Patmos is a Greek island, part of the Dodecanese, these islands located off the Turkish coast.While it’s not easily accessible, being quite a distance from Athens and lacking an airport, the journey is undoubtedly worthwhile, as Patmos is a truly sublime destination. We really fell in love with it! It’s definitely one of our favorite Greek islands. So here we share our list of top attractions and activities in Patmos. Our top 7 must-sees in Patmos and our favorites off-the-beaten-track experiences.
- 1 – Fill up on spirituality at the monastery of Saint John the theologian
- 2 – Stroll through the village of Chora on Patmos
- 3 – Relax on the beautiful beaches of Patmos
- 4 – Admire the sunset from the beach
- 5 – Contemplating in the cave of Saint John in Patmos
- 6 – Discover Patmos on foot by hiking
- 7 – Stroll through Skala and dine in an authentic ouzerie
Patmos seduces with its authenticity and simplicity. There are no big tourist resorts here. The island is on a human scale and has retained its peaceful charm. Its wild, arid landscapes, dotted with fig trees, sunflowers and goats, charm the visitor.
It’s also an island where you can find many different atmospheres. In a single day, you can visit the impressive Byzantine monastery dedicated to St. John, swim in rocky coves and end the evening in a solitary fishing port, admiring the setting sun.
The island has everything you could wish for: history, heritage, relaxation, water sports…
1 – Fill up on spirituality at the monastery of Saint John the theologian
With its medieval fortress look, the monastery of St. John is impressive and well worth a visit on its own. This makes it the number one thing to do on Patmos.
This monastery exudes a diffuse spirituality that will appeal even to non-believers. It’s a real pleasure to admire the many frescoes and icons, and to wander through the courtyards and terraces. A visit to the monastery is complemented by a visit to the museum in the courtyard. This one houses some beautiful pieces.
What’s more, the entrance to the monastery affords stunning panoramic views.
2 – Stroll through the village of Chora on Patmos
Situated at the foot of the monastery of Saint John, the village of Chora is magnificent and very well preserved. It’s a pleasure to stroll through this maze of white, winding streets. Take a stroll through the various covered passages and staircases, and admire the beautiful neoclassical houses.
The historic center of Chora has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1999.
What we love about Chora is its calm atmosphere, far removed from the tourist hustle and bustle that characterizes the chora of some Greek islands. The village has a somewhat secretive character and is imbued with a certain spirituality.
We advise you to go to the town hall square from where you can enjoy a lovely view of the sea.
3 – Relax on the beautiful beaches of Patmos
Patmos boasts many unspoilt bays with sandy or pebble beaches, and always crystal-clear waters.
Here, there’s a beach for every taste, depending on the style you prefer. There are a few beaches with umbrellas and deckchairs. The two most beautiful are probably Agriolivadi and Kambos. If you prefer more unspoilt beaches, then opt for Vagia or Livadi Geranou, which are both long and beautiful.
And then there’s the queen of the island’s beaches: Psili Amos. We recommend you go there at least once, as it’s one of the must-see things to do on Patmos. But this beach has to be earned. The only way to get there is to reach Diakofti and then walk across the mountain for around 25 minutes on a stony mule track in full sunshine. But the beach is absolutely magnificent. This is THE beach not to be missed on Patmos.
For more details, see our article The most beautiful beaches on Patmos.
4 – Admire the sunset from the beach
This is one of our favorite things to do on Patmos. A simple pleasure you won’t find in the guidebooks: watching the sunset from a valley from another time.
To do so, meet at Livadi Calogiron at the end of the day. There’s a beach at the end of a fertile valley, with a large, beautiful farm. And there’s a little cantina where you can watch the sun go down, enjoy an aperitif and eat very simply. There’s something magical about this secret address, with its fishermen’s atmosphere at the end of the world.
5 – Contemplating in the cave of Saint John in Patmos
Patmos is known as the island where Saint John received revelation and wrote his Apocalypse or Book of Revelation. This explains why the island is visited by so many pilgrims. Christians from all over the world come to the cave of Saint John, located in a pine forest halfway between Chora and Skala.
Honestly, beyond its sacred and symbolic significance, the cave itself holds limited interest. It encompasses St. John’s “repository”, a small niche carved into the rock where the apostle is believed to have rested his head while sleeping. This site holds particular appeal for pilgrims and enthusiasts of religious history.
6 – Discover Patmos on foot by hiking
Patmos is a great place for hiking. What’s more, the island is small in area and very pleasant to walk around.
Patmos is criss-crossed by eight signposted trails, ranging from 40 minutes to 5 hours in length, enabling you to discover its superb, unspoilt landscapes.
We recommend that you purchase the Anavasi card. It presents the different routes in detail (on sale on the island or in Athens: Anavasi Maps – Voulis 32, Athens – metro Syntagma).
7 – Stroll through Skala and dine in an authentic ouzerie
Skala is the port of Patmos. It’s a picturesque little town, perfect for a stroll at the end of the day. With its narrow streets and fishermen’s boats, it has retained its charm. There are many shops, taverns and cafes.
Take advantage of your stroll through Skala to dine in a traditional ouzerie: To Trehantiri taverna. It’s an excellent address for perfectly cooked Greek dishes, mainly fried foods and seafood. Good value for money. It’s constantly full, even when the island is empty. It doesn’t deceive. Our tip: order the grilled squid, it’s succulent.
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To get to Patmos, you can book your ferry tickets on the Ferry Hopper website.
Another way to visit Patmos and its surroundings: rent a sailboat, with or without skipper, with Click&Boat from Samos or Kos, for example, and discover the Dodecanese islands in complete freedom.
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And to find out more about Patmos, see also our articles :
- Useful information: how to get to Patmos, in what season, how long to stay, where to sleep, etc.
- The most beautiful beaches on Patmos
- Patmos and Lipsi
Finally, if you are looking for accommodation in Patmos , take a look at Booking where you’ll find hotels, houses and apartments. There are also a few accommodations on Airbnb.
Laure M.
January 2024
