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Patmos

If you are planning a holiday in Greece, and you are interested in making a unique stop over on a small island, then let it be Patmos.

Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese, on the eastern frontier of the Aegean Sea (southwest of Samos). Generously endowed by nature, its topography presents a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, with small stretches of flat land scattered among low, rocky hills. Impressive crenulated coasts are made up of dozen of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, interspersed with picturesque inlets. The island's climate is normally dry, with frequent northerly winds and exceptionally clear air, it is bathed in sunlight 3,000 hours a year. Patmos has an area of only 34 square kilometers, and lies at a distance of 161 nautical miles from Piraeus.

The fortified Monastery of St. John the Divine towers majestically, both physically and spiritually, over the whole island. It stands on a hilltop opposite the port of Skala, clasped tightly by the brilliant white medieval town of Hora. Inside the Monastery are various buildings that have been added over the centuries of its existence, so that today it appears as a complex maze of buildings on different levels. Gracing the walls of the Monastery church and chapels are important Byzantine frescos.

In its museum, visitors get a taste of the vigour and fame it has known during its journey through time, the monks have preserved the Monastery's valuable relics, despite the periods of privation and decline through which it has passed.

Elaborate Byzantine artwork, vessels fashioned by silversmiths and goldsmiths, gold - embroidered vestments, and an extremely rich collection of icons make up a mosaic of ecclesiastical art from the 11th. through the 18th. century.

Apart from being a destination for pilgrims, Patmos is an ideal island for quiet holidays. Its natural beauty, quaint settlements, crystal - clear sea and the traditional architecture of Hora, along with a developed tourist infrastructure, make it uniquely suitable for repose and relaxation. One can swim in the crystalline waters off its shores, at small-organised beaches or in one of its isolated, tranquil bays.

During the summer, the Municipality of Patmos organizes evenings of folk music and dancing in the town's squares. One can also participate in the traditional festivals known as 'panigiria' held by the islanders to celebrate their great religious feast-days.

Patmos is famous for the traditional hospitality of its inhabitants, which has not been lost, in spite of development for tourism.

There are large comfortable ferries that connect Patmos to Piraeus daily. The closest international airports are those on the islands of Samos and Kos, and there is a smaller one on Leros. Steamers, hydrofoils and smaller excursion boats sail frequently to neighboring islands. Patmos' harbour now has a new jetty, and can easily accommodate private yachts, so that one does not have problems mooring or refueling the vessels.

One can get around the island by bus or taxis, rented cars or motorbikes. Patmos has a 50-kilometer network of asphalt-paved roads in good condition.

Alternatively, one may also choose to make a day-trip to one of the small islands nearby (Lipsi, Arkii, etc.).

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