Patmos island destination guide
The small island of Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese and popular summer destination. Consequently thousands of cruisers arriving each summer. Patmos island is about 7.5 miles (12 km) long from north to south and at its widest is 6 miles (10 km) from east to west. The distance from the port of Bodrum or Kos is about 50 miles.
Basically, Patmos island is not a mass commercial destination but attracts high-end tourism. If you are sailing North Dodecanese by gulets, this is probably one island that you must not miss. Many of its attractive beaches and idyllic coves are accessible only by boat. Also sailing your way along Patmos’ coast, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Patmos island has a population of 3.000 people. Its Municipality also includes the offshore islands of Arki,Marathos and several uninhabited islands.
When arriving on Patmos by gulets, your captain will, first of all, inform you about the opening hours for the main attractions. According to the time you want to dedicate to the visits, you can plan the swimming stop in a bay or even more.
Patmos island highlights
- Your gullet will anchor at the port Scala, with its beautiful whitewashed houses and narrow lanes. Skala is now the most populated and visited place on the island. It offers most of the public services consequently everything you would expect to find in a commercial harbour.
- The island’s capital is Chora built 3 km southwest of the harbour. The asphalt road or Two unpaved paths connect Chora of Patmos to its port. Chora is beautiful with its whitewashed houses, mansions, captain’s residences, narrow streets and alleyways. Most of then all are date back to the 15th century. For a reason, it is recognised as World Heritage Monument by UNESCO
- The Holy Monastery of the Theologian on the top of the hill, built in the 11th century. Here you can admire priceless religious relics, rare manuscripts, icons, jewellery and embroidery. Furthermore the murals in the temple of the church within the monastery of the Virgin and also the Library.
- Patmos island bays; Petra bay and Tragonissi island are famous bays for gulets. Secluded coves are also Grigos and Kampos inlet located north of the capital Skala.
- If you decide to spend the evening on Patmos island, you will enjoy bustling main square. Grab a seat outside, order one of their signature cocktails and see where the night leads you.
- Skala town also offers numerous shops, so maybe you can do some good shopping. You will find here very tasteful marvellous shops filled with both traditional and modern jewels