Patmos, a peaceful, holy and magical place with a scrumptious cuisine, clean beaches, and a lovely weather, is a Greek Island in the Aegean Sea. It’s listed as a World Heritage Monument of UNESCO because of its multiple tourist attractions as well as well-preserved religious traditions!

Near the end of the first century, the apostle John, the bishop of Ephesus at the time,  was in exile on the island of Patmos for refusing to worship the emperor Domitian.  

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:9)

Biblical significance

The religious significance of this place is unparalleled as the Book of Revelation was revealed to Apostle John when he was sent here after his banishment. Patmos is mentioned in the Scripture as well (Revelation 1:9). The Cave in which he received the Revelation is called the Cave of the Apocalypse and is a site of pilgrimage for Christians.

Main Attractions

Cave of Apocalypse

Also known as the Holy Grotto, this cave is situated on a mountain top between Chora and Skala. It is here that Apostle John was asked to write down his vision of Jesus in which Jesus told him about the Seven Churches. (Revelation 1:9-20)

The Cave contains seven silver lamps, and its opening has a mosaic structure portraying the events of the night of Revelation. Photography is prohibited inside the cave, so power off your phones and let the Holy energy of this place touch your soul! 

Monastery of Saint John in Chora

This structure, built in the Byzantine era by Christodoulos, is the most dominating one in Patmos owing to its dark contrasting color from the surrounding white buildings and its high position, making it visible from almost every point on the island. It has ten chapels, a museum, a library, and a central courtyard with a large cistern in the middle that contains Holy Water, amongst others. The Monastery’s most precious relic is the skull of St. Thomas. Not only this but the view from up there is scenic and the serenity of the area takes away all your stress. Just be careful to dress appropriately when you go!

Windmills of Patmos

Close to the Monastery are the three traditional windmills of Patmos that were built originally in the 16^th and 19^th centuries. They were restored in 2010 and are in service since then. The view from the windmills is spectacular since all major portions of the Island are visible from up there!

Beaches

Patmos has over ten different beaches, each with its own unique blend of beauty, amenities, and activities. The top ones are listed below.

• Kambos beach: This is the most well-facilitated beach of Patmos with a variety of water sports available including paragliding, windsurfing, and sailing!
• Psili Ammos beach: A mini heaven owing to its crystal-clear water and serenity.
• Agrio Livadi beach: A calm beach where you can swim and then re-energize yourself at the taverna over there with refreshing drinks.
• Skala

This is the most populous village on the island and has great food, amazing wine, an entertaining nightlife and multiple luxurious hotels. It’s also the main harbor of the island and, therefore, is the center of trade and commerce. Furthermore, almost all areas and beaches of the island are accessible by Skala.

 This beautiful and serene island has all you need to give yourself a relaxing weekend and connect with your soul! Visit this Island and spend some alone time here to de-stress yourself! It’s worth it!

References:

https://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/patmos/patmos-churches/patmos-cave-apocalypse.htm

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/patmos-cave-of-apocalypse

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Apocalypse

https://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/patmos/patmos-beaches-2.htm