PlizioGo
Traditional fried or baked pastries filled with almonds and walnuts, available at local bakeries around the main square.
A unique local cheese pie, shaped like a tart with a blend of local cheeses.
Enjoy daily catches at the tavernas located in the nearby port of Skala or the coastal village of Grikos.
Byzantine-style icons and religious artifacts available in the specialized shops near the monastery.
Discover elegant resort wear and unique jewelry in the small boutique shops hidden in the alleys of Chora.
Walk up to these restored windmills for a peaceful atmosphere and spectacular panoramic views.
A small, serene square tucked away in the Chora, great for a quiet rest away from the main tourist paths.
Water temperature…
Founded in 2001, the festival takes place each year from late August to early September in the open-air theatre outside the Cave of the Apocalypse, presenting music inspired by the Christian faith with international artists and choirs.
In late summer, the Patmos Chamber Music Festival opens the season with concerts by international musicians in the historic atmosphere of the holy island.
Patmos Town, commonly known as Chora, is an outstanding example of a medieval Aegean settlement and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The town clings to the slopes surrounding the imposing Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, founded in 1088 by the monk Christodoulos, which resembles a massive fortress. The architecture of Chora features whitewashed houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, connected by narrow, labyrinthine alleys and small courtyards. This layout was originally designed to provide defense against pirate raids. Historically, the location is deeply tied to Christian tradition, as Saint John the Evangelist is said to have authored the Book of Revelation here. Chora maintains its aristocratic character even today, marked by the grand mansions of wealthy sea captains. Despite modern tourism, the town has preserved its spiritual tranquility and authenticity. Culturally and religiously, it remains one of the most significant pilgrimage sites of the Orthodox Church worldwide.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 21 | 17 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 124 | 93 | 55 | 34 | 21 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 44 | 81 | 107 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day exploring the labyrinthine alleys of Chora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mid-morning, visit the iconic windmills and the imposing Monastery of Saint John, offering breathtaking views. After lunch, descend to the sacred Cave of the Apocalypse. The afternoon is reserved for a relaxing coffee in Agia Lesvia Square before enjoying a traditional Greek dinner.
The morning in Chora starts grey, but the narrow alleys provide good shelter from the wind. At noon, retreat to the Simantiri Mansion, where thick walls make you forget the rain. In the afternoon, head down to the Cave of the Apocalypse, which feels even more mystical in the damp weather. We end the evening in a cozy taverna with local wine, listening to the rain outside.
The winter morning sun glitters on the sea as we explore Chora almost in solitude. At noon, the mild Greek sun warms the church square, perfect for a short rest. The afternoon is dedicated to the silence of the monastery and cave, far from the summer crowds. Since the sun sets around 17:00, we enjoy the golden light over Skala harbor with a warm drink.
Start your bike tour from Skala, heading uphill to the Cave of the Apocalypse. Mid-morning, explore the alleys of Chora and visit the monumental Monastery of Saint John. After a photo stop at the windmills, cycle to the picturesque bay of Grikos for a relaxed lunch and a dip in the sea. The day concludes with a leisurely ride back to Skala to enjoy the port's atmosphere.
The bike tour starts refreshingly in the rain towards the cave. The climb to Chora requires strength and focus on the wet asphalt. At noon, we warm up in the monastery before passing the windmills. The descent to Grikos is windy; once there, we enjoy the view of the grey Aegean from a covered cafe before safely returning to Skala.
A cool breeze accompanies us on the ride to the cave in the morning. The climb to Chora gets the heart rate up and keeps us warm. At noon, we enjoy the silence of the monastery district. The windmills provide a dramatic backdrop against the winter sky. In the afternoon, we cycle to the quiet bay of Grikos, where the winter stillness is palpable, reaching Skala just in time for sunset.
Start your day by driving to the Chora parking area. The morning is dedicated to the sacred cluster: the Monastery of St. John, the windmills, and the alleys of Chora, all explored on foot. After the spiritual stop at the Cave of the Apocalypse, drive north to Lambi beach for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon's highlight is the drive to the remote Psili Ammos for an unforgettable sunset before returning to Skala for dinner.
By car, we explore Patmos today in a relaxed and dry manner. In the morning, we visit the monastery and Chora while rain drums on the windows. At noon, the windmills offer a raw, beautiful sight. In the afternoon, we head to the cave and then to Lambi Beach, where the colored stones glow intensely in the rain. We end the day with a pleasant dinner in Skala.
Patmos in winter by car is a privilege of tranquility. We drive to the monastery in the morning, without parking worries in Chora. The air is fresh, and the view from the windmills reaches neighboring islands. In the afternoon, we visit the cave and the lonely Lambi beach. The sunset at Psili Ammos is especially colorful in the winter light before we spend the evening in Skala.
