Patmos

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Revision as of 19:43, 4 February 2013

Patmos

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	37°19.4′N, 26°32.9′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
The Monastery of St. John - Click for larger view

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 (Revelation) 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 disgorge hundred of tourists, who are herded into buses for the Monastery. Most of 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

Satellite view of Patmos
Click for larger view

BA

2682 Kolpos Patalion to Nisos Nisiros

3927 Patmos, Arki and Lipso

Imray-Tetra

G34 Southern Cyclades

NIMA

54400 Samos to Rodhos

Greek

423 Paros to Astypalia

Radio Nets

• Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 & Tel. +30 22470 31 231
• Olympia Radio - channel 24

Also see Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Approach and Navigation

Approaches to Patmos are without problems, although strong gusts will be experienced in the bay leading to the main harbor of Skala during a meltemi. One needs also to watch for the various rocks (above water) that dot the bay, but these mostly are easy to see, especially during the day. A dangerous shoal patch, Ifalos Khelia, with only 0.5 metres of water over it, lies about half a mile due south of Nisos Khelia and needs to be given a wide berth, especially if approaching from the south.

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

There is a customs office on the main quay of Skala, near to the Port Police. I am not sure if Patmos is formally a Port of Entry, but I was able to clear in here successfully in 2011.

See Skala.

Berthing Options

Ports

Skala

Chart of Scala
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Aerial view of Skala
Click for larger view

37°19.4′N, 26°32.9′E
Skala (Σκάλα) 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. The yacht berths are towards the head of the inlet, on a half-mile long quay along the west side, north of the town beach which does not appear on recent charts (see satelite view). Depths at quayside are 2.75 metres in the southern end before the bend and 3.8 to 4.25 metres along the remainder to the north end. The quay closer to the town is reserved for ferries and tripper boats. During strong northerly winds the fetch on the quay can become uncomfortable and you are usually anchor mooring with a cross wind. The holding is mostly good in mud, but in a strong meltemi plough-type anchors can drag, so it is important to check your anchor is secure if leaving the boat in these conditions. There are also several charter fleets operating from Skala, so anchors can and do get tangled. There is no electricity availiable but water can be purchased from a truck that comes by frequently. It used to be possible to anchor at the head of the inlet, but since the construction of the new ‘marina’ (see below) this is not really encouraged as the space to swing is now so limited.

In the North end of the inlet a new small "marina" has been constructed, consisting of a substantial concrete jetty and quay with space (theoretically) for around 50 boats if only laid moorings were installed. Depths alongside the north wall >3m and alongside the float >3m at the root and 7m at the end. There are also numerous water and electricity points along both the jetty and quay (but not in service at the time of visit in May 2012. However, the jetty is already almost filled with local boats lying alongside, as there is evidently no management of the "marina" at present. Currently therefore there is only room for around 2/3 yachts at the very end of the jetty and maybe a further 5/6 anchor moored back to the quay. It is not known when or if the marina will be brought into proper service. Moreover, it is a very long way from the town.]]

There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and stores in Skala and more up in the Chora above.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• September 2010 --Athene of Lymington
• June 2011 --Istioploos
• August 2011 --Nereus
• May 2012 --Monterey

Skala

The inlet, showing the yacht quay (top left) and the new "marina" (top right) Click for larger view

The jetty of the new "marina", looking south Click for larger view

Anchorages

Aspri

The Aspri Cove
Click for larger view

37°19.6′N, 26°33.4′E
Aspri (Άσπρη) is a small cove just N of Skala. It is reasonably well protected from the meltemi and it is a convenient anchorage away from the noise of the harbor yet Skala is easy to reach either with the dinghy or on foot, about 20 minutes. There is room only for two yachts. The bottom is mostly weed but there are several good patches of sand where you can drop your anchor in about 5 m depth.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• October 2009 --Istioploos

Meloyi Bay

Meloyi (Μελόϊ) Bay is less than 1 nmi N of Aspri. It is very attractive but the bottom is mostly weed and it is hard and unreliable to anchor here

Agriolivadho

Chart of Agriolivadho - Chartlet
Click for larger view

37°20.4′N, 26°33.6′E
Agriolivadho (Αγριολείβαδο) or Livadhi Bay 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.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• October 2011 --Istioploos

Agriolivadho
Click for larger view

Kambos Bay

Kambos Bay

37°20.9′N, 26°34.1′E - Chartlet
Kambos Bay is further NE of Agriolivadho it is protected form the meltemi but there are strong gusts. Exposed to the S and SE. The bottom is weed and sometimes anchors drag. One can find a patch of sand to drop the anchor. There are a few tavernas on the beach.

Vagia

The cove of Vagiá
Click for larger view

37°20.9′N, 26°24.4′E
Vagiá (Βαγιά) is a small but attractive cove N of Kambos Bay. The bottom here is sand with very little weed. Anchor in about 5 m depth and make sure that you snorkel check your anchor.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• August 2010 --Istioploos

Livadhi Pothitou

Livadhi Pothitou or Geranou
Click for larger view

37°20.7′N, 26°35.3′E - Chartlet
Livadhi Pothitou (Λιβάδι Ποθητού) or Livadhi Geranou (Λιβάδι Γερανού) is a pleasant and some what isolated anchorage. There is only one restaurant but it closes for the evening. The bay is well protected from the meltemi and the little island of Ayios Yiorgis protects it from light southerly winds. Anchor in 5 m over sand, good holding.

Danger: There are several reefs and shallows. Enter the cove from the E of of Ayios Yiorgis island staying closer to the island and away from the submerged reefs on the E of the channel.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• August 2012 --Istioploos

Panayia tou Geranou

Panayia tou Geranou
Click for larger view

37°20.4′N, 26°35.9′E
Panayia tou Geranou (Παναγία του Γερανού) is just E of Livadhi Geranou. It is also a pleasant and isolated anchorage protected from the meltemi. The bottom has a steep slope, anchor in 6-7 m over sand.

Danger: There are several reefs and shallows. Enter the cove from the W of of Ayios Yiorgis island staying closer to the island and away from the shallows E of the channel and the reef on the W.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• October 2010 --Istioploos

Livadhi Kaloyiron

Livadhi Kaloyiron
Click for larger view

37°22.25′N, 26°33.6′E
Livadhi Kaloyiron (Λιβάδι Καλογήρων - Meadow of the Monks) is a very attractive cove open to the NW. It is a good anchorage, frequented by fishermen, with S, SE, and NE winds. Anchor over sand in 5 m depth. The surrounding country side is very pleasant.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• May 2007 --Istioploos

Grikos Bay

Chart of Grikos Bay - Chartlet
Click for larger view

37°18′N, 26°33.8′E
Grikos Bay (Γροίκος) is just 3 M S of Skala. There are a number of pleasant spots that one can anchor. At the head of the bay there are a few houses and a small mole that can accommodate one or two boats. It is open to the SE. It is better to anchor behind Tragos Island at Ormos Petras which provides some shelter from the SE. Reasonable holding once your anchor is through the weed. One can also anchor off at about 8-10 m. There are several permanent moorings and one may be free for a short stay.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• September 2009 --Athene of Lymington 09:35, 21 September 2010 (UTC)
• October 2010 --Istioploos

Grikos Bay
Click for larger view

Ormos Petras

Chart of Ormos Petras - Chartlet
Click for larger view

37°17.7′N, 26°33.7′E
Ormos Petras (Όρμος Πέτρας) is a pleasant enough anchorage behind Tragos Island. It affords good shelter from SE wind but not so good a shelter when the meltemi is blowing, in that case, go to either Skala or Grikos. Anchor at about 9 m. The bottom is soft sand which provides indifferent holding.

Near the shore in Patmos and slightly N of Tragos Island there are several boats on permanent moorings, you may be able to temporarily use a vacant mooring.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• October 2010 --Istioploos

Ormos Petras

Click for larger view

The moorings Click for larger view

Stavros Bay & Psili Ammos

Chart of Stavros Bay - Chartlet
Click for larger view

Stavros (Σταυρός) Bay ( 37°17.5′N, 26°32.6′E) and Psili Ammos (Ψιλή Άμμος) ( 37°17.3′N, 26°33.2′E) are two big bays at the SW of the island. Usually there is some swell which make them uncomfortable. Not recommended for an overnight during the meltemi season, but good places for a swim and lunch. Anchor on the SW of Psili Ammos. Good holding.

With SE to S winds these are very good and safe anchorages, particularly Alikí (Αλυκή) ( 37°17.4′N, 26°33.3′E) the easternmost cove of Stavros Bay.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• October 2010 --Istioploos

Stavros, Patmos from the E Click for larger view

Alikí Click for larger view

Stavros from the N Click for larger view

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Offshore Islands

• Lipsi
• Arki and Marathi

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

There is at least one store in Skala, right across from the yacht quay.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

• There is a shipyard at Diakofti, Patmos Shipyard tel. +30 2247-031903
• There is a haul-out facility E of Livadhi Pothitou

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

A mini tanker visits the quay in Skala daily. Call (+30 22470 31 177, +30 6977 342 155, or +30 22470 31 999) to arrange for a fuel delivery.

Water

There are two small water tankers that come to the yacht quay in Skala, every day delivering water. Typically the charge is around 2-3 € per hundred litres. If you do not see the little truck ask at the kiosk

Electricity

N/A (Not Available)

Things to do Ashore

The Monastery from the S Click for larger view

The Monastery from the town Click for larger view

Inside the Monastery Click for larger view

Skala from the Monastery Click for larger view

A Street in Chora Click for larger view

The Monastery of Evangelismos Click for larger view

Tourism

The late 10th century Byzantine Monastery of Saint John, a World Heritage site, is a must. Entry is free, but sensible clothing needs to be worn. The museum contains many treasures from the Monastery’s 900 year history as well as ancient Hellenic and Roman discoveries from the island.

Also visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse, is halfway down between the monastery and Skala. It here that St. John is said to have dictated the book of the Apocalypse to his disciple Prochorus.

It is definitely worth strolling around the old town surrounding the castle of the Monastery. One can visit the Monastery on foot from Skala (about 30-40 minutes) but because of the heat it is best to take a taxi or a bus and then walk down hill, visiting on the way the Apocalypse Grotto. Both the Monastery and Apocalypse Grotto open from 0830 – 1330 daily and from 1600 – 1800 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays only.

In addition to the Monastery of Saint John there many other lesser but very attractive monasteries scattered around the island.

There are many attractive and clean beaches in this fairly low key island.

Grocery & Supply Store

• In Skala there is a very good grocery shopping. The new AB supermarket is very well provisioned
• Wine and ouzo are cheaper here than in other islands
• There is a large dry fruit store on the main square
• There are also excellent bakeries.

Eateries

There are many restaurants in the island.

• In Skala the sophisticated Vegghera (tel. +30 22470 32 988) right across from the yacht quay
• In Skala between the yacht and the old quay (day-trip boats) the Tzivaeri (Τζιβαέρι) on a balcony overlooking the harbor has exceptionally good Greek food
• Also in Skala the Pyrofani, just across from the old quay (day-trip boats) serves good Greek dishes and so does the Mermaids near the commercial harbor
• About 4 km form Skala along the the S coast towards Sapsila there is the best restaurant of the island, and one of the best in Greece Mpenetos (tel.+30 22470 33 089, you will need a reservation)

Internet/WiFi

In Internet cafés.

Laundry

• A laundry opened in 1998. They will wash and iron the clothes within a few hours. It is located right across from the yacht quay in Skala
• Another laundry is off the main street in Skala

Motorbike & Car Rentals

There are several rental stores in Skala.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the Skala and in several of the anchorages.

Transportation

There are daily, and in the summer several per day, ferries to Athens and Samos, hydrofoils to Leros and Kos.

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 partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Patmos (Wikipedia)
• Monastery of Saint John
• Monastery
• Grotto of the Apocalypse

References & Publications

See Greece.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

See individual ports in this page.

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