noticed the imposing, dark Monastery of St. John high up on the mountain. The old town of Chora and its monastery are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and hardly any tourist leaves Patmos without having seen the picturesque old town streets.
Like in a labyrinth, the white stone houses huddle close together. At midday, the only sight in the cobblestone alleys is a few cats dozing in the sun. A mystical calm hangs in the air, and countless photo opportunities await explorers.
A stroll through Chora makes you feel as if you’re in a heavenly maze. New paths branch off everywhere, and somehow you don’t even want to find the exit.
You won’t encounter a soul, and you’ll have the picturesque alleys all to yourself. Enjoy the silence up here and let your gaze wander. At many corners, you’ll find pretty doors and shutters that you can capture with your camera.
There are several taverns and bars on Chora’s main square. Especially in the evening, the place comes alive and the old town suddenly springs to life. You can sit comfortably in the alleys with a cocktail or glass of wine, chatting and dancing to Greek music. Chora seems transformed after sunset, and the illuminated square glows magically in the evening light.
Before the sun disappears behind the horizon, it’s 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 Chora and the Monastery of St. John. By the way, experiencing the island of Patmos at Easter is a special highlight. That’s when one of Greece’s largest processions takes place on the holy island.
→ You can find more information about Easter on Patmos in our separate article: Easter in Greece
#3 Holy Monastery of St. John
In the heart of the old town of Chora stands the magnificent Monastery of St. John, built around 1088 from dark volcanic rock. It has been the island’s religious center since its inception and has been inhabited by monks for 900 years.
The beautiful courtyard with its arcades and chapels is well worth a visit. The monastery also houses a museum featuring ecclesiastical relics and icons, which can be visited for an additional fee.
Between Skala and Chora lies the Cave of the Apocalypse. The Apostle John is said to have heard the voice of God in this grotto and subsequently wrote the Book of Revelation. This is known as the final chapter of the Christian Bible.
Since then, the cave has been a popular pilgrimage site for believers. The small cave chapel is worth a visit for its ornate altars, golden icons, and candlesticks. Admission to the grotto is free.
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#4 Profitis Ilias: Patmos’ Highest Mountain
At just 269 meters, Profitis Ilias is the highest point on Patmos. The mountain lies south of Chora. Perched atop it is a small white church dedicated to the Prophet Elias. Unfortunately, the chapel is usually closed, but from up here you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and the Aegean Sea.
You can drive almost all the way up in a rental car and climb a few steps to reach the monastery. There is also a hiking trail to Profitis Ilias, allowing you to ascend the mountain from the north. A visit in the evening is particularly beautiful, when the sun bathes the monastery and Chora in warm light.
#5 Psili Amos Beach Paradise
After all that sightseeing, it’s time to explore Patmos’s most beautiful beaches. The island is no stranger to turquoise bays with charming beaches, and compared to its neighbors, Patmos has quite a few lovely swimming coves to offer.
The island’s most popular gem is Psili Amos Beach in the far southwest. It’s accessible only on foot or by boat. The beautiful cove is lined with tamarisk trees and a fine sandy beach. The seawater is crystal clear and shimmers in gorgeous shades of blue. The shallow entry and sandy bottom make it ideal for children as well. The back part of the beach is mostly reserved for nudists.
Even in the height of summer, however, the bay remains uncrowded thanks to its secluded location. During the high season, tour boats depart daily from Skala to the beach. We recommend exploring the beach on foot. The small trail leads from Stavros Bay for about 30 minutes along the mountain slopes.
You make your way past fragrant herbs and rugged rocks. Every now and then, a goat hops across the path. From a hilltop, you can then look down on the idyllic bay. There is a small tavern on site serving good food, though it is only open during the high season.
#6 Kalikatsou Rock near Grikos
Near the village of Grikos in the southeast of Patmos, a bizarre monolith on a headland jutting into the sea immediately catches your eye. The Kalikatsou rock is about 10 meters high and marks the beginning of Petras Bay. This stone colossus is considered an archaeological site. A temple to Aphrodite is said to have stood here in ancient times.
The view from above of the bay and the small offshore islet of Tragonisi is breathtaking. From the caves and crevices in the rock, you’ll discover fascinating perspectives of the Aegean Sea.
You can take a wonderful dip at the long, stretchy Petra Beach. The access to the sea is rocky, but as everywhere on Patmos, the water is wonderfully clear. A small beach bar is open during the summer months. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas on-site.
#7 The Secluded North of Patmos
The beaches in the north of the island are also worth seeing. The wind-sheltered bay of Livadi Geranou offers everything a swimmer could wish for: a mix of sand and pebbles, crystal-clear shallow water, and trees providing shade.
If you’re a strong swimmer, you can swim over to the small islet across the way with the chapel. A local tavern serves beachgoers cool drinks and mezedes.
Before reaching Livadi Geranou Beach, you’ll also pass the twin bays of Didimes. They nestle picturesquely along the coast and shimmer in a beautiful blue. You can reach one of the small coves, Liginou Livadi, on foot and usually swim there completely undisturbed.
#8 Day Trip to the Island of Lipsi
From Patmos, a day trip to the small neighboring island of Lipsi is well worth it. Here, fishing boats bob sleepily in the harbor. Time seems to move more slowly on Lipsi. The main town, Chora, enchants with its blue-and-white houses and its charming church.
Along Lipsi’s waterfront promenade, quaint taverns serve day-trippers fresh fish and other Greek delicacies. The freshly caught octopus is hung on the tavern’s roof to keep cats away.
On a day trip, you’ll only have 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 Lipsi’s most beautiful bay, Platis Gialos Beach.
Even from a distance, the sea shimmers turquoise blue, and the white sandy beach creates a Caribbean atmosphere. The water is shallow at the shore, and you can walk out into the sea for meters, as if on a sandbar. In the south, Chochlakoura Beach awaits you—another dream beach, though this one consists of gravel.
→ You can find more information about this little island gem, as well as useful travel tips and highlights, here: Lipsi Island
Restaurant recommendation on Patmos
Taverna Votris, Skala Marina
Taverna Votris is a culinary delight, and we simply couldn’t get enough of the Greek dishes with an oriental twist. Whether it was hummus with flatbread, souvlaki, or fresh fish, everything was simply delicious.
The owner and staff are very hospitable and attentive. The prices are absolutely reasonable for Patmos. The restaurant is located outside of Skala, right on the marina. Especially during peak season, you should reserve a spot 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. The Pernera Restaurant offers exclusively vegan dishes and prefers to use organic produce from the island or the Aegean region.
The homemade dishes are surprisingly delicious! From lentil salad to falafel with hummus to Turkish lahmacun pizza (meat-free, of course), there’s something for every taste. Even we, as non-vegans, found the food simply delicious! The small cooperative of three friends is a lovely team and has transformed Pernera into a photogenic paradise with plenty of recycled furniture.
Vagia Café, Vagia Beach
The Vagia Café is our absolute favorite on Patmos. It’s idyllically situated above the beach in a lovingly landscaped garden. The sweet and savory dishes are extremely tasty. From the terrace, you can enjoy a cool frappé while taking in a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. The chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream is especially popular and truly delicious.
Accommodations on the island of Patmos
The island of Patmos places great emphasis on sustainable tourism. As a result, there are no massive hotel complexes or resorts. Instead, Patmos is home to several stunning boutique hotels, vacation homes, and numerous apartments.
→ You can find many accommodations on Patmos via Booking.com* and check prices directly here:
➲ Beautiful accommodations on the island*
Our Hotel Recommendations for Patmos
Below, we’ve compiled a personal selection of beautiful hotels and apartments with excellent guest reviews on the island of Patmos. Click on the booking links from Booking.com* to learn more about prices and availability:
Manos House, Chora
Traditional vacation home for up to 4 people on the hillside of Chora, Patmos. Rooftop terrace with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. Chora and the windmills are within walking distance.
Eirini Luxury Hotel Villas, Grikos
Villa complex in a stunning location above Grikos. Traditional rooms with sea views. Beautiful outdoor area with a large terrace and pool, as well as an on-site restaurant & bar.
Mistral Patmos, Skala
Tasteful self-catering apartments in a central location with stunning sea views. The friendly hosts create a warm, family-like atmosphere.
Latmos 1860, Skala
Renovated natural stone house with a beautiful garden. The individual apartments are traditionally and tastefully furnished. Very central location near the harbor.
Skala Hotel, Skala
Solid 3-star hotel near the harbor with simply furnished rooms, a pool, and a beautiful garden.
This is where we stayed on Patmos
Optasia Apartments, Skala
Fotini’s Optasia Apartments are centrally located in Skala near the harbor. They are traditionally and tastefully furnished. From the upper floor, you have a magnificent view of the pier and the town of Patmos.
All rooms feature a balcony or terrace, kitchen, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. You can book the four apartments directly through their website, Optasia Patmos. Fotini and her family are very warm and hospitable and are always available to answer any questions.
🗺️ 12 Islands with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🔍 Our best planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Getting to the Island of Patmos
The island has no airport, so you can only reach Patmos by boat. The large ferries from Blue Star Ferries sail to Patmos daily from Piraeus during the summer season. We use the Ferryhopper* portal to search for suitable ferry connections and check prices:
➲ Book a ferry with Ferryhopper*
The catamarans of Dodekanisos Seaways connect the individual islands of the Dodecanese and are ideal for island hopping in Greece. A good starting point for a trip to Patmos is to fly to the islands of Kos or Samos and then continue by ferry to Patmos.
→ Get more info about the neighboring islands of Patmos here: Dodecanese Islands
Patmos YouTube Video
Check out Robert Polasek’s video © for a glimpse of the island:
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