The Cave of the Apocalypse · a monastery-topped Chora · quiet bays
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Patmos is the holy island of the Aegean: here, according to tradition, St John wrote the Book of Revelation in the Cave of the Apocalypse. Above it, the fortified Monastery of St John crowns the white Chora; both are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Patmos is also elegant and relaxed, with quiet beaches such as Psili Ammos and the colourful pebbles of Lampi.
Blue Star sails from Piraeus overnight in about 8 h 10 m, from €56, several days a week. Dodekanisos Seaways links Patmos with Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes.
The port town, with tavernas, shops and the boats to the beaches.
Around the monastery, for views and quiet lanes, 4 km uphill.
Blue Star’s overnight ferry from Piraeus reaches Patmos first among the Dodecanese. The fast boats of Dodekanisos Seaways and local ferries link it with Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes.
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Blue Star Ferries | 8 h 10 m | €56 | Several days a week |
| Lipsi | Dodekanisos Seaways | 40 min | €10 | All year |
| Leros | Dodekanisos Seaways | 45 min | €39 | All year |
| Kos | Dodekanisos Seaways; Blue Star in summer | 1 h 30 m | €20 | All year |
| Rhodes | Dodekanisos Seaways | 5 h | €36 | All year |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Dodecanese islandsIsland hoppingAll destinations
October 2026 and June 2027 fares.
All ferries arrive at Skala, the port town in the middle of the island. The Chora and the Cave of the Apocalypse are on the hill above.
Ferries to the Dodecanese often leave from gate E1, at the far end of the port from the metro; Blue Star shows your gate when you check in. Allow extra time to get there.
The Blue Star ferries usually leave in the evening and sail through the night: book a cabin for a bed and your own bathroom.
Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia have airports; many travellers fly one way and sail the other, or fly to Rhodes or Kos and hop by boat.
Skala is walkable; buses and taxis go up to the Chora and the cave.
Rent a scooter or car for the beaches, or take the small boats from Skala.
Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and check the opening hours.
Patmos has no airport. Fly to Leros, Kos or Samos and continue by boat.
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Patmos? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
A fortified 11th-century monastery with a treasury of icons.
Where St John is said to have written Revelation.
A sandy beach reached by boat or a walk.
A beach of colourful pebbles.
Sheltered sandy bays with tavernas.
Patmos is relaxed and elegant: dinner in Skala or in the Chora’s squares, and a few stylish bars open late in summer.
About 8 h 10 m overnight from Piraeus on Blue Star.
From €56 one way for 1 adult on deck (October 2026); cabins cost extra.
Dodekanisos Seaways sails to Leros (45 minutes) and Kos (from 1 h 30 m) all year.
Ferries to the Dodecanese often leave from gate E1, at the far end of the port; Blue Star shows your gate when you check in.
Yes, on Blue Star. Get a vehicle quote.
