Patmos Island, Greece

Heritage of World culture

Patmos island is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese, on the eastern frontier of the Aegean Sea (south-west of Samos). Generously endowed by nature, its topography presents a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, with small stretches of flat land scattered among low, rocky hills. Impressive crenellated coasts are made up of dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, interspersed with picturesque inlets. Patmos island's microclimate is dry; with frequent northerly winds and exceptionally clear air, it is bathed in sunlight 3,000 hours a year. Patmos island has an area of only 34 square kilometers, and lies at a distance of 161 nautical miles from Piraeus.

The first settlers on Patmos island were the Carians, followed by the Ionians. Ruined 4th-century BC walls bear witness to the existence of a fortified town at the Kastelli site. Preliminary excavations have revealed that Artemis and Apollo were worshipped there. The temple of the goddess of the hunt, Artemis, is believed to have stood on the site where the great Monastery of Patmos was later built in the 11th century. The temple of the god of music, Apollo, was near the port of Skala. In the first century BC, Patmos island, a dependency of Miletus on the coast of Asia Minor, boasted a large population and an remarkable civilization. Ancient temples, a gymnasium, games and an association of lampadists (torch-racers) indicate its economic well-being and high level of culture.

In recent decades, most of the island s 3,000 permanent residents have worked in the tourist sector, which has grown to be its main economic resource. Administratively, Patmos island is part of the Dodecanese complex; it forms a municipality based in the island's historic capital, Hora. Skala, built around the port of the same name, is the township where most of the island s social and economic life is concentrated. The smaller village of Kambos was in the past the center of Patmos' farming community, whereas picturesque Grikos is a settlement that has only recently come into being as a result of construction of tourist accommodation. In 1981 the Greek Parliament passed a special law designating Patmos island as a Sacred Island. It is part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which organized glorious celebrations in 1988 to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the founding of the monastery of St. John, and in 1995 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the writing of the holy book of the Apocalypse.

Apart from being a destination for pilgrims, Patmos island is an ideal island for quiet holidays. Its natural beauty, quaint settlements, crystal-clear sea and the traditional architecture of Hora, along with a developed tourist infrastructure, make it uniquely suitable for repose and relaxation. You can swim in the crystalline waters off its shores, at small-organized beaches or in one of its isolated, tranquil bays. For accommodation, you may choose from among the island's many hotels of various categories, rooms to rent and campsites. Patmos island mainly offers quiet holidays, but for those who seek it out there is no shortage of night-life, ranging from picturesque taverns with traditional Greek music to pubs and discos. If, however, these are not to your liking, they will not disturb your tranquility. During the summer, the Municipality of Patmos island organizes evenings of folk music and dancing in the town's squares. You can also participate in the traditional festivals known as 'panigiria' held by the islanders to celebrate their great religious feast-days.

Patmos island is famous for the traditional hospitality of its inhabitants, from the time travelers in the Middle Ages wrote of Patmos' hospitality, down to present day.

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Material from the publication of Patmos island Municipality.