Visiting Patmos – A Peaceful Greek Island Full of Charm
For me, a year without a trip to Greece just doesn’t feel right. No surprise then that I’ve been there eight times already — exploring vibrant cities like Thessaloniki and beautiful islands like Tinos, Skiathos, and Thassos.
So whenever the chance for a new trip comes up, I grab it without hesitation. This year, it led me to Patmos — an island I hadn’t even heard of before.
Known for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and deep spiritual roots, Patmos is one of the quieter Greek islands and offers a unique escape from the busier tourist spots.
From wandering the narrow streets of Chora to enjoying breathtaking sunset views, the island invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know — how to get there, what to see, and the best place to stay — so you can make the most of your time on this peaceful island.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
Where to Find Patmos & How to Get There
Patmos is part of the Dodecanese island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea, not far from the Turkish coast. It doesn’t have its own airport, which makes getting there a bit of an adventure, but it’s worth it.
From Athens (Piraeus Port)
A very popular way to get to Patmos is by ferry from Athens. Blue Star Ferries runs this route with one or two departures daily. The trip takes about eight hours, and there are usually overnight options too, which can be quite convenient.
TIP: Use Omio to easily find ferry connections from Athens to Patmos ⛴️
From Kos
There are many direct flights to the island of Kos from various big European cities. From Kos, you can catch a ferry to Patmos, which takes about three hours.
Several ferry companies, including Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, operate this route with multiple departures daily.
TIP: Use Omio to easily find ferry connections from Kos to Patmos ⛴️
From Other Dodecanese Islands
If you’re already island hopping, you can catch a ferry from Leros, Kalymnos, or Rhodes. Ferry services are available, with durations varying depending on the departure point.
Visit the Dodekanisos Seaways website to check ferry schedules from other islands.
Discover Patmos: All The Places You Should See
Now that you’ve made it to Patmos by one of the routes mentioned, it’s time to discover what to see on this gorgeous island!
TIP: While public transport is partly available, the easiest and most flexible way to get around the island is by renting a car. I use DiscoverCars, a reliable platform with great options and fair prices. 🚗
Skala
Skala is the main port and the first place you’ll see when you arrive on Patmos.
The harbor is lively with fishing boats, ferries, and yachts, while the waterfront promenade is lined with tavernas, cafés, and shops.
Strolling along the seafront, you can soak up the relaxed atmosphere and watch local fishermen at work.
There’s also a small beach right by the port area. It’s a lovely spot to relax and swim, especially convenient if you’ve just arrived or want a quick dip before exploring more of the island.
Wandering through Skala’s narrow streets, you’ll find charming architecture and a friendly, authentic atmosphere.
While Skala is the heart of daily island life, it also offers easy access to some of Patmos’ other top sights, such as the Cave of the Apocalypse.
Cave of The Apocalypse
The Cave of the Apocalypse is one of Patmos’ most famous and deeply significant sites and is nestled into the rocky cliffs just uphill from Skala.
This sacred cave is where, according to Christian tradition, Saint John the Theologian received the visions that he recorded in the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament.
Because of this, the cave holds immense spiritual importance and attracts visitors from around the world.
Inside, you’ll find a small chapel built into the cave, complete with religious icons, candles, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Patmos is a quiet island, but the Cave of the Apocalypse can get very busy. Big cruise ships bring lots of visitors, which can spoil the calm feeling. To enjoy the cave peacefully, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there are fewer people.
It’s open daily from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, with extra afternoon hours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is €3.
Chora
Chora is the picturesque main village of Patmos. Perched high on a hill, it offers some of the most breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands.
The village is a beautiful mix of whitewashed houses, narrow winding streets, and vibrant colorful doors.
You’ll also find the famous Patmos windmills in Chora – charming reminders of the island’s past and perfect for photos, especially at sunset.
Stroll through the streets, visit Andreas Kalatzis’ Gallery for impressive art, and enjoy authentic Greek food at Giagkos Pantheon.
The main reason Chora is so well-known is the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, which towers over the village and is visible from many spots around the island.
Monastery of Saint John The Theologian
The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is the spiritual heart of Patmos and one of the island’s most iconic landmarks.
Built in 1088, this fortress-like structure sits high above Chora and has shaped the village around it for centuries. With its thick stone walls, arched passageways, and peaceful courtyards, it feels more like a castle than a monastery at first glance.
Inside, you’ll find a collection of religious treasures, ancient manuscripts, and beautifully preserved frescoes that reflect the deep spiritual history of the island. It’s also still home to a small community of monks.
Be sure to visit the monastery museum and the upper terraces — the views over the Aegean Sea from up there are simply breathtaking.
Thanks to its religious significance and striking architecture, the monastery is part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe.
The opening hours are the same as the Cave of the Apocalypse: daily from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, with extra hours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is €5.
Psili Amos
Psili Amos is one of Patmos’ most beautiful beaches, known for its soft golden sand and clear turquoise waters.
Getting there isn’t easy — it’s about a 30-minute walk along a rocky path, so be sure to wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. At least you’ll have goats roaming freely as company, plus stunning coastline views to enjoy along the way.
The effort is worth it, though, as the beach feels very peaceful and unspoiled. In summer, a small taverna near the beach opens, where you can get a drink or a simple meal.
Paralia Livadi Geranou
Another great beach up in the far north of the island is Paralia Livadi Geranou – a quiet and picturesque spot with a few tiny islands just offshore.
There aren’t any amenities like sunbed or umbrella rentals, but there’s a cozy taverna where you can enjoy the view over the peaceful bay.
The vibe is super relaxed, the sea is usually calm – unless it’s a windy day – and tamarisk trees offer natural shade. It’s a lovely place, especially if you’re after some peace in nature.
Rock of Kalikatsou
The Rock of Kalikatsou is one of the most unusual sights on Patmos – a huge stone rising right out of the sea, just outside the bay of Grikos.
It used to be a hermitage, and if you look closely, you’ll still see carved steps and tiny rooms in the rock. These are traces of its use as a place of worship, dating back to the Bronze Age and early Christian monks.
You can even climb partway up for panoramic sea views.
Right next to the rock is Petra Beach, a pebbly beach that’s perfect for a swim, and a lovely family-run taverna, Ktima Petra, serving up amazing local dishes.
Chapel of Profitis Ilias
The Chapel of Profitis Ilias is one of the most iconic churches on Patmos – no small feat, considering the island has several hundred of them!
Perched at the highest point of the island, this little whitewashed chapel isn’t just a spiritual spot, but also one of the best viewpoints on Patmos. It’s reachable by car or by hiking from Chora or Skala, with the route from Chora being shorter.
No matter how you get there, the 360-degree view from up there is simply breathtaking. You’ll see the whole island below you and the sea shining all around.
And if you get there at the right time, the sunset is just magical – one that will stick with you forever.
Islands Around Patmos
Last but not least: Don’t miss a boat cruise around the little islands near Patmos. It’s a fun way to explore more of the area and see Patmos from a whole new angle.
You’ll pass by spots like Lipsi, the stunning white island of Aspronisi (with crystal-clear water and a dreamy pebbled beach), and make a stop at Arkoi.
There, you can enjoy a laid-back lunch at the super charming Trypas Taverna and watch fishermen bring in their fresh catch of the day.
Map of Patmos
The following map includes all the must-see places on Patmos and should help you plan your trip.
Best Place to Stay in Patmos
Usually, it’s the destination that makes a trip special for me. But this time, the accommodation played a big part in making my stay truly perfect.
Undoubtedly, the number one place to stay in Patmos is Patmos Eye. It’s the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. Located above Skala, it offers panoramic views of the port and Chora.
The rooms, suites, and villas are designed with attention to detail, featuring antique touches and calming color palettes that make you feel at home.
Enjoy your private plunge pool, an Ayurvedic treatment at the cave spa, or thoughtful amenities like a complimentary minibar stocked with local treats.
Breakfast is a highlight, with homemade dishes and fresh, locally sourced products served in a cozy atmosphere.
For me, Patmos Eye is simply the only place to stay.
Check out:
Patmos Eye – A Place You’ll Want to Stay Forever (Review)
14 Quiet Greek Islands For a Relaxing Summer Holiday
Best Time to Visit Greece – A Month-by-Month Guide
How to Be Vegan in Greece – Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Holidays on Tinos – A Quiet & Authentic Greek Island
Discover Thassos – The Emerald Island of The Aegean Sea
ALL Mamma Mia Filming Locations on Skopelos & Skiathos
All The Best Places to See on Skiathos Island, Greece
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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
