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Patmos is thought of
as a one of the most spectacular islands due to its incredible
wild beauty, that is spread throughout the island. It is called
the "island of Apocalypse", because the Apostle John came here
to write the Apocalypse. Center of a lot of pilgrimages and tourists
it will charm you from the moment you set your eyes on it and
provoke you to discover it.
It is situated in the southeastern Aegean, at the northwest edge
of the Dodecanese complex and specifically between the islands
of Leros, Mykonos, and Samos. Its size is 34 sq klm, 63klm length
of coastline and its terrain is rocky and with volcanoes. It is
constituted of 3 parts, which combined between themselves create
two tight isthmus 2 klms each in width.
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The island
is intensely partitioned with a lot of tall mountains,
the highest peak being that of Profitis Elias that reaches
270 m., following is the monastery of the Apostle John
at 240 m, Kokkinos at 194m, Paches at 142m., Prasino
at 145m, and Alifasko at 124m. While in the north,Merikas
stands high at 213m, Hondros at 228m., the Palaia Mandra
at 164m and Saint Nicolas at 181m.
The many gulfs of the island create, exquisite graphical
bays with dreamlike beaches and magical scenery, ideal
for swimming at the crystal clear deep waters.
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The most important gulf is that of Porto Skala that it also the
harbor of the island. Looking east you will come across the gulfs
of Aspris, Meloi, Agriolivadiou, Kambos, Thermon, Lambis, Saint
Nikolaos, Lefkes, Merika and on the west side Hochlaka. On the
south you will come across the gulfs of Sapsilos, Gukos, Petra,
Diakofto, Stavros, Kipon and Leka. The above gulfs are accessible
for swimming and make the best choices for unforgettable dives.
Another distinct feature of the geographical partition of the
island are its capes that make up idyllic points to enjoy the
magical view of the vast blue of Aegean. Some that stand out are,
the capes of Koumana, Vamakias, Gernos,Hondros, Livadi, Epsimios,
Kalaras and Genoupas.
All around the island and within its gulfs there are small islands
that emphasize its uniqueness. The largest of them all being Hiliomodi,
which is situated in the gulf of Skala. On this small island,
the church of Saint Panteleimonas is located and is celebrated
on the 27th of June. Further north we find the little islands
of Santa Thekla, Saint George, Kentronisi, Tragonisi, Prasonisi
and Petra.
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The population
is approx 2500 pax, Skala being the largest in population
town followed by Chora and Kambos.
Further to the above three large holiday resorts of
the island, it is worth visiting the surrounding sights
throughout of the island. Distinctly worth visiting
are the Temple of Saint John with its files, the library
and the precious sacrarium. Between the road that connects
Skala with Chora you will find the Temple of Apocalypse
with its cave.
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The holy figures that are directly
connected with the history of this island and distinguished between
them are the Apostle John, Prohoros and Saint Christodoulos. The
Apostle John, who wrote the Apocalypse, transformed the island
with their writings to a holy place of worshiping.
Prohoros- wrote down the course and the godsend work of John and
his writings became a source for the creation of local traditions
of the island. Christodoulos helped in the autonomy and independence
of the island. He built the Temple and fortificated the city,
changing it to a center of commercial transactions. The island
of Patmos other than being a holy place for many worshippers,
is available for uniquely glamorous, unforgettable holidays at
its picturesque settlements, gulfs and capes.
The caves of Patmos are sensationally impressive: the most important
is the Cave of the Apocalypse with 6.60 m length and 5.50 m width,
followed by the cave of Kinopa, Apollo, the cave of Arapi, Sikamia,
Aliki, Fournakia Foko.
The intense religious aura is apparent throughout each corner
of the island, since there are more than 50 churches and monasteries
all over the place. The visitor has a chance to visit many ancient
settlements and to admire the history of the island through them.
At ancient settlement of Agrikia, situated where it is said that
the temple of Zeus existed, you will find some ruins from ancient
buildings and walls from the time of the Byzantine Empire.
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The
temple of God Apollo used to exist at the city of Fora,
ruins of which, have never been found. On the contrary,
parts of the Temple of the Apostle John (Theologos)
and inscriptions that give evidence that at its position
the Temple of Artemis previously existed, based on Greek
mythology the island owes its existence to her.
Based on the excavations of Guerin, at the present location
of the church of Panagia of Geranos the ancient city
of Karo, previously existed. Based on the writings of
a Patmian writer there was an ancient city named Mirirnousa
with the temple of Dionysos located in the present area
of the Grand Mirsinis.
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Between the bays of Grikos and Petra there was an old settlement
of Petra with the temple of goddess Aphrodite and afterwards the
little church of Panagia Filattomeni. During the summer months
the island is a place of religious festivities that are especially
interesting for both the locals and visitors. The church of St
Panteleimonas is celebrated on 27 of July and is situated at the
island of Hiliomodi. In the area of Kambos the church of Metamorphosis
celebrates on the 5th of August and on the 15th of August the
church of Kimisi tis Theotokou and the also the big open a festival
at Panagia Geranos.
On the 23rd of August the area of Livadi celebrates the Panagia
of Erimitiriou, where on the 26th of September the cave of Apocalypse
and the church of Apostle John celebrates with the arrival of
many worshipers that come to the island to honor this holy place.
The island offers a wide range of water sports that you can do
during your holiday vacation. You have many choices at most of
the organized beaches and hotel resorts. The fishing lovers will
surely be satisfied, since the intense partition of the island
provides ideal areas for fishing, both in its gulfs but also at
the small islands that surround it.
Furthermore the calm sea and the sparkling waters are perfect
for scuba diving and fishing. Organized tours and excursions at
the nearby Aegean islands are not available but there are a lot
of scheduled boat lines which you can get in-order for you personally
to explore them, so we suggest Kos the island of Hippocrates,
Kalymnos the island of the sponge divers, Lipsi the island of
Calypso, and Leros the island of Goddess Artemis.
Your stay at the island will be both relaxing and enjoyable, at
the hotel resorts or the fully furnished rooms and rental rooms
that are available at the holiday resorts and the surroundings
of the islands. The nightlife will satisfy the most demanding
visitor, as there are many nightclubs, discotheques, cafeterias
and bars.
You can enjoy rich dishes in every graphic tavern or luxurious
restaurant, with tastes from both Greek and international cuisines.
We believe that the island will leave you speechless with the
variety of choices that it offers you and the magical experience
of your holiday vacation will accompany you for a long period
of time. The treasure is in your hands all you need to do is to
discover it. Have a nice time.
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