Patmos - Dodecanese

The island of Patmos and its neighbours form an ideal tranquil yacht charter area, close to charter bases in Kos or Samos. Patmos forms - together with the smaller islands Lipso, Arki, Agathonisi and Pharmakonisi - the most northern group of islands in the Dodecanese, and is a rugged island of volcanic origin - perhaps the rim of an ancient caldera. It has been celebrated since the Middle Ages as the island of St John the Divine, who is said to have written the Book of Revelation while living in exile on Patmos.

Agathonisi, also called Gaidharos, was in Roman times the island of Tragia, where the young Ceasar was captured by pirates in 76 BCE. It has neither sandy beaches nor ancient monuments to attract visitors and is therefore untouched by the tourist trade. The island of Pharmakonisi is less barren and has gentle green slopes. There are remains of a number of Roman villas and the ancient harbour, now partly under the sea.

Patmos is also called the Jerusalem of the Aegean, Patmos is an island of ascetic austerity. Its terrain matches the mood, made of rock and bays. Here, in a cave, St. John wrote the Apocalypse, one of the most inspirational, forceful texts ever written. The whole island is dominated by the monastery dedicated to the memory of this saint. Its flavour is distinctive from most Greek Islands in its quiet solitude.

Skala - The main harbor of Patmos. There is a quay for mooring onto, but care must be taken when approaching the as there are numerous rocks and islets which are visible by day. The quay offers good provisioning from the meltemi but not from SE Winds. There is water on the quay and fuel is available. There is good provisions and several tavernas. Take a visit to the monastery but women beware to dress appropriately as no shorts or pants are allowed.

In the ancient world, Patmos had little significance save as the spot where Orestes took refuge from the Furies, protected by Artemis, whose island it was. An inscribed plaque from her temple is in the treasury of the monastery; another inscribed piece of her temple is built into the chapel of the Virgin as a doorstep.

In fact, there was at least one Bronze Age settlement on Patmos, something demonstrated by excavations on Kastelli, the hill up behind Skala. Skala didn't even exist as a settlement until the 20th century; before that, everyone lived up in Patmos (Hora), where the fortified monastery offered protection from pirate attacks. Skala is modern Patmos' population center, and it's here you find most of the hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. Dominating the main square is the Italian government building found on virtually every Dodecanese island, now housing the post office, the customs office, and the tourist information office. The narrow streets behind are lined with shops, ranging from icon-sellers to a number of good bakeries with Patmos cheese pie and poungi, a pastry filled with walnuts, almonds and honey.

History of Patmos

Patmos was originally settled by Dorians and later by Ionians, and had a Sanctuary of Artemis. The early history of the island, a place of little or no political or economic importance, is unknown. Like its mostly barren neighbouring islands, Patmos was used as a place of exile in Roman times. During the early Middle Ages it seems to have been abandoned and desolate.

Since 1946 the whole island of Patmos has been under statutory protection as an ancient monument. The acquisition of land by foreigners and the export of antiquities are prohi¬bited.

Ports

Port Augusta on the island of Arki is reached through a narrow inlet (10-5 m deep). Although the light on the north side of the entrance is easily identified a night approach is not advised since a reef extends from the north entrance (15 m long max). Anchor in the bend (6 m, mud) or take a line ashore next to the tavernas and enjoy the attractive surroundings.

Much of the land on Lipsi was owned by the Monastery of St. John, the Baptist, on Patmos. Today, you can see small, white, blue domed churches dotted all over the island's rolling hills, which gently slope down to meet the sparkling Aegean Sea. Lipsi's coastline consists of a number of small bays, sheltered coves and beaches with shallow, crystal clear waters.

Ormos Meloyi - This bay is located NE of Skala. There is a taverna ashore. Its quite inviting for a swim.

Ormos Grikou - This bay lies 2 miles SE of Skala. There is a jetty on the north side which has depths of 2 meters. This bay is open to SE winds. There is a taverna and a bus to Skala.

Ormos Kambos - This bay is located NE of Livadhi. This bay is open to the S and SE. There is a taverna and mini market located ashore.