Name, Geography, Climate
Patmos belongs to the Dodecanese, a group of twelve islands stretching along the SE corner of the Aegean Archipelago, across the coast of Asia Minor. The designations and legends associated with early Patmos easily override the sparse documentation available, which is often woven around the fortunes of dominant city-states, such as Miletus and Rhodes. Deer-huntress Artemis loomed ubiquitous throughout the pre-Christian Eras down to the 11th century A.D., in the same way that the acts and deeds attributed to St. John decisively molded the course of history from Roman times onwards. Material culture is shaped accordingly, in that the renowned monastery of St. John the Divine, or "Theologian," is erected on the very bedrock that gave lodging to sacred Artemis, her cult and sanctuary.
Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanesian complex. An elongated reef of modest dimensions, it measures little more than 39 km2, boasting a coastline of 65 km and a N-S long axis of 12 km. From the upper monastery terraces, a bird's eye view may capture all this in one glance, as well as the contours of surrounding lands: Ikaria, Fournoi and perhaps distant Samos to the north; Leros and Kalymnos, the islands to the south; the islets of Leipsoi and Arkioi, including Agathonisi, and the coast of Asia Minor to the east. On a clear day, some of the Cyclades to the west may also be traced from afar. Patmos is further surrounded by a crowd of barren islands, particularly towards the east.
Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes gave rise to the geological formation of the Dodecanese, originally belonging with the solid land mass between Crete and the Asiatic coast. Patmos itself consists of ranges of low hillocks and modest recesses, of gentle undulations that bound the few plains splaying out in a multitude of bays and coves. But it also consists of a terrain of steep ruggedness, sparse vegetation and dryness. It is intriguing to experience how the wind-blown and foggy landscape may turn as easily into mild sweetness set in the clarity of an ever persisting lucidity.
Patmos in Prehistoric Times
The earliest remains of human settlements date to the Middle Bronze Age (ca 2000 B.C.). They consist of pottery sherds from Kastelli, the most important archaeological site so far identified, spreading over the bays of Hohlakas, Merikas and Skala. Given, however, the extensive habitation record from 3rd millennium Dodecanese and contemporary Cyclades, it should cause little surprise if systematic work reveals an Early Bronze Age horizon on Patmos, too.
THE FIRST CENTURIES A.D.
Patmos and Christianity are irresolubly linked in the late 1st century A.D. Emperor Dometian drives the Apostle St. John to the exile of Patmos (84-96 A.D.), whereby he is said to have experienced the terrible visions of the Apocalypse and perhaps to have composed the 4th Gospel.
A small cave, midway between the port of Skala and the capital of Chora, is allegedly the scene of God's revelations, now turned into a small monastic complex known as the Apocalypse. These early events are related by the historical writings of Clemens (ca 150-220), of Origenes (185-254), of Eusebius (4th c.) or writers of the medieval period, and also by a late Roman popular narrative (2nd?/4th? c.) attributed to St. John's disciple and follower, young Prochoros. Prochoros's version of St. John's mission and miracles were later re-enacted in the 17th century frescoes decorating the outer narthex of the katholikon (central church) of the monastery.
The impact of St John's legacy is evidenced shortly after his death around 100 A.D. in Ephesus. A number of Early Christian basilicas are erected on Patmos, including an apparently magnificent building dedicated to St. John himself (ca 300-350). Early Christian life on Patmos, however, barely survives subsequent to Arab raids (7th-9th c.), to the point that the island is turned into a desert wasteland. In the 10th century, a plain chapel modestly echoes the passage of centuries, when the emperor's envoy Nikolaos Tzanzes, in compliance with the decree of Alexios A' Komnenos (1081-1118), surveys the territory in order to cede it to an austere figure of the clergy bearing the name Christodoulos.
General
One of the smallest inhabited islands of the Aegean, Patmos, is incredibly beautiful. It is the island where Saint John the Theologian, while exiled there, had a vision and in 1995 the 1900 years - since the writing of his Apocalypse (Revelation) - were commemorated.
The impressive stone monastery dominates majestically over most of the island, inviting you to approach it with respect, wonder and awe. The island, which has kept its ancient name, today has become a place of pilgrimage and a the throng of faithful flock to supplicate and relish the spiritual heritage of this sacred island and also to admire and enjoy its beauty and serenity.
The picturesque, interchangeable landscape, with the small plains and valleys, the impressive rocks - hoisted like castles on the tops and the slopes of the hills (the most prominent being that of Prophet Elias) - with thick spreading pine and other tree-forests, along with its religious significance and mysticism, presents a sup generis image.
The island lies between Ikaria and Leros. It was inhabited since very ancient times and according to legend, it was here that Orestes -who killed his mother Clytemnestra - came to elude the vengeance of the Furies.
The most important attraction naturally will be the fortress-like monastery of St John (tel.:22470 31398), built in 1088 by the monk Christodoulos. Many priceless treasures are housed in its sacristy. Also in Hora, there is an Ecclesiastical Museum.
Halfway between Hora and Skala (the island’s port) there is the "Grotto of the Apocalypse", where the Revelation was written by John the Evangelist. At the mouth of the cave you will see the church of Aghia Anna and at a short distance from there, the famous Patmias School is located.
At the Patmos shops you find reasonably priced porcelain, crystal and silver items. The Patmian embroidery is famous for its elegance.
Seashores:
Near Skala: Hohlakas, Merkos, Meloi and Aghriolivathi.
The well-facilitated sandy shore: Kambos, with its crystal-clear waters.
The most quiet shore: Vaghia, the Lambi beach, with the colourful pebbles, and a little further the Aghios Nikolaos Bay. Among all the beaches the Psili Ammos (fine sand) could be the best.
The north side of the island offers Grikos, Kalikaltsou and Diakofti.
Beaches
Lower Kambos
One of the first very well equipped beaches of the island. Ideal for children and young people.
Grikos
Sandy beach with parasols, sun beds and a lot of water sports. A good place for families.
Agrio Livadi
Beach equipped with sun beds and parasols. For food, there is a restaurant with Greek food and a nice bar "the skipper bar" for a snack and drink, with good music.
Petra
Sun beds, parasols with view of the rock of Kalikatsou. The small marsh of Petra is a place of exceptional natural beauty where, wintertime, swans, herons, and wild ducks migrate for a while.
Meloi
Beach close to Scala, with quiet and protected water and lots of trees for shade.
Psili Ammos
It is the most beautiful sandy beach of the island with a good tavern waiting for you. You can take a boat from Scala, at 10.00am which will take you back at 4.00pm to Scala. You can as well go by motorbike or by car, leave it at Diakofti and follow the path for a 20 minute fantastic walk.
Livadi Geranou
Beautiful beach with sand and tamarisks for plenty of shade. There is a small tavern with a fantastic view on the Aegean Sea and the islands all around. In spring, behind the beach, it is full of orchids. You can reach it by all means of transportation.
Lambi
Beach with pebbles. This beach has the most beautiful and coloured pebbles of the island. You can go there by all means of transportation and even by bus which will stop you at Christo and from there it is a 20 minutes walk.
Vagia
Beach with pebbles and very clean and refreshing water. There is a cafeteria with a fantastic view just a few minutes from the sea. You can go there by your own means or take the boat from Scala.
Patelia
To the end of the road after Livadi Geranou.
Sapsila
Pebbled beach and on the road you will find a restaurant. On the road to Grikos, it's reachable through all means but it is only a 30 minute walk from Scala.
Big Mercini
Situated at Aghios Nicholas of Evdilos.
Aspri
It is a beach close to Scala.
Kipoi
Under the convent of Annunciation.
Livadi Kalogiron
Beautiful beach with a small canteen for first necessities
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