Port of Call Patmos, Greece
View over Skala, port town of Patmos, Greece. Cruise ships anchor in Skala bay, then tender passengers into Skala harbor. Chora (also called Hora or Patmos town), from where this view of Skala was taken, is about two and a half miles away up a winding road.
Patmos Shore ExcursionsThe Monastery of St John the Theologian
The Monastery of St John the Theologian was founded by Hosios Christodoulos in 1088. It is a magnificent and imposing fortified building, standing on top of a hill, flanked by the town of Chora. Inside the thick walls you’ll find two chapels, a treasury, a library and the living quarters for the monks decorated with frescoes and mosaics, together with numerous relics, precious crosses, sacred communion cups, and ancient mitres. Travel options from the port to the monastery include a taxi (negotiate the fare before the ride), an infrequent bus service, or a tour. Talking a taxi up, and returning by foot on a medieval cobbled donkey track, is also possible.
Cave of the Apocalypse
When St John the Divine was exiled to Patmos by the Roman Emperor Domitian in AD95, he lived in the Cave of the Apocalypse. It was here he received his revelation from God, which he dictacted to his disciple Prothorus, so writing the Book of the Apolcalypse, or Revelation, the last book of the Bible. (To quote from the 1st Chapter of Revelation – “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”). The cave now lies at the lowest level of a large monastery, the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Cave of the Apocalypse is halfway up the Skala to Chora road, sheltered by trees.
Chora Town
To experience a small slice of Patmos life, a walk around Chora is a must. The quaint whitewashed houses separated by narrow streets and quiet shaded squares date from the middle ages. Enjoy a visit to an authentic Greek shop or tarverna, or wander off for a closeup look at the sadly sail-less windmills.
Skala Waterfront
Walk along the Skala waterfront and spot fishing boats, ferries and yachts. You’ll also see remains of the original baptismal font used by St. John to baptize the people of Patmos. Across from the font is a small whitewashed church decorated with a mosaic of the Saint.
Skala Town Beach
Just north of the ferry dock, you’ll find Skala Town beach, a narrow strip of pebbles shaded by some trees - welcome shade on a hot day. Much of the beach is occupied by several tavernas, but there's also plenty of room for sunbathing or swimming.
What to See
Chora - A medieval village around the Byzantine monastery of St.John. This unique village with white houses in the typical Aegean style is the heart of Patmos attracting visitors from all over the world.
Chora is a small community in itself, with lots of charming little restaurants and bars, some exquisite shops and small grocery shops. The village is connected with the rest of the island through regular bus transport and taxis or the old donkey path, which takes visitors down to the port in approximately 20 minutes.
Skala - Skala is the capital of Patmos and the biggest settlement on the island. A charming little port with lots of authentic restaurants, Greek cafenions and shops of all kinds. Evening entertainment is offered through a variety of bars, clubs and open coffee shops. All accommodations are mainly located at the quiet back part of Skala or along the sea front. Regular bus transport & taxis connects Skala with all parts of the island and daily excursion boats offer day trips to various quiet beaches and other nearby islands.
Groikos - An idyllic fishing village, approximately 5 km from the port of Skala, located at the fascinating bay of Grikos with its mysterious rock "Kallikatsou" which used to house hermits for many centuries.
The old square offers a romantic view of colorful fishing boats and small taverns offering traditional food at all times of the day. Secluded beaches with lots of shady trees and sun-beds with umbrellas in some parts, is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Water-sports are offered for those who seek sportive pleasures. Grikos is connected with all parts of the island through regular bus transport & taxis or old paths leading to Chora and Skala.
Kambos - A rural village approximately 5.5 Km from Skala located at a beautiful sandbay with lovely white houses in the Aegean style. An unspoiled piece of nature where fishers and farmers are your next door neighbours. The village square as well as the beach offer a variety of good taverns and a small grocery shop supplies you with whatever is needed. Shady trees and sun-beds on the beach give the visitor any comfort required and water-sports facilities are available for those who need some physical activity.
Kampos is connected with Skala through regular bus transport & taxis throughout the day.
"The Jerusalem of the Aegean" or Holy island is one way of describing Patmos island. Patmos is distinguished for its imposing 11th century Monastery which is the island's most important landmark.
View over Skala, port town of Patmos, Greece. Cruise ships anchor in Skala bay, then tender passengers into Skala harbor. Chora (also called Hora or Patmos town), from where this view of Skala was taken, is about two and a half miles away up a winding road.
Patmos Shore ExcursionsThe Monastery of St John the Theologian
The Monastery of St John the Theologian was founded by Hosios Christodoulos in 1088. It is a magnificent and imposing fortified building, standing on top of a hill, flanked by the town of Chora. Inside the thick walls you’ll find two chapels, a treasury, a library and the living quarters for the monks decorated with frescoes and mosaics, together with numerous relics, precious crosses, sacred communion cups, and ancient mitres. Travel options from the port to the monastery include a taxi (negotiate the fare before the ride), an infrequent bus service, or a tour. Talking a taxi up, and returning by foot on a medieval cobbled donkey track, is also possible.
Cave of the Apocalypse
When St John the Divine was exiled to Patmos by the Roman Emperor Domitian in AD95, he lived in the Cave of the Apocalypse. It was here he received his revelation from God, which he dictacted to his disciple Prothorus, so writing the Book of the Apolcalypse, or Revelation, the last book of the Bible. (To quote from the 1st Chapter of Revelation – “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”). The cave now lies at the lowest level of a large monastery, the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Cave of the Apocalypse is halfway up the Skala to Chora road, sheltered by trees.
Chora Town
To experience a small slice of Patmos life, a walk around Chora is a must. The quaint whitewashed houses separated by narrow streets and quiet shaded squares date from the middle ages. Enjoy a visit to an authentic Greek shop or tarverna, or wander off for a closeup look at the sadly sail-less windmills.
Skala Waterfront
Skala Town Beach
Whether you are interested in history and religion or not, the Monastery of St. John is a must. Its real name is Agios Ioannis o Theologos ("St. John the Theologist") and it looks like a huge fortress above Chora. In fact, it was built as a fortress in the 16th century, since the island needed some sort of defense when pirates attacked.
In the monastery you can visit the Byzantine church decorated with exquisite style frescoes and the Byzantine icon of St John, donated to the monastery by the empiror of Byzantium Alexios Komninos, in a crypte inside the the church are the relics of the blessed monk Christodoulos , worth to see also is the treasury and the museum. The two chapels next to the church of St. John are dedicated one to the Virgin Mary and the other to the blessed Christodoulos.
The Cave of Revelation lies between Chora and Skala and is where St. John had his vision. There is a crack in the roof where Jesus appeared to him and John dictated his vision to his disciple Prochorus. In the cave you can see a cross engraved on the rock which according to tradition, was made by Saint John. The Cave is surrounded by the monastery, which stands out with its white colour. A few steps carved in the rock leads in to the monastery. The Cave is at the lowest level of the monastery of St. John, and you can go there passing from the chapels of St. Nicholas, St. Artemios and St. Anna, which is next to the Cave.
The nunnery of Zoodochos Pigis ("Life-giving Source") lies in Chora and can sometimes be visited, but the most active nunnery is outside the village and is called Evangelismos.
When visiting all of the above, make sure you are dressed properly: women must wear long skirts and have covered shoulders, men must wear long trousers.
If you are up for a climb, visit the monastery of Profitis Elias ("Prophet Elias") where you'll get a fantastic view since it is the highest point of the island (269m). On a clear day you'll see as far as the islands of Lipsi, Leros and futher to Turkey.
In Kastelli hill are the ruins of the ancient citadel of the ancient capital of the island with a fortification wall and the foundations of three towers. The foundations of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo are near to the church of St. Constantine
In general, Chora is well worth walking around in. It is built like a labyrinth to keep the pirates away, and has many nice houses and little shops. In Chora also is the home and of Emmanuel Xanthos one of the founding members of the Society of Friends that was the first revolousinary organisation during the war of Indipendence in Greece.
What to Do :
In the monastery you can visit the Byzantine church decorated with exquisite style frescoes and the Byzantine icon of St John, donated to the monastery by the empiror of Byzantium Alexios Komninos, in a crypte inside the the church are the relics of the blessed monk Christodoulos , worth to see also is the treasury and the museum. The two chapels next to the church of St. John are dedicated one to the Virgin Mary and the other to the blessed Christodoulos.
The Cave of Revelation lies between Chora and Skala and is where St. John had his vision. There is a crack in the roof where Jesus appeared to him and John dictated his vision to his disciple Prochorus. In the cave you can see a cross engraved on the rock which according to tradition, was made by Saint John. The Cave is surrounded by the monastery, which stands out with its white colour. A few steps carved in the rock leads in to the monastery. The Cave is at the lowest level of the monastery of St. John, and you can go there passing from the chapels of St. Nicholas, St. Artemios and St. Anna, which is next to the Cave.
The nunnery of Zoodochos Pigis ("Life-giving Source") lies in Chora and can sometimes be visited, but the most active nunnery is outside the village and is called Evangelismos.
When visiting all of the above, make sure you are dressed properly: women must wear long skirts and have covered shoulders, men must wear long trousers.
If you are up for a climb, visit the monastery of Profitis Elias ("Prophet Elias") where you'll get a fantastic view since it is the highest point of the island (269m). On a clear day you'll see as far as the islands of Lipsi, Leros and futher to Turkey.
In Kastelli hill are the ruins of the ancient citadel of the ancient capital of the island with a fortification wall and the foundations of three towers. The foundations of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo are near to the church of St. Constantine
In general, Chora is well worth walking around in. It is built like a labyrinth to keep the pirates away, and has many nice houses and little shops. In Chora also is the home and of Emmanuel Xanthos one of the founding members of the Society of Friends that was the first revolousinary organisation during the war of Indipendence in Greece.
What to Do :
The island is quite windy, so it is good for windsurfing Renting a car or a moped is also a good idea so you can explore the island on your own.
Patmos has football and basketball stadiums and tournaments of Beach volleyball are organized in the summer. There are also daytrips to the small neighbouring islands Marathi, Arki and Lipsi. At Grikos you can rent a small sailing boat.
Patmos Beaches http://www.patmos-island.com/beaches/browse
There are about 20 beaches to choose between. Explore the little bays and find your own paradise. There are both pebble beaches and sand beaches. Nudists go to Psili Ammos, as well as people in swimming costumes. The sandy beach of Grikos looks like a lake because there a small island in the front. another nice beach is in the area of Petra The beach is lovely Petra. Diakofti has fine sand and Kampos beach is one of the best in Patmos. Other beaches are Merikas. Vagia, Aspri ,Agriolivado and also some nice beaches can be found on small islands around Patmos
Night life:
Patmos has football and basketball stadiums and tournaments of Beach volleyball are organized in the summer. There are also daytrips to the small neighbouring islands Marathi, Arki and Lipsi. At Grikos you can rent a small sailing boat.
There are about 20 beaches to choose between. Explore the little bays and find your own paradise. There are both pebble beaches and sand beaches. Nudists go to Psili Ammos, as well as people in swimming costumes. The sandy beach of Grikos looks like a lake because there a small island in the front. another nice beach is in the area of Petra The beach is lovely Petra. Diakofti has fine sand and Kampos beach is one of the best in Patmos. Other beaches are Merikas. Vagia, Aspri ,Agriolivado and also some nice beaches can be found on small islands around Patmos
You'll find some bars and discos in Chora and Skala. The atmosphere is more relaxed than anything else, but you can enjoy some good nights out.
Food http://www.patmos-island.com/en/drinks/browse/all
Food http://www.patmos-island.com/en/drinks/browse/all
There are several taverns in Chora and Skala, but also in the smaller villages Grikos and Kambos. Local specialties are different dishes of fish and seafood such as squid stuffed with rice, a specialty known to other islands of the Dodecanese, octopus stew and octopus grilled as well as local cheeses and sweetsShopping:You can get many handmade things on the island, and there are several art shops as well. The most typical souvenirs are to do with St. John, though, and icons are sold everywhere.
Getting Around http://www.patmos-island.com/areas/browse
Getting Around http://www.patmos-island.com/areas/browse
There is only one bus on the island connecting Chora with Skala and the other villages. Taxis are quite easy to find, and you can also rent cars and bikes. There is also a boat that goes to several beaches, but it is cancelled if it gets too windy.
Getting There:
Getting There:
The most common way to get to Patmos is to get a flight to Athens and then take the boat from there. Patmos is also connected with the other Dodecanese with catamarans and hydrofoils, in summer the small ship Patmos Star goes to Leros and Lipsi.A quick way to get to Patmos is to fly to Leros which is only half an hour with the catamaran, Patmos is connected as well with the islands of Mykonos, Samos and Tinos.
Facts about Patmos* Phone numbers*
Size: 35 km2 International code: 0030
Population: about 2500 Local code: 22470
Cash machine: Yes Health centre: 31211
Internet cafe:Yes . Police:31303
Highest Mountain:Profitis Elias, 269m Coast guard:
Airport: No Port Police: 31231
Tour Operators: Taxi:31225
Price rate: Average Tourist Information Office:
Patmos is so small it’s a good thing that there is no airport for it would be over crowded with people and the noise pollution would be annoying.
The only way to get to Patmos is by sea (although there is an operational helicopter pad, but this is not an option for most).
This stie http://www.openseas.gr/OPENSEAS/index_en.vm will help you find the route more convenient for you. Please note that these times sometimes do change so contact the Ferry office, travel agencies or port authorities for confirmation. You can also call (+30) 1440 for a recorded message in Greek, for the boat schedules of today and tomorrow to all islands in Greece.
Peireus to Patmos
A boat from Athens ( Piraeus ) takes 7 hours with Blue Star Ferries and 9-10 hours with ANEK ferries.
Boats leave from Gate E1 in Piraeus port daily. Gate E1 is for islands of the Dodecanese, to which Patmos belongs.
Tickets for all ferries are available from the corresponding kiosks across from the boats at the port . Do try to be there early , as some people miss their boats due to queuing for tickets.
Timetables are available only for the full tourist season of July – August. They are usually issued late June. These times sometimes change so call the Ferry office to confirm or call (+30) 14944 for a recorded message in Greek, for the boat schedules of today and tomorrow to all islands in Greece. There are also timetables for flights, trains and buses on this telephone service.
Catamaran
There is also a catamaran "DODEKANISOS SEAWAYS" that reaches Patmos from the ports of Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes. Click here for more information.
Flying Dolphin
From there you can catch a flying dolphin (hydrofoil) or a small private vessel. Caution: When the wind speed reaches 6-7 Bft the flying dolphins (hydrofoils) do not leave the port they are at.
For Flying dolphin's schedule for July-August-September click here. For other travel dates contact port authorities or travel agencies.
There are also small privately-owned ferries from different islands usually doing day tours to Patmos, their times change regularly so calling the port authorities is the only way to verify their times. Call travel agencies for more, if any details.
The fastest way to get to Patmos is by flying to Samos island international airport, Kos island international airport or Leros island domestic airport.
www.olympic.gr & www.aegean-air.gr
Facts about Patmos* Phone numbers*
Size: 35 km2 International code: 0030
Population: about 2500 Local code: 22470
Cash machine: Yes Health centre: 31211
Internet cafe:Yes . Police:31303
Highest Mountain:Profitis Elias, 269m Coast guard:
Airport: No Port Police: 31231
Tour Operators: Taxi:31225
Price rate: Average Tourist Information Office:
Getting to Patmos
Patmos is so small it’s a good thing that there is no airport for it would be over crowded with people and the noise pollution would be annoying.
The only way to get to Patmos is by sea (although there is an operational helicopter pad, but this is not an option for most).
This stie http://www.openseas.gr/OPENSEAS/index_en.vm will help you find the route more convenient for you. Please note that these times sometimes do change so contact the Ferry office, travel agencies or port authorities for confirmation. You can also call (+30) 1440 for a recorded message in Greek, for the boat schedules of today and tomorrow to all islands in Greece.
Peireus to Patmos
A boat from Athens ( Piraeus ) takes 7 hours with Blue Star Ferries and 9-10 hours with ANEK ferries.
Boats leave from Gate E1 in Piraeus port daily. Gate E1 is for islands of the Dodecanese, to which Patmos belongs.
Tickets for all ferries are available from the corresponding kiosks across from the boats at the port . Do try to be there early , as some people miss their boats due to queuing for tickets.
Timetables are available only for the full tourist season of July – August. They are usually issued late June. These times sometimes change so call the Ferry office to confirm or call (+30) 14944 for a recorded message in Greek, for the boat schedules of today and tomorrow to all islands in Greece. There are also timetables for flights, trains and buses on this telephone service.
Catamaran
There is also a catamaran "DODEKANISOS SEAWAYS" that reaches Patmos from the ports of Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes. Click here for more information.
Flying Dolphin
From there you can catch a flying dolphin (hydrofoil) or a small private vessel. Caution: When the wind speed reaches 6-7 Bft the flying dolphins (hydrofoils) do not leave the port they are at.
For Flying dolphin's schedule for July-August-September click here. For other travel dates contact port authorities or travel agencies.
There are also small privately-owned ferries from different islands usually doing day tours to Patmos, their times change regularly so calling the port authorities is the only way to verify their times. Call travel agencies for more, if any details.
Plane
The fastest way to get to Patmos is by flying to Samos island international airport, Kos island international airport or Leros island domestic airport.
www.olympic.gr & www.aegean-air.gr
Chora - A medieval village around the Byzantine monastery of St.John. This unique village with white houses in the typical Aegean style is the heart of Patmos attracting visitors from all over the world.
Chora is a small community in itself, with lots of charming little restaurants and bars, some exquisite shops and small grocery shops. The village is connected with the rest of the island through regular bus transport and taxis or the old donkey path, which takes visitors down to the port in approximately 20 minutes.
Skala - Skala is the capital of Patmos and the biggest settlement on the island. A charming little port with lots of authentic restaurants, Greek cafenions and shops of all kinds. Evening entertainment is offered through a variety of bars, clubs and open coffee shops. All accommodations are mainly located at the quiet back part of Skala or along the sea front. Regular bus transport & taxis connects Skala with all parts of the island and daily excursion boats offer day trips to various quiet beaches and other nearby islands.
Groikos - An idyllic fishing village, approximately 5 km from the port of Skala, located at the fascinating bay of Grikos with its mysterious rock "Kallikatsou" which used to house hermits for many centuries.
The old square offers a romantic view of colorful fishing boats and small taverns offering traditional food at all times of the day. Secluded beaches with lots of shady trees and sun-beds with umbrellas in some parts, is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Water-sports are offered for those who seek sportive pleasures. Grikos is connected with all parts of the island through regular bus transport & taxis or old paths leading to Chora and Skala.
Kambos - A rural village approximately 5.5 Km from Skala located at a beautiful sandbay with lovely white houses in the Aegean style. An unspoiled piece of nature where fishers and farmers are your next door neighbours. The village square as well as the beach offer a variety of good taverns and a small grocery shop supplies you with whatever is needed. Shady trees and sun-beds on the beach give the visitor any comfort required and water-sports facilities are available for those who need some physical activity.
Kampos is connected with Skala through regular bus transport & taxis throughout the day.
DO NOT MISS - Monastery of St. John the Theologician
"The Jerusalem of the Aegean" or Holy island is one way of describing Patmos island. Patmos is distinguished for its imposing 11th century Monastery which is the island's most important landmark.
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