Monday, September 11, 2017

5 Things to Do In Patmos, Greece

A small island in the Aegean Sea, Patmos, Greece is a must-see destination for travelers who are also history buffs. It’s rich in Christian history, preserved medieval architecture, and Greek mythology. That Patmos is the island where St. John wrote his Revelation makes Patmos a popular pilgrimage site for Christians, but its long history and tranquil beauty appeal to travelers from all over the world. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Patmos.


Some of the beautiful preserved architecture in Chora


1. Explore Historic Chora

Chora is the capital of Patmos, surrounding the Monastery of St. John. In medieval times, the hilltop position of the town, narrow alley ways, and imposing fortress surrounding the monastery were all for the purpose of protecting them from attacks by pirates or Turks. Nowadays, there’s not much threat of either, but much of the history of the town is still clearly seen in the still-standing fortress, white-washed captain’s houses, and windmills dating back to the Renaissance. Exploring Chora feels like taking a step into real history, but there are plenty of modern cafes and shops to be visited as well.

The entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse

2. See the Cave of the Apocalypse

Patmos is a beautiful tourist destination now, but once it was a remote island used for exile. It was Patmos to which St. John was banished. The Cave of the Apocalypse is believed to be the place where he received and wrote his Revelation. Declared a World Heritage Site, the cave is carefully preserved and tourists can see mosaics depicting St. John’s visions and the rock that he used as a pillow while exiled there.


The Monastery of St. John in the distance of this scenic view

3. Visit the Monastery of St. John

Once you’re finished with the cave, visit the thousand year old Monastery of St. John. The courtyard offers a peaceful place to pray, meditate, or simply take in the beauty. Inside the church are a wealth of ancient texts, vestments, and relics that can’t be found anywhere else. The library is only open to scholars, but contains over 2,000 documents and manuscripts. Visit in the morning if you don’t want to struggle with the heat and the crowds.


Chris Cafe at Chris Hotel in Skala

4. Dine at Artsy Cafes in Skala

Patmos isn’t just a great destination for historic religious sites. There’s also a vibrant art scene in Patmos. Skala is an excellent place to satisfy your coffee fix and see some unique art at the same time. Koukoumavla Bar is decorated from wall to wall with quirky, colorful artwork. The simply named Art Cafe is full of artistic wall hangings, a full bookshelf, and beautiful roof garden seating. The main port of Patmos, Skala is also an excellent place to find some of the best Patmos hotels.

A view of one of Skala's beautiful beaches

5. Enjoy the Crystal Clear Beaches

Of course, you can’t go to an island in Greece and not hit the beach at some point. The beaches of Patmos are beautifully kept with crystal clear water and pebbled shores. Skala Beach is the most popular beach in the summer, but you can find secluded, non-organized beaches like Lambi and Psili Ammos to get away from the crowds. Near the bay of Sapsila, you can find Loukakia beach, with beautiful, shimmering water and a barrier of trees and bushes to give this beach a more private atmosphere.

While you’re searching for a Patmos hotel for your stay, consider Chris Hotel in Patmos. Located in Skala, Chris Hotel is close to all the best shops and grocery stores. They not only provide excellent service, but have their own waterfront cafe and beer where you can look out at the beauty of the Aegean sea from the comfort of your hotel. Trust me, this is a site you won’t want to miss!

Saturday, September 9, 2017

The Colorful Art Scene of Patmos, Greece

When we think of Patmos, we usually think about the gorgeous crystal beaches of the Aegean sea or the historic and religious destinations, like the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. But Patmos is a great travel destination for the traveler that lives in the now, as well. The island is full of shops, nightlife, cafe bars, and a vibrant art scene that often goes unnoticed in guides about the travel spot. Here are some Patmos appeals for the art lovers out there.

Art Galleries in Chora

Chora is the capital of Patmos and a popular destination for several reasons. What tourists often don’t know before they come to Chora is all the art galleries that can be found there. The galleries in Chora are sometimes hidden gems, but you can find them if you know where to look. The big one is the Kapopoulos Fine Arts gallery, which has branches in East Attica, Athens, Cyprus, and of course, Patmos. For something more local, you can visit Andreas Kalatzis’ gallery: an artist’s studio in the open space where art created by Patmos natives or artists inspired by Patmos is on display for all to see.

Chris Cafe at Chris Hotel in Skala


Cafes in Skala

Skala is the port city of Patmos. It’s where you can find the most popular beaches, some of the best Patmos hotels and shops, and some truly colorful cafes. If you want to find a place to enjoy artwork and coffee or cocktails at the same time, try Skala. The Koukoumavla Bar has been described as “the lovechild of Tim Burton and Frida Kahlo opening a coffee house,” and if that doesn’t excite the art lover in you, we don’t know what will. The walls are colored in deep orange and greens and accented by bright, colorful artwork.

There’s also Art Cafe, and the name plainly tells you what to expect. Art cafes walls are covered in quirky, artistic wall hangings, whether paintings, photographs, wreaths, or ceramics. This cafe and bar begs the question: is it named for the art on the walls or is the cafe itself the art? The table decorations and even the chairs all look to be artfully hand-crafted. This cafe also has one of the only rooftop garden seating areas in the city, and the view from there is an absolute dream.

If you’re staying at Chris Hotel in Patmos, Greece, there’s also Chris Cafe, the hotel’s own cafe with stunning waterfront views and the surroundings of the Skala docks. The cafe is open all day, has connection to the hotel’s wifi, and a big screen TV so you won’t miss your favorite shows or games while taking in the view. For an artist seeking inspiration--as well as a warm cup of coffee--Chris Cafe can’t be beat.

Some bells at the Monastery of St. John


Ancient Religious Artwork of the Monastery of St. John

Some artists find inspiration by looking at the past. Some art lovers feel excitement being in the presence of artwork that’s had such a lasting impact for so long. The huge, fortified Monastery of St. John on a hilltop in Chora is itself a work of art, but it also houses paintings that have stood the test of time. Some of the paintings in the main chapel date back to the 17th century, but the oldest paintings in the chapel of The Virgin Mary were created by monks as early as the 12th century. You’ll pass gift shops on your way to and from the monastery if you want to take a memento with you to remember what you saw there.

An idyllic view of a sailboat on the sea at sunset


Finding Inspiration in the World Around You

Artists have found inspiration in the breathtaking beauty of Patmos and the Aegean Sea for centuries. Take a walk around, and you’ll understand why. You can visit the sites of some of your favorite artwork: the shores, the fishing docks, the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John received his Revelation. You can find inspiration for your own works in the windmills, narrow alleyways (once used to protect the city from pirates), and beautiful gardens of Chora. Or you could find inspiration from the view of your own Patmos hotel.

Chris Hotel in Patmos, Greece features some of the best views that can be found in Skala. Your balcony can face the sea, the mountains, or the gardens of town. There’s a cafe and bar where you can sip your coffee and look out at the beauty surrounding you. Chris Hotel is closely located to the shops, which will come in handy when you need to stock up on supplies. Even if you’ve never been an artist yourself, the views you see here might just inspire you.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Can't Miss Festivities in Patmos, Greece

Patmos is proud of its long, rich history. On this small Greek island, people are passionate about their customs and traditions, whether religious or cultural, as evidenced by the many festivals and feasts. Once you’ve checked in at your Patmos hotel, ask someone about local festivities happening during your stay. Whether you come to Patmos for food, culture, music, or religious pilgrimage, you’ll find colorful festivals that are just what you need to make your trip special. 

The entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse

Dormition of the Virgin

August 15th is the day of the Dormition of the Virgin, which celebrates the “sleeping” of the Mother of God and her resurrection. In Patmos, the Dormition of the Virgin is enthusiastically celebrated with a large annual feast at the Monastery of Panagia Geranou. Live music, dancing, and of course, copious amounts of food, commemorates the day. You can also find events and celebrations in Skala, Kambos, and Chora. 

The Monastery of St. John

The Feast of St. John

If you missed the Feast of St. John on May 8th, make sure you catch it on September 26th. St. John is perhaps Patmos’s claim to fame. It was the isle of Patmos to which he was exiled and it was on the isle of Patmos that his Revelation was revealed to him. You can visit the Monastery of St. John while you’re here or the Cave of the Apocalypse to celebrate the resurrection of St. John with the rest of Patmos, and it would make a great addition to your religious pilgrimage. 

The International Film Festival of Patmos

As is often the case, out of one of the worst economic crises Greece has ever seen rose the creative minds to create the International Film Festival of Patmos. 46 days of cinema, 345 films in total. Because the festival has gone over so well, the creators have decided to expand to the surrounding Aegean islands, but you can still see new, exclusive films every weekend in July in Patmos. 

Festival of Folklore Dances

You can learn a lot about a culture from its dances. Preserving the historic culture of Patmos is very important to those who live there, and it’s enthusiastically celebrated through their festival of folklore dances. In this festival, all the dancers wear traditional dress that they might have worn in the early days and perform traditional, sometimes ancient Greek dances that existed long before anyone in the audience and will continue long after. 

Festival of the Sacred Music of Patmos

Held in an outdoor theatre outside the Cave of the Apocalypse, this festival is famous all throughout Greece. There are 5 days of music from August 27 through September 1, highlighting songs touch on religious significance as well as cultural significance to Patmos. Some are traditional songs dealing with immigration and refugees, a timelessly relevant topic. The festival is free and makes a great end note to your trip to the Cave of the Apocalypse.


When searching for Patmos hotels so you can attend these festivals, consider Chris Hotel in Patmos, Greece. Chris Hotel is located in Skala, the main port of Patmos, close to all the shops and grocery stores, and near the bus line. The staff is committed to exceptional customer service. When you check in, just ask one of the hotel staff about festivals going on at the time and where to find them.

Monday, September 4, 2017

The "Patmos Revelation" & Sports In Patmos

Despite the rugged terrain perfect for hikers and the clear, crystal blue waters, Patmos has not, in times past, been seen as much of a hub for sports tourism. It is more widely known for its connections to the Christian faith and the beauty that comes with being an island in the middle of the Aegean Sea. But this year, Patmos changed that by opening the first ever “Patmos Revelation in attempt to attract athletic tourists from all over the world to their little island.

The “Patmos Revelation,” so named after the revelation that St. John had when he was exiled to Patmos, was a sports tournament including swimming races and running races. This new tournament began for the first time on June 30, 2017, and lasted for three days. The first day was for the kids. In an open football stadium, retired track and field record holder, Periklis Iakovakis, partnered with Kids’ Athletics to teach kids about track and field. On the second day, the swimming races began. On the third day, the runners ran through Chora, passing The Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse on their way. For the adults, there were 15km and 5km routes, but there was also a 1km route for children who wanted to race.

The purpose of the Patmos Revelation as set out by the Greek National Tourism Organization was to draw a crowd of athletes from all over the world to Patmos. In this, they certainly succeeded. There were over 200 athletes, both professional and amateur, from 9 countries (Australia, England, France, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, and Greece) that all made their way to Patmos for the races. Sponsors came out in droves to help. Vikos bottled water sponsored the event by providing water to all participants. AB Vassilopoulos offered groceries and other products as incentives for volunteers. Patmos hotels like Chris Hotel in Patmos also came out to support and assist with the tournament.

Waterskiing is just one water sport available in Patmos
Patmos Revelation was declared a success, and it will certainly return for years to come. But you don’t have to wait until next June to enjoy athletics of Patmos. At any time of year, the Aegean Sea is still there and ripe for all kinds of water sports. You can water ski, canoe, or take a pedal boat onto the water. On Campos beach, you can even take water skiing classes to improve your athletic ability. And of course, surfing, wind surfing, and sailing are popular pastimes wherever there’s wind.

One of the hiking paths in Patmos

Patmos is also a popular hiking destination. The ruggedly built Chora, seated atop a hillside (once intentionally done to protect the city from pirates), offers a great start for a hiking enthusiast, but there are hiking paths all over the island. There are easy, leisurely hiking paths and more difficult terrains for hikers who like a challenge. Hiking through Patmos is an excellent way to see the historic sights of the island while still getting a workout in.
With the success of the Patmos Revelation, more athletes are expected to flock to Patmos, both for the races and for their own amusement. Wouldn’t you like to be one of them? Make sure you book a Patmos hotel ahead of time to ensure you have a place to stay, and don’t forget your hiking boots.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Patmos: The Best Island Wedding Guide in the Cyclades

Are you dreaming of having a romantic Greek wedding? Well, in case you're interested in pursuing that dream, we'll be more than happy to " help your ultimate wish come true! To have a beautiful island wedding is one of our biggest hopes in life. The laid back ambiance and the white and blue patterns in Greece makes your dream wedding look surreal. Patmos is one of the best islands where you can celebrate your wedding! Don't worry, from the reception to photographers and food, the island of Patmos has it well-arranged for you. Of why should you choose Patmos among other islands as a backdrop of your wedding, we can only tell you one thing- no overpriced wedding was ever honored in here.

Church Wedding 101
Patmos is blessed with an abundance of orthodox churches, chapels, and monasteries where you can hold your wedding ceremony. One of the most popular church we know in Patmos is the Panagia Koumana that sits on top of the hill in Skala Town. Locals and foreign lovebirds appreciate the setup more for the breathtaking scenery of the clearing and the picturesque town below.

Literally walking down the aisle.

Wedding Reception
From a family-owned tavern to a traditional Patmos hotel, you have a wide range of reception areas in Patmos. If you want your reception to be in a tavern, you can speak to the owner and make an arrangement regarding renting out the place or you can ask them if they service out catering wedding parties. On the other hand, if you'll go for the hotel, you can select the Patmos hotels located in Skala with an easy access of the Skala bay. Moreover, hotels often have their function rooms or gardens available for your wedding reception.

Chris Hotel in Patmos

If you really want to celebrate your joining of vows in a hotel, we only recommend Chris Hotel in Patmos as it is one of the hotels in Skala that is most beautifully carved along the bay. You may also enjoy rooms for couples at Chris Hotel and enjoy this once in a lifetime access to a top notch Patmos accommodation!

Chris Hotel in Patmos brings the perfect accommodation for newlyweds!

Wedding Organizers
One of the things that brought you here in Patmos is the availability of wedding services without paying for a hefty price of bucks. Just roaming around in Skala, you will see individual offices or shops that focus on providing wedding photography and videography, catering, as well as wedding organizers themselves. Get your wedding coordinated by a local and you will definitely make the most out of everything you'll pay for your dream wedding!

Prenuptial Photographs
We are all crazy for these "prenup" photos. Patmos in Greece is a lovely place to "pose and shoot" under the Aegean sun. You might want to have your prenup taken sometime during the sunset as the coast transforms to a hazy orange to red and here comes the dark. Let everyone witness your declaration of love in such a beautiful and paradise-like haven that is Patmos, Greece!

Sunset in Patmos, Greece







Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Patmos Getaway: Arki and Marathi Islands

Patmos in Greece is the island where St. John is said to have written the "Apocalypse". Patmos is a tiny island compared to others yet, locals here have a big and warm heart. Anyway, when are you going to Greece? Our recommendation is to start your journey at Patmos Island! It is perfectly located in the Northeast wing of Greece. A fun way to heat up your holidays in the island is to visit the off-site islands named the Arki and Marathi islands. These are the islets off Patmos that you can easily access from Skala. Arki and Marathi will give you the freedom of traveling by your foot in an island stretch. If you're fine with logging out from your Patmos accommodation as well as unplugging from the town's crowd, you will definitely love Arki and Marathi in Patmos!

Arki Island
You can take a quick boat trip from Skala going to the Arki Island. As of today, the population in this islet is only 50. Yet, one step at a time, locals are finding their ways in improving the tourism industry in Arki. There are tavernas where you can eat for lunch, snack over a cheese pie or chug down a bottle of local wine. In Arki, the locals have built a few stone houses which were designed traditionally while some have been painted in white to emphasize the Cycladic architecture.

Did you know that there is still no asphalt roads built in Arki? This makes the island ideal for trekking! And that means walking to the sandy beaches surrounding Arki Island. It is also so easy for you to get lost in the island for there are barely no signs to 'spoon feed' you with the directions. But don't worry, you'll end up being at some beach instead. If you want to see and experience the Aegean water and the sun, you'll see most of the beaches in east and south direction. The best beaches in Arki are Limnari, Tiganakia, and Padelia. 



Marathi Island
Marathi is just one sail away from Arki and Skala. If you want to experience the Greek rural living, you must stop over at this island. You'll be surprised to find out that there are only two families residing and maintaining Marathi Island. Just like in Arki, Marathi owns a few taverns where you can taste the unique set of Greek dishes in Patmos. If you'll live happily by swimming and trekking, the island of Marathi is for you!



There is not much Patmos hotels in the islands of Arki and Marathi. You will have to sail back to Skala and search for the warmest hotel that offers you the biggest discounts.

Where to Stay in Skala, Patmos? 
You will find Chris Hotel in Patmos in the center of Skala town. It is situated in front of the Skala bay where you'll see a variety of yacht and ferries approaching the island. If you want to be in the center of everything, staying at the Chris Hotel makes you access every site such Arki and Marathi in just a snap! On the other hand, the quaint hotel in Patmos has beautifully arranged each 42 Chris Hotel rooms traditionally to spice up your stay. Spacious rooms with a wooden set of furniture are what they gladly show off to their guests. Moreover, staying connected with your family and friends is never a problem when lodging at Chris Hotel for you are entitled to use their Wi-Fi service for as long as you want!

Chris Hotel in Patmos, Greece

Visiting Chris Hotel during low season offer you the lowest rates! A single room that time would not exceed 30EUR! So better time your visit to Patmos in Greece!

A room with a balcony's view of the mountains and Skala bay in Chirs Hotel

Sunday, December 13, 2015

5 Best Beaches in Patmos, Greece

Do you want to know the best beaches in Patmos, Greece? You're in the right place! Patmos is not much of a big island, but it is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Greek archipelago. It is also dubbed as the 'Jerusalem of the Aegean' as it is the home of St. John the Theologian Monastery which was built during the 11th century. Aside from making their pilgrimage come true, most people go to Patmos for a refreshment, rest, and recreation. And being at the beach does a lot of this rejuvenating job already! Imagine yourself walking by the shore or seating on a sunbed in the middle of a remote beach. Or maybe sipping your favorite fruit drink in an awesome Patmos hotel

For the travelers who consider themselves avid beach goers, here are the 5 best beaches in Patmos, Greece!

1. Vaghia
If you are brave enough to endure the cold waters of Patmos, go ahead and drive your way up to Vaghia beach. It might not be a white sandy beach type, it is surrounded instead of tamarisk trees that make the breeze a bit colder at the beach. You are free to mingle around the cafeterias and bars that dots around the coastline.

2. Petra
Everybody wants a bit of adventure from time to time. Petra beach would be a nice setting for that. Once it has served as a habitat of small crows. There are stunning rock formations that have formed little caves from which you can rest. Petra is also famous for its water sports facilities.

Petra Beach

3. Psili Amos
If you don't mind walking (hiking) for about 30 minutes from Skala town, going to Psili Amos might just brighten your day more! It is one of the most popular beaches in Patmos for it is said to be divided into to areas: the one for the nudists and the one for families or other tourists who want to have a good time. 

Psili Amos Beach

4. Livadi Geranou
Next we have on the list is the Livadi Geranou which is a 12 km drive from Skala town. It is easily accessed via car or bus. This beach is perfect for the wanderlust who is looking to have an alone time from the crowd. It's a great way to unplug from all your worries (and responsibilities) from where you came from. You'll enjoy the taverna settled by the beach! Ask for the best-seller!

5. Kambos 
Kambos is the most popular beach in the island for it is the most organized water recreational site in Patmos as well. Most of the people you'll find here are families with their little kiddos. You can enjoy the sandy beach, water sports activities, and restaurant treats while in Kambos. There is also a variety of Patmos accommodation in Kambos as well as in the villages surrounding it. 

Kambos Beach
One of the best hotels we know is the Chris Hotel in Patmos in front of the busy yet beautiful Skala bay. If you are wondering why we called it the best hotel in town, it's because it offers a lot of perks such proximity to tourist places, beaches (Kambos), grocery store, and Chora. Next thing that we love about Chris Hotel is all about the facilities and services they provide to their guests. Such facilities are the 24-hour reception desk, breakfast hall, lounge, smoking area, and internet area. Not to mention the beautifully decorated rooms with the view of Skala Bay that the friendly hotel staffs maintain. If ever you'll be in Patmos anytime soon, don't hesitate to call Chris Hotel for a secured, relaxing, and unique stay while in the island!

Who wants to be here right now? - Chris Hotel in Patmos

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Patmos Offers Extravagant Shopping and Hotels

The saying goes by 'money can't buy happiness'. But how in the world shopping exists? It would be great to splurge money on yourself sometimes. Yet, if you can't help it, why would you bother boycotting shopping? 

In Patmos, prepare for a whole day of shopping. It's not like in the malls you have back home. If you are wondering why, well, let's just say the whole island is the mall itself! Patmos will make your dream vacation come true because there's endless shopping here. From antique stores to electronic shops. From food stores to wine and liquor shops. There are several little and big stores in Patmos that sell whatever you want! In some cases, you won't need to walk too far or get on a bumpy ride just to get to a store. By just looking around your Patmos hotel, you'd find a local shop that sells the goods you are looking for.Are you done with stretching your body and purse? Let's go shopping!

Clothing Store

Roaming around the cobbled streets of Patmos is one activity you can do. Clothing shops like Iliotropio in Skala offer what girls love. From the famous TOM's shoes to handcrafted sandals- they have a variety of the outfit you are aiming for! Got invited at a local wedding reception by some Greek you just met? Buying the perfect night-out dress is not stressful at all. You can find summer casual dresses at Iliotropio. Match it up with elegant accessories, and you're ready to rock the night out!


Food Shop

Who likes eating ice cream during the summer season? Us! Kids and the young at hearts, enjoy eating cold ice cream especially in a hot Greek Island like Patmos. Christodoulos is a pastry shop that offers handmade ice cream! Yes, they craft their ice cream from scratch! Maybe grab a bag of handmade cookie or two before you go on a day trip with your whole family. 

Are you looking for a bake shop and ice cream shop in one? Christodoulos has it for you!


Tourist Shop

If you still have an extra space in your luggage, why not bring a small part of Patmos art back home? No, shrugging your shoulders is not an answer. Well, if you go over your luggage weight, you can always ship it direct to your home address. Fair enough? We recommend visiting the Theocharis for handmade jewelry and gifts. Inside the shop, you'd see crafted collections of furniture. From wooden clocks to bed lamps, small vases, and fancy picture frames. They retail clothes, jewelry, and bags too.

A sneak peak inside the Theocharis Tourist Shop.


Tired of going hauling from one shop to another? You know the answer on how to finish your shopping plot for the day. Cocktails! 

There are many bars in Skala. In some cases, you'd find cafe bar or food cafe in a Patmos accommodation too. One of these amazing hotels is the Chris Hotel in Patmos. Chris Hotel serves you the best Greek food and drinks to pamper you. After the all-day shopping activity you did, sure enough that you'll regain your aura for a night out! 

Who wouldn't enjoy this perfect view while dining at the Chris Hotel Cafe Bar?

Friday, June 5, 2015

Patmos and Its Colorful Villages

Do you want to go on a short trip to Patmos? Today, we decided to take you on a short village tour! We gathered the information about the most colorful villages in Patmos. Take note of our tips in getting to these places. So the next time you visit the island, you'll be as comfortable as a local!

Take note of the sights and Patmos accommodation included in our article. It will be a great help for you if you consider traveling to Patmos. You should definitely consider going here to fancy over serene villages and vivid culture!

Chora


The first village you should find is the main town of Patmos. It is the most popular town on the island. Every tourist passes along the tiny alleys of Hora so they can visit the Monastery of St. John. The white splashed walls and cube-shaped houses are not anything new. The mansions built on a piece of land have been standing there since the 15th century. The structures, buildings, and houses built in Chora are the most expensive in Patmos. It was first owned by the Byzantine people back in the old days. Then these mansions are both by rich foreigners who became the residents of Chora.

The iconic Chora protects the wall of St. John Monastery.

Skala


Skala acts as the 'main city' of Patmos. It serves the only port in Patmos so you can expect a massive arrival of tourists here. Skala has all you need in a village. As the commercial capital of Patmos, it has developed establishments run by local families. There are several Patmos hotels in Skala. Each hotel offers a place where you can slack and loose before hitting your grand tour. One of these awarding hotels is the Chris Hotel in Patmos. By providing a five-star service, Chris Hotel have gained loyal customers whom they keep. It lies close to the shops and groceries in Skala. It owns a waterfront cafe bar too! What more can you ask out of a Patmos hotel that provides you an exclusive service? Same here. None anymore!

A scenic Skala port view from the porch of Chris Hotel's Cafe Bar.

The first residents of Skala had traded goods with pirates before. One of the assets that made this main port rich was their main source of living back then. Locals used to export embroided stockings for women. 

Grikos


Not far away from Skala is the agricultural town of Grikos. A small village in Grikos is called Tragonissi, which means 'ram island'. This small area is populated only by goats and their carers. Oh, it makes the best goat stew! 

The distance from Skala to Grikos is only 4.5 kilometers. And the road that connects these villages offers a picturesque view of the coastline. This is why this has been a favorite for joggers! If you gotten so tired of running in the morning, take a good rest. You can check the daily menu served by local taverns in town. 

Are you traveling to Patmos this summer? Head to Grikos for a day if you want to get away from the bustling crowd. Grikos town is often less visited during peak season which is in August.

The magnificent coastline of Grikos.