“Truly Amazing!” 

“Best vacation ever! Patmos Villa Sophia was serene, quiet, and it had beautiful views. I went with my husband, my son, and another family with two children and the space was great. The Villa was impeccably clean, the restaurants near by were delicious, and it was right near the sea. Absolutely beautiful.”

·

Anita Durst, New York City, USA

Reviewed in Tripadvisor September 16, 2014

 for a stay in July 2014

 ~

“Greatest Experience

of our Lives staying here!”

    “We had an extended stay on the beautiful island of Patmos. Let me just start by saying that after walking around the entire island that Patmos Villa Sophia is by far the most beautiful home in all of Patmos. The view is to die for, the pool is amazing, it is better then a 5 star resort that is how stunning it is.

The owner of the home is one of the nicest men you will ever meet. He provided transportation to and from the house to the ferry, he helped us navigate our way around the island so that we new where everything was. There isn’t a negative thing that can be said about the home, it is that perfect.

The island of Patmos is rich in God’s Spirit and you can feel it all over the island. From the front yard of this home you have a beautiful view of the Monastery and from the back of the house a perfect view of the ocean.

It is so private and tucked away that you feel like you are the only ones on the island. Sitting in the pool looking over the edge out in the ocean is a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

You feel so at peace in this home, and its a great place to soul search, relax, and also have fun. I hope to return someday to the island and if I do I will only return if I am staying at the beautiful Villa Sophia.

Like I mentioned above you will not find a better owner to let you use his home than Panos. Panos made the experience that much better for me and my fiancé and we couldn’t thank him enough for all of his help in making our trip the greatest experience of our lives.

I recommend this home to anyone who is looking to live like a king for a few days/weeks. That’s what it feels like living in this 5 star home.

If you are searching on this site for a place to stay in Patmos, just stop here. This is the place you want to stay, trust me!”

Jamie Bocchino, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Review #11279180 at www.homeaway.com

 ~

“Casa bellissima, 

splendido panorama”

“E’ una casa bellissima affacciata a 360 gradi sullo splendido panorama che si vede nella foto. Il suo proprietario (ciao Panos!) è molto gentile e simpatico.E Patmos, un’isola incantevole e magica. Che dire di più ..ero lì la scorsa estate e ci tornerei.”

 “Patmos Villa Sophia is a beautiful house overlooking the splendid 360 degree view that we see in the photo. Its owner (Hello, Panos!) is very kind and sympathetic. Patmos is a lovely and magical island. What more can I say? I was there last summer and would go back.”

Fiorella Pecorari, Parma, Italia

 ~

“So schön, dass sie Tränen

in die Augen bringen”

“Der Ort ist so schön, dass sie Tränen

in die Augen bringen.”

“Patmos Villa Sophia is so beautiful,

it can bring tears to your eyes”

Matthias Elser, München, Deutschland

 ~

“Magnifique!”

“Vue magnifique sur tous les sites importants de Patmos, la mer, le lever du soleil, le coucher du soleil, le port, le monastère. Idéal vacances surtout pour les familles.”

“Magnificent view overlooking all the important sights of Patmos, the sea, the sunrise, the sunset, the port, the Monastery. Ideal vacation especially for families.”

Pascal du Mont, Brussels, Belgique

The post Guest Reviews appeared first on Patmos Villa.

BEACHES:

~

Patmos may not be a large island but it has an intense formation and, as a result, numerous bays and smaller coves as well as more than 20 beautiful beaches were created along its shores.

The island’s shape and its 63km coastline offers a choice of where to enjoy some of the clearest, refreshing and tranquil waters of the Aegean Sea. If you’re arriving with a private boat or simply renting one, you’re in for an unforgettable experience and not only on our island, for Patmos has many small and larger neighboring islands making short distance excursions enticing .

You can even find a beach on Patmos Island amidst the Port of Skala, for those who do not like to venture too far, but our suggestion is to explore the island and all the beaches since they all have something different to offer.

The distances between the beaches are short (all within a 5-15 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia) and using as a center ‘Skala’ Patmos Port you can even visit one beach in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Fine Sand (Psili Ammos) beach

SEA SHORES FOR ALL TASTES

On most of them, you can find Tamarisk trees for shade and a cafe or a restaurant for the necessities, while there are some more organized beaches with umbrellas and sun beds, for those who do not necessarily feel the thrill of putting their towel on the sand or pebbles.

Generally, Patmos offers a varied selection of beaches from well organized sandy beaches with beach bars to solitary coves for those precious moments of tranquility.

Petra Beach rock

Due to the strong religious association, Patmos has never been an island very tolerant with nudism and there are many sings prohibiting topless and nude bathing. Times are changing though and with the growth of tourism, signs are often ignored in the more isolated areas.

The most popular beaches on the island are the following:

Skala Beach view

SKALA BEACH

Location: Skala Port, 4 km north of Chora

Even though it is situated right next to the port, it remains a choice since it is very close, clean, pebbled, and has many tourist facilities around it. It is a sandy beach with shallow waters but can get very crowded during high season.

Agriolivado (Wild Meadow) beach

AGRIOLIVADO (WILD MEADOW)

Location: 8 km north of Chora 2 km from Skala

A sand and pebble beach surrounded by lush vegetation approximately 2 kilometres north of Skala, it gets pretty busy in summer There is a taverna and beach bar and on the beach you can find sun beds and umbrellas. Its mainly shallow waters make it ideal for children with the added attraction of some water sports being available. It is located only 2 km north of Skala, the main port of the island.

Kambos beach

KAMBOS BEACH

Location: 9 km north of Chora

The lovely bay of Kampos is situated on the northern side of Patmos and Kato Kambos or Kambos beach is probably the most popular beach on the island. It is mainly a sandy beach with small pebbles, extending over kilometres, with clean, shallow waters making it safe for children and plenty of tamarisk trees for natural shade. It is the best organized beach of Patmos with sun beds, umbrellas and various water sports facilities. It is considered the place to be and be seen and is loved by families with young children for its shallow warm waters. You can hire sun loungers, pedal boats and canoes and get instructions in water ski, wakeboard, wake surf, wake skate and windsurf. If you like speed, a ride on tubes (coils) is sure to be enjoyable and fun. Across the beach, you will find nice snack bars and cafeterias with tasty pies, fabulous desserts and refreshing drinks.

Meloi beach

MELOI 

Only two kilometres north-east of Skala, it is a golden sandy beach with clear waters and tamarisk trees for shade. The islands camp site is only 20 meters away from the beach and has a popular restaurant and a mini market.

Fine Sand (Psili Ammos) beach

PSILI AMOS (FINE SAND)

Located on the south-west corner of Patmos and about 10 kilometres south of Chora, it is not the most accessible beach but well worth the effort. A picturesque cove with pure golden sand, sweeping dunes and lined with many tamarisk trees. Unofficially divided in half, the farthest end is the nudist half, even though nudism is prohibited on Patmos and is tolerated only on some beaches and small, isolated coves. There is also a taverna which serves excellent local food. You can get to Psili Amos by regular water taxi from Skala (takes about 45 minutes) or by bus until Diakofti followed by a 30 minute walk!

Petra’s rock view

PETRA (only 5 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

Petra is also known by locals as Kallikatsou, it’s a type of small crow (jackdaw) that used to nest there.

Vagia beach

VAGIA 

Vagia waters are said to be the coldest on the island. It is a pebble beach with tamarisks for shade and often quieter than most easily accessible beaches. It is 7 km from the center of the island but relatively easy to visit. Just a few meters from the beach, there is a cafeteria where you can enjoy coffee and other beverages or taste delicious homemade pies and pastries, well known all over the island.

Lambi famous pebble beach

LAMBI 

A pebble beach to the north of Patmos renowned for its rare multicolored pebbles and nice tavernas. The word Lambi is derived from the sun reflecting against the multicoloured pebbles and the clear waters of the bay. Lambi can be reached from Kambos beach by walking for around 30 minutes or by fishing boat from Skala, if the winds are not too strong. A pleasant location for lunch or dinner with tavernas on the beach serving delicious food, in a peaceful atmosphere.

Grikos bay mooring

GRIKOS 

(only 3 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

The longest beach on Patmos, sandy with with crystal-clear waters, umbrellas, sun beds and a lot of water sports. A good place for families. It is situated in the southeast, approximately 4.5 km from the port in Skala, also close to Alikes Beach and 5 kilometres south-east of Chora, the capital of Patmos. Welcoming atmosphere, warm waters and plenty of shops to enjoy a seaside drink, food or coffee.

Twin beaches (Didymes)

DIDYMES BEACHES (TWIN BEACHES)

The twin beaches derive their name from lying side by side in two almost identical bays. Very picturesque with crystal clear waters.

Sapsilla Bay

SAPSILA BEACH

(only 3 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

The beach of the village Sapsila located between the harbor and the Grikos. Tranquility and warm, clear waters.

Loukakia beach

LOUKAKIA BEACH

(only 3 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

A beautiful, shaded, secluded small beach with pebbles located 4 km from Skala next to Sapsila Bay and the Patmos Monastery’s summer convent featuring a nice garden.

Arki Marathi

LIPSI AND ARKI MARATHI BEACHES

The very small and mainly uninhabited islets of Lipsoi and Arkoi are absolutely worth a visit, so catch a boat from Skála, and make sure you call in at Maráthi for crystal clear waters and fresh delicious fish.

Little islet across Geranos Beach

LIVADI GERANOU OR POTHITOU

Probably the best beach on the island with excellent waters, delicious shade, unique views and an adjacent cute little islet to swim to.

Diakofti beach

DIAKOFTI

A very characteristic area of the island with saltworks (alykes), crystal clear waters and impressive landscape definitely worth to visit.

The post The beaches appeared first on Patmos Villa.

PLACES TO SEE:

~

Strolling around Patmos while soaking up the various amazing vibes will be enough spiritual and cultural stimulation for most visitors. On such a unmolested, natural haven, you couldn’t (and shouldn’t) find many crowded touristy “sights” or elaborate museums – apart from Chora’s great monastery castle perhaps – but the whole place is a site and an outdoors museum in itself.
As a former Abbot of St. John’s Convent insightfully noted: “Εverything here in Patmos is simple and bright, peaceful and humble. So willed the Almighty God who elected this place to reveal Himself the untracable future of His Church.”
Hence, the most important specific places to see on the island (all within a 5-15 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia) are the following:

THE MONASTERY OF ST JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN

The first thing you notice on Patmos is the monastery of St John the Divine or the Evangelist since it crowns the largest central hill of Hora. It looks like a Byzantine castle, it was built like a fortress and its presence is still overwhelming.
During the reign of Arabic influence from the 7th to the 9th century A.D., Patmos Island was almost left a deserted island but, in 1088 a gifted and educated monk called Christodoulos otherwise known as ‘Latrinos’ requested and was granted possession of all the island by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comninos to establish a Monastery in honor of Saint John the Evangelist and to transform the Cave of the Apocalypse into a sacred place.
Christodoulos stayed on Patmos Island until Arab pirate raids forced him to leave the island in 1118 but his vision continued to inspire enlightened monks who continued his work in the next centuries.

ECUMENICAL REFERENCE POINT

The construction of the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Monastery of the Apocalypse Cave marked the genesis of a cultural, spiritual and religious center which is a reference point for the whole Christian world and ensured the parallel, remarkable development of Patmos.

Ever since, the Monastery dominates not only the Chora of Patmos Island which is built around it today but the entire island. It is surrounded by an irregular, rectangular defensive arcade which dates from the end of the 11th up till the 17th century.

The monastery’s walls are over 15 meters high, its length from north to south is 53 meters and from east to west 70 meters and it seems even larger when you stand at the entrance, noticing its thick walls and heavily reinforced door.
Above the entrance several meters high there is a small opening from which burning hot oil, water, even lead was poured over to attacking pirates and other invaders trying to break the gate. This opening was called “the killer”, and was considered the last resort for keeping the Monastery safe from dangerous vandals and tresspassers.

THE BELLS OF REFUGE

The monks used to sound the bells to warn the people of Patmos to take refuge behind the fortified walls of the monastery, keeping the Christian Church safe as was intended by the Monastery’s founder, Hosios (Blessed) Christodoulos.
The main entrance is on the north side but there is also a smaller entrance on the south side that is now closed off.

The monastery was not fully complete in 1088 and evolved along with the wants and needs of the monks and the church.

The oldest parts are the eastern and northern sides, they can be distinguished by their irregular shaped walls that were constructed in haste during the first years in order to complete the protection of the area.

THE PRINCIPAL COURTYARD

As you enter its gate, you come to the main courtyard laid in by local pebbles and stones. Looking around you notice many different levels as a result of rearrangements and additions that have taken place through the centuries .
In the center of the courtyard lies a round covered structure that looks like a well and it is in fact a very large jar that was once used to store wine and now contains holy water.

To the left is the main chapel, one of the first buildings to be erected as early as 1090.

As you face the main chapel (catholicon), there are four arched colonnades and behind them you can discern the outer narthex with its wall paintings. The upper paintings are from the 17th century and represent different miracles performed by Saint John the Divine and the lower date from the 19th century.

To the right of the main chapel, lies the chapel of the Holy Christodoulos. Inside it are the skull of St Thomas, pieces of the Holy Cross and other religious relics.

INSIDE THE MAIN CHURCH

 Inside the main chapel you will notice the overwhelming and three dimensional carved wooden “iconostasi”, dating from 1820. This iconostasi replaced an older one from the 15th century, which in its turn had replaced the original marble one that Hosios Christodoulos had installed. The current iconostasi is a gift from Nektarios, the Patmian metropolitan of Sardis, it was made by 12 wood carvers from the island of Hios, its detail is astonishing and it still leaves gazing visitors speechless.

The acoustics of the room are incredible and listening to Byzantine hymns during mass can be an unforgettable experience.
The Orthodox Church does not allow more than one ceremony per altar per day so the monastery has 10 chapels, and three of them are outside the boundaries of the monastery. At the entrance in the north is Saint Apostles, Saint George is to the east and Saint Fanourios on the west of the monastery. Inside the monastery are the chapels of Holy Christodoulos, St Nicholas, St John the Baptist, St Basil, The Holy Cross, All Saints and the chapel of the Virgin Mary.
To the right of the main church is the chapel of the Holy Christodoulos and inside are his remains as he requested after his death in 1093.

CHAPEL OF SAINT MARY’S

Next to the main church, is the chapel of The Virgin Mary, with wall paintings dating back from the 12th century and onwards and there are no words that could sufficiently describe their beauty.
Behind the chapel of The Virgin Mary and extending to the south is the refectory where the monks ate their meals in unison. It is a rectangular room about 50 square meters and 8 meters high and there are two long tables covered with marble, still preserved intact. There are niches in them where monks placed their personal items as well as beautiful frescos and wall paintings dating back to 1180.

Across the main courtyard on the first floor, lies the old bakery, where the remains of a huge stone oven and a long wooden trough where the monks used to knead their bread, can be seen.
These were built in 1088 and are mentioned in the writings of Hosios Christodoulos when he elected a man from the brotherhood, to become responsible for the running and maintenance of the room, a man he referred to as “the cellar man”.

MUSEUM AND LIBRARY

The museum is located next to the bakery and has an entrance fee of around 6 euros. It was also erected by the Blessed Christodoulos who bequeathed to it his most precious icons listed in his will. As a result, it has an amazing collection of icons, original manuscripts from the Bible, objects of silver and gold, sacred relics, vestments embroiled with silver or gold threads, colored silk threads and bejeweled with precious stones to list a few. Most of the items within the museum, have to be seen up close to be properly appreciated.

Holy Christodoulos also founded the monastery library since when he arrived on the island, he brought with him his personal collection of books including manuscripts from the monastic area of Mt. Latmos. The Monastery’s library is now home now to more than 3000 printed books, 900 manuscripts and 13000 documents dating back to 1073.This room is not open to the public except by special permission, obtained usually by Byzantine and biblical scholars.

THE TREASURIES

The rest of the monastery consists of two treasuries preserving invaluable treasures, the monk’s cells, the flourmill, store rooms, a conference room and a research room with new books and magazines but all these areas are not open to the general public.

The entire complex of the Monastery constitutes an excellent example of monastic, fortified architecture which is very rare in the world and remains almost intact from the Middle Ages up till today.
This is only one of the reasons that the Monastery, Chora and the Cave of the Apocalypse have all been declared by Unesco as World Heritage Sites and remain crucial centers of pilgrimage for Christianity, with an immense global appeal

 Getting there

To get to the monastery, you have to follow the steep uphill paved road to the left after the kiosk that is near the bus station. You will pass a couple of restaurants and gift shops and at the end of the uphill, at your left there are stairs that lead you to the Monastery.

The bus service runs regularly from Skala, Hora, Grikos and Kambos and you can check the timetables for details. If you choose to drive, parking will not be a problem, even though during high season you might only be able to park a few hundred meters away. Generally, please keep in mind that no driving or riding is allowed inside Chora itself so in the afternoon, taking a bus up to Hora and walking down the Old Path to the Cave of the Revelation and to Skala might be an interesting journey and experience.

What to Wear: Knees and shoulders should be covered while visiting all monasteries by both male and females.

Area: CHORA
Visiting Hours:
DAILY FROM 08:00-13:00 AND 14:00-16:00 ON SUNDAYS, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS.
Contact:
ΤΕL-(+30) 22470 20800
Links:
http://www.monipatmou.gr/

(5 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

THE HOLY CAVE OF REVELATION

Almost two thousand years ago, in 95AD, in a grotto on Patmos, the beloved disciple of Jesus, St. John the Apostle had a tremendous vision of the world to come, until the end of time. His student, Prohoros, wrote down this vision by order of the Lord, and ever since, it is known as the 27th and final chapter of the Holy Bible.

The Cave of the Revelation lies between Chora and Skala and is the place where St. John had his tremendous vision of Apocalypse, which constitutes the only prophetic book of the New Testament.

The spot around the cavern was the one initially chosen for the Monastery of St John. Upon his arrival though, Christodoulos decided to build it instead on a higher point, on its current position, making it less vulnerable to raids.
On the sacred ground of the Revelation, he decided to build a hermitage, covering the cave at its core. He started off by closing off the cave with the building of a chapel, that he named as St Anne’s after his mother, the Virgin Mary’s mother and the mother of emperor Alexios I. Komninos, who was called Anna Dalassini and was the one who advised her son to cede the island of Patmos to St. John’s Monastery.

ONE THOUSAND YEARS LATER

Today, more than two thousand years later, the Cave remains surrounded by the whole monastery, which stands out with its white color and a few steps carved on the stone lead to the lowest level, while passing through the chapels of St. Nicholas, St. Artemios and St. Anna.

Upon entering the cavern, you are impressed by its natural positioning and instinctively tend to ponder why the Lord picked this particular place in the world to reveal His Apocalypse.
The rock formation is volcanic and rare, taking hundreds of years to cool off and it still shines at some points from the water that was trapped in it without vaporizing.

THE THREE FOLD SPLIT

To the right, there is the sacred cave and church of Saint John the Divine. In the center, between the cave and the chapel, the low rock ceiling reaches out in a clear threefold split, the sign of the Holy Trinity and also the shape that the orthodox pilgrims form with their three fingers, when making the sign of the cross, starting from their foreheads.

Looking closely at the three – part rock you will notice that it is very odd that a rock should split in three like that. There seems to be no easy explanation of the shape of the rock, reinforcing the faith that this place is special and it was indeed here that God communicated with Saint John giving him the vision of the Apocalypse.

In the back of the cave, there is a fenced off section were a niche in the rock shows were the saint laid his head to rest. To the left, if you look closely you will see a relief of a Greek cross which, according to tradition, was engraved supernaturally or by Saint John himself.

NATURAL ROCK DESK

A little higher to the right there is another niche, where the Apostle held on to the rock to raise himself up from his resting place and to lean against while dictating the words of God to his pupil Prohoros who stood next to him, on a natural rock desk that can still be seen.
Continuing right and close to the entrance, a narrow channel in the rock that is believed to have provided water to the both of them, from a spring that cannot be found to date.
There is usually a monk or some spiritual leader who will guide you through the cave awaiting you at the entrance, although it is recommended to sit on one of the stools and sink in the energy of this miraculous cave that some believe is one of the great mysteries of the world.

In the monastery complex there are also two more churches, one of St. Artemios (18th century) and St. Nicolaos, monk cells, and other facilities as would be expected in a monastery, most of which were built by Osios Christodoulos and his men in 1088.

THE GATE OF HEAVEN

According to historians St. John and Prohoros stayed 18 months on Patmos, and then returned to Ephesus, the place they were exiled from for preaching in the Lord’s name. There, they wrote the 4th book of the New Testament.
Outside the Cave’s main door an inscription quotes, very appropriately the famous biblical phrase of Jacob when he beheld a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God ascending and descending on it:

“How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Genesis 28:10

Getting there

The Cave of the Revelation is within walking distance of Skala (1.5km) and Chora (1.6km). There is a regular bus service that leaves you close to the entrance in the middle of the main route that connects Skala and Hora . You can ask the driver to tell you when to get off, if you are not sure yourself.
From Skala you can also walk up to the Cave by either taking the main road or the shorter and more picturesque approach “the Old Path”. The same applies for walking down from Chora but in both cases be prepared for a long hike under the blazing sun.
When visiting the Monastery and all the other religious sites on the Island please try to be dressed properly: women must wear long skirts and have covered shoulders, men must wear long trousers.

Area: Between SKALA and CHORA
Visiting Hours:
DAILY FROM 08:00-13:00 AND 14:00-16:00 ON SUNDAYS, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS.
Contact: ΤΕL- (+30) 22470 31276

(7 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

NUNNERY OF THE ANNUNCIATION

The convent of the Annunciation or Evangelismos is located on the southwest side of Hora overlooking the Bay of Kipos (gardens) and is about a 15 minute walk from the bus station.
The convent initiated as a small chapel with a hermitage until 1613 when Nikiphoros, an abbot from the monastery of St. John the Divine, renovated the building and dedicated it to Luke the Evangelist.
The hermitage was later supplemented with new buildings in 1937 by the monk Amphilohios Makris thus founding the Convent of the Annunciation.
The sisterhood is home to over 40 nuns who apart from praying, occupy themselves with social welfare, gardening, beekeeping and Byzantine embroidery called “spitha” (spark), which was used to make embroidery for aristocratic Byzantine families from the time of Hosios Cristodoulos.
The convent consists of the church Evangelistria (our lady of the Annunciation) connecting with the side chapel of Agios Loukas (St. Luke) and the chapel of Agios Antonios (St. Anthony) stationed in the tower of the convent.
The icons in the church date back to the 15th, 16th and 17th century.

Getting there

The nunnery lies to the southwest below Hora. It will take 20 minutes on foot from the bus station in Hora. There is a road that takes you to the entrance, to get there turn right at the first large crossroad as you leave Hora for Grikos, turn right again at the first street, over the hill and follow the turning road to the nunnery. At one point on this road you can turn off and it may seem that you are continuing your way up to Hora this is the wrong way.
Without private transport you can catch a bus to Hora. Walk up to the old market place “Platia Losa” that is easily distinguished from the statue of Emmanuel Xanthos and the town hall. Walk past the town hall down a narrow street, you will pass a small mini-market on the left and soon come to a crossroad. Keep to the right until the next junction, where there are three wooden arrows, one will lead you down a flight of stairs. There, after two side streets you turn right, and right again when the street forks. Continue until you reach a small square. Here you choose the path on the right until you come to three whitewashed chapels. The biggest of them (on the right) is a tiny nunnery with one nun and for a small contribution may be visited. On the right behind this chapel-nunnery is a footpath through untouched landscape. After about 400 meters the footpath divides, the left turn takes you to an asphalt road that leads you to the gate of the nunnery.

Area: CHORA
Visiting Hours:
DAILY FROM 08:00-13:00 AND 14:00-16:00 ON SUNDAYS, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS.
Contact:
TEL-(+30) 22470 31276

(7 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

NUNNERY OF ZOODOCHOU PIGIS

The nunnery of Zoodochou Pigis (“Life-giving Source”) is a womens’ convent in Chora which was founded by the Abbot of the monastery of St. John, Parthenios Pangostas in 1607.
It’s only a 5-minute walk from the monastery but not touristy, making it peaceful and fulfilling.
Even though it’s under renovation, the little you see of the convent is enough to make it worth the effort since the courtyards are filled with bougainvilleas and other flourishing flowers well taken care of by the nuns.
There are two churches inside, named Zoodohou Pigis’ and St. John the Theologian’s, that both have icons of the 16th to the 18th century and apart from philanthropic work, the nuns also make incense and sow or embroider religious garments.

Getting there

The nunnery lies in the south-western part of Hora and to get there, you must find your way to Hora and start at the square “Platia Lotza”, where the Town Hall and the statue of Emmanuel Xanthos stand, once the location of the old market place.
Walking past the town hall and down a narrow street, you will pass a mini-market on the left and soon come to a crossroad. Keep to the right until the next junction, where there are three wooden signs on the walls. One shows the way to the Nunnery of the Annunciation and two on the right refer to Zoodohou Pigis. Here you take the small street indicated until a small alleyway opens on your left, and 5 meters farther down lies the entrance to the nunnery. A narrow passage takes you between high white walls past a main entrance and a big wooden gate reinforced with iron, which stands half open, invitingly, during visiting hours.

Area: CHORA
Visiting Hours:
DAILY FROM 08:00-13:00 AND 14:00-16:00 ON SUNDAYS, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS.
Contact:
ΤΕL-(+30) 22470 31991

(7 min. drive from Patmos Villa Sophia)

MONASTERY OF PROPHET ELIJAH

If you are not deterred by climbing and heights, visit the monastery of Profitis Elias (“Prophet Elijah “) where you’ll get a fantastic view since it is the highest point of the island (269m). On a clear day, you’ll see as far as the islands of Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos and even Kos.

KASTELLI

In Kastelli hill lie the ruins of the ancient citadel of the ancient capital of the island with a fortification wall and the foundations of three towers. The foundations of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo are near to the church of St. Constantine

EMMANUEL XANTHOS’ HOME

In Chora you can also see the home of Emmanuel Xanthos, one of the founding members of the Society of Friends that was the first revolutionary organization that led to the successful War of Independence of Greece against the Ottoman Empire.

WINDMILLS OF CHORA

To one side of the monastery in Chora on a hill lie three old windmills and there are fine views over Patmos from this point.

The post Places to see appeared first on Patmos Villa.

PLACE NAME AND ORIGIN:

~

Patmos – which in ancient inscriptions is often mentioned as Patnos – owes, according to some historians, its name to the word “Patna” = manger and by others to the neighbouring mount Latmos of Asia Minor, which in ancient times was a worship place for goddess Artemis and hunting hero Endymion and from which arrived the first inhabitants of the island, bringing with them the worship of the goddess.

MYTHOLOGY:

According to ancient mythology, the island was first named Litois, in honour of the Goddess Artemis who was also called Litoida because she was the daughter of Lito.
Legend mentions that the island sunk into the sea and that Artemis, with the help of Apollo, managed to persuade Zeus to bring the island back to the surface and, as a proof of devotion, the inhabitants of the island named it Litois.
According to the myth, Patmos was a present from Zeus to his daughter Artemis, goddess of hunting and young women and certain historians believe that she was worshipped here in antiquity, and the monastery of St. John was built on her temple.

Deer-huntress Artemis frequently paid visits to Caria, the mainland across the shore from Patmos, where she had a shrine on Mount Latmos and there, she used to meet up with the moon goddess Selene, who cast her light on the ocean, revealing the sunken island of Patmos.

Selene was always trying to get Artemis to bring the sunken island to the surface and, hence, to life and she finally convinced Artemis, who, in turn, elicited her brother Apollo’s help, in order to persuade Zeus to allow the island to arise from the sea.

Zeus agreed, and the island emerged from the water, the Sun dried up the land and brought life to it. Gradually, inhabitants from the surrounding areas, including Mount Latmos, settled on the island and named it “Letois” in honour of Artemis.

Patmos is also connected to another legend, the one of Orestes. It is said that he fled to the island after murdering his mother Clytemnestra, and was hunted by the Erynies.

HISTORY:

ANCIENT TIMES

The island of Patmos has been inhabited since 3,000 BC, but the identity of its first inhabitants is still unknown. The earliest remains of human settlements in Patmos date to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000 BC) and consist of pottery shards from Kastelli, the most important archaeological site so far identified, only a 5 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia.

Patmos is seldom mentioned by ancient writers and, therefore, very little can be conjectured about the earliest inhabitants.
Some believe that the Kares, the Leleges and the Pelasgoi were the first settlers while others claim that the Dorians were the first inhabitants, followed by the Ionians.
In the Classical period, the Patmians prefer to identify themselves as Dorians descending from the families of Argos, Sparta and Epidaurus, further mixing with people of Ionian ancestry.
Finds have excavated various buildings, cemeteries, fortresses and evidence of an ancient acropolis, testifying the existence of a densely populated area in the past. During the Peloponnesian Wars, the Lacedemonians came to the island to escape from the Athenians and ruins testify about the flourishing of the island during this period.

Judging from archaeological finds, Kastelli continued to play an important role on the island throughout the Ancient Greek period (c. 750 BC-323 BC) and during the 3rd century BC, the Hellenistic period, the settlement of Patmos acquired the form of an acropolis with an improved defense through a fortification wall and towers.
So, essentially, as the rest of the Dodecanese islands, it paid tribute to Athens in the 5th century BC, belonged to the Macedonians in the 4th century BC, and was taken by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.
The island of Patmos declined when the Romans conquered it. It was used as a place of exile for convicts and this is how Apostle John came to Patmos, exiled by the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus in 95 AC. The prophet was ostracized from Miletus by the Roman governor for preaching the Christian faith and stayed in Patmos for two years.

Once on the island, the Apostle conveyed the inhabitants to Christianity and wrote the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse. Patmos then became a place of worshipping and pilgrimage and actually the culture and history of Patmos is strongly connected to the Apocalypse of Saint John.
Patmos is mentioned in the Christian scriptural Book of Revelation. The book’s introduction states that its author, John, was on Patmos when he was given and recorded a vision from Jesus. Early Christian tradition identified this writer John of Patmos as John the Apostle. As such, Patmos is a destination for Christian pilgrimage and visitors can see the cave where John is beleived to have received his Revelation (the Cave of the Apocalypse), situated only a 7 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia, and several monasteries on the island are dedicated to Saint John.
After the death of John of Patmos, possibly around 100 and the division of the Roman Empire in 284 A.D. though, Christianity was officially recognized and the Byzantine Empire flourished.

BYZANTINE TIMES

During the Byzantine times, a number of Early Christian basilicas were erected on Patmos and among these was a Grand Royal Basilica in honor of Saint John, built c. 300-350 at the location where the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian stands today.
Early Christian life on Patmos barely survived Muslim raids from the 7th to the 9th century and during this period, the Grand Basilica of Saint John was destroyed.
In 1085, though, a zealous Byzantine monk, the Reverend Father Christodoulos was forced by the Turks to abandon his temple in Asia Minor and went to the island of Kos were he founded a monastery. There, he met the monk Arsenios Skinouris who asked him his help to build the Monastery of Saint John in Patmos, only a 5 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia.
The construction of the monastery started in 1101, after the permission of the Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komninos the 1st, who gave to Christodoulos the complete authority over the island of Patmos. As a result, the Monastery’s power was to extend over the island’s borders, to such a degree that the island was never occupied by neither Turks nor Venetians and the only attacks came from pirates there and then.

The fame of the monastery grew, a settlement started to expand around it and during the end of the 12th century, the island of Patmos was transformed into a large commercial center.
In 1207, the Venetians conquered Patmos and the reign was given to the Duke of Naxos. Supported by him, the island became a semi-autonomous monastic state and gained great wealth and influence.
In 1340, the Knights of Saint John who had seized Rhodes conquered the island of Patmos and, in the following centuries, population was expanded by infusions of Byzantine immigrants fleeing the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, and Cretan immigrants escaping the fall of Candia in 1669.

OTTOMAN EMPIRE TIMES

In 1522, the Turks came to the island and appointed a representative but, after a while, they left just forcing it to pay some taxes. Later, when the Turkish-Venetian Wars ended, tranquility returned to Patmos and the island flourished, becoming once again an important commercial center. Massive fortifications were built around the monastery as a protection from the pirates. In 1655, Patmos was in essence governed by the monks and prospered again but its growth stopped in 1659, when Francesco Morozini, the leader of the Venetians, conquered and destroyed the island.

Through shipping, commerce and the efforts of the inhabitants, Patmos soon regained its lost nobility, glamour and prosperity so that during the early 18th century, the island’s wealth was separated into secular and monastic entities. The Patmian School was founded by Makarios Kalogeras in 1713 near the cave of the Apocalypse but the Russians conquered the island in 1770, after the Turkish-Venetian War.
Generally, the island remained under Ottoman Empire influence for almost 300 years, but it enjoyed a certain degree of respect and certain privileges, mostly related to tax-free trade by the Monastery, as certified by Ottoman imperial documents held in its Library,  only a 5 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia.

MODERN HISTORY

The Greek Revolution erupted in 1821 and managed to achieve independence for the new state by 1832. Nevertheless, the relevant treaty signed in London did not include the islands of the Dodecanese as part of the newly built Greek State, and all twelve islands fell again under Turkish occupation, even though one of the three founders of Filiki Etaireia which initiated the Greek Revolution was Emmanuel Xanthos, who descended from Patmos.
In 1912, in connection with the Italo-Turkish War, the Italians occupied all the islands of the Dodecanese, including Patmos and remained there until 1943, when Nazi Germany took over the island.
In 1945, the Germans left and the island of Patmos remained autonomous until 1948 when it joined the rest of independent Greece as part of the Dodecanese Islands.

ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of Patmos is strongly related to the foundation of the Monastery of Saint John, the most notable medieval architectural marvel in Greece. Its highlights can be seen in the beautiful settlement presenting a plethora of whitewashed mansions and Aegean style houses that embrace the fortified monastery in Chora.
Due to the constant pirates attacks, the Chora settlement was fortified, not with walls but according to the structural plan of the houses that allowed no openings and no special appearance.
In Patmos, there are no more white & blue villages (as in the Cyclades) but there are more white & brown, as they are built mainly in stone, though the walls keep the white color.
A typical Patmian house, like Patmos Villa Sophia, is divided in two parts, serving basic needs of the locals with a lovely flourishing garden and storage areas in the basement. The Byzantine structural elements which are often seen in the capital testify to the island’s historical importance, throughout the ages. Following the financial development of Patmos island, we see the appearance of two-story luxurious houses and mansions that very much resemble each other. Most of the later villas and lodgings have respected the traditional architecture.

The post History appeared first on Patmos Villa.

~

You can get many handmade things on the island and there are several art shops as well, all within a 5-10 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia, since Patmos has inspired many artists from all over the world and some have come here to stay.
On top from icon painting and pottery, jewelry making has also always been a tradition on Patmos. Locals used to buy gold and precious stones from pirates and hand craft them into beautiful masterpieces that were then exported all over Europe.
Affluent Patmian captains traded grain and cotton with Alexandria, Odessa and Venice in the 18th and 19th centuries and erected imposing residences with building materials and furnishings imported from Europe. So, Venetian mirrors, English silver tea services, French chandeliers and Russian samovars arrived and are now banned from leaving the island.

SOUVENIRS

The most typical souvenirs understandably have to do with St. John and religious tradition and icons are sold everywhere but gift shops offer a wide selection of gifts and memorabilia so that you will probably find anything you want to remember Patmos by.
Thanks in part to heavy cruise-ship patronage, Skála,  the main port of Patmos, only a 5 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia, has an abundance of arty (and sometimes pricey) souvenir boutiques, inland from the excursion boat dock, with antiques and unique creations sometimes created from old widgets by veterans of the Athens Flea Market (Monastiraki).

At many shops you can find reasonably priced porcelain, crystal and silver items and the Patmian embroidery is famous for its elegance.
About shoes and clothing, the local stores will satisfy most wants and needs for all ages and sizes, whether you’re looking for sandals for the beach or something to wear for the night out.
Local “fashion code” dictates vintage kaftans and jeweled sandals if you are a woman and, for men, drifts of well-worn white linen – shalwaar kameez style, and of course a… suntan.
In its electronic stores, Patmos has everything a modern person could need or want, from satellite dishes to renting a DVD, and if something is not available, it can be easily ordered from Athens.

FOOD STORES

As far as food stores are concerned, you can buy fresh local fish and vegetables, locate your nearest supermarket (all of them are located only within a 5-10 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia) or try some Patmian sweets and baked foods. The island produces barley, wheat, figs, wine-grapes and some vegetables.)

In Skala and Chora, you can find a number of good bakeries where you can buy fresh bread and traditional Patmos Pies – cheese – and other tasty sweet goodies, again within a 5 min. drive away from Patmos Villa Sophia.
In addition, there are many delicious ice cream parlors and a couple of creperies with outside tables and chairs that serve delicious freshly made to order crepes.
Regarding wine and liquor, from mythological times till today, wine has been a specialty of the Greeks and Patmos cannot be an exception. Greek wine has become more and more popular internationally, a sip of ouzo is a must for anyone traveling in our land and almost all other forms of liquor are widely available.

In short, Patmos can offer almost everything a reasonable traveler needs and the list of supplies available on the island range from pharmaceutical, water fishing, gardening, hardware, building stationary, home ware, boat, auto electrical engineering, traditional ceramic to more or less anything else our modern civilization has to present, all within a short 3-4 miles distance from Patmos Villa Sophia.

The post Shopping appeared first on Patmos Villa.

~

On Patmos you can savor plentiful fine restaurants and tavernas, situated on almost every area of the island. Skala and the Town of Patmos (Chora) conceivably enjoy the lion’s share, but bounteous seaside tavernas combining stunning views with ambrosial dishes are to be found right on the beach or literally next to the waves, all along the coastline, all within a 5-15 minutes drive from Patmos Villa Sophia.

This ample variety of dining establishments ensures catering to every taste, from traditional Greek cuisine to gourmet meals, and some experts insist that the best Patmian dining can be traced not in Skála or Hóra, but out in the countryside – especially at the beaches.
You can check tripadvisor’s 851 travelers’comments on 48 Patmos restaurants at the following link:

http://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurants-g189447-Patmos_Dodecanese.html

LOCAL CUISINE

Greek cuisine, with its wide variety of high quality ingredients and its wisely considered and highly beneficial combinations which encapsulate the experience of centuries, enjoys a privileged position in the global culture of taste alternatives.
Greece is characterized by its numerous islands and the rugged terrain of the mainland. This morphological diversity creates “worlds within worlds” and a trip to Greece means a fascinating exploration of tastes, flavours, unexpected combinations and endless variety. In Patmos, all of this is to be savoured to the fullest, at the best local restaurants, all conveniently located within a 2-10 kilometres drive from Patmos Villa Sophia.

Common characteristics are the excellent raw ingredients and flavors specific to the country: oregano, thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, lemon, and, of course, olive oil. Fine meat produced by small farmers, fresh fish and seafood, dairy products which are accredited worldwide, healthy fresh vegetables served with brilliant wine, and mouth-watering fruits all serve to create a kaleidoscope of tastes.

Creative chefs from Greece have made a definite impression at international events, helping to spread a wider appreciation of the local cuisine. Imaginative experiments with tried and tested recipes, unexpected combinations of exquisite ingredients combined with the use and renaissance of tradition, as creative modern Greek cuisine is lively and provocative, definitely establishes Greece as one of the shrines of the high culinary arts.

AEGEAN FLAVORS OF SUN AND SEA

The numerous islands of the Aegean that consist one of the largest and most important archipelagos in the world, were formed from the sun, the sea and the refreshing wind. The distinguishing microclimate of each island has contributed to the creation of unique products, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Thus, each island offers its own unique culinary paradise.

The territories of the Dodecanese islands have always been at the heart of gastronomic history reflecting the meeting of cultures that occurred here.

The Dodecanese cuisine is particularly rich and varied. Stuffed baby goat or ‘kapamas’, ‘boukounies’ (pork cooked in various herbs) as well as the excellent sweets and desserts, such as ‘xerotigana’ (fried spiral pastries in syrup or honey) and ‘pastelaries’ (dried figs with almonds and sesame seeds) are only a few of the culinary delights to be enjoyed here.

FISH AND SEAFOOD

Other local specialties include different dishes of fish and seafood such as squid stuffed with rice, a specialty also known to most islands of the Dodecanese, octopus stew and octopus grilled as well as local cheeses and sweets.

The influences of tradition are clearly alive in the Dodecanese and are indicative of the culinary panorama of the eastern Mediterranean.

With its distinctive character, heady aromas, and fruit and vegetables ripened in bright sun, it is a separate chapter of the Greek gastronomic tradition and indeed of international culinary history.

The famous Aegean ‘makarounes’ (hand-made fresh pasta with caramelized onions), Kassian pilaf, ‘sgardoumia’ (offal soup) from Santorini, Karpathos ‘vyzanti’ (stuffed lamb or goat with bulghur wheat cooked in a wood-burning oven), ‘marathotiganites’ (fennel rissoles), ‘dolmadakia’ made with vine leaves and herbs, ‘melitera’ (sweet cheese pies with vanilla) and ‘melopita’ (honey pie), are some of the thousands of dishes that can be sampled by the traveller in the warm embrace of the primordial sea.

The beauty of its islands has become a tourist attraction not only for travellers but also for people involved creatively in the culinary arts, who come here to expand their knowledge and show their love of Greek cuisine. The restaurants on each islands occupy a prominent place in international rankings and are highly respected by devotees of haute cuisine and authentic eating experiences.
Greece also has a strong tradition of meat in “karvouna”, that is, ‘dry’ cooked over charcoal or flame, or roasted on the spit. The great spring celebration of Easter is celebrated by everyone, to the accompaniment of delicious lamb or goat dishes.

GOURMET TIPS FROM ALL OVER GREECE

In Patmos, you can also find tastes borrowed from other Greek islands such as Crete or even the Ionian Islands, relishing thus a wider “cosmopolitan” experience, which, by the way, is another ancient Greek notion, prophetically meaning “citizen of the world”
The adjacent to the Dodecanese uniquely Mediterranean island of Crete, with its long history, seductive natural surroundings and proud inhabitants offers great excitement as an authentic gastronomic experience.
The traditional pilaf rice of Chania prepared with rooster or beef, the famous “ofto” roasted baby goat which is served almost everywhere in Crete, fresh salads and traditional ‘dakos’ (barley rusks with fresh tomato, soft white cheese and olive oil) are just some of the recipes of traditional Cretan cuisine.

Furthermore, the flavours of the Ionian Islands, with their Italian names and distinctive character, form a separate chapter in the Greek culinary arts. ‘Savoro’, which means “sour”, is a wonderful recipe with rosemary and vinegar widely used in the Ionian Islands to season and preserve fish, as well as vegetables and is also applied in Patmos with its equally important Italian background.

‘Bourdetto’ (scorpion fish cooked in a red-hot spicy tomato sauce), ‘sofrito’ (veal steak slow cooked in a white wine, garlic and herb sauce), ‘pastitsada’ (braised beef, pork or rooster in a spicy cinnamon tomato sauce usually served with rigatoni pasta), ‘stifado’ (beef stew with baby onions), ‘strapatsada’ (scrambled eggs with tomato and feta), ‘tsigareli’ (wild greens or cabbage in spicy tomato sauce), ‘pastitsio tis nonas’ (baked pasta and mince with a béchamel sauce topping), ‘bakaliaros me agiada’ (de-salted preserved codfish fillets with ‘skordalia’ garlic sauce) are some of the recipes that incorporate centuries of history and culture.
Superb wines and unique drinks and beverages like kumquat liqueur and ginger beer, and desserts and sweets such as ‘pantespani’ syrup-soaked sponge cakes, ‘mandola’ nougat and ‘pasteli’ sesame seed and honey bars accompany the rich yet delicate gastronomic cultural traditions of Greek cuisine.

THE SWEET SEDUCTION OF PASTRIES 

Traditional pastry pies are another large chapter in Greek cuisine, where many different processes are followed, which give the pastry a wide variety of consistencies, sometimes thin translucent sheets, and sometimes more crumbly and richer.
With these pastries the local imagination has created a seemingly endless number of delicious combinations. Savoury pies with cheese, wild greens and herbs and meats, or sweet, with milk, rice, cinnamon or yogurt – the possibilities are inexhaustible and they can easily be enjoyed at the best Patmos pastry shops, all conveniently located within a few miles distance from Patmos Villa Sophia.
Each corner of Greece makes its own pies, either baked or pan-cooked and they are the essential accompaniment to the richly laid table and have pride of place in every local cuisine.

WHERE TO EAT

Greek dining establishments are theoretically divided in different categories depending on the type of food that each specializes in or the way the treat is prepared. Yet, due to excessive demand for classic Greek dishes, these categories have faded over the years, many places have extended their menus and only if they specialize in something, it will be listed. The main general categories to be found in Patmos, all within a short distance from Patmos Villa Sophia, are the following:

RESTAURANT: (Estiatorio in Greek)
The most refined dining establishment offering Greek and international cuisine.
TAVERNA:
A typically Greek picturesque joint serving a variety of traditional dishes, usually at more modest prices.
MAGHERIO:
A magherio is a tavern that specializes is cooked dishes and if you are looking for yummy pastitio, mousaka or other backed and casserole dishes at the best value for money , this is your place.

LOCAL FOOD RECIPES AND PRODUCTS

Traditional Patmos Cheese Pie

Ingredients:
For the “fillo” dough
1 ½ flour for all purposes
150gr butter
½ glass olive oil
1 cup of coffee sugar
300gr lukewarm milk
1 sachet dry yeast
1 table spoon rose water
A little cinnamon

For the filling
800gr “myzithra” cheese from Patmos
800gr fresh cheese from Patmos
16 eggs

Preparation
We knead all the ingredients together to make the cheese pie dough. As soon as we knead it we leave it for a while to “rest”. Then we roll out “fillo” layer 5mm thick and spread it in a round baking pan.
At the same time we grate the 800gr local “myzithra” cheese and the 800gr fresh local cheese and stir with 15 local eggs. Next we add 1 teaspoon local rose water and a little cinnamon.
Finally we put the filling in the baking pan after we have spread the “fillo” and bake at 200 degrees for 50 minutes.

The post Gastronomy appeared first on Patmos Villa.

~

Although not known as a party island – monastic influence, though no longer all-encompassing, has had a long hangover – Patmos certainly is certainly alive at night, offering more discreet “high end” entertainment and fashionable socializing.
You’ll find some bars and discos in Chora and Skala, all located within a 5-10 minutes drive from Patmos Villa Sophia, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than anything else, so you can enjoy some excellent nights out.

The doors can close there for soundproofing after midnight to allow them to play music till 4AM on weekdays and as long as they like on weekends and public holidays.

There are many cafes located all over the island and they are allowed to play music till midnight. Most of them have delicious desserts and coffee and you can try a frappe, a very popular Greek ice coffee.
Various bars can also be found on the beaches, only a few miles from Patmos Villa Sophia, and most of them serve food and drinks to either sit in or take away while music is allowed till after midnight but not in excessive volume.

The post By night appeared first on Patmos Villa.

~

Most Greek Islands are considered ideal places for a unique, romantic and unforgettable wedding, but Patmos excels in that respect, thanks to the island’s natural beauties, its profound religious history, its spiritual aura and the cosmopolitan and chic atmosphere, which prompted French Vogue to describe it as a haven for the “gurus of taste” .

Indeed, your wedding on Patmos Island will stand apart from a typical ceremony in an urban center or a crowded, touristy resort.
To begin with, Patmos island has numerous excellent Churches, all conveniently located within a 5-15 minutes drive from Patmos Villa Sophia, so you can really choose the one ideally suited to your style and personalities. There are many accommodating and classic churches in Patmos Town (Chora) and in Skala (the port) but there are even more solitary and quaint chapels with bright Island colors. Your wedding ceremony can also go along with the customs of Patmos Island which include a picturesque procession with traditional live music through the cobbled lanes and beautiful architecture of the island.

Apart from the intense spirituality of a Patmos wedding ceremony, you are almost guaranteed to obtain delightful photographs and videos of your Wedding. The combination of Patmos’ hallowed light, its ageless architecture and its wonderful natural landscapes will facilitate your wedding photographer to create the memorable treasure from this most defining moment of your life.
Another extra advantage for choosing Patmos for your wedding is the fact that you can have access to local wedding services and products, so you need not have increased costs. Professional photographers, delicious catering, tasteful decorations and glamorous venues that will host your wedding reception are there for you to indulge in.

The post Weddings appeared first on Patmos Villa.

FROM PATMOS

~

Emmanuel Xanthos was one of the three founders of Filiki Eteria (meaning Society of Friends), a secret organization whose purpose was to overthrow the Ottoman rule and create a the New State of Greece. Xanthos was born in 1772 on the island of Patmos, in a house that lies only a few miles from Patmos Villa Sophia and is still preserved today, and graduated from the renowned Ecclesiastical School of the island. He frequently travelled first to Trieste and later to Russia, where he met Athanasios Tsakalof and Nikolaos Skoufas.

These three traders founded Filiki Eteria in 1814 in Odessa and seven years later, in 1821, the members of this organization launched the ultimately victorious Greek War of Independence. Xanthos spent the first years of the war (1821-1826) in Peloponnese but later moved to Wallachia, present Romania, where he stayed until 1837.

That year marked his return to Greece, which, by then, had become an independent state. He was appointed to a minor administrative post in Hydra but was shortly dismissed and, in 1845, he published his memoirs which constitute a precious source of information about the Greek revolutionary war. He spent the rest of his life in poverty and died in the capital of the newly founded state, Athens, in 1852.

The post Hall of fame appeared first on Patmos Villa.

DIRECTIONS TO HERE:

~

Patmos is so small it’s a good thing that there is no airport for it would be over crowded with people and the noise pollution would be annoying.

As author of the #1 New York Times bestseller «1,000 Places To See Before You Die» Patricia Schultz expertly put it: “Patmos’ saving grace is that it has no airport. It is quiet, traditional and removed but not primitive. That and a beautiful interior and great beaches draws a very sophisticated crowd. It’s blissfully cut off by its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls.”

Next year there are plans to schedule hydroplanes that fly directly to Athens in less than an hour and at a very reasonable cost but until then the only way to get to Patmos is by sea (although there is an operational helicopter pad, but this is not an option for most).

This site http://www.openseas.gr/OPENSEAS/index_en.vm

will help you find the route more convenient for you. Please note that these times sometimes do change so contact the Ferry office, travel agencies or port authorities for confirmation. You can also call (+30) 1440 for a recorded message in Greek, for the boat schedules of today and tomorrow to all islands in Greece.

1. Getting to Patmos by flying to a nearby island and catching a boat connection:

Catching a flight to the neighbouring islands of Kos, Leros, Kalymnos, or Samos and connecting to Patmos by boat is the preferable way of traveling to the island for many Patmos visitors. The flight from Athens to a nearby island lasts roughly 45 minutes, and the transfer from the nearby island to Patmos lasts between 1-2.5 hours, and from there only 5 minutes to Patmos Villa Sophia.

If you select this option, we suggest the following routes in priority order, taking into consideration comfort, variety of transfer options, and risk for disruption due to windy weather conditions.

Choice A:

Fly to Kos either by charter flight from your country or by commercial Aegean or Olympic Air flights out of the Athens airport, and then catch a Dodekanisos Seaways catamaran, or Blue Star Ferry to Patmos. It would be more convenient to schedule your arrival time on Kos in the morning so that you ensure your transfer to Patmos on the same day.

Pros of Choice A:

Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans, and Blue Star ferries are not as sensitive to windy weather conditions, therefore transit to Patmos is almost always ensured on a daily basis. Multiple scheduled boat transfers are available to Patmos daily, and availability on Aegean or Olympic airlines flights is easy to secure.

Cons of Choice A:

The transit from Kos to Patmos by boat is 2.5 hours, but we believe that the benefits outweigh the slightly longer transit time compared to the more volatile transit options through other islands.

Please take into account that local boat connections may not be announced until the very last minute so you are strongly encouraged to contact us for clarification regarding inter-island transfer schedules.

Choice B:

Fly to Leros or Kalymnos by commercial Olympic Air flights out of the Athens airport, and then catch a Dodekanisos Seaways catamaran. Again here, it is more convenient to schedule your arrival time on Leros or Kalymnos in the morning so that you ensure your transfer to Patmos on the same day.

Pros of Choice B:

Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans are not as sensitive to windy weather conditions, therefore transit to Patmos is almost always ensured. Transit to Patmos is roughly 1-1.5 hours.

Cons of Choice B:

It is hard to obtain airline availability for those two islands, since airplanes are smaller, usually with 17 seats.

Please take again into account that local boat connections may not be announced until the very last minute so you strongly encouraged to contact the hotel for clarification regarding inter-island transfer schedules.

Choice C:

Fly to Samos either by charter flight from your country or by commercial Aegean or Olympic Air flights out of the Athens airport, and then catch a hydrofoil to Patmos. Nowadays, this choice is not available since it is not certain whether hydrofoils will operate. When the time schedules are announced more detailed information will be provided.

On occasion, you can also catch a flying dolphin (hydrofoil) or a small private vessel from Kos or Leros islands but when the wind speed reaches 6-7 Bft the flying dolphins (hydrofoils) do not leave the port they are at.

Please note Relevant Transfer Providers Contact Information:

http://www.aegeanair.com
(airline servicing Athens-Kos and Athens-Samos)
http://www.olympic-airways.com
(airline servicing Athens-Leros, Athens-Samos, Athens-Kos, Athens-Kalymnos)
http://www.12ne.gr
Dodekanisos Nautiliaki: +30-22410-70590
(catamaran company servicing Patmos-Leros-Kalymnos-Kos-Rhodes connections)
http://www.bluestarferries.com
(Ferry boat company servicing Athens-Patmos-Kos-Rhodes)

2. Getting to Patmos by ferry from Athens harbor Piraeus:

You may travel to Patmos by boarding a luxury ferry boat from the Port of Piraeus in Athens, for a total travel time estimate of 7 hours. Ferry boat transfers from the Piraeus Port are available during April-October at least four times a week leaving between 15.00 to 00.00 from Piraeus and arriving between 22.00 and 07.00 respectively at Patmos. Comfortable sleeping cabins are provided and you are strongly advised to book them in advance.
For further information please contact the following ferry boat company:
Blue Star Ferries
Luxurious ferry boat company servicing Piraeus-Patmos-Kos-Rhodes
Duration of trip: Roughly seven hours
Website: http://www.bluestarferries.com

FLYING TO ATHENS

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is the main airport serving the Greek capital, and it is also the country’s busiest. Browse our Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport guide for information on how to get there, facilities available and where to stay nearby.
There is an information desk in the Main Terminal. Additionally, an airport information line (tel: 210 353 0000) operates 24 hours a day.
Email address: airport_info@aia.gr
Website: www.aia.gr

GETTING FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO PIRAEUS PORT

The most common way to get to Patmos is to get a flight to Athens and then take the boat from Athens’ port Piraeus to Patmos port Skala, which lies only 3.5 km or 2 miles away from Patmos Villa Sophia.

From Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to Piraeus Port

By Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7. The pick up point is at the arrivals level between Exit 2 and Exit 3. The fare from Athens airport to Piraeus port is approximately:
– Day time (05:00-24:00) 47 €
– Night time (24:00-05:00) 65 €

By Metro

Piraeus metro station. The metro is available between 06:30 in the morning till 23:30 in the evening. It leaves from Athens airport metro station every 30 minutes.
Departure times: 06:33, 07:03, 07:33, 08:03, 08:33, 09:03, 09:33, 10:03, 10:33, 11:03, 11:33, 12:03, 12:33, 13:03, 13:33, 14:03, 14:33, 15:03, 15:33, 16:03, 16:33, 17:03, 17:33, 18:03, 18:33, 19:03, 19:33, 20:03, 20:33, 21:03, 21:33, 22:03, 22:33, 23:03, 23:33.
When you arrive at Monastiraki station you get of to wagon and change metro line. You get to the line that ends to Piraeus (green line).
The trip from Athens airport to Monastiraki takes 40 minutes. Then you will need another 30 minutes to Piraeus Port.
There are different types of tickets:
Ticket for one person (one-way): 8 Euro
Ticket for one person (with return): 14 Euro
Ticket for 2 persons (one-way only): 14 Euro
Ticket for 3 persons (one-way only): 20 Euro
Reduced ticket (students age 25-, age 6-18, age 65+): 20 Euro
Children up to 6 years old: Free

By Bus

You can catch the bus from the designate area at the arrivals level (between Exit 4 and Exit 5). The bus to catch is Route X96: Piraeus – Athens Airport
There is a bus leaving for Piraeus every 30 minutes and it takes around 50 minutes to arrive to Piraeus.
Tickets are available from the bus drivers, from the ticket kiosk at the bus departure area and from all the metro stations around Athens
Tickets and cost 5.00€. Children under 6 years can travel free. Half price ticket at 2.50€ is available for student, and people of age 18- and 65+

FROM PIRAEUS PORT TO PATMOS

A boat from Athens ( Piraeus ) takes 7 hours with Blue Star Ferries and 9-10 hours with ANEK ferries.
Boats leave from Gate E1 in Piraeus port daily. Gate E1 is for islands of the Dodecanese, to which Patmos belongs.
Tickets for all ferries are available from the corresponding kiosks across from the boats at the port . Do try to be there early , as some people miss their boats due to queuing for tickets.
Timetables are available only for the full tourist season of July – August. They are usually issued late June. These times sometimes change so call the Ferry office to confirm or call (+30) 14944 for a recorded message in Greek, for the boat schedules of today and tomorrow to all islands in Greece. There are also timetables for flights, trains and buses on this telephone service.
There are also small privately-owned ferries from different islands usually doing day tours to Patmos, but their times change regularly so calling the port authorities is the only way to verify their times. Call travel agencies for more, if any details.

REACHING PATMOS VILLA SOPHIA 

Conveniently located near Grikos, a picturesque and serene fishing village away from the tourist crowds, Villa Sophia is only a five-minute (3.5 km or 2 miles) car ride away from the Skala Harbor, a seven minute car ride (5 km or 3 miles) from Chora, the island’s center, a 1 km. drive from Grikos and only 150 meters from the sea of secluded Epsimia Bay. Some of our guests enjoy taking walks from Grikos to various locations on the island, which is only 13 km (or 8 miles) long and we will gladly assist you by renting cars and motorbikes, or by calling taxis on any occasion.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO PATMOS VILLA SOPHIA 

Since Patmos Villa Sophia is located in an advantageously central, yet absolutely secluded area of the island, you will probably need assistance the first time to get there and we are more than happy to provide you with a full concierge service escorting you from the Patmos Port to the villa, upon your arrival, showing you around the premises and the estate, and answer any questions or needs you may have. As you arrive at the Patmos harbor, our concierge will escort you in taking a left turn and follow the main island road to Grikos, parallel to the sea and offering a beautiful scenic ride.

After less than five minutes, approximately 3.5 km (or 2 miles) from the harbor (and about 1 km. before the Grikos intersection) you will slow down and notice a traffic mirror with various hotel signs next to it, right opposite and across the main road and on the left side, exactly at the left turn for Sapsila Bay and Epsimia Bay.

Two roads start from the mirror, a left downhill one which goes to Sapsila Bay and a right uphill which goes to Epsimia Bay. You will take the right one which goes up towards Epsimia Bay and, after following the asphalt road for approximately 300 meters, you will arrive at a picturesque white chapel on your right.

Immediately after the chapel you take the first right turn, following a cement road leading even more uphill. You follow this road for another 300 meters, pass by a small photovoltaic station and arrive at a wide crossroads facing an iron gate of a large 100 acres estate with olive groves and vineyards.

Right before the gate, as soon as the fence finishes, you turn left and see Patmos Villa Sophia, straight ahead in 100 meters, overlooking the sea.

GETTING AROUND PATMOS

Scooters: these are ubiquitous and cheap to hire, getting you everywhere not covered by buses. Rates from €10 per day for a small scooter
Car hire: for groups or the scooter-averse, cars are also available from € 30-60 per day depending on time of year and car type. Minibus and chaffeur services are also available upon request and at an special extra charge. Car renting during high season in July and August is very difficult, so advanced booking is suggested.
Transfers: Frequent buses link Skála (terminal by ferry dock) with Hóra and Gríkou, less often with Kámbos in the north.

BUS TIMETABLE

FROM 1ST OF JULY TO 31ST OF AUGUST
FROM SKALA TO HORA
a.m 7.40 9.15 11.30
p.m 12.30 1.30 3.30 4.30 5.30 7.30 8.40 9.30
FROM HORA TO SKALA
a.m 8.00 10.00 12.00
p.m 1.00 1.45 3.45 5.00 5.45 8.05 9.00 9.45
FROM SKALA TO GRIKOS
a.m 9.15
p.m 12.30 1.30 3.30 4.30 5.30 9.30
FROM HORA TO GRIKOS
a.m 9.30
p.m 1.45 3.45 5.45 7.40 9.45
FROM SKALA TO KAMBOS
a.m 8.15 10.30
p.m 2.15 6.30
FROM GRIKOS TO HORA
a.m 9.45
p.m 12.45 4.45 7.50
FROM KAMBOS TO SKALA
a.m 8.40 11.00
p.m 3.00 7.00
FROM GRIKOS TO SKALA
a.m 9.45
p.m 12.45 2.00 4.00 4.45 6.00 10.00
BUS TIMETABLE FROM 1ST OF JULY TO 31ST OF AUGUST
FROM SKALA TO HORA
a.m 7.40 9.15 11.30
p.m 12.30 1.30 3.30 4.30 5.30 7.30 8.40 9.30
FROM HORA TO SKALA
a.m 8.00 10.00 12.00
p.m 1.00 1.45 3.45 5.00 5.45 8.05 9.00 9.45
FROM SKALA TO GRIKOS
a.m 9.15
p.m 12.30 1.30 3.30 4.30 5.30 9.30
FROM HORA TO GRIKOS
a.m 9.30
p.m 1.45 3.45 5.45 7.40 9.45
FROM SKALA TO KAMBOS
a.m 8.15 10.30
p.m 2.15 6.30
FROM GRIKOS TO HORA
a.m 9.45
p.m 12.45 4.45 7.50
FROM KAMBOS TO SKALA
a.m 8.40 11.00
p.m 3.00 7.00
FROM GRIKOS TO SKALA
a.m 9.45
p.m 12.45 2.00 4.00 4.45 6.00 10.00

On Patmos it is rather easy to find a car to rent as there are several professional car rental companies, all easily accessed from Patmos Villa Sophia.

The only time of the year when it may be difficult to find a car is August, so be sure to make your car reservation early and not at the last moment. You can easily make a car rental reservation via email, fax or telephone.

Renting a car or a moped is definitely a good idea so you can explore the various beauties of the island on your own.

The post Getting here appeared first on Patmos Villa.