Why Visit Patmos?
There's a long list of reasons why Patmos is well worth a visit and if your visit is the first, and only on a daytrip, you won't be able to see it all in one day. You're likely to be wanting to return again and maybe when there is a traditional festival happening, that would make it even more fascinating! As well as visiting the recommended highlights, after you've enjoyed walking around the pretty white washed village, relaxed a while in a tavern, enjoyed tasting their Greek traditional cuisine, don't forget to browse the quaint local shops for souvenirs.
Visitors in Patmos should taste the traditional sweets called pougia, which are made of dough, almonds, and walnuts, topped with sugar and syrup and can be found in all the pastry shops on the island. Patmos is famous for its high-quality cheese products. One of the specialties of the island is its famous cheese-pie made with a tasty paste and fresh local cheese. Fresh fish and excellent seafood can be found in various taverns of Patmos. Patmos also produces linen weaving, fine embroideries and beautiful hand-woven fabrics with traditional designs.
The central nightlife scene in Patmos is Skala, the most tourist place of the island. Along the port of Skala, there are lounge cafes with atmospheric music and few clubs that stay open till 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning. There are also few lounge bars in Chora and Kambos. For more peaceful nights out, spend a relaxed long dinner in the many taverns around the island.
Recommended places to visit:
*Visit Chora and the Monastery of St. John. There's also a Byzantine Church, and a museum with an amazing view.
*Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts many pilgrims. It's where John wrote his controversial revelations.
*Go trekking. The old roads that were used by horses and donkeys have now become a series of paths for hikers. You'll find a variety of long and short routes.
*Eat and drink in Skala. Despite not being a very large island, you'll find a large variety of tavernas, especially seafood tavernas.
*Visit Grikos beach and village. Crystal clear water ant trees offering precious shade and a small wooden 'path' that extends into the sea. A little piece of paradise.
*Walk along Chora's winding streets to the famous windmills, and admire the colourful Lambi beach.
CHORA (pronounced 'hora' in Greek), is the capital of Patmos located in the south central part of the island and a few km south of Skala, the main port of Patmos. The traditional settlement is built around the imposing Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, during the 12th century.
The weather in Patmos during May and September is perfect for walking in the island. It is possible for a group to take a guided walking tour around parts of Patmos. With remote chapels, hidden narrow walkways, magnificent old white-washed houses and cobble stoned alleyways, most dating back hundreds of years to the fifteenth century, you'll have plenty of things to capture with your camera!
Some interesting information, according to ancient mythology, the island of Patmos was first named Litois, in honour of the Goddess Artemis who was also called Litoida because she was the daughter of Lito. Legend says that the island sunk into the sea and that Artemis, with the help of Apollo, managed to persuade Zeus to bring the island back to the surface. As a proof of devotion, the inhabitants of the island named it Litois.
RELIGIOUS FEASTS & FESTIVALS
August 15th
On the day of the Dormition of the Virgin, on August 15th, Patmos celebrates with a big feast at the Monastery of Panagia Geranou with traditional dancing, singing, and food.
Feast of Saint John - May 8th & September 26th
The feast of Saint John the Theologian is honoured with glorious celebrations in Chora, on May 8th and September 26th.
On the 24th of September, locals celebrate the feast of Agia Thekla. The church dedicated to her lies on top of a small islet, right across Agriolivadi.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Religious Music Festival
The Religious Music Festival of Patmos is established as one of the major cultural events related to religious and it gathers various artists from the international and Greek music scene as well as world-famous choirs. The festival is held under the Cave of the Apocalypse, the symbol of Christianity.
Festival of Folklore Dances
The Festival of Folklore Dances in Patmos highlights the island's tradition through a great celebration. Many dancing groups unite from many parts of Greece and Asia Minor.
International Film Festival
The International Film Festival is scheduled every July on Patmos island. Film-makers, actors, directors, and film-critics from every part of the world are gathered here to attend one of the most important cultural summer events in Greece.
***ATTENTION! - HIGHLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION ***
To enter Patmos, it is of utmost importance to use the same travel document (passport or ID card) with which you entered Türkiye. If you show a different document, the border guard will not allow you to leave Türkiye for Patmos or any Greek Island you are wanting to visit. The child's age is calculated based on the year of birth documented in their passport. Passport and ticket check-in takes place at the international terminal. Ferry cruise time: approx. 2 hours to Patmos.
On your return, once you have arrived back in Kusadasi Port and made your exit, our staff member, tour driver will be waiting for you holding our company sign, ready to make your return back to Didim.
Patmos Island requires a visa. You can find all information on the Greece Visa page. For more information and help, you can contact us at our WhatsApp support line +90 (535) 653 15 84.
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