Patmos
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The fame of this very small island, only 34 km2, is linked to the presence of the Monastery of San Giovanni Evangelista, who at the time of the Emperor Domitian took refuge there in exile and wrote "The Book of the Apocalypse".
A place not to be missed in Patmos is the Cave of Revelation where the Saint lived in his exile.
The largest town on the island is Chora, characterized by beautiful noble palaces and well-kept villas that make this small village a real jewel!
Nightlife is a little livelier in Skala, where, among other things, most of the small hotels and studios for rent are concentrated, while further away from the village there are some very elegant resorts.
The most beautiful beach is that of Psili Ammos, located far to the south and reachable by boat from Skala or with a half-hour walk starting from Diakofti.
Also on the southern coast there are other beautiful beaches such as that of Petra, with pinkish pebbles, and that of Plaki with sand mixed with gravel.
In the northern part are the beaches of Kambi, Vaghia and Lambi beach famous for its multicolored pebbles.
How to get there
Skala is the main port, where all ferries dock, whether from Piraeus, Rhodes or Kos. All ferries arrive on the island after 11pm.
The internal connections are excellent between Skala, the Cave of the Apocalypse and Hora city; for other locations it is better to inquire in advance, or rent a car or a moped.
History
The island, in addition to a very important history, is linked to a fascinating mythology. In fact, according to legend, the island of Patmos belonged to the goddess Artemis, goddess of young women and hunting. It had been given to her by her father Zeus. In the same place where the temple in which the goddess Artemis was worshiped in ancient times stood, the Monastery of San Giovanni was built.
San Giovanni arrived on the island because it was used by the Romans as a place of exile: he himself was in fact confined because he practiced the Christian religion, then outlawed. Only in 1088 the island, after having been abandoned for a long time, was given to the monk Christodoulos, who began to plan the monastery.