Why Patmos?
Forbes magazine voted Patmos as “Europe's Most Idyllic Places To Live”, we agree! But the secret behind patmos' popularity is the wide range of beautiful and talented people that keep coming back year after year.
Living in Patmos is pure bliss.
The laid back pace really draws you in , while the air inspires to take full advantage of the season at hand. The waters revive you and the sun seems to shine with magnified rays making you feel unique and alive.
No words can describe the earth spirit present on this island, it’s a geophysical phenomenon that not everyone can feel or see.
The monastery really overwhelms you. It is visible from almost all the places on this scenic little island.
Driving or riding around is really uncomplicated, you wont find a single traffic light on the roads that swerve and turn unfolding a new spectacular view at every curve.
The bible is the worlds' best selling book . All reading enthusiasts know of the Book of Revelations, but not everyone is aware that it was written on Patmos or why a book about so much destruction was written in a place so beautiful and peaceful.
Saint John the Divine (also known as the beloved disciple of Jesus) was sent here in exile, Patmos in those days it was a place for criminals because it was so inaccessible.
The bible is the worlds' best selling book . All reading enthusiasts know of the Book of Revelations, but not everyone is aware that it was written on Patmos or why a book about so much destruction was written in a place so beautiful and peaceful.
Saint John the Divine (also known as the beloved disciple of Jesus) was sent here in exile, Patmos in those days it was a place for criminals because it was so inaccessible.
This site aims to provide you with everything you need to know about the island, making your time here even more efficient.
Drink & Eat
CAFES:
There are Cafes located all over the island, they are allowed to play music till midnight, most of them have delicious desserts and coffee. Try a frappe, it's a Greek ice coffee.CAFE-BARS:
Cafe-bars are basically cafes that can close their doors for soundproofing after midnight to allow them to play music until 2 AM.NIGHTCLUBS:
Nightclubs are bars that are soundproofed. This allows them to play music till 4AM on weekdays and as long as they like on weekends and public holidays.BEACHBARS:
These are, as you would expect bars on beaches, most of them serve food and drinks to either sit in or take away, music is allowed till midnight.TRADITIONAL GREEK:
Greek restaurants or taverns (tavernas) are divided in different categories depending on the type of food that each specializes in or the way the food is prepared. Due to over demand for classic Greek dishes these categories have disappeared over the years and most taverns serve all types of food. If a tavern does specialize in something it will be listed. These are the categories.TAVERNA:
A Greek restaurant serving a variety of Greek dishes.MAGHERIO:
A magherio is a tavern that specializes is cooked dishes. If looking for pastitio, mousaka or other backed and casserole dishes, a magherio is what your looking for.
Beaches
The islands shape and its 63km coastline offers a wide selection of beaches, from sandy and organized shores with umbrellas and beach bars to solitary coves. The choice of where to enjoy some of the clearest, refreshing and tranquil waters of the Aegean Sea is yours. If you're arriving with a private boat or simply renting one, you're in for an unforgettable experience and not only on our island, for Patmos has many small and larger neighbouring islands making short distance excursions enticing .
Villages
Kambos:
Kambos is approximately 6 km from Skala. There is an upper (Ano) and a lower (Kato) Kámbos also known as Kambos Beach. Ano Kambos is built around a picturesque square with a beautiful church on one side and tasty tavern, a internet cafe, cafe and a mini market on the other side.Chora:
The island's capital Patmos or Chora (Hora) is built 3 km southwest of the harbour (Skala). It spills under the walls of the monastery of St.John like roots of a tree. Many islands have villages called Hora. They are usually the main village s and first settlement s making them the oldest developed areas on their island. Hora of Patmos is many times been referred to as the queen of all Hora's, not only because of the monastery, but for the Byzantine residences that are unique to the island and said to be the strongest built in the Aegean . Whitewashed houses, mansions, captain's residences, narrow streets and alleyways, all of which date back to the 15th century, are one of the reasons why this Hora is evidently one of the most expensive areas in Europe. Bought out mainly by foreigners the houses in Hora are in high demand. Walking in Hora during a sunny mid day would not be recommended, the whitewashed houses reflect the sunlight making it tiring and straining for the eyes and skin. The afternoon and morning sunlight really give the alleyways a more Byzantine aura and a night walk is considered very romantic. There is a donkey track going from Skala to Hora build in 1794 by the metropolitan of Sardes, Nektarios. It starts about 1 kilometre in from the port, and takes about 25 minutes to walk up to Hora . We recommend you take a bus or taxi up and walk your way down the donkey track through the pine forest to the cave of the Revelation and then to Skala. Otherwise it's a 4.5km drive on asphalt road lined with eucalyptus trees and pine forests. HISTORY AND HOUSES OF HORAThe first dwellings were built around 1130 when the monastery monks called upon the remaining inhabitants (mostly builders of the monastery and their families) to take up resident close to each other and the monastery walls forming anouter wall, so when invaders came they could seek refuge behind its walls keeping the community and Christianity safe. The houses were built in rows, their thick walls were much higher than the roofs to discourage climbing over them. Inside the walls five doors locked interconnecting passageways. Other islanders near and around Asia Minor flocked to Hora to escape from the Turks for centuries to come. As more came to seek refuge a new outer wall of houses had to be made, this meant the breaking up of some of the old homes, into smaller ones to accommodate more people. Extension of the passageways and two more locked doors also had to be made. As time went by and the fear of pirates died away, homes and mansions turned into ruins and locals relocated taking remainders of the old buildings (stone and wood) to new locations reforming Hora into what it is today. One of the oldest buildings still standing in Hora would have to be the Sophouliou mansion (1522), it was built as a self sufficient complex with large ovens, storage rooms and rooms for security personnel . Another traditional Patmian home is the Simandiri mansion, which today serves as a museum.Skala:
Around the 16 th century Skala was one of the most important commercial ports in the Mediterranean it was originally made up of warehouses and maintenance facilities for local and incoming ships. The buying and selling of loot from pirates and the making and export of woman's stockings and embroidery were the major economical assets to the island and its people. At sunset everyone would return to their protected homes in Hora via the steps (skala). The first homes were built in the beginning of the 19th century when European ships chased off the pirates of Turkey, Arabia and other countries. The Greek government under military dictatorship in 1972 built the current port. Skala is now the most populated and visited place on the island. It offers most of the public services and being the island's only port it has a selection of supermarkets, gift shops, restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, bars and everything you would expect to find in a commercial harbor . Skala has taken the role of "the city of Patmos" while at the same time it preserves a warm island atmosphere as would be expected from such a historic port. The mix of people you see is a show of history repeating itself, and although you won't find any pirates, you will meet people from all over the world coming either for spiritual enlightenment, relaxation and/or a good time. About 200 meters from the port is the beginning of the beach Agios Theologos (Saint Theologian). It is a sandy beach which is very popular on weekdays with the locals because they can take a quick dive, refresh themselves and go on with the ir daily duties. There is a row of snack bars along the beach making it very convenient for tourist s on cruise boats, or day trippers from nearby islands who don't have a lot of time: they can swim eat and leave. At the end of the beach there is fenced of section with a sign saying that this was the spot that saint john baptized the first Christians on the island in approximately 95AD, apparently there is a spring that runs under the beach to the sea, making that section of the beach extra refreshing.Grikos:
Grikos bay is situated in the southeast. It is approximately 4.5 km from the port in Skala.The road runs parallel to the coast making walking to and from Skala very beautifuland popular especially for joggers. The bus stops by several times a day leaving you 50 meters from the beach. There are taverns, a rent-a-bike with a cafe, hotels and apartments a kiosk and heaps of sand to lay your towel on. Grikos is a popular settlement during the summer because it is quieter than most towns around the island, especially during high season (August).Its beach is the longest on the island with crystal clear waters and tamarisk trees for shade. Tragonissi ("ram island") populated only by goats and a goat herder,faces the bay protecting it from bad weather (except SE winds) and making it perfect for yachts and boats to stop by or moor on the jetty that has a depth of 2 meters.
Shopping
ART
Patmos has inspired many artists from all over the world, some have come here to stay. From icon painters to potters Patmos is honored to be represented by such individuals.ELECTRONIC STORES
From satellite dishes to renting a DVD, Patmos has everything a modern person could need or want. If something is not available it can be easily ordered from Athens.FOOD STORE
Find fresh local fish and vegetables, locate your nearest mini-supermarket or try some Patmian sweets and baked foods.GIFTS
Gift shops offer a wide selection of gifts and memorabilia; you will find anything you want to remember Patmos by.JEWELLERY
Jewelry making has always been a tradition on Patmos. Locals used to buy gold and precious stones from pirates and hand craft them into beautiful masterpieces that were then exported all over Europe.SHOES AND CLOTHING
Whether you're looking for sandals for the beach or something to wear for the night out these stores will satisfy most wants and needs for all ages and sizes.SUPPLIES
Here is a list of supplies available on the island: PHARMACEUTICAL, WATER FISHING, GARDENING, HARDWARE, BUILDING STATIONARY, HOME WARE, BOAT, AUTO ELECTRICAL, TRADITIONAL CERAMIC TILES.WINE AND LIQUOR
From mythological times till today, wine has been a specialty of the Greeks. Greek wine has become more and more popular internationally and a sip of ouzo is a must for anyone traveling in our land.
Monastery of St John the Divine or the Evangelist
The first thing you notice on Patmos is the monastery of St John the Divine or the Evangelist. It crowns the hill of Hora. It looks like a Byzantine castle and was built like a fortress. Its presence is overwhelming. It was founded in 1088 by Ossios Christodoulos following a grant by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I. Komnenos.
The monastery’s walls are over 15 meters high, its length from north to south is 53 meters and from east to west 70 meters. It seems even larger when you stand at the entrance, noticing its thick walls and heavily reinforced door.
Above the entrance several meters high there is a small opening from which burning hot oil, water, even lead was poured over to attack pirates and other invaders trying to break the gate, this opening was called "the killer", and was considered the last resort for keeping the Monastery safe.
The monks used to sound the bells to warn the people of Patmos to take refuge behind the fortified walls of the monastery, keeping Christianity safe as was intended by its founder, the blessed Christodoulos.
The main entrance is on the north side. There is a smaller entrance on the south side that is now closed off.
The monastery was not fully complete in 1088 and changed along with the wants and needs of the monks and the church.
The oldest parts are the eastern and northern sides; they can be distinguished by their irregular shaped walls that were constructed in haste during the first years in order to complete the protection of the area.
As you enter the gate you come to the main courtyard laid in by local pebbles and stones. Looking around you notice many different levels as a result of rearrangements and additions that have taken place over the centuries .
In the centre of the courtyard there is a round covered structure that looks like a well. It is in fact a very large jar that was once used to store wine and now contains holy water.
To your left is the main chapel, one of the first buildings to be erected in 1090.
As you face the main chapel (catholicon), there are four arched colonnade s and behind them the outer narthex that has wall paintings, the upper paintings are from the 17th century and represent different miracles performed by Saint John the Divine. The lower date from the 19th century.
To the right of the main chapel is the chapel of the Holy Christodoulos. Inside it are the skull of St Thomas, pieces of the Holy Cross and other religious relics.
Inside the main chapel you will notice the overwhelming and three dimensional carved wooden iconostasis, dating from 1820 this iconostasis replaced an older one from the 15th century, which in its turn had replaced the original marble one that Hosios Christodoulos had placed. The current iconostasis is a gift from Nektarios, the Patmian metropolitan of Sardis and was made by 12 wood carvers from the island of Hios. Its detail is astonishing and leaves visitors gazing visitors speechless.
The acoustics of the room are incredible. Listening to Byzantine hymns during mass is an unforgettable experience.
The Orthodox Church does not allow more than one ceremony per alter, per day so the monastery has 10 chapels, three of them are outside the boundaries of the monastery. At the entrance in the north is Saint Apostles, Saint George is to the east and Saint Fanourios on the west of the monastery. Inside the monastery are the chapels of Holy Christodoulos, St Nicholas, St John the Baptist, St Basil, The Holy Cross, All Saints and the chapel of the Virgin Mary.
To the right of the main church is the chapel of the Holy Christodoulos, inside are his remains as he requested after his death in 1093.
Also next to the main church, is the chapel of The Virgin Mary. The wall paintings of this room and in the main chapel date back from the 12th century and onwards. No words could sufficiently describe their beauty.
Behind the chapel of The Virgin Mary and extending to the south is the refectory where the monks ate their meals together. It is a rectangular room about 50 square meters and 8 meters high, there are two long tables covered with marble. There are niches in them where monks placed their personal items and beautiful frescos and wall paintings dating back to 1180.
Across the main courtyard on the first floor , is the old bakery, where the remains of a huge stone oven can be seen and a long wooden trough where the monks used to kneed their bread.
These were built in 1088 and are mentioned in the writings of Holy Christodoulos when he elected a man from the brotherhood, to become responsible for the running and maintenance of the room, a man he referred to as “the cellar man”.
The museum is located next to the bakery and has an entrance fee of 6 euros. It was also erected by the Blessed Christodoulos who bequeathed to it his most precious icons listed in his will. It's an amazing collection of icons, original manuscripts from the bible, objects of silver and gold, sacred relics, vestments embroiled with silver or gold threads, coloured silk threads and bejeweled with precious stones to list a few. Most of the items within the museum , have to be seen to be properly appreciated.
The Blessed Christodoulos also founded the monastery library. When he arrived on the island he brought with him his personal library including manuscripts from the monastic area of Mt. Latmos. The library is now home now to more than 3000 printed books, 900 manuscripts and 13000 documents dating back to 1073.This room is not open to the public except by special permission , usually for Byzantine and biblical scholars.
The rest of the monastery consists of 2 treasures treasuries, the monk's cells, the flourmill, store rooms, a conference room and a research room with new books and magazines. All these areas are not open to the general public.
