Patmos Car Hire

Guide of Patmos

Geography

Patmos is the northernmost island in the Dodecanese. It stretches across a total area of just 34 sq. km, with 60 km of coastline. Most of Patmos is mountainous, hilly and rocky. The coastline encompasses picturesque bays and coves, with soft pebble beaches and crystal clear lapping waters. This remarkable terrain makes it possible for both beach lovers and hikers. Dozens of tiny islets surround the island, such as Hiliomodi, Thekla, Saint George and Tragonisi. Many of these are uninhabited and can be reached only by fishing boats.

Climate in Patmos

Patmos has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot and sunny summers and mild and rainy winters. The hottest months are July and August, with average temperatures of 29°C, while January is the coldest month on the island with average temperatures of 10°C.

Culture

According to ancient mythology, Patmos was first named Litois after the daughter of the Goddess Artemis. The same legend tells that the island sunk into the sea but with help from Apollo, Artemis managed to persuade Zeus to bring the island back to the surface. It is also said to be the island that Orestes fled to after murdering his mother Clytemnestra.

Patmos has been inhabited since 3000 BC. It became an island of exile under Roman rule, which is why the Apostle John came here. It flourished under Byzantine rule and became a semi-autonomous monastic state under the Venetians. The Italians occupied all of the Dodecanese islands from 1912 until 1943. It became autonomous when it joined the rest of independent Greece in 1948.

Things To Do in Patmos

Explore the Cave of Apocalypse

Take a hike early in the morning to the cave where the exiled St John of Patmos ensconced himself in 95AD and wrote the Book of Revelation. God is said to have dictated the script through a triple fissure in the low ceiling of rock. It is now enclosed in an 11th-century chapel. If you get here early enough, you’ll get the chance to rest your head in the niche where St John laid his.

Visit the Monastery of St. John

Perched high on the top of a hill overlooking Chora, this religious and cultural centre is visible from every part of the island. Agios Christodoulous established the church in the 11th century and his relic can be found in the Chapel of Agioi Apostoli. The monastery is fortified with thick walls, towers and ramparts and remains a remarkable example of Byzantine architecture. Inside, there are exquisite chapels, a museum and a library with over 13,000 historic documents and 900 manuscripts. It offers spectacular views and is still home to a community of monks.

Meander around the old town

Chora– the old town – sits in the southern central part of the island. It’s an enchanting place to while away a few hours, with its whitewashed houses, elegant courtyards and romantic narrow alleyways. There are dozens of charming restaurants, cafes and shops to pop into, as well as perfectly preserved mansions like the 17th-century Simandiri Mansion.

Hire a boat and explore the local islands

The islands of Arki and Marathi are less than 10 nautical miles from Patmos. The larger of the two – Arki – measures just 7 sq. km and features a handful of stone houses and tavernas selling fresh fish caught the night before. It’s an excellent spot for trekking and boasts some beautiful beaches. Marathi is even smaller, but just as enchanting.

Hit the beach

Patmos boasts beautiful beaches, most of which have soft small pebbles instead of sand and crystal turquoise waters. The most developed beaches are Skala, Agriolivado and Livadi Geranou, where you’ll find excellent facilities, including a lifeguard and sunbed rentals. For a more secluded experience, try Lambi beach on the north coast or the large bay of Diakofti. For those who prefer to feel the sand between their toes, Psilli Ammos is one of the best sandy beaches on the island.

Eating Out in Patmos

Patmos is crammed full of cozy tavernas, cafes and bars. You’ll find most options crowded in the narrow streets and main squares of Chora, as well popular tourist spots on the island like Skala. Most bars and restaurants stay open until after midnight.

It’s difficult to go wrong when it comes to eating out in Patmos, but for traditional Greek fare right on the beach try To Kyma or Ktima Petra. Or, for a special occasion, there’s Benetos in Sapsila. Opened in 1997, the restaurant boasts a large veranda with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport in Patmos. The closest airport is Leros Municipal Airport, though this only offers domestic flights from Athens International Airport. Kos Airport is the next closest airport and offers more flights, particularly during the summertime. From here, you can hop on a ferry to Patmos. The ferry ride takes 2.5-3 hours. Alternatively, you can book a flight to Athens and pick up the ferry from Piraeus port. Boats depart three times a week and the journey takes 7-8 hours.

Getting Around Patmos

Patmos is small and easily navigated. Buses serve the most popular areas on the island, including the Holy Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of Apocalypse. The main bus station is located in front of the ferry port, where buses depart for Chora and the seaside resorts of Grikos and Kambos.

For those looking for more flexibility and the chance to get off the beaten path, renting a car is an excellent option. The roads are in good condition and quiet (for the most part). Just keep in mind that Chora and the fortified monastery are both pedestrian-only zones.