Patmos is called the Jerusalem of the Aegean because the Apocalypse, a Christian book about the end of the World and the Church’s destiny, was written here.
Touch the miraculous history and heritage of Saint John Theologian in the Cave of Apocalypse and the Monastery of Apocalypse above the Cave. Here in this cave in 95 AD he dictated the divine revelation to his disciple. The book of Apocalypse describes the mystery of the Church’s destiny and the end of the World. Saint John Theologian had a gift of healing and cured many people. But that was only one of his numerous gifts. Ascend to the fortified Monastery of Saint John Theologian – an important monastery of Greece with constant monastic life exceeding 900 years. Drink holy water from the well. Buy tasty wine from sullen monks. Visit Patmian School – one of the most important ecclesiastical schools of Greece aiming to be a “school for the entire nation”.
Walk up the capital town, Hora (that’s how many Greek islands’ capitals are called), through the amphitheater of whitewashed houses and blooming gardens. Take a picture of windmills which look like the ones described in the Don Quixote novel. Two of them are more than 500 years old. Take one of the most picturesque routes from Skala port - to Acropolis of Kastelli.
Hike to Kalthismata (Hermitages) – cells or small chapels built inside caves by monks. They are scattered all around the island, most impressive is in the Rock of Kallikatsou in Petra bay. Relax on calm beaches. Psili Ammos is a nice golden sandy beach with azure waters. Kambos beach is lively, surrounded with tamarisk trees and taverns.
Try local pugakia (traditional sweet of almonds and walnuts), thyme honey and cheese kalathotos in Kambos taverns.
According to mythology the first name of the island was Litois in honor of the second name of Goddess Artemis. The island sunk into the sea and Artemis along with the help of Apollo managed to convince Zeus to bring the island back to the surface.
