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Patmos Towns

Patmos' main port and largest town is called Skala. Smart and upscale Skala (meaning 'stairs') is the island's main resort and place to see and be seen. The first thing you see as you enter town is the statue of Protergatis Xanthos Emmanuel, who became famous because he led an uprising against the Turks in 1821.

Near the beach there a red buoy that is a reminder of the duel of miracles between the evil magician Jenoupas and St John. Jenoupas intended his miracle to be bringing back effigies of the dead from under the sea. St. John, however, prayed that Jenoupas be petrified while he was still submerged. This effectively ended the duel, but the petrified remains of Jenoupas under the harbor still stink of sulphur.

You can hike up to the site of the ancient city Kastelli in about 20 minutes. There are remains of a Hellenistic wall and the chapel of Ag. Konstantinos. The view is stunning, especially at sunset.

Chora lies above Skala, and you can see it, a gem of Byzantine architecture clinging to the walls of the monastery. It is walkable, but buses also make the trip. Chora has a wonderful panoramic view, a maze of alleyways, chapels, and lavish mansions. Many of the buildings have distinctive window moldings decorated with Byzantine crosses.