Patmos - Area guide
The Monastery of St John the Theologian in Patmos, also known as the Island of the Apocalypse or the Jerusalem of the Aegean, is one of the most important religious sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also known as the sacred island of the Dodecanese, where John the Evangelist lived in exile and wrote the Apocalypse, the last book of the New Testament.
In the 19th century, Chora was built as a monastic settlement to protect the inhabitants from pirate attacks. The island's capital, Chora, is encircled by the ancient monastery and contains some of Greece's most beautiful houses and alleys in traditional white. The capital and largest city of the island is Patmos. It has two ports, Skala and Vathy (Theodotos); the former is 4.5 kilometres from Patmos town and is directly connected to the port of Piraeus. The charming small islands of Lipsi, Arki and Marathos are easily accessible by boat.
The island of Patmos combines a rich cultural history with beautiful surroundings, distinctive natural beauty and beautiful bays and beaches that are ideal for a peaceful and relaxing holiday.
The most beautiful beaches on the island include Kampos, Vagia, Agriolivados, Meloi and Lambis Bay, all with brightly coloured pebbles. There is also the beautiful village of Grikos, which has become a modern resort, in the south-eastern part of the island.
In recent years, the island has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for many artists, celebrities and well-known ship owners, due to its unique beauty and cosmopolitan allure.
