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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
