Path to the Divine: A Spiritual Journey to Patmos

Kalimera, explorer of the soul! It’s Laila again—and today, I’m guiding you to one of the most sacred places in the entire Aegean: the mystical island of Patmos. If there’s one excursion that blends awe-inspiring nature, deep spirituality, and timeless Greek beauty—it’s this one.

We start early from Kos Port, often boarding a catamaran or a fast ferry heading north. It’s a longer sail—around 2.5 to 3 hours—but trust me: you won’t feel the time. The view of the Dodecanese chain unfolding before your eyes is mesmerizing. Islands like Leros and Lipsi come into view, each like pearls on a necklace, until finally… Patmos appears on the horizon, crowned by the fortress-like Monastery of Saint John.

This is not just any island. Patmos is where Saint John the Theologian received the visions that became the Book of Revelation. Whether you’re religious or not, the atmosphere is unmistakably sacred.

Upon arrival in Skala, Patmos’s main port, we head uphill toward the Cave of the Apocalypse. I still remember the first time I walked into this cave—its silence, the faint scent of incense, and the deep energy made me pause mid-step. You can see the crevice in the rock where John rested his head, and the triple fissure in the wall that symbolizes the Holy Trinity. It’s a moment that stays with you.

From there, we continue to Chora, a dazzling whitewashed village that wraps itself around the hilltop. The streets here twist like a labyrinth, hiding balconies overflowing with bougainvillea, artisan shops, and sleepy cats sunbathing in church doorways. At the summit is the majestic Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, built in 1088. Step inside and you’ll find ancient icons, 11th-century manuscripts, and a view that stretches endlessly across the blue horizon.

My secret? There’s a tiny café just outside the monastery walls—ask for a mastic-flavored lemonade and sit under the fig tree. You’ll hear the whispers of history in the breeze, I promise.

Afterward, we return to Skala, where I always recommend lunch by the water. Try Patmian stuffed goat, or fresh grilled squid with fava and lemon oil. The local sweet cheese pies—“patsavouropita”—are heavenly.

With time left to explore, wander the harbor’s shops or take a dip at Agriolivado Beach, just a 10-minute taxi away. The water is so clear you’ll feel reborn. Before we board the ferry home, I often bring guests to the small Bookstore of Patmos, where hand-bound copies of Revelation and Greek mythology coexist. It’s a beautiful way to carry a part of the island home with you.

As we sail back toward Kos, golden sunlight melts across the sea. Everyone is quiet in a good way—transformed. Because Patmos isn’t just a destination—it’s a calling.