About Patmos Island
Patmos Island is the location where Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation. For many years, the island was a place of pilgrimage for the Catholic and the Orthodox. Today, this mountainous island and its small coves attract sun lovers who wish to dive in its crystalline waters.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historic centre Chora with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the island of Patmos has been listed in the UNESCO Monuments of World Heritage Site since 1999.
Patmos Villages
The two most popular villages are Chora, the capital of Patmos and Skala, the only port of the island. Chora features beautiful mansions and captain residences were built in the 16th to 17th century. It has charming shops, taverns, cafes and small hotels amidst the narrow alleys, snow-white chapels and flowered courtyards. Skala, the commercial centre of the island, still holds the charms of a Greek small village. Skala flourished during the 19th century when many wealthy families settled down. Some amazing sights include the ruins of an ancient acropolis and the 17th century Church of Agia Paraskevi of Cavos.
Things to Do
The island is ideal for total relaxation at the beach or in the countryside or hiking. Many old footpaths cross the island and lead to tiny chapels, small settlements, beaches and hilltops with spectacular views to the sea.
- Patmos forms part of the Dodecanese Islands. It is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Aegean.
- Patmos does not have an airport. No matter where you fly, a ferry will be necessary.
- There are excursion boats from the port of Skala to the islands of Leros, Lipsi, Arki and Marathi, known for their crystal beaches, accessed only on foot.