Patmos
From CruisersWiki
Patmos
Background
Patmos (Πάτμος), in addition to being a delightful island with many coves, is one of the most important places of the Christian religion. In the period between 81 and 96 AD St. John wrote the Apocalypse in a grotto not far from Skala, the harbor. Legend has it that a rock in the harbor used to be a sorcerer named Kynops who came afoul of St. John. In 1088 the Byzantine emperor Alexios Comnenos presented the island to St. Ioannis Theologos monastery which still dominates the island. The monastery has one of the most important libraries with many manuscripts including the illuminated Gospel According to St. Mark and the chrysobull signed by Alexios Comnenos granting the island to St. Ioannis Theologos. The people of Patmos are very religious and it seems that at least half of the male population go under the first name of Theologos which means "the theologian."
The harbor, Skala, is an attractive and bustling with activity town. Many cruise ships visit it every day and dislodge hundred of tourists who are herded into buses for the Monastery. Most these cruise ships do not stay very long and at night the town is more manageable. The bathing area adjacent to the old commercial harbor is surprisingly clean.
The old town of Patmos is built around the Monastery on top of the hill and has many old houses. All together it is a very nice place to visit although in the summer months it is liable to be very hot.
Charts
BA 2682 Kolpos Patalion to Nisos Nisiros
BA 3927 Patmos, Arki and Lipso
Imray-Tetra G34 Southern Cyclades
NIMA 54400 Samos to Rodhos
Greek 451 Leros to Rhodos
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
Approaches to Patmos are without problems. Entering the bay of Skala one should watch for the various rocks (above water) but these are easy to see, especially during the day.
Check-in facilities
See each Port/Stop
Ports and Popular Stops
Skala
Skala (Σκάλα) [37° 19.5' N 026° 33' E] is a fairly safe harbor during the meltemi season despite the strong gusts and cross-winds. However, it is open to the SE and during the winter months it can become untenable. Up until 1997, yachts were docked just NW of the ferry area, but a new quay was built and now all yachts are directed past the beach into the new quay while the old one is reserved for day-trip boats. The new quay is fine except that during strong northerly winds the fetch can become uncomfortable and you are usually docking with a cross wind. It used to be able to anchor off-shore on the N of the bay but it may interfere with the commercial vessels and it is discouraged. Good holding, but as there are several charter fleets operating from Skala, anchors can and do get tangled.
There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and stores in Skala.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Agriolivadho
Agriolivadho (Αγριολίβαδο) or Livadhi Bay [37° 20.5' N 26° 35.5' E] just N of Meloyi Bay it is protected form the meltemi but there are strong gusts. It is partially protected from the SE by the small Ayia Thekla Island (also shown in some maps as Panayia). The bottom is weed and sand. Anchor over a patch of sand in 4 m depth. The cove is attractive and Skala is just a 35 minute walk from here.
Warning: Sometimes anchors drag on the weed so choose a spot of sand.
Offshore Islands
List Islands
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
See each Port/Stop
Marine Stores & Facilities
See each Port/Stop
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
- Patmos (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.