1. Monastery of Saint John the Theologian – A Byzantine fortress-monastery perched above Chora, home to ancient manuscripts and stunning views.
2. Cave of the Apocalypse – The sacred cave where Saint John received divine visions, now a UNESCO pilgrimage site.
3. Chora (Patmos Town) – A beautiful labyrinth of alleys, white houses, and old mansions with a mystical air.
4. Skala Port – The island’s lively hub with cafes, shops, and access to beaches and ferries.
5. Psili Ammos Beach – A remote, golden-sand beach accessible by boat or a hike—perfect for solitude.
6. Grikos Bay – A peaceful coastal village with a lovely beach and upscale seaside tavernas.
7. Windmills of Patmos – Restored windmills above Chora offering panoramic views and a touch of history.
8. Kampos Beach – A family-friendly beach with beach bars, umbrellas, and watersports.
9. Zoodochos Pigi Monastery – A lesser-known convent with a peaceful courtyard and beautiful icons.
10. Lambi Beach – Known for its multicolored pebbles and crystal waters, it’s great for photo ops and quiet swims.

• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites—shoulders and knees covered.
• Arrive by sea at sunset—it’s magical from the ferry.
• Hike in the morning—it gets hot by midday.
• Carry cash—small shops and tavernas may not take cards.
• Try the local bakery in Skala for fresh pougia and pies.
• Rent a boat for a day to explore hidden coves.
• Attend a festival or religious celebration—the island is deeply spiritual.
• Don’t skip Chora at night—it’s romantic and timeless.
• Visit in late spring or September for the best weather and fewer crowds.
• Be still and listen—Patmos is a place for silence and soul.

• Feast of Saint John (September 26) – The island’s biggest religious celebration with processions, liturgies, and music.
• Patmos Religious Music Festival (August) – Classical and Byzantine music in monasteries and open-air settings.
• Holy Week (Easter) – A powerful and spiritual time, with ancient Orthodox rituals, lantern-lit processions, and communal feasting.
• August Cultural Festival – Art exhibits, live performances, and theater held in Chora and Skala.
• Assumption Day (August 15) – Celebrated across Greece with church events and festive island gatherings.

• Patmos is often called “The Island of the Apocalypse” due to Saint John's visions.
• The Monastery of Saint John was built in 1088 and remains active today.
• No airport—you can only reach Patmos by sea.
• Patmos was once used as a place of exile during Roman times.
• The island has over 350 churches and chapels.
• It’s one of the quietest and least commercialized Dodecanese islands.
• The Chora is a protected historic settlement with no modern signage.
• UNESCO has listed both the Monastery and Cave as World Heritage Sites.
• Some Hollywood actors and European royals visit Patmos privately each summer.
• The island has inspired painters, poets, and mystics for centuries.

What is the island known for?
Patmos is most famous as the place where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation, making it one of Christianity’s holiest places. It’s also renowned for its UNESCO-listed Monastery of Saint John, beautiful architecture, quiet beaches, and peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.

Is the island a good destination for families?
Yes, Patmos is safe and family-friendly, with gentle beaches, kind locals, and relaxed tavernas. Kids can enjoy beach days, boat trips, and exploring castles and caves. It’s perfect for families looking for a calmer Greek island experience.

Is the island safe for tourists?
Extremely safe. Patmos has a low crime rate, and the community is warm and welcoming. Solo travelers, families, and older visitors all feel at ease here.

Do you need a visa to visit the island?
Patmos is part of Greece and the Schengen Area, so EU/EEA citizens enter freely. Visitors from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Others may need a Schengen visa.

What is the best way to get to the island?
Patmos has no airport, so the best way to get there is by ferry. You can travel from Piraeus (Athens) or nearby islands like Kos, Leros, or Samos. Ferries arrive in Skala, the island’s main port.

Should I rent a car on the island?
Yes—though Patmos is small, renting a car or scooter helps you reach remote beaches, hilltop monasteries, and villages. You can also use taxis or local buses between main areas.

Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility is limited due to the island’s steep hills and cobbled paths, especially in Chora. However, some modern hotels and beaches offer basic accessibility. Planning ahead is essential for those with mobility needs.

What are the island’s most famous landmarks?
The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse are its most iconic religious landmarks. The windmills of Chora, castle ruins, and Grikos Bay also draw visitors.

What are the best beaches on the island?
Psili Ammos is the island’s most famous beach—remote, sandy, and spectacular. Agriolivadi and Kampos Beach are great for families and water sports. Lambi Beach is known for colorful pebbles and blue waters.

What is unique about the island’s wildlife?
Patmos is home to sea turtles, rare birds, and wild herbs like thyme and sage. Its coves and cliffs are rich in marine life, making it a quiet spot for snorkeling and nature walks.

What traditional foods should you try on the island?
Try pougia (sweet cheese pastries), stuffed zucchini flowers, fresh octopus, and Patmian chickpea fritters. Local honey, herbs, and goat cheese are also delicious. Don’t miss the Greek coffee and ouzo experience.

Can you drink tap water on the island?
Tap water is generally safe but not always pleasant-tasting. Most visitors prefer bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available.

What is the nightlife like on the island?
Nightlife is laid-back and elegant. You’ll find wine bars in Chora, beach bars in Skala, and live music in summer. No wild clubs here—just moonlit terraces and soft jazz under the stars.

How can I stay connected to the internet on the island?
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Cell service is strong in populated areas. For extended stays, consider getting a Greek SIM card with data.

What are some local souvenirs to bring home from the island?
Pick up handcrafted religious icons, local honey, natural soaps and oils, olive wood items, or Patmian textiles. You’ll also find jewelry, ceramics, and spiritual books near the monasteries.

• Kalimera – Good morning
• Kalispera – Good evening
• Efharisto – Thank you
• Parakalo – Please / You’re welcome
• Yassou – Hello / Goodbye
• Nai – Yes
• Ochi – No
• Nero – Water
• Psomi – Bread
• Kafeneio – Café
• Taverna – Traditional restaurant
• Ekklisia – Church
• Moni – Monastery
• Spiti – House
• Thalassa – Sea
• Plaka – Beach / Bay
• Feta – Traditional cheese
• Ouzo – Anise-flavored liquor
• Proskynitis – Pilgrim
• Filoxenia – Greek hospitality

• Saint John the Theologian – The Apostle and author of Revelation, who lived in exile on Patmos.
• Christodoulos of Patmos – The monk who founded the Monastery of Saint John in the 11th century.
• Giorgos Seferis – Nobel-winning Greek poet who wrote about Patmos’s light and spiritual silence.
• Mikis Theodorakis – Famed composer who visited Patmos and supported its cultural preservation.
• Anthony Quinn – Hollywood actor who reportedly visited Patmos during the filming of “Guns of Navarone.”
• Nana Mouskouri – Beloved Greek singer who has performed in Patmos’s religious music festivals.
• Melina Mercouri – Actress and cultural minister who helped protect Patmos’s architectural heritage.
• Irene Papas – The Greek actress visited Patmos for quiet and inspiration.
• Prince Charles (UK) – Visited Patmos on private yachting trips, appreciating its peaceful spirituality.
• Pope John Paul II – Paid tribute to Patmos as a symbol of Christian unity during his papacy.

• “The Apocalypse of John” (1981) – A dramatization of Saint John’s visions filmed in the actual Cave of the Apocalypse.
• “Greece: Secrets of the Past” (IMAX) – A documentary featuring Patmos’s sacred sites and dramatic landscapes.
• “Greek Islands with Julia Bradbury” (2021) – A TV episode showcasing Patmos’s slow travel charm.
• “Apocalypse: The Revelation” (1995) – A biblical film set partly in Patmos, focusing on Saint John's exile.
• Various Greek TV dramas – Patmos's dramatic scenery is often used for mystical or romantic backdrops.
• Travel vlogs – Countless YouTubers and influencers capture sunsets in Chora and beach walks.
• National Geographic specials – Documentaries on Christian pilgrimage routes include Patmos.
• “On the Trail of Saint John” (EWTN) – Religious travel series exploring the island’s significance.
• Greek Orthodox broadcasts – Many liturgies and festivals are televised nationwide from Patmos.
• Art films and indie shorts – The island’s timeless, holy atmosphere inspires many creatives.