The Island of the Apocalypse
Also known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”, Patmos Island blends natural beauty with a unique energy, and eclectic cosmopolitanism with a deeply religious aspect.
Discover a small yet grand island in the eastern reaches of the Aegean Sea
Patmos, the northernmost part of the Dodecanese Islands, is truly unique. Infiltrated with a strong sense of spirituality and mysticism, it is characterised mainly by serenity and tranquillity, but also acquires a high-profile, ultra-eclectic quality. During the last decades, the island has become a top favourite for a most upper-class, sophisticated crowd, including artists, mega-celebrities, intellectuals, even royals. Still, at the same time, its history and culture are indissolubly connected to Orthodox Christianity. Holy land for any faithful Orthodox, as this is the place where St. John the Theologian, one of Jesus Christ’s Twelve Disciples, wrote The Revelation, aka The Book of the Apocalypse, while exiled on this beautiful small dot on the world map.
The beach factor
Maybe the most important factor, when it comes to any Greek island, the beach scene of Patmos is undeniably mesmerising. The most famous beach on the island, and once the only organised one, Kambos has been a popular meeting point for the elegant crowds of the Island of the Apocalypse for many years, offering colourful sunbeds, a nice beach bar, a restaurant, some tavernas and water sports facilities, making it ideal for families and companies of friends alike.
Also organised and blessed with golden sand and transparent waters, and with its fair share of tavernas and beach bars, but also with plenty of free space, Agrio Livadi has a definite youthful ambiance. The same goes for Grikos beach, which also offers unblocked views of the towering rock of Kalikatsou. On the other hand, if seeking a close-to-nature experience, then Vagia with its shady tamarisks and crystal-clear waters, Livadi tou Geranou with its smooth pebbles and the Didimes (twin) beaches with their stunning natural beauty are indeed the way to go.
A definite must-visit, Psili Ammos can be reached by boat from Skala or after a 30-minute rocky hike from the main road. It offers golden fine sand, azure waters, some very popular shady trees, and a small traditional tavern where you can literally enjoy an original Greek meal with your feet buried in the sand. Do take the time to pop by Lambi beach with its large and shiny pebbles and a tavern famous for its saganaki flambe, among other local delicacies.
Kambos beach
Kambos beach, located 9km from Chora on the northern side of Patmos, boasts crystal-clear waters and pristine sand, making it a must-visit for beach enthusiasts. The beach offers a variety of water sports facilities, including windsurfing, sailing, paragliding, and canoeing, while the wider region provides a selection of hotels for accommodation. Visitors can cap off a day of water sports with local delicacies like fresh lobster at nearby seaside taverns, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers.
Agrio Livadi beach
Agrio Livadi beach, is a secluded beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, clear waters, and on-site facilities. The left side of the bay offers a quieter and more natural setting with ample shade from large trees. Additionally, the beach provides a tourist harbor with colourful local boats and amenities such as restrooms and umbrellas for rent. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, and there is a free parking lot located a short walk from the beach. Moreover, the beach offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and greenery, providing a peaceful coastal experience.
Grikos beach
Grikos beach, found 5 km southeast of Skala and Chora on Patmos Island, is a charming fishing village with a long sandy beach, verdant surroundings, and clear waters. The village features traditional cafes, taverns, and accommodations, as well as the Agios Ioannis Theologos chapel offering breathtaking views. Accessible by car, the beach provides opportunities for snorkelling, hiking, and dining at nearby establishments. It is a perfect choice for those desiring a tranquil coastal experience with convenient access to amenities and nearby historic sites.
Vagia beach
Vagia beach, located 7 km northeast of Skala, is a serene and secluded pebbled beach with crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views from a nearby café renowned for its homemade pastries and pies. Accessible by various means of transportation and free parking access, the beach is a favourite destination for families, couples, and solo travellers seeking a peaceful coastal experience.
Livadi Geranou beach
Livadi Geranou beach, features a stunning sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, shaded areas, and wind protection. The picturesque landscape with islet-like formations and large Tamarisk trees offers a serene setting, and visitors can enjoy local cuisine at a nearby restaurant with panoramic views. Accessible by various transportation means, Livadi Geranou is an ideal spot for a tranquil coastal experience in captivating natural surroundings.
Didimes beach
Didimes beach, also known as the Twin beaches, is a hidden gem on Patmos island, featuring two adjacent beaches nestled in identical coves. Accessible via a dirt road and a short walk from Vagia beach, these picturesque beaches offer a serene coastal experience amidst stunning natural surroundings. The Twin beaches, also referred to as Ligginou beaches, provide a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters and peaceful atmosphere.
Psili Ammos beach
Psili Ammos beach in the southwestern part of Patmos, is known for its picturesque cove with golden sand, clear azure waters, and natural shade under tamarisk trees. Accessible by boat from Skala or a 30-minute walk from Diakofti, it offers a tranquil atmosphere and a tavern serving refreshments and local cuisine. This secluded beach is ideal for visitors seeking a serene coastal experience amidst unspoiled natural beauty.
Lambi beach
Lambi beach, located on the northern part of Patmos island, is a pebbled beach known for its natural shade from surrounding trees. Accessible by car, shuttle bus, or a morning boat from Skala, it offers colourful pebbles, a tavern, and a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Kambos beach
Kambos beach, located 9km from Chora on the northern side of Patmos, boasts crystal-clear waters and pristine sand, making it a must-visit for beach enthusiasts. The beach offers a variety of water sports facilities, including windsurfing, sailing, paragliding, and canoeing, while the wider region provides a selection of hotels for accommodation. Visitors can cap off a day of water sports with local delicacies like fresh lobster at nearby seaside taverns, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers.
Agrio Livadi beach
Agrio Livadi beach, is a secluded beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, clear waters, and on-site facilities. The left side of the bay offers a quieter and more natural setting with ample shade from large trees. Additionally, the beach provides a tourist harbor with colourful local boats and amenities such as restrooms and umbrellas for rent. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, and there is a free parking lot located a short walk from the beach. Moreover, the beach offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and greenery, providing a peaceful coastal experience.
Grikos beach
Grikos beach, found 5 km southeast of Skala and Chora on Patmos Island, is a charming fishing village with a long sandy beach, verdant surroundings, and clear waters. The village features traditional cafes, taverns, and accommodations, as well as the Agios Ioannis Theologos chapel offering breathtaking views. Accessible by car, the beach provides opportunities for snorkelling, hiking, and dining at nearby establishments. It is a perfect choice for those desiring a tranquil coastal experience with convenient access to amenities and nearby historic sites.
Vagia beach
Vagia beach, located 7 km northeast of Skala, is a serene and secluded pebbled beach with crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views from a nearby café renowned for its homemade pastries and pies. Accessible by various means of transportation and free parking access, the beach is a favourite destination for families, couples, and solo travellers seeking a peaceful coastal experience.
Livadi Geranou beach
Livadi Geranou beach, features a stunning sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, shaded areas, and wind protection. The picturesque landscape with islet-like formations and large Tamarisk trees offers a serene setting, and visitors can enjoy local cuisine at a nearby restaurant with panoramic views. Accessible by various transportation means, Livadi Geranou is an ideal spot for a tranquil coastal experience in captivating natural surroundings.
Didimes beach
Didimes beach, also known as the Twin beaches, is a hidden gem on Patmos island, featuring two adjacent beaches nestled in identical coves. Accessible via a dirt road and a short walk from Vagia beach, these picturesque beaches offer a serene coastal experience amidst stunning natural surroundings. The Twin beaches, also referred to as Ligginou beaches, provide a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters and peaceful atmosphere.
Psili Ammos beach
Psili Ammos beach in the southwestern part of Patmos, is known for its picturesque cove with golden sand, clear azure waters, and natural shade under tamarisk trees. Accessible by boat from Skala or a 30-minute walk from Diakofti, it offers a tranquil atmosphere and a tavern serving refreshments and local cuisine. This secluded beach is ideal for visitors seeking a serene coastal experience amidst unspoiled natural beauty.
Lambi beach
Lambi beach, located on the northern part of Patmos island, is a pebbled beach known for its natural shade from surrounding trees. Accessible by car, shuttle bus, or a morning boat from Skala, it offers colourful pebbles, a tavern, and a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Exploring nearby islands
Patmos is utterly amazing, and no number of days could make one grow tired of it. However, a day cruise to some of its tiny neighbouring islands can literally sweep you off your feet. Every morning, you can catch a boat from Skala and sail away to dive into turquoise waters and explore quaint small islets forsaken by time.
Most day cruises head for Arki and Marathi, which are considered the Polynesia of the Aegean Sea. These islets are inhabited mostly by fishermen and have only a few tavernas to show for, while they offer a type of peace and quiet that does not come by often. Chilling all day on their golden-sand beaches with the transparent waters, under the healing Greek sun, and then treating oneself to a heartwarming traditional meal with local ingredients is what summer in Greece is all about.
Arki island
Arki, also known as Arkoi, is a petite island in the Dodecanese archipelago, spanning approximately 6.7 square kilometers, close to Patmos. Home to around 50 inhabitants, the island is celebrated for its tranquil, pristine beauty and clear waters. Highlights include turquoise beaches such as Tiganakia, scenic hiking trails, and boat excursions to neighbouring islets. Arki features a handful of guesthouses and tavernas serving traditional Greek dishes. Reachable by boat from Patmos, Arki offers a serene and genuine Greek island experience.
Marathi island
Marathi is a miniature island in the Dodecanese archipelago near Patmos. Renowned for its tranquil ambiance and pristine waters, Marathi provides a perfect escape. This small island, with a sparse population, hosts a few delightful tavernas and modest lodgings. Tourists visit to bask in its stunning, quiet beaches and serene setting. Reachable by boat, Marathi is a favoured spot for day trips from Patmos and other nearby islands, ideal for those looking to experience peace and natural splendor.
Agathonisi island
Agathonisi is a charming island in the Dodecanese group near Patmos. This small, tranquil island spans about 14 square kilometers and has roughly 200 inhabitants. Agathonisi is celebrated for its traditional architecture, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island offers a handful of tavernas and places to stay, ensuring an authentic and serene Greek island experience. Reached by boat from Patmos and neighbouring islands, Agathonisi is perfect for those looking to enjoy peaceful surroundings and unspoiled natural beauty.
Arki island
Arki, also known as Arkoi, is a petite island in the Dodecanese archipelago, spanning approximately 6.7 square kilometers, close to Patmos. Home to around 50 inhabitants, the island is celebrated for its tranquil, pristine beauty and clear waters. Highlights include turquoise beaches such as Tiganakia, scenic hiking trails, and boat excursions to neighbouring islets. Arki features a handful of guesthouses and tavernas serving traditional Greek dishes. Reachable by boat from Patmos, Arki offers a serene and genuine Greek island experience.
Marathi island
Marathi is a miniature island in the Dodecanese archipelago near Patmos. Renowned for its tranquil ambiance and pristine waters, Marathi provides a perfect escape. This small island, with a sparse population, hosts a few delightful tavernas and modest lodgings. Tourists visit to bask in its stunning, quiet beaches and serene setting. Reachable by boat, Marathi is a favoured spot for day trips from Patmos and other nearby islands, ideal for those looking to experience peace and natural splendor.
Agathonisi island
Agathonisi is a charming island in the Dodecanese group near Patmos. This small, tranquil island spans about 14 square kilometers and has roughly 200 inhabitants. Agathonisi is celebrated for its traditional architecture, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island offers a handful of tavernas and places to stay, ensuring an authentic and serene Greek island experience. Reached by boat from Patmos and neighbouring islands, Agathonisi is perfect for those looking to enjoy peaceful surroundings and unspoiled natural beauty.
A religious and cultural hub
The religious side of Patmos is always present and the austere-looking monastery on the top of a hill above the island’s Chora (main town) surely serves as a reminder, as well as one of the most important museums one can visit not only in Greece, but in the whole world. With a monastic community of almost 1,000 years of history, here you can see documents, relics, icons, manuscripts, and religious treasures that are priceless, such as the Icon of Jesus in Chains that is believed to have been painted by El Greco.
This is from where the Holy Light makes its way from Jerusalem to Europe on the Night of Resurrection, and this is the only place on earth, apart from Jerusalem, that one can witness the church service of “Niptiros” on Holy Thursday each Easter. The Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of Saint John were declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1999. The Cave of the Apocalypse is a small cave between Chora and Skala, where it is believed that St. John the Theologian experienced his divine visions and conceived the Book of Revelation, the last chapter of the Bible. The cave is one of the most visited religious sites in the world.
A stroll through Chora
Visiting the imposing Chora, the island’s capital town, is undoubtedly a unique experience, as its narrow alleys, arcades, arches, and wealthy captain houses with Gothic and neoclassical details create a most charming ambiance. Some refurbished mansions are the island homes of contemporary VIP families, while others have been turned into museums.
Monastery of Patmos
The monastery and religious vibe of the island have kept the Chora relatively low-key, without this meaning that you won’t find some fantastic restaurants and bars, with the iconic Astivi, one of the oldest meeting points on the island, housed in a building dating back to 1673.
Skala the Island's Port Town
Skala, on the other hand, is the island’s port town, and it has a distinctively different vibe, less imposing and more energetic. Its whitewashed alleys and sunny corners are full of local tavernas, contemporary restaurants, cafes, and various stores, ranging from high-end jewellery stores and posh boutiques to tourist shops selling magnets and regional products. Here is where life goes, when Chora is silenced due to the strict rules of the monastery, and its bars will keep you busy until early morning hours.
A stroll through Chora
Visiting the imposing Chora, the island’s capital town, is undoubtedly a unique experience, as its narrow alleys, arcades, arches, and wealthy captain houses with Gothic and neoclassical details create a most charming ambiance. Some refurbished mansions are the island homes of contemporary VIP families, while others have been turned into museums.
Monastery of Patmos
The monastery and religious vibe of the island have kept the Chora relatively low-key, without this meaning that you won’t find some fantastic restaurants and bars, with the iconic Astivi, one of the oldest meeting points on the island, housed in a building dating back to 1673.
Skala the Island's Port Town
Skala, on the other hand, is the island’s port town, and it has a distinctively different vibe, less imposing and more energetic. Its whitewashed alleys and sunny corners are full of local tavernas, contemporary restaurants, cafes, and various stores, ranging from high-end jewellery stores and posh boutiques to tourist shops selling magnets and regional products. Here is where life goes, when Chora is silenced due to the strict rules of the monastery, and its bars will keep you busy until early morning hours.