Activities

Found at the top of Chora, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian constitutes the trademark of Patmos and the Dodecanese. The medieval castle monastery with the
impressive yard and high fortified towers was founded in 1088aC by Saint Christodoulos as a homage to John the Evangelist. In 1999 it was proclaimed together with the Cave of the Apocalypse, as World Heritage Monument by UNESCO. At the interior of the monastery approximately 13.000 rare documents, images and artifacts of the byzantine art are hosted.

Even though Patmos is known for its strong religious character, you will find quite interesting the nightlife of the island as well. Your evening will start with cozy cocktails at the ambient cafes and bars found in the picturesque cobbled alleys and the main square of Chora. There also cool, romantic bars in Skala, however, in this area clubbing wins preferences with loud music and dancing till the morning. No matter if you choose Chora or Skala, it’s a sure thing that your nights will be amazing, just like you have dreamt them of. Patmos satisfies all kind
of tastes!

Patmos has plenty of dream beaches with golden sands, pebbled seacoasts, isolated coves and idyllic bays which are included among the finest of Europe. The difficult to reach Psili Ammos beach with the exotic looks, emerald waters and soft sands, Agrio Livadi beach with crystal-clear sea, picturesque taverns and cheerful beach bars, the popular Petra beach with flawless organization and the huge typical rock, Lampi beach with the colorful pebbles, the protected from winds Geranos beach, the lively Campos beach with vivid beach bars, taverns
and water sports, the family Meloi beach with the tamarisks almost reaching the waves and the cosmopolitan Groikos bay, where luxurious sailboats drop anchor and one of the most beautiful bays worldwide according to the international organization “Most Beautiful Bays in the World”, are just a few of the dream beaches that Patmos is proud of.

Patmos is steadily turning into the favorite destination for hiking as there are markedfootpaths that give to the visitor the chance to feel contacted with nature and find an alternative way of getting to know the folklore and history of Patmos island. Try to visit areas of special natural beauty, monuments, hermitages and settlements, by following one of the seven mapped routes of the “Paths of Culture” network which has been planned by ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Culture Heritage. The path which connects Skala with Chora, and Groikos, Aporthianos, the historical cobbled street that unites the port with town, as well as the paths that connect The Monastery of the Annunciation with the Gardens, Agios Nikolaos with Mersini and Profitis Ilias with Chora are considered as the top ones in the hiking network of Patmos.

Every year, Patmos, the Holy Island of the Aegean Sea, with the strong religious aura, becomes pole of attraction for guests who wish to visit the events of the Religious Music Festival. The theme festival that forms benchmark for the cultural life of the island and one of the most significant organizations of the country for two decades, focuses on the presentation of great pieces of religious music and poetry. It is held during the first 7 days of September at the outdoor space found in front of the holy Cave of the Apocalypse, a place where nature, energy, spirituality and music coexist in harmony.

The International Film Festival of Patmos, known also as Aegean Film Festival was born in 2010 and since then the island of the Apocalypse is where all film lovers, cinematographers, producers, actors and artists from all over the world meet. During this great celebration of cinema, documentaries, short and long films are screened while seminars, workshops and parallel events also take place.

More Information: www.aegeanff.com

“Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea” has in store an unforgettable experience for all visitors, as Easter in Patmos is celebrated with the appropriate innerness and religious serenity. Worshipers from every part of the country and the entire world choose to travel to the Dodecanese and the island of the Apocalypse, to experience all customs and ceremonies of the Holy Week. On Good Thursday an enactment of the Maundy Ceremony takes place outside the City Hall, at Xanthou Square, Chora. During this event, the Abbot of the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, in the role of Jesus drizzles symbolically the feet of twelve churchmen (acting as disciples during Last Supper). On Easter day, Patmos celebrates God-man’s Resurrection with a great feast at Skala square. On the Easter table you will find red eggs, tsoureki (Easter bread), traditional candies, cheese-pies from Patmos (patiniotikes) while people will be singing and dancing. If you wish to be part of a lifetime experience, attend to the Evening Prayer at the Monastery of the Theologian where the Resurrection Gospel is read in seven languages and in Homeric Greek.

Summer in Patmos means never ending relaxation, serenity, carelessness and all-day beach parties in idyllic coasts! Over the past few years, the organized beaches Campos and Agrio Livadi are synonym to all day fun at the golden sands with music, dancing, good spirits, youthfulness, fresh cocktails and the crystal emerald waters of the Aegean Sea in the background.

A point of reference for Christianity worldwide, the Cave of the Apocalypse is located on the hill between Skala and Chora. According to christian tradition, John the Evangelist (Apostle) was found exile to Patmos after his persecution by Emperor Domitian, because he was preaching the Word of God in Ephesus. At the cave where he was staying, the rock was broken and the three smaller clefts formed, which symbolize the Holy Trinity, revealed the word of God to him, which he wrote at the Holy Book of the Apocalypse, the last book of the New Testament that refers to the victory of life over the forces of destruction.