Patmos Travel Guide
Located in the Dodecanese Archipelago's north, Patmos is off the beaten path for most people holidaying in Greece, and is known for its lovely landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Around 300 churches are scattered in villages and on hillsides, and have Greek Orthodox icons on nearly every wall, which may account for them being the island's most popular souvenirs.
Patmos' devout aura is partly due to its biggest attraction: the Cave of the Apocalypse. The location is reputedly where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations; he was exiled on Patmos for several years and supposedly founded the Monastery of St John. The island's main towns are Skala and Chora, and both are charming villages with rows of whitewashed houses and 17th to 18th-century mansions. Visitors should be respectful of the traditions and beliefs of the local population and dress modestly. That is, women are required to wear long skirts and cover their shoulders, while men must wear long pants. Patmos lacks any sort of nightlife or rowdy attractions, but offers tourists a glimpse of a simpler way of life.