Patmos
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Patmos
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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
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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
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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.
Kambos Bay
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Kambos Bay [37° 20.9' N 26° 34.1' E] 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.
Grikos Bay
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Grikos Bay (Γροίκος) [37° 18' N 026° 33.8' E] 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. One can also anchor off at about 8-10 m. There are several permanent moorings and one may be free for a short stay.
Ormos Petras
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Ormos Petras (Όρμος Πέτρας) [37° 18.2' N 026° 33.3' E] 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_BayGrikos. Anchor at about 9 m. The bottom is soft sand which provides indifferent holding.
Stavros Bay & Psili Ammos
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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, but good places for a swim and lunch. Anchor on the SW of Psili Ammos. Good holding.
Livadhi
Livadhi (Λιβάδι) [37° 20.7' N 26° 35.3' E] 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.
Livadhi Kaloyiron
Livadhi Kaloyiron (Λιβάδι Καλογήρων - Meadow of the Monks) [37° 22.2' N 26° 33.6' E] 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.
Offshore Islands
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
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The Monastery of Saint John is a must. It is open 8:00 to 13:00 weekdays, 10:00 to 13:00 Sunday and in the afternoon Sunday, Tuesday, & Thursday. Also visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse, halfway down between the monastery and Skala. 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 bus and walk down hill.
There are many attractive and clean beaches in this fairly low key island.
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?
.
