Making the most of Patmos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The tenders arrive at Skala which is the small, pretty port of Patmos. The main town is Chora which is a few miles away up a very winding hill, but a taxi there will only cost about €7 and you can walk downhill back to the port.
Smaller ships can dock directly in the center of Skala.
Printable map to take along.
Patmos is a charming, picturesque and tranquil island. It has a very salubrious climate and a clear atmosphere. Vegetation is rather limited but this in no way diminishes the picturesqueness of the island with its lacy coastline, its charming bays and its surrounding islets. The island has 3000 inhabitants, who are divided among Hora, Skala, which is also the main port and Kampos. Away from the flow of mass - tourism, Patmos is ideal for those looking for alternatives. The simultaneous presence of spirituality, wild untouched nature and 20th century tourism make it a unique place, making many visitors return again and again.
Getting around
Monastery of St. John: You might consider that between the cost of the cabs up and then back, plus admissions, etc., that the ship tour might be a little more in cost, but it could save lots of worries and hassles. The monastery and cave are up on a hill that would be a serious challenge for walking. Possible, but a long walk, especially on a hot day.
Just north of the ferry dock, you‘ll find Skala Town beach, a narrow strip of pebbles shaded by some trees, a welcome shade on a hot day.
Nearby places
Chora Town: The quaint whitewashed houses separated by narrow streets and quiet shaded squares date from the middle ages. Enjoy a visit to an authentic Greek shop or tarverna, or wander off for a close-up look at the sadly sail-less windmills.
Money
Euro
Opening Hours and
Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.