Why You Should Visit Patmos Island
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Although Patmos’s original claim to fame is that the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation in the Bible here, it’s also a highly popular tourist destination. Sure, there are people who flock here to take in the history of the island, including the religious history. However, it is also a place that can deliver you a typical Greek island retreat, such as the beaches, restaurants, and resorts. Here is a list of things you can do while on Patmos:
Visit the Monastery of Saint John
If you have time to only do one thing on the island, you won’t want to miss the Monastery of Saint John. Although the monastery was built well after John wrote a portion of the Bible, it is still listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1088 AD during the Byzantine Era. It is still a working monastery today and is open for visiting hours at certain times. You may want to check in advance before you climb the steep steps to the top. Besides visiting this historic site, the monastery is perched on a hill and offers great views of the area, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Journey to the Cave of the Apocalypse
This actually isn’t a cave any longer, but rather a small church. The Cave of the Apocalypse is the actual site where John is said to have had the visions that led to his writing the Book of Revelations. It, like the Monastery of Saint John, is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s located on the road that goes from the villages of Chora and Skala. You can always walk from either of the villages, but if you don’t want to walk, you can always take a taxi, tour bus, or public transportation, if possible.
Spend Time at the Beach
The island of Patmos actually has some of the best beaches in all of Greece. Psili Ammos Beach is a sandy beach with great views of the Aegean Sea and is listed as one of the best beaches on the island. Other beaches to visit include Agrolivado Beach, which is known as being a great choice for the whole family, Kambos Beach, which features crystal clear waters and options to do water sports, and Skala Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches on the island. If you’re spending a lot of time on the island, you may want to try them all!
Take a Cruise of the Surrounding Waters
For a change of pace while visiting Patmos, consider taking a cruise of the surrounding waters and nearby islands! There are plenty of options for cruises and you can decide whether you want to take a guided tour or you simply want to find an opportunity to visit some of the smaller islands off the shore of Patmos without committing to a tour. You can find both – just ask at your hotel for advice.
Patmos is a picturesque island located in the Dodecanese island group. While on the island, you won’t want to miss the historical sites. However, make sure you spend some time at one of the beautiful beaches, as well!
Categorized in: About Patmos, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
