Patmos, Greece - The 2017 Travel Guide

View of Skala village & port

Seeking that special spiritual experience? Then Patmos is the Greek island to visit. One of the Dodecanese isles, Patmos is where St John (also referred to as John of Patmos) is said to have received his prophetic visions which later became the Book of Revelation.

The Chora, located above the quaint harbour of Skala, is made up of beautiful two-storey Cyclades-styled homes clustered around the fortified Monastery of St John the Theologian, which together with the Cave of the Apocalypse, were named World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Besides its obvious religious attraction, Patmos is often frequented by Hollywood stars seeking the tranquility and special aura the island offers. For decades there was no nightlife allowed due to the strong monastic community. Today things have changed but the island remains a destination for those seeking calm attracting high-income travelers for the most part.

Things to do on Patmos

Patmos, Greece - The 2017 Travel Guide

Monastery of St. John in Patmos, Chora

Visit the Monastery of St John the Theologian – The 11th-century monastery – still operating today – stands proudly over the town with spectacular views to the Aegean. The ideal holiday to Patmos is during Orthodox Easter.

Patmos, Greece - The 2017 Travel Guide

Interior of the Monastery of St. John in Patmos, Chora

Meditate in the Cave & Monastery of the Apocalypse – Every year, thousands of pilgrims flock to the hillside cave – known as the Cave of the Apocalypse – which is located in a tiny pine forest on the road between Skala and Chora – to see the spot where St John received his Revelation. The atmosphere is serene… as long as there are no visiting cruise ships in the bay.

Patmos, Greece - The 2017 Travel Guide

Cave of the Apocalypse. The spot where St John received his Revelation

Nunnery of the Annunciation (Evangelismou) – With an arresting view of Kipi Bay, this monastery – literally hanging from a cliff – offers visitors a sense of tranquility and inner peace. The nuns here are active in gardening, sewing and beekeeping, but are mostly known for their art-like embroidery – the  Patmian ‘’spitha” stitch – believed to date back to Byzantine times.

Take a swim – Unlike other islands, Patmos is a place of rest and repose. For the swimmer or the seeker of sun, visit Kambos complete with sun beds and sports facilities, Livadi Geraniou, Didymes paralies (twin beaches) and Grikos. Ideally, you can rent a boat and sail to Diakofti and Psili Ammos as well as to nearby islets Petrokaravo, Lipsous, Arki and Marathi.

Patmos, Greece - The 2017 Travel Guide

Small alley in the Chora of Patmos

The 5th International Film Festival – Every year Patmos hosts one of the finest international film fests which includes workshops and masterclasses and serves as a platform for the creative exchange of ideas between Greek and foreign filmmakers.

How to get to Patmos?

The car ferry from Piraeus port (Athens) takes about eight hours.

Alternatively, you can catch a flight to Rhodes, Kos or Samos and take a ferry to Patmos.

What’s near Patmos?

The islets of Arki, Lipsi and Marathi, which can be visited by small boat or ferries running between Samos, Patmos and Lipsi.

Patmos ports

Patmos’ main port is Skala serving all incoming ferries. The island is also a popular cruise destination with large vessels remaining outside the port. Skala also has a marina offering water.

Ferries to Patmos / Athens to Patmos / Patmos ferry tickets

There are daily afternoon or night ferries, from Athens, Piraeus port to Patmos. The ferry routes to Patmos are operated by large, modern conventional ferries.

Many travelers choose to catch an overnight ferry booking a cabin. Travelers also have the option to catch a flight to one of the close by islands with frequent ferry connections to Patmos like Rhodes, Kos or Samos.

Below is a detailed list of all 2017 ferry schedules from Athens to Patmos and from Rhodes to Patmos:

Ferry schedules from Athens, Piraeus port to Patmos:

Blue Star Ferries from Athens, Piraeus port to Patmos:

  • Until 29/06/2017 & from 06/09/2017 until 31/10/2017
    • Every Monday – Wednesday – Friday at 19:00 with Blue Star 2 or Blue Star 1 or Superfast.
    • Every Tuesday at 15:00 with Blue Star Patmos or Blue Star Paros
  • From 30/06/2017 until 05/09/2017
    • Every Monday – Wednesday – Friday at 19:00 with Superfast.
    • Every Tuesday at 15:00 with Blue Star Patmos or Blue Star Paros
    • Every Saturday at 23:55 with Superfast XII

Note:  Blue Star Ferries vessels to Patmos depart from the Gate E1 in Piraeus port

Hellenic Seaways from Athens, Piraeus port to Patmos:

  • From 12/06/2017 until 29/09/2017
    • Every Monday & Friday at 14:00 with Nissos Rodos
    • Every Wednesday at 23:55 with Nissos Rodos

Note: Nissos Rodos departs from the Gate E2 in Piraeus Port

Ferry schedules from Rhodes  to Patmos:

Blue Star Ferries from Rhodes to Patmos:

  • Until 02/04/2017
    • Every Tuesday & Sunday at 17:00 with Blue Star2
    • Every Thursday at 22:00 with Blue Star 1
    • Every Wednesday at 15:00 with Blue Star Patmos
  •  From 03/04/2017 until 31/10/2017
    • Every Tuesday –Thursday –  Sunday at 17:00 with Superfast XII
    • Every Wednesday at 15:00 with Blue Star Patmos or Blue Star Naxos

Dodecanissos Seaways from Rhodes to Patmos:

  • Until to 09/04/2017
    • Every Friday & Sunday at 08:30 with Pride Dodecanissos
  •  From 10/04/2017 until 30/04/2017
    • Daily except Wednesdays at 08:30 with Pride Dodecanissos or Dodecanissos Express
  • From 01/05/2017 until 30/09/2017
    • Daily except Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 08:30 with Pride Dodecanissos or Dodecanissos Express

All ferries to Patmos are available for online booking via danae.travel

How much does it cost to travel from Athens to Patmos / Patmos ferry prices

Prices for 2017 ferries connecting Athens’ main port of Piraeus to Patmos start at 40.00 euros per person in economy both with Hellenic Seaways and Hellenic Seaways.

Indicative ferry prices from Athens, Piraeus to Patmos per adult in economy:

  • Blue Star Ferries:40.00 euros per person
  • Hellenic Seaways: 40.00 euros per person

Both ferry operators offer cabins from Athens to Patmos. Prices start at 70.50 euros per bed with Blue Star Ferries and at 81.50 with Hellenic Seaways.

How much does it cost to travel from Rhodes to Patmos / Patmos ferry prices

Prices for 2017 ferries connecting Rhodes to Patmos start at 37.50 euros per person in economy with Blue Star Ferries.

Indicative ferry prices from Rhodes to Patmos per adult in economy:

  • Blue Star Ferries:37.50 euros per person
  • Dodecanissos Seaways: 49.00 euros per person

How long is the ferry ride to Patmos?

Travel times always depend on the vessel type, the number of stops and the weather conditions. Large conventional ferries are not affected by the weather too much.

Indicative travel times from Athens, Piraeus port to Patmos:

  • The Blue Star Ferries vessels take about 8 hours and 30 minutes hours from Athens, Piraeus to Patmos. On its way to Patmos the Blue Star stops in Syros.
  • The Hellenic Seaways vessels take about 9 hours and 20 minutes from Athens, Piraeus to Patmos. On its way to Patmos, the Nissos Rodos stops in Paros and Naxos.

Indicative travel times from Rhodes to Patmos:

  • The Blue Star Ferries takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes and 8 hours. Travel times depend on the number of stops.
  • The Dodecanissos Seaways takes between 4 and 5 hours usually stopping in Symi, Kos and Leros. Travel times depend on the number of stops.

Which other Greek Islands is Patmos connected to?

From Patmos you can catch a ferry to the following islands (next to each island you will find a price indication)

  • Naxos: 33.50 euro
  • Paros: 38.00 euro
  • Syros:34.00 euro
  • Katapola: 30.00 euro
  • Chios: 38.00 euro
  • Fourni: 25.00 euro
  • Lesvos: 41.50 euro
  • Limnos: 49.00 euro
  • Ikaria: 22.00 euro
  • Samos: 9.00 euro
  • Kavala: 60.00 euro
  • Kos: 20.50 euro
  • Leros: 11.50 euro
  • Rhodos: 37.50 euro
  • Symi:24.00 euro
  • Agathonissi: 8.50 euro
  • Arki:5.50 euro
  • Lipsi: 5.50 euro
  • Kalymnos: 12.50 euro

Athens ports with ferry departures to Patmos

Ferries connecting Athens toPatmos depart from the main port of Athens, Piraeus.

Information about Piraeus Port – Athens
How to reach the port of Piraeus:

Piraeus port is near Athens and can be reached by metro, train, bus and taxis both from the Athens city center and from Athens International Airport (AIA):

  • From Athens International Airport: Take the express bus X96. It takes you directly to the port, its frequent, cheap and quite fast. It usually takes about 60-90 minutes. The cost is 5 euros / adult. Check the timetables on screens inside the airport. The X96 bus stop is just outside the arrivals level at the airport (check the signs). At the port, the bus stop is near Gate E6 (also close to the metro station). If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you 50-60 euros and it will take you around 60 minutes.
  • From the center of Athens: The best way to reach Piraeus port from the center of Athens is by metro / train. You can catch it from the Monastiraki or Omonia stations. It costs 1.40 euros and takes under 30 minutes. If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you just under 30 euros and it will take you about 30 to 40 minutes. With heavy traffic it might take you up to an hour. If you prefer traveling by bus, there are two options:
    • From Syntagma Square to Piraeus: Bus 040, Piraeus bus stop: Korai Square (close to the Municipal Theater) and then a 10-minute walk to Gate E9.
    • From Omonia Square to Piraeus: Bus 049, Piraeus bus stop: Korai square (close to the Municipal Theater) and then a 10-minute walk to Gate E9.

We can arrange a private transfer for you from your hotel in Athens to Piraeus port or from the Athens International Airport to the port. You can also book online via danae.travel together with your ferry tickets.

Where or which gates do the ferries to Patmos depart from at Piraeus port?

  • Hellenic Seaways, Nissos Rodos departs from the Gate E2
  • Blue Star Ferries vessels to Patmos depart from the Gate E1

Note: There is a running port bus which connects departure gates.

Map of Piraeus port:

Piraeus port map

Athens, Piraeus Port map