Patmos Maps

Patmos is an island in the Dodecanese, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. The island covers 17 square miles and has a population of approximately 3,000 residents. Skala serves as the main port and commercial center on the east coast, while Chora, the capital, is built around a hilltop fortress and monastery.

Patmos holds exceptional religious significance as the place where, according to Christian tradition, John the Apostle received the visions described in the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse) around 95 CE while in exile on the island. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, founded in 1088 by Saint Christodoulos, dominates Chora and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Cave of the Apocalypse, located midway between Skala and Chora, where John reportedly dictated the Revelation to his disciple Prochorus. The monastery functions as a fortified complex and houses a renowned library with rare manuscripts and an important collection of religious art and artifacts.

Chora, surrounding the monastery, features traditional white houses with courtyards, mansions of sea captains, and narrow lanes, all protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island's religious importance has made it a major pilgrimage destination, particularly during Easter celebrations. The northern part of the island, including Kambos and Lambi, contains beaches and some accommodations. Grikos Bay on the east coast provides a protected harbor and beach. Patmos maintains a quieter, more spiritual atmosphere compared to other Dodecanese islands, with restrictions on nightlife and a focus on cultural and religious tourism.