Patmos is a small island of great significance, as it’s here that the Book of Revelations is said to have been written. The last book of the bible is accredited to the disciple John, who apparently received his vision while staying in a cave on the island.
This cave can be seen by tourists visiting the island and that, in addition to the wealth of churches and monasteries, is why Patmos has become a hotspot for Christian pilgrims. You don’t need to be religious to enjoy Patmos though as there is an aura of peace and elegance that everyone can appreciate, regardless of their religious preference.
This is why we recommend that sailers plot a course for Patmos when sailing a charter in the region. It’s located in the Dodecanese, which means it tends to be overshadowed by the busier islands of Kos and Rhodes, but Patmos also attracts hordes of tourists every season, with its population of less than 3,000 exploding every Spring and Summer.
In days gone by Patmos didn’t have a great deal to offer tourists looking to actually stay on the island. The accommodation was bare, lacking comfort and luxury—the sort of place you’d expect a monk to stay and not a high-paying tourist. This has changed in recent years though and Patmos is now more than capable of catering for high-paying tourists looking for something a little more luxurious.
If you find yourself on the island of Patmos make sure you visit the local museums, churches and monasteries—there is a lot of history to see and a lot of spirituality to immerse yourself in. Once you’ve done all of that then you can spend some time on the beaches, because like all Greek islands Patmos is surrounded by pristine rocky beaches and crystal clear seas.
The anchorages on Patmos:
