Patmos
Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese complex and lies at a distance of 158 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus. The harmonious succession of its rocky hills, peaceful valleys and green meadows run down to a scene of beautiful lacy beaches, bays, natural harbours and capes.
The amazing blue water surrounding it is dotted by many small isles. The most striking feature of the landscape is its tranquillity, which, combined with the remarkable historical sites, the famous Aegean sunlight and the pleasant Mediterranean climate, offers unique vacations.
Skala is the port of the island and its biggest settlement, full of life day and night. A variety of restaurants, traditional taverns, modern cafes and clubs, as well as numerous shops, is there for the visitor, as here lies the center of the action of Patmos. Skala offers bus, taxi or small boat connections with the rest of the island and it is also the departure point of excursions to the surrounding islands.
An uphill road and an old picturesque steep path connect Skala, at sea level, with Chora, the island's capital, a medieval settlement surrounding the historical Monastery of St. John at the top of a hill.
Chora's architecture is unique, with century-old white mansions and houses in the traditional Aegean style, clustered in this picturesquely chaotic manner, narrow streets filled with the air of times past, and a number of atmospheric bars, traditional restaurants and stylish shops. No vehicles are allowed in the settlement, something that largely contributes to the tranquillity of the place.