Where to Stay in Patmos in 2025 – 5 Best Areas

Find the perfect spot for your Patmos vacation with our guide to the best areas to stay on the island. From tranquil retreats to lively locales, get insider tips on where to book your ideal island escape.
Where to Stay in Patmos

Patmos, the northernmost island of the Dodecanese, sits nestled between Leros to the southwest and Samos and Ikaria to the north. This small island boasts a rugged, volcanic landscape dotted with promontories and bays, rising up to a peak of 270 meters at its highest point.

Patmos draws many religious pilgrims eager to see the very place where St. John the Theologian (John the Apostle) penned the Book of Revelation and the Gospel. At this historic site stands the revered Monastery of St. John the Theologian.

Patmos isn’t just a spiritual retreat; it also offers a variety of beaches, from sandy stretches to pebbled shores, accessible on foot or by car. For those looking to spice up their evenings, the island caters to an active nightlife, perfect for tourists wanting to make the most out of their summer nights.

If you’re planning a summer getaway or a trip over Easter, consider Patmos. Below, you’ll find a list of the best spots to stay and fully enjoy your holidays on this enchanting island.

1. Skala, best area to stay in Patmos

Skala, Patmos

Skala, the largest settlement on Patmos, serves as the island’s port and beats at the heart of the eastern coast. Originating as one of the Mediterranean’s key harbors in the 16th century, it blossomed into a bustling hub for trade, shipping, and tourism by the 18th century.

The village exudes charm, with its Italian architectural influences and notable attractions. Highlights include the ruins of an ancient acropolis, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, the distinctive Italian Building at the harbor, and the small islet of Petrokaravo, accessible by traditional boat.

In Skala, you’ll find the widest array of accommodation options, alongside a vibrant selection of taverns, cafes, and bars.

Although Skala Beach on the western shore is pebbly and not the island’s prettiest, the area’s rich history and lively ambiance more than make up for it.

Best Hotels in Skala

  • (€€) Byzance Hotelbeachfront rooms with breakfast
  • (€) Delfini Hotel: a 2-star beachfront hotel with bar
  • (€) Eliaa 2-star hotel with breakfast, 100m from Patmos port

2. Chora of Patmos, stay in the picturesque town of Patmos

Chora of Patmos

Just a short 3.4-kilometer journey south from the bustling port of Skala, you’ll find Chora, Patmos’s second-largest village.

This spot is a magnet for visitors, drawn by the world-renowned Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Strolling through Chora’s narrow lanes, you’re transported back in time by the whitewashed houses, many dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, which line the streets like remnants of a Byzantine castle.

At the village’s highest point, the imposing Monastery of Saint John stands, constructed in 1088, resembling a fortress.

I’d recommend a walk to the windmills for a photo op and to soak in panoramic views from above.

Chora offers a variety of accommodations, from charming houses to luxurious villas, and doesn’t fall short on dining and nightlife either, with its quaint taverns, cozy cafes, and lively bars.

Best Hotels in Chora of Patmos

3. Grikos, best area to stay in Patmos for families and kids

Grikos, Patmos
Grikos, Patmos / photo: wikipedia

Grikos, a charming fishing village on Patmos, is gradually transforming into a bustling tourist destination. It’s conveniently located just under 4 kilometers from Skala and a bit more from Chora, though it feels closer when you’re glancing at a map.

Nestled in a southeast-facing bay, Grikos offers a large, cosmopolitan beach that’s becoming a favorite for yachts and pleasure boats. The beach itself features fine pebbles and gently deepens into the sea, with a section fully equipped for tourists—making it an ideal spot for families.

What I particularly love about Grikos is its proximity to Psili Ammos, arguably the island’s most beautiful beach according to locals. It boasts sandy shores, natural shade from tamarisk trees, and vivid turquoise waters. Reaching it involves a scenic 15-20 minute walk from Diakofti.

The area around Grikos is well-equipped with cafes, taverns, and bars, offering a good mix of accommodation options. Plus, it’s well-connected to Chora and Skala by regular bus services, making it easy to explore other parts of the island.

Best Hotels in Grikos

4. Sapsila, a quiet place to stay in Patmos

The quaint village of Sapsila is tucked away on the eastern coast of Patmos, just 5 kilometers from Chora and 3.5 kilometers from Skala. It’s a wonderfully quiet place with picturesque houses—perfect for those seeking a peaceful and beautiful retreat.

Sapsila beach features warm waters with a mix of sand and fine pebbles, offering a tranquil escape. However, be aware that the area is popular with local boats, and their mooring ropes might get in the way of a perfect swim.

If this bothers you, you might prefer heading to Loukakia Beach, just a bit further east, for a clearer dip in the sea.

You’ll find a variety of accommodations here, mostly in the form of rental rooms. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, the nearby Skala and Chora offer more vibrant nightlife and dining options, all within easy reach.

Best Hotels in Sapsila

5. Kampos

Kampos, Patmos

Kampos is nestled in the northern part of Patmos, approximately 5.5 kilometers from Skala and 9 kilometers from Chora.

It stands out as one of the four key settlements on the island, divided into Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Kampos. While Kato Kampos sprawls around the beach area, Ano Kampos is perched on gentle hills above.

Kampos beach is well-organized and has transformed into a quaint tourist resort complete with sun loungers, umbrellas, taverns, and water sports—a perfect spot for a day under the sun.

Nearby, you’ll find Agrio Livadi Beach, which boasts a beach bar and tavern for a relaxed, sandy escape.

Accommodation options here are a bit limited, so if Kampos sounds like your kind of place, I’d recommend booking early to secure your stay. It’s a great choice for a peaceful getaway with all the comforts close at hand.

Best Hotels in Kampos

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

* Some links above may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I earn a commission on purchases made through these links. I only endorse products and companies I personally use. This helps keep Adventourely community-supported and ad-free.