Back to Editorial
Where to Stay
.jpeg?width=2048&quality=75)
Villa Rental
There are incredible historic houses that one can rent, especially in Patmos’ city center, Chora, which is a protected UNESCO site. Look to villa rental companies such as Patmos Heritage (one of their villas pictured above) and Patmos 360.
Pagostas Guest House · Patmos
Pagostas Guest House
This three-bedroom guest house in the 16th-century Byzantine citadel of Chora is hospitality 101, thanks to longtime Patmos-goers and owners Maria Lemos and Gregoris Kambouroglou. Aperitivo hour is sacred, when many interesting, creative friends of the couple gather on the terrace.
Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa · Patmos
Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa
Aktis is the most traditionally luxurious option on the island. It has a nice beach club and the ocean-view rooms are the ones to book.
Sunset Patmos · Patmos
Sunset Hotel
I was lucky to stay here during its soft reopening last summer, after it was taken over by new ownership and had a refurbishment. The hotel’s simple yet quirky retro look makes it extra charming, the location is very convenient in the centre of Skala (the island’s port), and the hotel’s garden restaurant becomes a gathering spot for both guests and non-guests.
Medina Patmos · Patmos
Medina Patmos
Medina is worth noting, a minimalist boutique stay that just opened on the beachfront.
Where to Eat
Benetos Chora · Patmos
Breakfast
Days should begin at Benetos Chora, Houston, or Petrino, meeting spots for the island.
FISH TAVERN LAMPI · Patmos
Lampi Fish Tavern
A beachfront tavern for a late lunch of fresh fish. It’s right by the water so you can go for a swim after—or during—your meal.
Trehantiri Taverna · Patmos
Trehantiri
Beloved haunt for fresh fish. Another perfect option for a late lunch!
Benetos · Patmos
Benetos
For a more upscale evening, this is Benetos’ second location, right by the sea. The setting is beautiful and the Mediterranean cuisine has a slightly Asian twist.
Tsipouradiko
Tsipouradiko has a pretty outdoor setting and menu of Greek small plates.
Ktima Petra · Patmos
Ktima Petra
Farm-to-table restaurant right by the beach and great for lunch or dinner.
Giagko's Pantheon · Patmos
Pantheon
A gem of a tavern in Chora, for Greek mezze and definitely the octopus cooked in red wine.
éla! farm & kitchen · Patmos
éla! farm & kitchen
A beautiful farm-to-table restaurant set around a 300-year-old olive tree. With a superb natural wine list!
Alexios Komnenos Square · Patmos
Alexios Komnenos Square
Finish your day with drinks at the main square in Chora, the platia.
Daphne's · Patmos
Daphne's
A requisite stop for anyone with a sweet tooth, Daphne’s is a small, boutique confectionary known for having the best desserts on the island. The ice cream and signature lemon tart are not to be missed.
What to Do
Psili Ammos (Ψιλή Άμμος) · Patmos
Beaches
Go to a different beach every day, including the cult-favorite Psili Ammos (pictured above), which requires a 20-minute hike to get there. The effort makes the arrival to the simple beach (with an iconic family-run tavern) extra special. Livadi Geranou, Didimes, and Petra beaches should all also be on your radar.
Monastery of Saint John
Whether religious or not, it is worth seeing the Monastery of Saint John, a Greek Orthodox monastery that dates back to the 11th century. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with a museum and beautiful views.
Holy Cave of the Apocalypse · Patmos
The Holy Cave of the Apocalypse
This grotto and Greek orthodox church is lauded as the place where St. John of Patmos saw the visions that he wrote about in the Book of Revelation.
Προφήτης Ηλίας · Patmos
Chapel of Profitis Ilias
Watch the sunset from the Chapel of Profitis Ilias, the island’s highest point.
Simantiris Mansion · Patmos
Simantiris Mansion
The oldest house in Chora dates back to 1625 and showcases traditional architecture. It has been managed by many generations of the same family.
Andreas Kalatzis Gallery · Patmos
Andreas Kalatzis Gallery
For a bit of culture, swing by Greek artist Andreas Kalatzis’ contemporary workshop and art gallery, both in Chora.
Mylos By The Sea · Patmos
Island Day Trips
Rent a boat and visit some of the neighboring islands. Visit Leros for a fish lunch at Mylos By The Sea (pictured above), and the secluded, hardly inhabited Marathi, Arki, and Aspronisi.
Kasbah · Patmos
Kasbah
Tucked away with a more intimate, selective energy, Kasbah is a go-to spot for late-night drinks and house and techno sets. It’s the place to be for very late nights—think 3am and onwards.
KEEP READING
