Patmos, Greece

Patmos is the Holy island of Greece, as it was the place where John the Baptist envisioned the Apocalypsis and wrote the book of Revelation and it was also given to Chrisostomos by the Byzantine emperor, Alexios 1st Komninos, to build a monastery and hold authority on. Today, it is known for more than its Christian history, it is a hard to reach Greek island paradise, with an UNESCO main town, beautiful blue water beaches, good food, a great energy and a cultural melting pot, with lots of higher end intellectual tourism creating a community in the island. A lot of them have bought houses on the island. However, all businesses are owned by locals (Patmians).

Niki’s Tips:

• Two options to reach Patmos: an 8 hour ferry ride from Athens (ideally book a cabin way in advance), or a shorter ride from another island you may visit beforehand (check schedules as there is not a ferry everyday) or a flight to Leros or Kos (international airport) or Ikaria and a small ferry ride from there (1-2.5h duration depending the island).

• If you transit though Kos prebook a taxi as there aren’t many. The duration from the port to the airport is 30min.

• Most beaches, and those worth it, are unorganised, but a handful in the island do offer sun beds, but the quantity even there is small.

• Take a boat ride (private with a captain or public-sharing with other people) to the amazing waters of the nearby islands (Arkoi, Leipsei, Marathi, etc). There are tavernas in Marathi and also in the islands of Arkoi and Leipsei.

•   Nightlife in the Chora ends around 3-4am due to the Monastery rules. If you want to continue clubbing you can go to Skala (the main port).

• In the Chora you will find limited options for food or coffee. It is smaller than you think.

• If you are lucky you will find a priest in the Cave of Revelation, who does explain the history of the Cave.

Beaches:

·       Livadi Geraniou: one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. There is a small island across you can swim too, if you are a good swimmer. Unorganised beach, but there is a taverna nearby if you need anything.

·       Psili Ammos: one of the also most beautiful beaches, best if not windy. You have to hike for 30min from Diakofti; its pretty easy, but rocky, and is a beautiful hike. It’s an unorganised beach, but trees offer plenty of shadow. There is a small family taverna, with great food, however they don’t have electricity, so don’t expect fancy coffees or food. Try to eat early, as kitchen closes at 4-5pm.

·       Petra Beach: it has rocks, that’s why its name, and it has a long stretch to choose from. It has some sunbeds and a small beach bar.

·       Kampos beach: this is the most busy beach. It offers different options of sunbeds and restaurants. For the most modern go to Atmos. More casual is Sea & Sun, but there are many more.

·       Agriolivado: it offers option for sunbeds as well and a restaurant and beach bar.

·       Vagia: a small, beautiful beach. It has limited option for shadow, so come prepared. There is a café behind for anything you need (Vagia café).

·       Didimes: two beaches, connecting with each other. There are pretty, but has limited option for shadow so come prepared.

·       Lefkes beach: a small, lesser know beach, in the north side of the island.

·       Meli (Meloi) beach: another small, pretty beach. It has a taverna nearby.

Restaurants:

·       Ela! : a restaurant/wine bar in Kampos, with a huge, amazing selection of natural wines all over the world, and a seasonal menu, with food cooked on their fire grill, with organic vegetables from their farm and locally sources meats, cheeses and other ingredients. Come here for something different and special to try and a casual dinner.

·       Benetos, Sapsila: one of the most famous upscale restaurants of the island, it has a section for the restaurant and a separate for the bar. You can just come for dinner or drinks or combine both. It has great, Mediterranean cuisine. Do book early in high season. In high season you may find dancing and buzzy vibe in the bar, after dinner.

·       To Kyma: not far from Skala, this seafood restaurant has become very popular. The location near the seaside and the atmosphere are its selling points, but the food also is quite good, but keep in mind it is pricey. Book in advance in high season, and I recommend to go just before sunset, as the views are magical. Try fresh fish, the fried cuttlefish and the ceviches/tartare.

·       Lampi taverna: seafood tavern, on the beach. All the food here is great, but do try the cheese flambé.

·       To Tsipouradiko: in Skala, on a great location near the seaside, try different meze here and of course tsipouro. One of the places, with the tastier food in the island.

·       To Xiliomodi: also in Skala, hidden in a small street, has very good seafood meze menu. Only open for dinner.

·       Psili Ammos taverna: try anything seasonal. They have great meats like lamb or pork. Do try the kolokythokeftedes. Small selection and very busy, so try to go early to avoid disappointment. In Psili Ammos beach, closes at 4-5pm.

·       Diogenis: in Graikos, for casual pizza.

·       Ta souvlakia tou Pappou: In Skala, for souvlaki.

·       Benetos, Chora: a bit upscale, with great views to Skala and easy location to the bars of Chora, it has great selection of small plates and all tasty. Also great for breakfast/brunch.

·       To Katoi: in Chora, a small, local mezedopoleio for some good dishes. Very few seating options outdoors. Also good for breakfast/brunch.

·       To trexantiri: a fish tavern inside Skala, for fresh fish, only open for dinner.

·       Houston: in Skala for a great breakfast/brunch, also good options for Mediterranean and casual lunch/dinner.

·       Ta Kavourakia: a local taverna in Kampos, sometimes it has live music.

Bars/cafes etc:

·       Ta Kardasia: in Skala, come and get a great bougatsa here. Different tastes of bougatsa offered, like the classic with cream with cinnamon and icing sugar on top or chocolate on top or the one with cheese, topped with honey and sesame.

·       Coffee me: in Skala and Kampos, come here to buy coffee.

·       Holy: in Skala for coffee, breakfast or drinks.

·       Bars in Chora: there are all located in the square, and you can easily bar hop, go for dancing indoors and choose whichever you like. Stoa, Pougki, Astivi and the more traditional Thanasis.

·       Kasbah: the after club in Skala. People go here after 3-4am when the bars of Chora are closed.

·       Tail Cocktail bar: an option for drinks in Skala.

·       Stelios: in Skala for crepes, waffles or ice cream.

·       Daphnes: a patisserie shop in Skala, the best of the kind.

·       Café Vagia: near the beach of Vagia, for coffee, breakfast or snack.