Patmos island, Greece - watch the video!

"The Jerusalem of the Aegean" or Holy island is one way of describing Patmos island. Patmos is distinguished for its beaches and for its imposing 11th century Monastery which is the island's most important landmark.
The construction of the monastery began in the 11th century. 

It is ...circumscribed by massive walls with battlements that protected the main church and another five chapels. Its extraordinary treasury contains Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, sacred vessels, 9th century embroideries and other priceless objects, while its library houses parchment documents patriarchal seals, illuminated manuscripts and rare old books. In the chapel dedicated to Our Lady, frescoes can be seen which date to 1210-1220. 

Patmos, situated between Leros and Ikaria, is a mountainous island with rocky soil and an abundance of small coves. It is 161 nautical miles from Piraeus. The Patmos island: Patmos information - Patmos holidays - Dodecanese, GreecePatmos island: Patmos information - Patmos holidays - Dodecanese, Greecemajestic fortress - monastery crowns the hill above the port, surrounded by dazzling white, cube-like houses which spill down its flanks and form the town of Chora.
Ships arriving at Patmos dock in the island's harbor Skala, a lively place with its white houses, flowered courtyards, fish tavernas, hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. North of Skala is the village of Kambos, set among trees and greenery; it is considered by many to be the island's finest beach. 

There are miles of tracks and lanes around Patmos, many other monasteries and churches to explore and some lovely sand and shingle beaches off the beaten track. There are several other villages worth exploration.
The seaside village of Grikos is only 5 km from Skala and has a couple of very good taverns. 

Other areas worth visiting on Patmos are: Kastelli a 20' uphill walk from the center of Skala where one will see a breathtaking view, and especially at sunset (there is also a small chapel on the summit where there are also remains of a Hellenistic wall); Lefkes which is one of the island's most fertile valleys and produces much of Patmos' fruits and vegetables. Boats from Skala will take you for day trips to the nearby islands of Fourni, Arki , Lipsi and Marathi . Alternatively the hydrofoil can take you to Samos, Leros and islands further afield.

Some of the most important sites of Patmos are the following:

1. Monastery of St. John the Theologician
2. Cave of the Apocalypse
3. The women's monastery of Zoodoxos Pigi
4. Kasteli (in Skala) with remains of an ancient Acropolis
5. The various little chapels scattered all over the island
6. Take a daily excursion to the little islets of Arki, Lipsi or Marathi 
7.