Patmos Travel Tips: The Most Important Information for Your Holiday

We first visited Patmos back in 2014 and immediately fell in love with this small island just south of Samos, to which we have since returned several times. People travel to Patmos for two reasons: either as religious tourists to follow in the footsteps of the Apostle John, or as independent travelers to spend a vacation far from the tourist hotspots and soak up the island’s magical atmosphere.

Patmos doesn’t have any massive hotel complexes, but it does offer chic apartments and elegant boutique hotels, as well as villas with pools in the countryside. Whether you’re traveling with your partner or your family, you can enjoy relaxing days on the compact island of Patmos. We’ve thoroughly explored Patmos for you and compiled all the essential information on how to get there, getting around, and day trips. With our Patmos travel tips, you’ll be perfectly prepared:

#1 Getting to the Island of Patmos

Patmos is accessible only by ferry; this compact island does not have an airport. However, there are plenty of ferry connections to the island—more on that below. Most travelers choose to fly to the southern island of Kos, which is served by seasonal charter and scheduled flights between early April and early November. Flights to Kos (KGS) take about three hours and depart from many European airports.

An alternative way to travel to Patmos would be via the neighboring island of Samos to the north. Samos Airport (SMI) is served from May through October, though there are significantly fewer flights than to Kos. On the other hand, the ferry ride from Samos to Patmos is shorter. From Samos, you can reach Patmos in about an hour and a half. The ferry ride from Kos to Patmos takes between 2.5 and 4 hours.

Depending on your flight’s arrival time, it’s a good idea to plan to stay overnight on Kos or Samos and head to Patmos the next day. Most flights are operated by international airlines such as Aegean, Ryanair, EasyJet, Condor, and Eurowings. On the Skyscanner* portal, you can find suitable flights departing from the airport of your choice:

➲ Find affordable flights to Kos*

#2 Ferry Connections to Patmos

Patmos is a small hub in the eastern Aegean and is well connected to the ferry network. There are ferry connections north to Samos, Ikaria, and Lesbos, as well as south to small and large Dodecanese islands such as Kos and Rhodes. There are also routes heading west to the Cyclades and to the country’s largest ferry port, Piraeus. All car ferries, catamarans, and sightseeing boats dock at the port of Skala on Patmos.

The port town of Skala is very chic and offers restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, car rental agencies, and the widest selection of accommodations on Patmos. Large car ferries arrive three to four times a week and usually dock at night. Almost daily, a high-speed catamaran connects Patmos with the neighboring islands of Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, and Kos to the south. At least twice a week, the catamaran travels to Ikaria, Fourni, and Samos to the north.

Overview of ferry connections from Patmos (Skala Port):

• Patmos – Piraeus (mainland), approx. 8 hours (up to 4 times a week with Blue Star Ferries)
• Patmos – Kos, approx. 2.5 to 4 hours (Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries)
• Patmos – Samos (Pythagorio), approx. 1 to 3 hours (Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries)
• Patmos – Lipsi and Leros, approx. 20 min. to 1.5 hrs. (Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries, and Patmos Star)
• Patmos – Ikaria and Fourni, approx. 1 hour (seasonal service with Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries)

The large ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries connect Patmos with Piraeus and also travel within the Dodecanese, for example to Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Kalymnos, Rhodes, and Symi. The catamarans operated by Dodekanisos Seaways run most frequently and serve destinations including Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Samos, Ikaria, Fourni, Arki, and Agathonisi.

SAOS Ferries primarily supplements the routes from Patmos to Samos, Lipsi, Arki, and Agathonisi, though its service is less frequent and generally slower. The small passenger ship Patmos Star operates several times a week during the season and connects the neighboring islands of Lipsi, Arki, and Leros with Patmos.

If you want to take the ferry from Kos to Patmos, the trip departs from Kos Town. The high-speed ferry operated by Dodekanisos Seaways usually departs around noon, and you’ll arrive in Patmos in just under two hours. The crossing to Patmos costs between 30 and 60 €. The large car ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries take three to four hours to reach Patmos. Departures from Kos are usually around 9:00 p.m., and the trip costs only between 15 and 25 €.

If you want to travel from Samos to Patmos, you’ll depart from the port of Pythagorio on Samos. The fastest option is the high-speed catamaran, which reaches Patmos in about an hour and a half. Alternatively, SAOS Ferries operates several times a week. While the ferry service is cheaper, the trip takes a good three hours because it stops at Agathonisi and Arki. Important: Schedules change frequently, especially during the off-season.

Since several ferry companies sail to Patmos each day, there is no general ferry schedule. You’ll need to check online for available connections. The easiest way to book your ferry tickets to Patmos is through our partner Ferryhopper*:

➲ Book your ferry with Ferryhopper*

#3 Best Time to Visit Patmos

Patmos is located in the eastern Aegean Sea, south of Samos, and has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. Nevertheless, Patmos is a very barren island, more reminiscent of the Cyclades. From late May through mid-October, there’s usually not a drop of rain. In the summer, the Meltemi—a strong north wind reaching up to force 6—provides pleasant relief from the heat.

We’ve been to Patmos several times and have been greeted with wonderful weather almost every time. Those who prefer greener scenery should visit Patmos in the spring. A special highlight is Greek Easter on Patmos, which is celebrated spectacularly in Chora and at the Monastery of St. John. Fall is also a great time to visit Patmos, as many establishments stay open well into the season thanks to the regular cruise ship traffic.

The season begins in May on Patmos; at least in Skala, many shops and taverns are already open, and hotels are offering attractive rates. The beach restaurants, however, aren’t quite ready yet, as the sea around Patmos is still quite cool at 17–19 °C. At the time, we only dared to dip our feet in. On the other hand, poppies are blooming everywhere, and you still have large parts of the island all to yourself—even with temperatures around 24 degrees.

For many vacationers, June is the best time to visit Patmos, as the last rains have passed, almost everything is open, and it’s still relatively quiet. Only on days when cruise ships dock can Skala and the alleys of Chora get a bit more crowded. On some days, the thermometer climbs to 28 degrees, but as soon as the Meltemi wind picks up, it cools down again a bit. The sea water is slowly reaching swimming temperatures.

Starting in July, Patmos really comes to life, and countless vacationers linger late into the night in the taverns and bars of Chora and Skala. One of the main attractions is the Aegean Film Festival, which runs for a week. Many celebrities visit the island—in 2026, for example, pop icon Madonna. On calm days in August, the temperature can even climb past the 35-degree mark, so the only relief is a dip at Psili Ammos Beach.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you should visit Patmos in September. Daytime temperatures are still around 27 degrees, but the nights are milder and much quieter. The sea is still a pleasant 23 degrees, and even the quaint tavern on Psili Ammos Beach was open until mid-October during our last visit. In the fall, there are some great hotel deals on Patmos—you just have to be prepared for a few rainy days.

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#4 Hotel Tips for Patmos

Despite its small size, Patmos boasts an amazing variety of accommodations. While there are no massive hotel complexes or resorts, there are several family-run studio complexes, private apartments, and small boutique hotels in Skala, as well as vacation homes in the interior. The island focuses on sustainable tourism, aside from the cruise ships.

Patmos has made a name for itself among the jet set, and many celebrities from Greece and abroad already own vacation homes here. The island has become one of the most expensive real estate markets in Greece, and accommodation prices on Patmos are correspondingly high. Even in the off-season, it’s really difficult to find anything under €100 per night. In the summer, hotel prices on Patmos climb to €150 to €200 and more.

Most hotels and guesthouses are located in Skala, but that’s also where things are liveliest. Scooters and taxis are on the main roads all night long. In the main town of Chora, the upper village of Skala, there are only a few apartments; the town is being protected from being overdeveloped. In addition, Chora has restricted traffic, and every piece of luggage must be carried over the cobblestones.

If you’re looking for a quiet vacation spot on Patmos, then Grikos—located just four kilometers south of Skala—is the perfect choice for you. Several good hotels and studio complexes have sprung up along a sheltered bay. The village also features taverns and cafés, as well as a beach within walking distance. Those who prefer a more traditional setting will find vacation homes and apartments with ocean views in Kampos, north of Skala.

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Here’s where we stayed on Patmos

Patmos Eye Boutique Hotel & Villas, Skala

The Patmos Eye is located in the northern part of Skala, near the marina and above the harbor town. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the bay while still sleeping soundly. The atmosphere is friendly; you’ll quickly strike up conversations with other guests, many of whom travel from overseas. Hotel manager Nikos and his team made our stay truly special. Vicky and Katerina were also always there for us with a smile and helpful advice.

The Patmos Eye Boutique Hotel features twelve rooms and suites, some with private plunge pools. The architecture draws inspiration from the old Patmian mansions, so all rooms have their own unique touch, are flooded with light, and offer ocean views. Our room included a private terrace with its own small pool.

In the afternoon, you can relax wonderfully on the terrace, and in the evening, enjoy the view of Chora and the illuminated Monastery of St. John over a glass of wine. The nights at the Patmos Eye Hotel were peaceful, and the comfortable beds made for a very restful sleep. As a family, we also booked a private session at the hotel’s in-house hammam in the spa, followed by a massage—a real highlight for the three of us!

Every day starts off really relaxed with a hearty breakfast, which is served either in your room or on the hotel terrace. Chef Stathis prepares everything fresh every morning, and upon request, he’ll customize your breakfast just for you. In the evening, the outdoor terrace (Pink Veranda) is also a great spot for a drink as the day slowly winds down and you enjoy the tranquility overlooking the bay.

The Patmos Eye Hotel is a stylish and personal recommendation for your stay on Patmos. We’d even choose it for our honeymoon if we weren’t already married. 😉 You can take a closer look at the hotel and check availability on Booking.com*:

➲ Book the Patmos Eye Hotel*

More Places to Stay on Patmos

Here’s a personal selection of other lovely places to stay on Patmos (links to Booking.com*):

Optasia Apartments, Skala: The warm and welcoming host, Fotini, rents out four apartments in a central location above the waterfront promenade. They’re traditionally and tastefully furnished, with a balcony or terrace, a well-equipped kitchen, and air conditioning.

➲ Visit the Optasia Apartments website

Mistral Patmos, Skala: A tasteful self-catering apartment complex, centrally located with ocean views. A family-friendly atmosphere and friendly hosts.

➲ Book Mistral Apartments*

Manos House, Chora: Traditional vacation home for up to 4 people on a hillside. Rooftop terrace with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea.

➲ Book Manos House*

Eirini Luxury Hotel Villas, Grikos: Villa complex above Grikos, featuring traditional rooms with ocean views. Outdoor area with a large terrace and pool, as well as an on-site restaurant and bar.

➲ Book Eirini Luxury Villas*

On Booking.com*, you’ll find many more accommodations on Patmos and can compare prices directly.

#5 Rental Cars, Scooters, & Buses on Patmos

Compared to its northern neighbor islands, Samos and Ikaria, Patmos is truly tiny and has a relatively flat terrain. From the centrally located town of Skala, it’s just a 5-minute drive to Chora; Lambi Beach in the north and Diakofti in the south are each eight kilometers away, a journey that takes just under 17 minutes. Due to the narrow roads, a compact car is recommended. You can rent one starting at 45 € per day.

You can book your rental car for Patmos right away through our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ Book a rental car for the island*

There are no major car rental companies on Patmos, like Sixt or Avis, but there are local rental agencies in Skala that can be more flexible in meeting customer needs. We recommend booking your rental car well in advance, as the small island can quickly run out of availability in July and August due to the influx of visitors. Our recommendations for car rental companies on Patmos are:

• Patmos Rent a Car Nikolakakis
• Patmos Moto & Car Rent Express

Some hotels have their own parking lots where you can park your rental car. Alternatively, you can park for free in the large parking lot in Skala next to the Chris Hotel. If you’re planning to island-hop, it’s worth renting a new vehicle on each island. The fees for cars on ferries are extremely high, and your insurance coverage may lapse in an emergency if you take the vehicle onto the ferry.

Scooters, ATVs, and Bicycles on Patmos

We’d describe Patmos as a classic scooter island: The highest point is only 270 meters, and the roads are well-maintained, though narrow and winding. Outside the high season, you can often rent a scooter on the spot at the harbor, but in the summer, you should reserve one two weeks in advance. Prices for 50-cc scooters start at €20. A quad (ATV) is also a good option on Patmos, allowing you to explore some off-road trails.

If you’d like to rent a scooter on Patmos, check out these companies:

• Moto Leo – Scooter & ATV Rental Patmos
• Billis Patmos Rentals

Some scooter rental companies also offer bicycles and e-bikes. Since this Dodecanese island is only 12 km long and 5 km wide, Patmos is also easy to explore by bike. We’ve also heard from other travelers who got around the island easily on foot and by hitchhiking. The walk from Skala through Chora to Grikos is just under six kilometers and offers spectacular views.

Taxis and buses on Patmos

Taxis are a popular way to get around on Patmos because, thanks to the short distances, fares are manageable—though still quite high. Fares for the main route from Skala to Chora are around 10–12 €, and the rest are negotiable. There are a good dozen taxis on the island, some of which are available around the clock. The taxi stand is located right next to the bus stop at the port of Skala. On days when cruise ships are in port, you should reserve your taxi in advance.

• Radiotaxi Patmos Number: +30 22470 3122

You can take the bus on Patmos to reach the main attractions, such as the monastery and the beaches in the north and south. The green-and-white municipal buses run year-round, and a ride costs between 1.50 and 2 euros. The central bus stop is located right in front of the Skala ferry port. From here, there are several daily trips to Chora, Kampos, and Grikos. The service to Grikos is suspended between mid-October and April.

The bus schedules for Patmos are kept up to date by the municipality and can be viewed here: patmosbus.gr

#6 Things to See on Patmos

During our last visit, we were only there for three days, and although Patmos is a small island, you could easily spend a week there. The port town of Skala, with its charming architecture, is perfect for a leisurely stroll, or you can simply sit back in one of the cafés and do nothing at all. And photography enthusiasts will find their paradise in Chora, where countless photo opportunities await in the narrow streets.

The highlight of Patmos is undoubtedly the Monastery of St. John (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which stands majestically above Chora and stands out clearly against the sea of chalk-white houses thanks to its brown stone. But there’s plenty to discover beyond this major attraction as well, such as the whimsical Kalikatsou Rock. Patmos is also a great place for hiking. The most popular trail leads from Diakofti to Psili Ammos Beach (about 40 minutes).

Below is a summary of the most important sights on Patmos:

• Chora and the Monastery of St. John
• Windmills of Chora
• Cave of the Apocalypse
• The port town of Skala
• Mount Profitis Ilias and Monastery
• Psili Ammos Beach
• Kalikatsou Rock near Grikos
• Livadi Geranou and Didimes Bay
• Monastery of the Annunciation (Evangelismos)
• Ancient Acropolis of Kastelli
• Day Trip to Lipsi

#7 Patmos Excursions and Tours

The main attractions on Patmos are the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, which are only five minutes apart. On a guided tour of Patmos’s UNESCO sites, you’ll learn more about the island’s history and its significance as a pilgrimage site. We recommend choosing a small-group tour, which you can easily book online through our partner GetYourGuide*:

➲ View island tours*

Tours to Patmos’s neighboring islands are also popular, such as the inhabited islands of Lipsi and Arki, as well as the uninhabited Aspronisi Islands. Between late May and September, several tour operators compete for guests at the port of Skala. Prices for a trip to Arki or Lipsi from Patmos start at €35. The full-day tour includes several swimming stops (including Tiganakia Bay), light snacks, and a shore excursion. Departure is at 10 a.m. from Skala, with return around 6:30 p.m.

For boat trips to Lipsi or Arki, we can recommend the following operators:

• Patmos Daily Cruises
• Patmos Cruises Elpida
• Lipsi the Rena

In the summer, boat trips to the popular Psili Ammos Beach are also offered from Skala, both as half-day tours with a BBQ and via water taxi (a 45-minute ride). In recent years, several providers have also established themselves that rent out small motorboats. In Greece, you can cruise along the coast in a boat with up to 25 PS without a boating license. For more information, visit the website: patmosboats.com

#8 Patmos Restaurants: Our Recommendations

Let’s be honest: There are islands that have more to offer culinarily than Patmos. The fast-paced tourism (cruise ships) and the international crowd in the summer somewhat tarnish the image of the menus. And quite a few restaurants along the Skala promenade don’t exactly shine when it comes to quality. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat well here, though—it just means that prices on Patmos are pretty high for what’s on offer.

A Greek salad for €13, moussaka for €15 to €20, and tzatziki for €7 reminded us of the price levels on Skiathos. Nevertheless, we’ve found a few excellent spots for you and are sharing our favorite cafés and restaurants on Patmos here:

Restaurant Votris, Skala

We first ate here in 2014; back then, it was still rustic but had a warm, family-like atmosphere. Even after more than ten years, the same family runs the place, and the quality is still top-notch. While the ambiance has become a bit more upscale, it fits the island’s character perfectly. Votris Restaurant is a culinary delight, and we simply couldn’t get enough of the Greek dishes. Whether it’s salads, meat dishes, or fresh fish (including ceviche), everything is simply delicious.

The entire team is very hospitable and attentive and is happy to help you choose your meal. The prices are absolutely reasonable for Patmos, and the portions are generously sized. Especially during peak season, you should reserve a spot on the terrace in advance. When we stopped by on a whim in October, we had no trouble getting a table. The restaurant is located just outside Skala, right on the marina.

Pernera Vegan Restaurant, Skala

This unique restaurant has been open in the main town of Skala since 2019 and has been delighting many vacationers and locals alike with its exceptional dishes ever since. It is the first vegan restaurant on the island of Patmos. Pernera Restaurant offers exclusively vegan dishes and prioritizes organic ingredients from the island or the Aegean Sea.

The homemade dishes are surprisingly delicious! From lentil salad to falafel with hummus to the Turkish pizza lahmacun (meat-free, of course), there’s something for every taste. Even we, as non-vegans, found the food simply delicious. The charming staff also has a knack for decoration and has transformed Pernera into a photogenic paradise on Patmos, featuring plenty of recycled furniture.

Vagia Café, Vagia Beach

The Vagia Café is one of our favorites when we want to enjoy a light snack or coffee and cake on Patmos. The bistro is 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 magnificent view of the Aegean Sea while sipping a cool freddo. The chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream is especially popular and very delicious.

Loza, Chora

For many locals, this is the best restaurant on the island. Its location at the entrance to Chora is spectacular, and the view of Patmos, across to Ikaria and Samos, is especially romantic in the evening. Prices at Loza are correspondingly high, but you definitely get your money’s worth. Everything we tried tasted exquisite, from Greek classics to international dishes. Plus, the staff is extremely friendly.

Bakaliko Patmos, Chora

This relatively unassuming little shop-bistro is located on the path leading up to the Monastery of St. John and is perfect for a quick break. There are only a few outdoor seats, but you can also take your food and drinks to go. In addition to freddo coffee, fresh juices, and other drinks, they also offer snacks such as sandwiches and focaccia. Due to its location in Chora, Bakaliko Patmos stays open very late during the season, at least until the end of October.

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Who Should Visit the Island of Patmos

Patmos has a lot to offer without being overwhelming. Both Skala and Chora are well worth a visit and convey the typical postcard image of Greece. Here, travelers seeking peace and culture—who are looking for something different from the most popular Greek islands—mingle with Christian pilgrims, sailors exploring the Dodecanese, and independent island-hoppers. Only those seeking big-time entertainment, all-inclusive deals, and endless beaches won’t find happiness on Patmos.

→ You can find more posts about Patmos and the surrounding Dodecanese islands here in the overview: Dodecanese Blog

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