Patmos Island Holidays
The island of Patmos is considered as the holy island of the Dodecanese because Ioannis (John) the Evangelist lived here for two years in a cavern between the monastery and the harbour. He wrote about this cavern in the Revelation.
Founded in the 11th century, the monastery was fortified as a castle in order to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids. The major city and port of the island is that of Skala. Here you can still see remains of the ancient Acropolis.
Chora (Hora), the capital of Patmos is located 4.5km from the there, and was built on a high hill around the old monastery. Chora is a very beautiful traditional town, which all travellers to the island will find themselves visiting.
As well as the famous monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos (Saint John), there are many other impressive monasteries and churches dating from the Byzantine period that you will find on Patmos. Inside these are beautiful frescoes, ecclesiastical heirlooms and charming icons.
Patmos is an intellectual centre, and it is here that the eminent Patmjada School was founded. Important scholars and patriarchs studied here throughout the years. The library is dated from the 11th century, and is home to a unique collection of old manuscripts, parchments and books.
Today, Patmos has been nominated by the UNESCO as a monument of World Heritage. It is an island that perfectly combines history and traditions with relaxing and inspiring holidays.
The delightful landscape, set amongst the blue waters of the Aegean create a wonderful setting where one cannot help but to relax, and venture into a miniature paradise of peace and tranquility.
The beautiful village of Grikos is a popular destination on Patmos, and here you can find an excellent selection of accommodation, as well as lovely tavernas where you can enjoy a variety of cuisine including fresh sea food.
Patmos also has a great choice of beautiful beaches where you can enjoy swimming during the summer season. Some of the most popular beaches on Patmos include Hochlakas, Psili Ammos and Merichas.
Patmos provides frequent boat connections with the Athens port of Pireaus, as well as Rhodes and other islands scattered across the Dodecanese.