Altai Mountains: Patmos Island - Olga Torbina. Patmos Island in Altai. Monastery

Patmos is a small island located in the southeast Aegean Sea. This south island archipelago of the Dodecanese. Square Patmos- 34.6 km ?, the length of the coastline is 63 km. The relief of the island for the most part rocky.

How to get to the island

You can get to the island by ferry from the mainland port Piraeus, as well as from other islands of the archipelago, for example from the island.

Climate on the island of Patmos

Picturesque nature and wonderful climate (warm and dry air and clear water). At noon, the temperature on the island reaches 40 degrees Celsius .


The population and traditions of the island

The population is about 2500 people. The population is Orthodox. The country has a huge number of customs and traditions. For example, the climate has influenced the habit of local residents to take an afternoon nap. Here incredible amount holidays, including religious and cultural celebrations. January 8 is the day of the exchange of family roles in some Greek villages. Women go to places that men usually visit, and men do household chores and spend time at home.

Capital of the island of Patmos

The capital of the island is called Hora. Its houses, made in the so-called Aegean style, surround one of the main attractions of the island in a dense ring - Monastery of John the Evangelist . Another significant settlement of the island is Rock, which also serves as the main port. Life here does not stop at night. Some revival is brought by cozy taverns, small cafe-bars and tourist shops scattered along the coast.


Resorts in Patmos

Among other not so large settlements, one can mention Grikos And Campos. Campos is divided into the Upper, with its square and school, and the Lower, which, in fact, is the beach. Grikos built on the shore of a picturesque bay overlooking the rock Calikatsu.




The beaches of Patmos

Main beach of the island Campos, as already mentioned, is located on the territory of the village of the same name. It is a well-organized tourist beach, where, among other things, there are facilities for water sports. There is an organized beach near the village Grikos. In addition to it, you can find other small, quiet and shady beaches.



What to see on the island of Patmos

The main, not so much natural as spiritual, attraction Patmos, which attracts many tourists and pilgrims from all over the world, is Spileo Apocalypse (Cave of the Apocalypse) . The cave is located on a hill in a place between Horoy And Rock. It was in this place that John the Theologian, exiled by the Romans to the island, was given a divine revelation, which entered the history and religious culture of mankind as the Revelation from John the Theologian, or the Apocalypse.

Only 43 steps separate modern world from that distant, almost fantastic, past. A small depression has been preserved in the cave, where, with his head, the saint slept. There is also a characteristic recess in the wall, which served as a kind of support for it. The arch of the grotto is crossed by three furrows or stripes, which, according to legend, arose at the time of receiving the revelation.


Monastery of John the Evangelist founded in 1088 by Christodoulus. The building permit was issued by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. As a place for the construction of the monastery, they chose a hill where once stood Temple of Artemis . It was built as a monastery and as a fortress with towers and bastions. The construction of this complex took about 19 years.

Another, now natural, monument is rock kalikatsu, the view of which opens from the village Grikos. It looks like it's rising out of the water. Many hermits subsequently began to live on this rock.

Mythology and history of the island of Patmos

According to the mythological tradition, the island Patmos was originally on seabed and became visible only in the light of the goddess Selene. Once, during one of Selena's meetings with Artemis, the latter noticed an island at the bottom. Fascinated, she asked her father Zeus to take him upstairs. And he, with the permission of his brother Poseidon, fulfilled the desire of his daughter.


One of the versions about the origin of the name of the island is associated with the goddess Artemis, who was revered here. Once upon a mountaintop Latmos, located on the territory of Asia Minor in the region of Kariya, there is a temple of the goddess. It is believed that the current name of the island comes from the name of this mountain.

They also say that Patmos found refuge Orestes. The Eriny goddesses of revenge tormented and haunted him, thus punishing him for the murder of his mother. Archaeological finds say that the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times. With grip Patmos by the Romans it turns into a place of exile for criminals. So I got here in 95 AD. apostle John. In 1537 the Turks came to the island. And in 1659 the island passes to the Venetians. Soon he again passes to the Turks and remains under their rule until 1912. During this period of time Patmos and part of the islands Dodecanese occupied by the Italians. In 1948 the island returns Greece.

Our today's story is about the island of Patmos, the rest on which does not involve crossing borders and obtaining a foreign visa. Russian expanses are so large that there is a place for everything in them. Russia also has its own Patmos. In terms of holiness and popularity, it is not inferior to the Greek counterpart of the same name. Despite the territorial remoteness, there is still a connection between the two islands.

ancient legend

The Apostle John the Theologian, the author of the Apocalypse, had a miraculous revelation at the time of his imprisonment on Patmos. The holy father saw two churches floating above the water. One of the cloisters is in the Aegean Sea, the other is at the far end of the Earth. John's prophecy was fulfilled only in the middle of the 19th century.

Let's not intrigue anymore. Russian Patmos is located on the outskirts of the village of Chemal in the Altai Mountains. Translated from Altai, its name means "ant place". Such associations were caused by numerous herds of goats and sheep grazing here, with mountain peaks ant-like.

A bit of history

The history of the village of Chemal began in 1842, when thirty peasant families from the Biysk district moved here. Permission to move was given to them by the local semi-nomadic Kalmyk tribes. The picturesque village iconic place for Russian Orthodoxy. In the 1840s, a missionary camp of Christianity was formed here, and in 1849 a camp church was built, named after John the Theologian. She stood not on the island, but near the place where the Chemal secondary school is now located.

It is not known exactly who named a small rocky island in the middle of Katun Patmos. Perhaps it was Archbishop Parthenius. He visited Chemal in 1855 and left an inscription on a stone stating that he consecrated the island "in honor of the Baptist John of the Savior."

In 1915, the Church of St. John the Theologian was moved to the island of Patmos. His fate was tragic. During the period of persecution of Orthodoxy, this church, like many others, was destroyed to the ground. Its revival took place only after a long 80 years - in 2000. First, the island was connected to the shore by a suspension bridge, and then a temple was built from cedar logs - an exact copy of its destroyed predecessor. This was made possible thanks to the miraculously preserved old drawings.

Now it houses Znamensky convent. The temple is open to parishioners, pilgrims and everyone. To get to the island, you need to go through a narrow swinging bridge, under which the waters of the Katun seethe. Tourists note that the sensations of crossing it are unforgettable. The impression is enhanced by a warning sign at the entrance, which prohibits more than eight travelers from crossing the bridge at the same time.

Shrines of Patmos

The novice of the women's skete, Nadezhda, saw the image of the Mother of God on a nearby rock. The nun Philothea, who visited the island, carved a face on this place Mother of God with a halo, which today is clearly visible to tourists walking along the bridge. Another amazing legend is connected with the image. It says that when the rock was obscured by the grown grass, because of which the face was not visible to the pilgrims, a lot of rabbits appeared, which ate all the grass.


In the temple of Patmos there are miraculous icons. One of them - "The Lord Almighty" streams myrrh. The second ancient icon began to be updated miraculously. The face of the Mother of God appeared on it, darkened and lost from time to time.

There is also a miracle in the temple created by people - flat church bells were beaten. They are plates made of special alloys. When struck with special wands, the beaters emit surprisingly melodic sounds that can be heard for a long time in the transparent mountain air.

The church is incredibly popular among believers. Newlyweds especially strive to get into it in order to perform a wedding ceremony.

Where to stay in Chemal?

A tour to the island of Patmos is one of the most popular destinations in the Altai Mountains. Many vacationers seek to get to these places thanks to healing climate, picturesque landscape and rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.

If you are traveling on your own, then in the summer season you should take care of the place of residence in advance. In the vicinity of Patmos, there are many accommodation options: comfortable homesteads, hotels, sanatoriums, hotel houses, campsites and campsites of various classes. In the village of Chemal, you can also rent private accommodation. There are children's summer and year-round camps in the Chemalsky district.

The tourist infrastructure of the region is replete with all the benefits of civilization. Restaurants, cafes and various eateries invite guests with mouth-watering menus of Altai pickles. Here you can taste deer meat, all kinds of Altai honey and fragrant teas with medicinal herbs.


Patmos Island in the Chemal region - perfect place if you are going to Mountain Altai first. It is equally suitable for a calm family vacation with children, and for active youth, as well as for experienced travelers.

What else to see in the vicinity of Patmos?

History buffs will be interested Museum of Local Lore in the center of Chemal. Among the exhibits are finds of archaeologists, household items and National clothes. There is an exhibition and sale of paintings by local painters and craftsmen. You will see real yurts in the Bardin House, and get acquainted with the history of the village in the Sannikov amateur museum.

Diverse and excursion program in the Chemal region. Particularly interesting objects:

  • a monument to the industrialization of Altai - the Chemal hydroelectric power station;
  • Karakol lakes;
  • Old Russian Cultural Center"Lukomorye" in the village of Askat;
  • Cheposh baths, where in summer you can sunbathe and swim in warm water;
  • waterfall Chechkysh;
  • Paleolithic sites, mounds and burial grounds, rock petroglyphs.


One of the baits local tourists- the river Katun. Rafting classes are organized everywhere here, which are interesting for both beginners and "experienced" raftsmen. Katun in the vicinity of Chemal is moderately rapids. It is really worth rafting along it at least once to appreciate the impressive beauty of the gorge.

Climate Chemal

The Chemal region is famous for its unique microclimate similar to the climate of the Alps. Not here in winter severe frosts, in summer - a lot of sun, moderately warm, although it also happens to be hot over 30 ° C. The air is dry, clean, with a high content of ozone. Coniferous trees growing in abundance saturate it with phytoncides.

Due to the warm climate, Chemal is famous for its orchards: peaches, plums and apples grow well. Even in Soviet times, Chemal became an elite resort place: many bases and sanatoriums for the party elite were built here.

In the Chemalsky district, you can not be afraid of mosquitoes and midges, but you should not forget about security measures against ticks.

How to get to the island of Patmos?

The island can be reached along the Chemal highwayby turning onto it from the Chuisky tract near the village of Ust-Sema. It is about 95 km from Gorno-Altaisk, where the airport is located, and 190 km from Biysk, where the nearest railroad station. You can get to Patmos by car or local bus.

When you tell your friends that you were vacationing on the island of Patmos, do not forget to clarify that we are talking about Altai. A sea of ​​questions and genuine interest will be guaranteed to you.

Patmos is a small island that is perhaps the most famous not only in Greece but throughout the world.

On Patmos, a vision came to St. John, in a cave he wrote the Apocalypse (Revelation). This is the reason why Patmos is sometimes called the "Jerusalem of the Aegean". The monastery of St. John rises above the island and inspires faith and devotion.

Patmos is located in the Aegean Sea (Southern Sporades), belongs to the islands of the Dodecanese. The area of ​​Patmos is about 34 thousand square kilometers, the population is slightly more than 3 thousand people. Patmos is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In addition to its great reputation in Christendom, Patmos is striking in its beauty: here beautiful beaches, Azure sea. Winds from the west and north side ideal for windsurfing, motorbike and car rentals good opportunity explore the island.

The island has many basketball courts and football fields, beach volleyball tournaments are often organized here. In Griko (Γρικο) you can rent a small yacht or sailboat and go on an excursion to small neighboring islands Arches, Leros and Lipsi.

There are many on Patmos entertainment venues, well developed night life. Patmos taverns will delight you with local specialties such as charcoal-grilled octopus, squid stuffed with rice, stews, as well as cheeses and local sweets.

Transport on Patmos

A local bus runs around the island of Patmos, connecting all the villages of the island and the main beaches. You can easily find a taxi, you can rent motorcycles and cars. There is a ferry that connects many beaches and small islands.

Attractions Patmos

The monastery of St. John as well as the cave of the Apocalypse are the main attractions of Patmos. The monastery includes 5 chapels and main temple, it is located on the top of the mountain, offering a fantastic view of the sea and the city.
In the monastery you can see the Byzantine icon of St. John, beautiful frescoes in the Byzantine style.
The Cave of the Apocalypse is surrounded by a monastery, several steps carved into the rock lead visitors to the simple portal of the monastery. The Sacred Cave is located on the lower level of the monastery, you pass the chapels of St. Nicholas and St. Anne, located near the Sacred Cave.
In the Cave you can see the cross carved on the rock, according to legend, made by St. John, as well as cracks in the ceiling, where Jesus appeared to him and told John to write a revelation.
It is also worth visiting the monastery of Elijah the Prophet and the convent of the Life-Giving Spring.
It would not be superfluous to recall that during a visit to all of the above sacred places, you must be dressed properly ie. women in skirts and with closed shoulders, men in long trousers.

How to get to Patmos

There is no airport on Patmos, but it is easy to get from Athens by flying to the nearby islands -

IN Lately many inhabitants different countries when the question arises, how to spend a weekend or a vacation, they turn their attention to pilgrimage trips and tours. The island of Patmos (mountainous Altai) has a history closely intertwined with Orthodoxy. It is very interesting not only to believers, but also to ordinary people.

So, in the Aegean Sea there is a land area with exactly the same name. Now this territory belongs to Greece. During the Roman Empire, objectionable people, including Christians, were exiled to this place. So among the islanders was the apostle. In his honor, a monastery was founded there in 1088.

Story

Several millennia later, in Russia in 1855, Bishop Partheny was sent to the Tomsk diocese to spread the faith of Christ among the pagan population. He studied the life of John the Evangelist and read the story of how the apostle had a vision of two temples that hover in the air above the water.

One of these cathedrals has already been built - in the place where the saint lived and worked for many years. The bishop began to dream that the second one would appear in the regions of his new flock. But he did not imagine how the island of Patmos (mountainous Altai) could receive the temple, because the relief is based on ridges and river valleys.

Then, going around the area that he got for his activities, in the area of ​​​​the village of Chemal, Parfeniy saw a rocky area in the middle of the place. Vladyka liked it so much that he consecrated it. It is not known exactly who appropriated that land Greek name but it stuck. Gradually, the Orthodox community grew stronger, new churches were built. In 1914, the island of Patmos (mountainous Altai) served as the site for the construction of the Church of St. John the Theologian.

The fate of the shrine

With the advent of Soviet power, the church was destroyed. The restoration was due to the artist V. N. Pavlov. During the journey, he was very impressed by nature. There is also a legend that says that wooden building was burned by another creator, who did not want anyone else to be able to depict the temple in the picture.

Pavlov moved to Chemal from Moscow and spent ten years working on the construction of the holy house. In 2001, the island of Patmos (mountainous Altai) acquired a new church named after John the Theologian. From the moment the object was consecrated by the nuns, miraculous phenomena were noticed - on the old icon of the Mother of God, which needed restoration, colors and contours self-renewed. And the other face, which is nearby, streams myrrh.

Nowadays

So for various reasons they attract Chemal, the island of Patmos, the Altai mountains a large number of guests. Firstly, this area has the status of a tourist and recreational zone. There are recreation centers and places for camping. Established bus service from Gorno-Altaisk. There is an entertainment infrastructure.

Clean air and favorable climate were appreciated at the end 19th century. It was then that the first resort vacationers. In the 30s of the last century, a recreation area for government circles was created there.

Today, everyone can visit the Altai Mountains, the island of Patmos. The village of Chemal has its own attraction - a hydroelectric power station. Now it is not operated, but until 2011 it provided electricity to the village and adjacent facilities. In the warm season, boats and catamarans are rented, you can ride on water slides or jump with insurance from the reservoir dam.

Center of Altai Culture

The village of Chemal and the island of Patmos (mountainous Altai) are very interesting for professional ethnographers and ordinary history buffs. Photo national costumes, ritual songs, rituals and much more Bardin Alexander collected and combined into the Center of Altai Culture. This person is a native. His family has been known since the 6th century. Having received an agricultural education, he worked in this area, studying natural conditions mountains and foothills. In 1990, he was elected an elder of his kind, and two years later - the head of the entire Altai people.

The museum is a traditional dwelling of local peoples - ail. It has various expositions that characterize the way of life, life and religious ways. During his lifetime, Alexander Bardin himself often conducted excursions, spoke about the history of the people and traditional beliefs.

Movements

Chemal is the center of the entire district, so the bus service to this point is quite active - 5-6 trips during the day, including passing routes. Of course, it is most convenient to travel to these places by private vehicle. So you will not depend on the schedule and will be able to independently plan the route. So, traveling along the lower Katun, you should definitely visit Patmos Island (Altai Mountains). How to get there, it is better to know in advance.

Initially, you should get to Biysk. It is through it that the only route in the right direction. It has the designation M52. This section follows the channel of the Katun upstream, starting from the confluence with the Ob. On the way you will meet several large settlements, but the movement should continue along the main road. And only after 150 km from Biysk, at the fork near the village of Ust-Sema, before the bridge over the river, you should turn left, following the sign for Chemal.

trails

Once in the regional center, you can easily find the island of Patmos (Altai Mountains). Reviews speak of the extraordinary beauty of the combination of a rocky massif and a temple. Leaving the car in the parking lot and walking about 500 meters along the path, you will come out to the river. It can only be crossed suspension bridge. When passing through it, you must observe safety precautions. And due to the fact that it sways, some do not dare to get on the island.

At the height of the season, a lot of people flock to visit the temple, often they want to take a memorable picture. Because of this, there are "traffic jams" on the suspended structure. This is especially important when the capacity of the bridge is small - no more than 6 people at the same time. You can also approach the rocks from the side of the hydroelectric power station. To do this, you will have to use the "Goat Path" - a narrow path along the cliff. It should be moved very carefully.

People staying in Chemal have the opportunity to visit natural attractions located near the village. So, amazing beauty possess They are located in the mountains on western slope Iolgo. Nearest locality to the reservoirs is located 30 km - the village of Elekmonar. It is from there that equestrian and hiking. Part of the route can be covered by off-road vehicle. IN summer season transportation service is provided locals. Approximately 8 kilometers will have to be walked before the first lake appears.

The Che-Chkysh waterfall is located 15 km from Chemal. There is a good paved road, so you can get there by any transport. The camp site can serve as a guide. Not far from it, a path leaves the road to the left. Walking along it, you will find yourself at the waterfall. Also nearby are Observation deck and a tract with rock paintings.

Undoubtedly the most beautiful and most famous of small islands Southern Sporades, Patmos has a unique, immediately felt atmosphere. According to legend, it was here, in the cave, that the Apostle John the Theologian (in Greek Theologos) compiled the New Testament Book of Revelation and thereby unwittingly predetermined the fate of the island. Founded in 1088 by the blessed Christodoulos (1021-1093), the monastery in honor of the apostle dominates Patmos both physically - its mighty fortified walls are visible almost from everywhere - and to a noticeable degree spiritually.

Although the monks no longer rule the island as unchallenged from their abode as they have for over six hundred years, they do not allow Patmos to follow in the footsteps of or - although Patmos already has at least four nude beaches, which was completely unthinkable even a decade ago . Despite the huge number of visitors and the indispensable inclusion of the island in all commercial cruises and hydrofoil itineraries, tourism is not allowed to take over Patmos completely. Yes, after midnight there are several clubs in the vicinity of the main port city do not close, but drunk, especially rampant - a phenomenon, in essence, is unknown here.

Only in some years there are as many tourists with vouchers as those who come on their own, and they mostly settle in Griku and a few large hotels in and Cambos. There are still more day arrivals than overnight stays, and Patmos becomes completely different after sunset when last passengers have already climbed onto the decks of their cruise ships. Outside the Rock, tourism development is clearly stifled, if not deliberately suppressed, by the lack of an airport. On the beaches, at first glance, little has changed since the 1980s, although the “For Sale” signs on every peasant house near the sea and the multiplied villas, striving to get closer to the coves, suggest that the days of familiar Patmos are already numbered after all. .

Monasteries and Chora on the island of Patmos (Greece)

The first place in your local sightseeing plan is probably occupied by the monastery of Aiu Ioannou Theologian (St. John the Theologian), hidden behind powerful walls on a hilltop overlooking the capital of the island. From Skala there is a bus (about 8 flights daily), another option is a 40-minute walk along a beautiful old paved path. To find its beginning, go through the Rock, heading for Hohlakas, and after passing the telephone service building, turn left into the street opposite the hardware store. Then go uphill until the path ends up in the highway - and opposite you will see the pavement of the path.

Approximately half way you can visit the Monastery of the Apocalypse (Revelations; daily 8:00-13:30, also Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 16:00-18:00; free), built around the cave in which St. John heard the voice of God , sounding from a cleft in the rock, and then dictated the words he heard to his student. The place against the wall of the cave, where the saint's head is thought to have rested when he rested at night, is now fenced and outlined in silver. But the impressions of this monastery will surely overshadow the monastery of Aiu John the Theologian (the same work schedule as that of Apocalypse, free of charge). In 1088, the warrior-priest Blessed John Christodoulos received the favor of the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos, who granted him the right to Patmos.

In three years, Christodoulos and his assistants erected the most essential parts of the current monastery. The similarity with the fortress is explained by the peculiarities of that era, when both pirates and Seljuk Turks threatened any island. This nest of courtyards, churches, staircases, arcades, galleries and rooftop terraces provides a rare glimpse into the architecture of Patmos, while the monastery walls hide fragments of the ancient Temple of Artemis, which stood there until Christodoulos destroyed it. On one side of the monastery is a treasury (the same chart; 6 €), which hardly justly set such a price for examining its collection of religious objects, primarily medieval icons of the Cretan school.


Two exhibits are most famous: an unusual mosaic icon of St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) and chrysovul - a letter with the decree of Emperor Alexei Komnenos on the gift of the island of Christodoulou. Minibuses with sightseers besiege the monastery in the middle of the day, so it is better to arrive early or late. A visit to the island is most interesting, in addition to the famous Easter celebrations, on the days of the memory of St. John the Theologian (September 25-26) and St. Christodoulos (October 20-21). Both holidays are accompanied by lavish divine services and religious processions.

  • Chora on the island of Patmos (Greece)

The strong walls of the monastery of John the Theologian promised security, and Chora, which arose at the very foot of the fortifications, gradually grew. It remained architecturally homogeneous: cobbled streets with dozens of mansions built by shipowners in the glorious 17th and 18th centuries for the island. Tall, windowless walls and imposing wooden doors betray nothing of the luxury behind them—painted ceilings, terraces with votsaloto mosaics, stone-floored kitchens, carved furniture. The hunt for tourists' money has disfigured the approaches to the monastery gates, but a little away from the main streets there are lanes that almost do not know traffic, and at night, when the fortress walls are illuminated, there is hardly a village even more beautiful.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the view from Łódź Square (named after the adjacent Venetian loggia), especially at sunset or at dusk. The largest land areas that you will see in the north are (clockwise), Timena, Fourni, with Mount Kerkis hanging over it, Arki and the two-humped Samsun-Dag (ancient mountain Mycale) in. There are several taverns in Chora, but none can be praised. The good one is the Pantheon (all year round; good ouzo mezedes) at the beginning of the path to the monastery, the better prices are in Lotza, below the square of the same name, which serves light meals, pancakes, desserts and trustworthy hot drinks and spirits.

There is almost nowhere to stop at all, among foreigners on the island, mainly those who, starting from the 1960s, bought up almost half of the dilapidated mansions in order to restore and then live in them. Renting a room for a couple of days is an almost hopeless undertaking, even in spring or autumn: you can, but very early, call the houses that are on southern edge The village is held by Eoria Triandafillou: private bathrooms, shared terrace, self-service kitchen. More comfort at Epavli Apartments on the eastern outskirts of Chora, by the bypass road: a renovated building with superb views from the rooms and high-quality bathrooms.

Other parts of the island of Patmos (Greece)

Patmos, according to one of the local guides to the island, "is vast for those who know how to travel through space and time", other mortals move on foot, by bus or by scooter. Unfortunately, almost all the trails have been destroyed during road and other construction, but the only bus surprisingly reliably connects Skala, with Hora, Kambos and Grikou. The beaches, along with the special atmosphere and striking volcanic landscape, are the main attractions of the island. The highway from Consolato leads east to the mediocre Sapsila Beach, home not only to the aforementioned Benetos, but also to Studios Mathios, a superb rural establishment with creative furnishing and decoration, a vast garden and a lovely host family.


Further, where this road merges with another, from Chora, the most sandy area the rather bleak Grikou, Patmos' premier package holiday destination - hence, packed until mid-September. The beach itself, far from the best on the island, is a narrow strip of densely packed sand, gradually giving way to small, and then large pebbles - this is Petra, immediately to the south. On its far side, nudists sunbathe, and on the near side there is the best rural tavern on Patmos Ktima Petra (Easter-early October): the owner Michalis will personally serve you black bread, sumptuous salads, good draft retsina, diligently cooked mayirefts, and when it gets dark, more grilled food. Closer to the night, the establishment turns into a bar with a large selection of cocktails.

"Petra" means "stone": an unusual-looking monolithic block is piled on the shore. From Hora (but not from Petra) you can take a motor scooter to the parking lot behind the Diakofti isthmus, and then a 20-25 minute walk along the last decent trail preserved on the island will lead you to Psili Ammos beach. This is the only cove in Patmos with a clean sandy shores. Tamarisks give shade here, on the far south end nudists sunbathe, and a good tavern sometimes serves fresh roasted goat meat for lunch. In summer, this beach is visited by kaik from Skala: departure at 10:00 and return at 16:00 or 17:00.

  • North Patmos (Greece)

More good beaches in the northern part of the island, they all face east (the western bays are no good: frequent winds and waves wash debris ashore), and almost all are accessed by a road from the highway running from the Rock to the north. Meloi is convenient and quite pleasant: tamarisks grow behind a flat strip of sand, and near the shore there is expanse for swimmers in masks. The first beach behind Meloi, Agriolivado (Agriolivadi), has more sand in the wide central part, kayaks for rent, and two taverns - you should prefer the one on the southern slope of the hill, Glaros, with an emphasis on fish dishes. Kambos, in essence, the last of the list of villages on the island (everything else is individual farms), is located on a hilltop, surrounded on all sides by rural estates scattered over small oases.

The best of the two taverns at the crossroads is Panagos (all year round), which has great traditional mayireftas, don't forget to check out the archival photos inside. The beach of Kambos, 600 meters downhill, is popular with the Greeks. It has been mastered more noticeably than other remote resorts on the island, in the summer equipment is provided to lovers aquatic species sports and two taverns. Where fewer people looks into the coves east of Kambos, including pebble beach Vaia, the Liinu double bay favored by nudists and the long sand and pebble beach of Livadi-Yeranu, where tamarisks also grow, and on the contrary, there is an island that can be easily reached by swimming.

An excellent tavern of the same name is revered for good simple seafood dishes, minced meat, keftedes, horta and salads. Leaving the lower edge of Kambos to the north, you can reach Lambi Bay, where it is good to swim if the wind blows from the south. This beach is famous for its abundance of multi-colored volcanic stones - and another beautiful tavern Leonidas (May-early October), over the Kumarya pass, from which the bay is visible - a plate with a huge portion of expertly roasted minced meat will be brought to your table on the terrace and maybe signature dessert.

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