2022 Greece and Turkey - Day #3 - Pátmos, Greece

Discover Patmos highlights
Top 3 Reasons To Book

• The Grotto of St John - the Book of Revelation ground zero
• The UNESCO World Heritage site Monastery of St John
• 300-year-old Simandris House; a rich collection of antiques

The small island of Pátmos in the Dodecanese is reputed to be where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the 'beloved disciple' was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island. The old settlement of Chorá, associated with it, contains many religious and secular buildings.The small island of Pátmos in the Dodecanese is reputed to be where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the 'beloved disciple' was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island. The old settlement of Chorá, associated with it, contains many religious and secular buildings.

Journey to Patmos and the Grotto of St John, where the Apostle heard the voice of God, saw the future, and wrote the book of Revelation. At this most sacred spot on the island, St John the Theologian spent 16 months in exile. His simple cave is now a chapel and place of pilgrimage. The iconostases built into the cave depict St John's visions and the spots where the saint slept, wrote, and heard a great voice, as of a trumpet. Continue on to the Monastery of St John the Theologian, built on an ancient acropolis. The monastery's massive 15th-century walls and 17th-century battlements looming over the town belie an intimate and peaceful interior of arches, inlaid pebble stone floors, and whitewashed buildings.

The charming Chapel of Christodoulos is profusely decorated with frescoes, and the old Treasury, now a museum, displays a breathtaking collection of jeweled chalices, crowns, crucifixes, vestments, and old manuscripts.

Stroll through the winding streets of Patmos, where houses dating back to the 16th century are linked by a maze of steps and lanes interspersed with small squares. The silent, shuttered villas are mostly owned by Athenians.

Visit the 300-year-old Simandris House to see its rich collection of antiques and architecture that presents an interesting combination of the Oriental tradition and the Western fashion favored in the 19th century.

Wind down at a local taverna. Channel your inner Zorba as you sample tasty mezes (appetizers) with Greek wine or ouzo, and enjoy a traditional Greek dance demonstration,

The trip has already exceeded my expectations. Watching the islands go by as we sailed into Pátmos was entralling. Pátmos is part of a series of seventeen islaands. We had a quick breakfast on the Colonnade with a gorgeous view.


We have early excursions planned for the next four days. Today, we are discovering Pátmos, including the grotto where St John was supposed to have written the Book of Revelation. The guide did a very nice job at each stop

After the stop at the tavevna, Sharon and I wandered the commercial district. Sharon did some shopping. About 1:30 pm, we caught the tender back to the Seabourn Encore.

We relaxed in the suite and took a nap. Eventually, we got cleaned up and headed to the Observation Bar. We watched the ship sail away from Pátmos.

Sharon and I had an old English dinner in the honor of Queen Elizabeth at the Colonnade. We got a great table right on the back of the ship watching the departure and sunset. The weather was beautiful.

For starters, I had LANCASHIRE HOTPOT, while Sharon had the CREAMY GREEN PEA SOUP. For mains, Sharon had PAN FRIED DOVER SOLE [Lemon Caper Butter, Young Spinach, New Potatoes], while I had ENGLISH CUT ROASTED BEEF [Sautéed Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding, Jus Natural].

Still adjusting to the time change, Sharon and I wandered back to the suite and crashed early.