Patmos sits in the Dodecanese, surrounded by the blue of the Aegean and just far enough away to make getting here feel like going somewhere.
It is known around the world as the island of the Apocalypse. According to Christian tradition, Saint John received the visions that became the Book of Revelation here. The Cave of the Apocalypse, the Monastery of Saint John and the old town of Chora together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But Patmos is much more than its famous history.
It is an island of tiny beaches, rocky coves, old footpaths, whitewashed houses, chapels in improbable places and roads that occasionally seem to have been designed by goats.
You can swim in clear Aegean water, walk ancient paths through thyme and wild herbs, dive, take a boat to neighbouring islands, eat fish with your feet almost in the sea – or spend an entire afternoon doing remarkably little. Patmos still has an extensive network of old walking paths connecting settlements, fields, chapels and secluded coves.
CHORA
At the top of the island sits Chora, a maze of white houses, narrow lanes, old mansions and small churches wrapped around the fortified Monastery of Saint John.
It has grown here for centuries and remains one of the best-preserved historic settlements in the Aegean.
Go up before sunset.
Get lost.
You’ll find your way back eventually.
THE SEA
Patmos has no shortage of places to swim – organised beaches, little bays, rocky entries and coves you may have entirely to yourself.
And when staying on one island starts to feel unnecessarily restrictive, get on a boat.
Arki, Marathi and Lipsi are close enough for a day trip, with plenty of swimming required along the way.
WALK SOMEWHERE
One of the best ways to understand Patmos is on foot.
Old paths cross the hills between Chora, Skala, chapels, fields and the coast. Some walks are gentle. Some involve discovering that the destination is considerably higher than it looked from below.
Either way, the view usually settles the argument.
DO SOMETHING. OR DON’T.
Dive. Hike. Sail. Paint. Practise yoga. Find a beach. Stay too long over lunch. Watch the sunset. Look at the stars.
Patmos gives you plenty to do.
It is also particularly good at convincing you that you don’t need to.
Explore activities on Patmos →A few island moments
Have a little look around.
Tap a photo. There’s more tucked behind it.
The quieter months
Patmos, after summer.
The magic stays when summer leaves. The quieter months bring green hills, wildflowers, extraordinary light and sunsets that tend to stay with you.
Take a little look at Patmos in its winter colours.
STAY A WHILE
Eco House Patmos is a handmade holiday home for weekly rentals, retreats and small gatherings on the island of Patmos, Greece.
It is surrounded by nature, built for slow days and shared dinners, and slightly removed from how life operates elsewhere.
Which is, really, the whole idea.
Ask about a stay ↗