Patmos is a Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago off Turkey, near Leros and Lipsi. It’s a beautiful island and a very pleasant place to spend vacations on Patmos.
Here are our tips and practical information to help you make the most of your vacation on Patmos.
How to get to Patmos?
If you’ve chosen to visit Patmos, you should know that it’s that it’s not an easily accessible island. In fact, there is no airport. From Athens (port of Piraeus), the crossing takes 7 to 10 hours. But don’t worry, it’s well worth it, because once you’re there, the island is wonderful!
You can book your ferry tickets on the Ferry Hopper website. This is the platform we still use personally, as it allows us to see all our crossings at a glance. And best of all, there are no extra charges: you pay the same price for ferry tickets as if you were buying them at the port.
A word of advice: if you’re traveling as a family with children, opt for a cabin, as it simplifies the journey.
Another option is to fly to Kos, Samos, Leros or possibly Rhodes and then take a boat to Patmos.
Where to stay in Patmos?
If you’re spending a few days on Patmos, there are several options for accommodation.
- The village of Chora is charming and quiet, but there are no hotels. There are only a few guest rooms. Here is a selection of Airbnb accommodations in Chora.
- Staying in Skala is a good option, as the village is pleasant and well served by transport. Here is a selection of hotels and Airbnb accommodations in Skala.
- For a relaxing option, choose seaside accommodation. There are several hotels in Grikos (here is a selection). Including the luxurious AKTIS SUITE & SPA hotel.
- On a personal note, we had made the choice to rent a house on Airbnb, in the Lefkes Valley. We stayed at Lefkes House, owned by Alain who is Belgian and in love with Patmos, is rustic and full of charm. It’s in an agricultural valley near the sea. I highly recommend it. Here’s the link to Airbnb.
Generally speaking, if you’re looking for accommodation in Patmos, take a look at Airbnb and/or Booking.
Getting around Patmos
Patmos is an island on a human scale, which is very pleasant. Distances from one point to another are relatively short. And it’s easy to get around.
Scooters are an excellent way to get around Patmos, as the island is small and the roads are in good condition.
You can also rent a car on site. If you’re coming to Patmos for a summer vacation, remember to reserve your vehicle before you arrive on the island. We recommend RentalCars which allows you to compare offers from different rental agencies and obtain attractive rates.
There is a bus service on the island. More information on the Patmos Bus website.
Another option: the boat. Caiques leave from the port of Skala and take holidaymakers to the island’s various beaches.
Finally, Patmos is a small island and can also be explored on foot. Eight marked trails, ranging from 40 minutes to 5 hours in length, criss-cross the island and allow you to cover almost all of it.
How long can I stay on Patmos?
If you come on vacation to Patmos, we advise you to stay for at least two days to have time to enjoy the island: visit the monastery, stroll around Chora, swim on the beautiful beach of Psili Amos. Ideally, you should stay for 4 days. In summer, you can even spend a week here without getting bored: having time to spare will allow you to tour the beaches and small coves.
What’s the best season to visit Patmos?
Spring is an excellent time to vacation on Patmos. At this time of year, the island is full of flowers and greenery. Ideally, go during Orthodox Easter. Patmos is an island steeped in spirituality, where the atmosphere is festive and fervent.
In summer, temperatures rise and the landscape becomes arid. The island is nonetheless very pleasant, with numerous beaches and coves perfect for swimming.
September is also a good time to visit Patmos, as the sea is still warm and temperatures are lower than in summer.
Winter, on the other hand, is not an ideal time for a stay on Patmos, as most hotels, restaurants and shops are closed.
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And to find out more about Patmos, see also our articles :
- What to do in Patmos? 7 things to see
- The most beautiful beaches of Patmos
- Patmos and Lipsi, Dodecanese islands
Laure M.
