Patmos

The first references and testimonies about Patmos date back to the time of the historian Thucydides, around the 5th century BCE. According to mythology, after his defeat by the Erinyes following the murder of his mother, Orestes arrives in Patmos and builds an Acropolis at the site where the Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian stands today, in honor of the goddess Artemis.

Saint John the Theologian arrives in Patmos in 95 AD as an exile from Miletus and stays there for two years. In the Cave of the Apocalypse, he composes the eponymous sacred book and preaches Christianity, baptizing Christians and leaving a significant historical trace on the island.

During the Byzantine period, Arab invasions caused the desertion of the island. Many monuments were destroyed, and the inhabitants were captured and sold as slaves. The colonization of Patmos begins again in the 11th century when Saint Christodoulos the Latrinos founds the Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian after the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos granted the entire island.

In 1659, the Venetians invade Patmos and pillage the Monastery. In 1770, the Orlov Revolution takes place, and the Russians appear as liberators. However, with the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, the Aegean islands return to the hands of the Ottomans. The people of Patmos actively participate in the Greek Revolution, raising the Greek flag. Among the patriots were Emmanuel Xanthos and Dimitrios Themelis, who had a leading role in the Revolution.

Subsequently, with the Treaty of Constantinople in 1832, the Dodecanese were once again ceded to the Ottomans, but in May 1912, they were handed over to the Italians. After World War II in 1947, Italy ceded the islands of the Dodecanese to Greece, and on January 9, 1948, they were officially incorporated into the Greek borders.

• Skala Beach: Skala Beach, also known as Faliraki or Agios Theologos, is located on the northern side of the Skala harbor and is easily accessible on foot. Despite its central location, the waters here are crystal clear, as the harbor does not have heavy boat traffic, and the northern wind keeps the waters clean and transparent. The beach has a sandy composition with some small pebbles, and it also offers trees and plants that provide shade.
• Meloi Beach: Meloi Beach is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the port of Skala. It is a popular destination for many, and you can reach it on foot from Skala. The beach has a sandy composition and provides plenty of shade with its trees, and it is usually quite windy. In Meloi, you will also find a traditional tavern.
• Kampos Beach: Kampos is considered the "cosmopolitan" beach of the island and is located in the northeastern part, about 4.5 kilometers from Skala. A large part of the beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are also visitor-friendly taverns and beach bars on the sand. Additionally, you will find the island's unique water sports center here.
• Agriolivado Beach: Agriolivado Beach is located north of Skala, on the road to Kampos, approximately 3.5 kilometers from the port and across from the islet of Agia Thekla. Although its name may give the impression of being wild, it is actually a large beach with a sandy composition, a few pebbles, and organized amenities such as sunbeds, a beach bar, and a restaurant.
• Vagia Beach: Vagia Beach is located approximately 7 kilometers northeast of Skala and is a pebble beach. Vagia Beach is considered cold, and it has two large trees that provide shade. It is recommended to use transportation to reach there as the beach is more remote from the center of Skala.

These are some of the most beautiful beaches you can visit in Skala, Patmos. Each one has its own character and offers a unique swimming and relaxation experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the beach that suits your needs and preferences the most.

• It is worth visiting the Cave of the Apocalypse, the place where, according to tradition, the Apostle John had the visions that led him to write the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. You can explore the atmospheric Chora of Patmos, a beautiful medieval town from the 16th-17th century, with narrow stone-paved streets and arched stone passages, all-white mansions with Gothic elements, neoclassical captain houses with courtyards filled with geraniums and jasmine.
• Another landmark you can admire is the imposing castle-monastery of Saint John the Theologian, one of the most important religious centers and pilgrimage destinations of Orthodoxy. This monastery complex was built in the 11th century and consists of 10 chapels, a pottery workshop, the Ecclesiastical Museum, and the Library with countless treasures.
• Do not miss the opportunity to try the tyropita, the characteristic dish of the region. You can also organize trips to the exotic islets of Arki and Marathi, which are havens of tranquility and natural beauty. You can reach them by small boats from the port of Skala.

• Enjoy a wonderful hike on the unique cultural trails of the island. Follow the Aporthianos Road, an ancient path that connects the port of Skala with Chora. Along the way, you will pass through the carnaval of Netia in Skala, where you can see the construction of traditional wooden boats.
• During your journey, it is definitely worth making a stop at the beautiful art galleries in Chora. There, you can admire works by Greek and foreign artists that reflect the richness of the local culture.
• Don't forget to visit the impressive Nikolaidis Mansion in Chora. You can explore the museum's spaces and admire its architecture, as well as the exhibitions it hosts.
• These attractions and activities will offer you a unique opportunity to explore the culture and history of Patmos, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature and the island's culture simultaneously.