Patmos island

General info:

Patmos lies off the northern part of the Dodecanese cluster and close to Ikaria and Leros islands.  It covers an area of 35 square km approximately and has some 3,000 permanent residents.
Its diverse relief is composed by arid hills, interesting rock formations, small green valleys and meadows of wild flowers, magnificent beaches, spectacular caves and peaceful coves. Scattered around the island there are traditional settlements of white houses, fine mansion and byzantine churches, all bathed under an almost transcendental clear sunlight.
It was in one of the caves of this land of serenity and harmony that St. John the Divine was inspired the Book of the Apocalypse. Since then the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”, as Patmos is called, has become a sacred place of pilgrimage for Christians.

Receiving plenty of visitors each year for its charms, Patmos has developed a highly tourist industry, offering plenty of accommodation amenities and also choices for both entertainment and exploration.

Historical profile:
 
According to plenty excavation finds that have been uncovered around the island, Patmos was first inhabited in the Prehistoric Times. Apart from some references by Thucydides and Strabo, little is known for the history of Patmos in the centuries followed,

Yet, we do know that during the Roman Times it was served as a place of exile and around 95 AD, the Apostle John was exiled, lived and inspired the Apocalypse in the cave that today is known as “The Cave of the Apocalypse”. During the following centuries Patmos was  severely ravaged by continuous pirates raids, while in 1088 it came under the jurisdiction of osios Christodoulos Latrenos, who founded the imposing Monastery of St. John the Divine (Theologian). The island flourished in the 16th and 17th century and became an important trade centre. In 1912 Patmos was occupied by the Italians forces and was liberated in 1948 when it was annexed to the Greek State.  

Villages:

Chora (Hora) is the capital of Patmos and one of the most enchanting capitals of the Dodecanese. Distinguishing for the excellent architecture of its bright white houses built around  the Monastery, its labyrinth cobbled narrow alleys, its remarkable buildings, the quaint squares and the fine windmills, Chora breathes an atmosphere of elegancy, romance and modesty as well.
The Monastery of St. John the Theologian, which is built at the top of the hill and upon the ruins of the ancient Tempe of the Artemis and the remnants of an Early Basilica captivates the visitor with its stunning wall-painting and its delightful chapels. The Cave of the Apocalypse, the Patmian School, cradle of the Greek Enlightenment in which eminent people of the spirit have studied in it and the 19th –century Monastery of the Annunciation are only few of the worth-visiting sites in Chora.

Grikos, situated just some 5 km southeast to the capital, is a seaside resort built among  a delightful small valley and in the arms of a tranquil bay. Having preserved its low-key profile, the village is characterized by traditional houses, while its waterfront is linen with taverns, shops and coffee-bars. The chapel of St. John the Theologian built upon the relics of a Roman bath , the “rock of Kallikatsos”  that  was used for religious rituals in antiquity and a  beautiful sandy beach are parts of Grikos’ charm. Here  you will also find several accommodation facilities.

Skala, located 5 km approximately north to the capital is a seaside settlement and also the port of Patmos.  Due to its busy port and also because it is the largest settlement on the island, Skala is a livable small town   and also the centre of the island’s nightlife. Here you will find many accommodation amenities and entertainment options for all pockets and tastes.
The ruins of the Baptistery of St. John the Theologian, the remnants of the ancient acropolis at the Kasteli hill in which parts of the walls and ruins of the ancient Temple of Apollo can still be seen, and the Church of Panagia of Koumana that crowns the homonymous hill are some of thw worth-seeing in Skala.
The islet of Petrocaravo (Stone-ship), which was named as such due to its shape, is also worth-visiting. The legend says that it was a pirate- ship that  was petrified after the prayers of the osios Chistodoulos.

 Beaches:

Patmos offers a range of fine beaches. Some of them are organized while others are remote offering moments of relaxation and privacy.

The beach of Kambos  is  the most popular and  well-organized one. It has   sand and thick pebbles, shallow waters and some  tamarisk –trees  that  offer a pleasant shade.
The   beach of Grikos,   a long sandy and organized one with crystalline waters; the Skala  beach, an equally sandy  and family-friendly due to its clear shallow waters the Psili Ammos  beach with golden sand, crystalline waters and tamarisk trees are some other popular ones and the.
The Lambi Beach with coloured pebbles and crystal- clear waters and the beach of Agriolivado with a mixture of sand and pebbles, surrounded by green scenery are also worth a visit.



Access:
Patmos    is connected via scheduled trips   with the    Port of Piraeus. It is also linked with the islands of Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi,  Symi, Rhodes, Syros, Naxos and Paros.

 

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