Patmos is a beautiful Greek island, full of history and was the place where St John, an apostle of Jesus wrote the Book of Revelation in the Bible. Chora, the island's capital, is one of its most picturesque villages with wonderful views of the Aegean Sea, traditional architecture, whitewashed houses and narrow paved alleys.
Why
Visit Patmos?
There's a
long list of reasons why Patmos is well worth a visit and if your visit
is the first, and only on a daytrip, you won't be able to see it all in
one day. You're likely to be wanting to return again and maybe when there is a traditional
festival happening, that would make it even more fascinating!
As well as visiting the recommended highlights,
after you've enjoyed walking around the pretty white washed village, relaxed a
while in a tavern, enjoyed tasting their Greek traditional cuisine,
don't forget to browse the quaint local shops for souvenirs.
Visitors in Patmos should taste the traditional sweets
called pougia, which are made of dough, almonds, and walnuts, topped
with sugar and syrup and can be found in all the pastry shops on the island. Patmos
is famous for its high-quality cheese products. One of the specialties
of the island is its famous cheese-pie made with a tasty paste and fresh local
cheese. Fresh fish and excellent seafood can be found in various taverns of
Patmos. Patmos also produces linen weaving, fine embroideries and beautiful
hand-woven fabrics with traditional designs.
The central nightlife scene in Patmos is Skala,
the most tourist place of the island. Along the port of Skala, there are
lounge cafes with atmospheric music and few clubs that stay open till 2
or 3 o'clock in the morning. There are also few lounge bars in Chora and Kambos.
For more peaceful nights out, spend a relaxed long dinner in the many taverns
around the island.
Recommended places to visit:
*Visit Chora
and the Monastery of St. John. There's also a Byzantine Church,
and a museum with an amazing view.
*Visit the Cave
of the Apocalypse. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts
many pilgrims. It's where John wrote his controversial revelations.
*Go
trekking. The old roads that were used by horses and donkeys have now
become a series of paths for hikers. You'll find a variety of long and
short routes.
*Eat and
drink in Skala. Despite not being a very large island, you'll find a
large variety of tavernas, especially seafood tavernas.
*Visit Grikos
beach and village. Crystal clear water ant trees offering precious shade
and a small wooden 'path' that extends into the sea. A little piece of paradise.
*Walk along
Chora's winding streets to the famous windmills, and admire the
colourful Lambi beach.
CHORA (pronounced 'hora' in
Greek), is the capital of Patmos located in the south central part of the
island and a few km south of Skala, the main port of Patmos. The
traditional settlement is built around the imposing Monastery of Saint
John the Theologian, during the 12th century.
PATMOS is now known internationally
as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” or the “Island of the Apocalypse,” because
this is where the Book of Revelation was written by Saint
John.
The weather
in Patmos during May and September is perfect for walking in
the island. It is possible for a group to take a guided walking tour around
parts of Patmos. With remote chapels, hidden narrow walkways,
magnificent old white-washed houses and cobble stoned
alleyways, most dating back hundreds of years to the fifteenth century,
you'll have plenty of things to capture with your camera!
Some
interesting information, according to ancient mythology, the island of Patmos was
first named Litois, in honour of the Goddess Artemis who was also
called Litoida because she was the daughter of Lito. Legend says that the
island sunk into the sea and that Artemis, with the help of Apollo, managed to
persuade Zeus to bring the island back to the surface. As a proof of devotion,
the inhabitants of the island named it Litois.
RELIGIOUS
FEASTS & FESTIVALS
August 15th
On the day of the Dormition of the Virgin, on
August 15th, Patmos celebrates with a big feast at the Monastery of Panagia
Geranou with traditional dancing, singing, and food.
Feast of Saint John - May 8th &
September 26th
The feast of Saint John the Theologian
is honoured with glorious celebrations in Chora, on May 8th and September 26th.
On the 24th of September, locals
celebrate the feast of Agia Thekla. The church dedicated to her lies on top of
a small islet, right across Agriolivadi.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Religious Music Festival
The Religious Music Festival of
Patmos is established as one of the major cultural events related to religious
and it gathers various artists from the international and Greek music scene as
well as world-famous choirs. The festival is held under the Cave of the
Apocalypse, the symbol of Christianity.
Festival of Folklore Dances
The Festival of Folklore Dances in
Patmos highlights the island's tradition through a great celebration. Many
dancing groups unite from many parts of Greece and Asia Minor.
International Film Festival
The International Film Festival is
scheduled every July on Patmos island. Film-makers, actors, directors, and
film-critics from every part of the world are gathered here to attend one of
the most important cultural summer events in Greece.
***ATTENTION! - HIGHLY IMPORTANT
INFORMATION *** To enter Patmos, it is of utmost importance to use the same
travel document (passport or ID card) with which you entered Türkiye. If you
show a different document, the border guard will not allow you to leave Türkiye
for Patmos or any Greek Island you are wanting to visit. The child's age is
calculated based on the year of birth documented in their passport. Passport
and ticket check-in takes place at the international terminal. Ferry cruise
time: approx. 2 hours to Patmos. On your return, once you have arrived back in
Kusadasi Port and made your exit, our staff member, tour driver will be waiting
for you holding our company sign, ready to make your return back to Didim.
Patmos Island requires a visa. For more information and help, you can contact
us at our WhatsApp support line +90 (535) 653 15 84.
Book a unique Patmos Island Tour From Didim right now.