This is an island with excellent beaches, beautiful scenery, good food and quite an active nightlife for the daring who don't believe that Patmos is purely a religious destination.

Where to swim

Kampos and Agriolovado have umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars, music, a young crowd and water sports for the athletic ones. Petra is one of the beaches you should visit thanks to its unique stone monument. Go to beautiful Vagia with wonderful waters and a view of the monastery where you will meet those who know the island well. You can take the boat to visit small or larger coves, like Psili Ammos, which is the island's most spectacular beach. Tropical sand, big waves. Didimes Paralies are one next to the other while at Livadi tou Geranou you can have a peaceful swim in clear waters.

Where to eat

Above Petra beach you can find Ktima Petra where you can enjoy home cooked meals and grilled meats in their yard. At Glaros above Agriolivado you will have fresh fish looking away at the sea. At Skala you can have ouzo and meze all day at Chiliomodi and Trechantiri, while at Sapsila, at Benetos (+30 33089) you can have original dishes made of natural organic produce. There is a new rustique bar there if you want to have a drink and listen to some music only a few steps from the restaurant. At Chora ask for Yago's tavern on the road to the monastery. You can't miss it, the smell of grilled octopus will lead you there. Also try Vangelis' very nice dishes. Veggera (+30 32998) at Skala, has been awarded a Chrissos Skoufos and all the seafood dishes are exquisite. Try the risotto and the lobster pasta but first make sure you have a reservation.

Nightlife

Koukoumavla at Skala is a coffee bar at the port entrance with an artistic ambiance and a beautiful green yard. In Astivi at Chora, you can get lost in the many rooms or sit on the small terrace. Visit the well known Stoa.

Where to stay

Petra Hotel (+30 34020) is a large hotel totally matching the environment. It overlooks Petra, stylishly decorated. Ennea Mousses (+30 34079) near Sapsila beach offers a wonderful view while Porto Skoutari (+30 33124) is above Agriolivado and is really luxurious.

Area Code: +30 22470

Police: +30 31303

Port Authority: +30 31231

Town Hall: +30 22473 60300

First Aid: 31211