Scattered evidence of Mycenaean presence remains on Patmos, and walls of the classical period indicate the existence of a town near Skala. Most of the island's approximately 2,800 people live in three villages: Skala, medieval Chora, and the small rural settlement of Kambos. The island is popular among the faithful making pilgrimages to the monastery as well as with vacationing Athenians and a newly growing community of international trendsetters—designers, artists, poets, and “taste gurus” (to quote Vogue’s July 2011 write-up of the island)—who have bought homes in Chora. These stylemeisters followed in the footsteps of Alexandrian John Stefanidis and the English artist Teddy Millington-Drake who, in the early ’60s, set about creating what eventually became hailed as one of the most gorgeous island homes in the world. The word soon spread thanks to their many guests (who included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) but, happily, administrators have carefully contained development, and as a result, Patmos retains its charm and natural beauty—even in the busy month of August.
Enjoy the tranquillity of one of the most exquisite beaches in the Greek Isles during this relaxing, half-day excursion to beautiful Agriolivadi.
Your beach getaway also includes a light lunch consisting of Greek specialities served at the seafront 'taverna' on the beach; additional purchases of food and beverages are at the expense of each guest. After lunch, you can resume sunbathing, take a stroll on the beach and/or swim in the inviting, crystal-clear waters. At the conclusion of your relaxing beach escape, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.
Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of activity and walking for approximately 50 yards (about 46 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking at Agriolivadi Beach is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach or water shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel and bottled water from the ship. Two sunbeds and one umbrella per couple are included. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.
Experience the spiritual art of Greece and restoration of her exquisite Byzantine treasures during this scenic sightseeing excursion to Chora Village.
Depart the pier for the short drive to the old village of Chora. The island's capital, Chora is perched high on a hilltop and offers spectacular panoramic views over the island. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the tiny Convent of Zoodochos Pigi, built in 1607. On one side of the cobbled courtyard is the Chapel. During your guided visit to the Chapel, view an array of recently-restored, 17th-century frescoes, along with a beautifully-carved icon wall. On the other side is a small gift shop. Here, you can purchase handicrafts made by the nuns.
Leaving the convent, take a guided stroll through the winding cobbled streets of Chora en route to a guided tour of the 11th-century Monastery of St. John the Theologian. The main church is steeped with icons and frescoes dating as far back as the 12th century, along with an impressive gilded icon wall. What sets this tour apart is the rare opportunity to visit the Monastery's Icon Restoration Studio, where you can observe meticulous, skilled work in progress and learn about restoration techniques.
Next, visit the monastery's Museum, which houses countless Byzantine treasures of great beauty, harmony and symbolism. Included are documents dating from the early-6th century and a wonderful collection of icons by many famous painters, including an early El Greco. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.
Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and steep inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 150 steps to access the monastery. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking or boat shoes, and bring sun protection and bottled water from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the monastery and the convent; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Indulge your senses with the beauty, history and flavours of Patmos during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.
Depart the pier for the brief, scenic drive to the Grotto of St. John. This small cave, now converted into a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote the world-renowned Book of the Apocalypse. During your visit, see the stone orifice St. John is said to have used as a pillow. From here, proceed to the village of Chora, which features simple houses and Byzantine churches.
Upon arrival, begin the climb on-foot to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian. In the courtyard, see the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and the old well in its centre that is fed by the reservoir running beneath it. Through the supporting arches, splendid decorative frescoes can be seen adorning the entrance to the Chapel of Christodoulos, which houses sacred relics. The Old Treasury is now a museum displaying jewelled artefacts and manuscripts dating from 1073.
A stop is then made at the 300-year-old home of the Simandiris family to see one of the finest antique collections dating from the Russian Empire up to the Turkish occupation. Your tour concludes with a brief stroll through the old winding streets of Chora, and a visit to a traditional taverna for meze, wine and refreshments accompanied by Greek music and dancing. Following your visit, commence the brief return drive to the pier.
Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, with a strenuous uphill climb to reach the monastery, and steps to negotiate at the cave and monastery. This tour is not recommended for guests with claustrophobia, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Please watch your step inside the cave. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. A strict dress code is observed at the monastery; ladies must wear skirts and cover their shoulders, and shorts are not permitted inside. The tour sequence may vary.
Embrace the idyllic island beauty of Greece during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion along the coast of Patmos via boat.
Depart the pier aboard a traditional caique for the picturesque, approximately one-hour ride along the stunning Patmos coastline en route to the idyllic island of Tiganakia. After the boat anchors and a wet landing, you can take a swim in the crystal-clear waters, or just relax on the white-sand beach and enjoy your idyllic surrounds whilst sipping ouzo and having a little snack on board.
Leaving Tiganakia Island, embark your boat and continue on to the beautiful Marathi Island. This beautiful little island is inhabited by only two families, and therefore feels uninhabited. Upon arrival, disembark your boat at the pier, explore the small bay and enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the restaurant. At the conclusion of your visit, return to the pier, embark your boat and commence the approximately 45-minute sail back to Patmos.
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity and walking for approximately 601 yards (about 550 metres), at times over uneven and sandy surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking or boat shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel and bottled water from the ship. An open fishing boat is utilised on this tour, and the seas may be choppy. The boat is semi-covered. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.
Experience the exquisite natural splendour and historic landmarks of Patmos during this picturesque sightseeing excursion.
Depart the pier for the brief drive to Chora. Located in the centre of the island, Chora is home to the majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088. A photo stop is made at the Windmills of Chora, once the landmark of all Aegean islands.
Next, proceed for a visit to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, above which stands the Church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Walk down the steps for a visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here, see the silver niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations, as well as the three-fold fissure made by the Voice of God emphasising the honour of the Trinity.
Afterward, continue your scenic drive around Patmos to admire the stunning natural beauty of its many peninsulas, tranquil beaches and picturesque inlets. Your tour concludes with a visit to the village of Kambos, located in the northern part of the island. Following a brief stop for refreshments, commence the approximate 30-minute drive back to the pier. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore the harbour area before returning to the ship.
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with approximately 40 stairs to negotiate. This tour is not recommended for guests with claustrophobia, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Please watch your step inside the cave. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. A strict dress code is observed at the Grotto; ladies must wear skirts and cover their shoulders, and shorts are not permitted inside. The tour sequence may vary.
Explore Patmos at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.
Explore Patmos at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.
Explore Patmos at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.
Explore Patmos at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.
Explore the splendid beauty and religious history of Patmos during a scenic and informative excursion to this sacred island.
Upon arrival, begin the climb on-foot to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian. As you enter the courtyard of this imposing structure, see the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and the old well in its centre that is fed by the reservoir running beneath it. Looking through the supporting arches, splendid decorative frescoes can be seen adorning the entrance to the Chapel of Christodoulos.
This ornate little chapel houses sacred relics that are stored in a silver-coated chest. The Old Treasury is now a museum displaying a breathtaking collection of jewelled chalices, crowns, crucifixes, vestments, and old manuscripts dating from 1073. Following your visit, some free time is made available to explore the village of Chora before commencing the brief return drive to the pier.