Patmos Island

A genuine Aegean island, with obvious characteristics of Italian architecture, old houses covered by «petalochoma» and flower-filled gardens. All boats and vessels arrive at the port of Skala, since it is the only commercial port of Patmos. The ruins of the Acropolis and the spot where St. John baptized Christians in Skala, are definitely worth visiting.

During the last few years, recent tourist development has left the architectural tradition of the two main settlements of Patmos (Chora and Skala) untouched, granting the island a genuine Greek identity. This is one of the main reasons that Patmos constitutes an attractive destination both for Greek and foreign visitors.

An island different from the others not only due to its rich religious history, but also due to its natural beauty. Rocky, volcanic and steep, with the highest peak being that of Prophet Elias in 269 meters at the south part of Chora, Patmos is often characterized as the «Jerusalem of the Mediterranean» and is one of the largest religious centers of Christianity.

A truly sacred place, combining wild beauty, Greek authenticity and medieval aspects, since the settlement of Chora, the largest on the island, is positioned just below the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist and unfolds like tree roots underneath the Monastery. Most houses in Chora are two -floored, «anokatoga» as the locals call them.

Milky - white painted mansions and whitewashed little houses are seen at the slopes of the hill. You come across white terraces, cool arcades, mysterious passages with narrow stairs, roofs covered with tiles, courtyards with geraniums and jasmine and a dazzling white - blue landscape, creating a summery atmosphere.

The real magic comes when the blue sky and Aegean sea suddenly appear between the whitewashed houses. A mysterious silence prevails, providing an imposing gracefulness.

These countless narrow alleys taking you wherever they want, form a traditional white labyrinth and lead you to the two main squares: the main square of Chora, almost like a balcony overlooking the Aegean, and the Town Hall square, where the famous «Washbasin» ceremony takes place on Holy Thursday.

Chora, due to its history, construction and architecture, attracts both famous personalities and intellectuals. People of the arts and culture are found in almost every corner of Chora, forming an underground cultural stream and enriching the intense cultural life of Patmos. For all the above and many other reasons, Chora is considered one of the most expensive residential areas in Europe.

The remaining two settlements of the island are Grikos and Kampos. Kampos is located in the northern part of Patmos, is mainly considered to be an agricultural area and has organized beaches. Grikos is about 4.5 km from Skala and stands out for its natural beauty, scenic beaches and cute little piers where boats or vessels may tie.