Patmos: The Greek island where the prophecy of the end of the world began

Patmos, nestled beneath the brilliant blue skies of the eastern Aegean, may seem like just another idyllic Greek getaway, but it holds a deeper significance.

This is where the vision of the world's end first came to life.

You wouldn't know it, though, as you wander the quiet streets of the island's center, where a peaceful priest runs a small souvenir shop.

But it was here that St. John received the apocalyptic visions that would later inspire the Book of Revelation, a cornerstone of the New Testament and one of the Bible’s most dramatic prophecies.

The Greek Orthodox chapel of St. Anne, built in the early 17th century, surrounds the cave where John is believed to have had his prophetic visions of the final judgment.

Unless you spot the sign that reads 'Cave of the Apocalypse,' you might not even realize you're entering the sacred cavern. The chapel, with its north side sheltered by a rocky alcove, is located at the end of a narrow passageway.

Inside, a silver crown sits above a fenced-off crack in the rock, marking the spot where the saint is said to have rested. Nearby, a silver bracket surrounds another fissure, where John is said to have placed his hands to rise.

'This is where Prochorus, the scribe, recorded John’s visions as they were revealed,' explains the chapel’s warden, gesturing to an open Bible resting on a natural stone pedestal.

'And here, God's voice is said to have spoken to John,' he continues, pointing to a crack in the rock above them.

The crack in the rock converges at a triple junction, symbolizing the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

'The Sacred Island'

Although two monks still reside in the cells above the cave, the focal point of religious life on Patmos – also known as the 'Sacred Island' – remains the Monastery of St. John, a towering citadel that commands the island.

Founded in 1088 by St. Christodoulos, a Greek monk, the monastery still preserves many original elements from the 11th century, including parts of its fortifications, the kitchen, several cells, the cistern, and, most notably, the church of St. John, which features remarkable frescoes.

While the church is an architectural marvel, the monastery’s museum and library are even more impressive.

The monastery proudly displays the original 'golden bull' issued by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. This ancient decree granted the entire island to Christodoulos, with imperial monograms adorning the document in a fashion similar to modern contract signatures.

Also on display is a firman, an official decree from Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror dated 1454, which reaffirms the monastery's autonomy and designates a monk to collect taxes.

The library, considered one of Greece's most important outside of Mount Athos, houses 1,200 manuscripts on parchment, vellum, and scrolls, including fragments of the Gospel of Mark from the 6th century.

While the cave and the monastery are the main draws on Patmos, they’re far from the only reasons visitors flock to the island, according to Panagos Evgenikos, head of the island’s council.

“A few years ago, we attended a European conference on religious tourism alongside places like Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Lourdes in France,” Evgenikos recalled during my visit in 2018. “The consensus was clear: religion alone won’t attract tourists to a destination; there needs to be something more.”

“For Patmos, that extra appeal comes from our beaches and the charm of Chora, our capital,” he added.

Rainbow Beach

A swim at Lambi, located in the northern part of Patmos, truly validated Evgenikos’ words.

The shore here is scattered with small pebbles in hues ranging from butterscotch orange to sweet potato red and egg yolk yellow, creating a striking and unforgettable visual.

Nearby lies Petra, a sandy stretch of land connected to the solitary rock of Kallikatsou. According to local legend, the rock is said to be the petrified form of a young girl who, after swimming here following Holy Communion—despite a ban—was cursed by her mother.

Another must-see spot is the picturesque fishing village of Grikos, which faces the small island of Tragonissi, offering a natural barrier against the wind and a peaceful, sandy beach.

Nestled in the northern part of Greece's Dodecanese archipelago, Patmos may not have an airport and is not the easiest destination to reach, yet it remains a favorite hideaway for global elites. Figures like the Aga Khan, David Bowie, and Giorgio Armani have been frequent visitors, drawn by the island’s serene atmosphere.

In fact, a few high-profile figures have even made Patmos their permanent residence, actively contributing to the island’s development.

Nicholas Negroponte, the MIT Media Lab pioneer, made a lasting impact by setting up a free island-wide Wi-Fi system, allowing everyone to enjoy internet access.

Charles Pictet, a financier with a deep affection for Patmos, restored three traditional windmills perched on a hill opposite the monastery. One of them is still in operation today, grinding wholemeal flour.

Swiss politician Josef Zisyadis had grander plans for the island. In collaboration with French winemaker Dorian Amar, he began cultivating vineyards on 20 acres of land near Petra Beach.

Back in 2018, Amar was enthusiastically presenting his Assyrtiko white wine and Mavrothiriko red, both proudly branded under the playful name 'Domaine de l’Apocalypse.'

At the time, he explained, 'The soil here is fertile, there’s plenty of water underground, but the terroir isn’t ideal for vines. The wind and sun are abundant, but there’s no shade.'

'I’ve started planting trees to help cool down the area and boost production – an oak here, a few carob trees there. Give me a few years, and I’ll transform this land into paradise,' he added.

While many consider Patmos a paradise precisely because of its inaccessibility, the question remains: will the island ever get an airport?

No nudity.

Christos Patakos, the manager of Patmos Aktis – the island's only five-star hotel – shook his head in disbelief.

'I don't believe it will ever happen,' he remarked in 2018, when asked about the possibility of an airport. 'There’s a prevailing sentiment among regular visitors and homeowners here that Patmos should remain 'protected' from mass tourism. It's they who oppose it.'

While the monastery is a key attraction, it doesn't dominate the day-to-day life on the island.

'The monastery holds significant influence, but it stays out of daily affairs as long as there’s mutual respect. For example, there’s no nudism allowed, and Chora’s bars close by 3 a.m.'

Father Bartholomew, a cheerful and engaging monk, nodded in agreement.

'That’s when we go to Matins,' he added. 'Tourists often forget that this is a living, working monastery, and we have our own duties to fulfill.'

Bartholomew also acknowledged that the monastery would not oppose an airport on the island.

'It would only slightly increase tourism and would be helpful for the locals, especially in medical emergencies,' he explained.

According to Bartholomew, the monastery has consistently supported the local government and tourism authorities in matters of development.

'When an army base proposed holding artillery drills during the summer, we put an end to it,' he remarked.

'Regarding our hours: we close at 1:30 p.m. because we have Vespers at 3 p.m. We rise for Matins at 3 a.m., with Mass at 6 a.m., allowing us to open promptly at 8 a.m.'

'Even by mid-June, some businesses may still be closed, but we remain the only dependable operation on the island, open throughout the year.'

'Everything is in balance and harmony; everyone knows their role,' he concluded.

Patakos agreed, saying, 'The island has a dedicated following. People come here to recharge and soak in its unique energy. You can feel the vibes as soon as you step foot on the island.'

'Yes, while beach tourism dominates, we’re fortunate to also have remarkable attractions like the monastery and the cave,' he added.

'Patmos is like a miniature Byzantium, akin to Mount Athos, but with more modern touches. It's not called 'the Jerusalem of the Aegean' for nothing.'

How to get there

The most convenient way to reach Patmos is by ferry, taking two to three hours from Kos, which is home to an international airport.

Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Patmos 855 00; Tel: +30 2247 032800

Monastery of St. John the Theologian, Patmos 855 00; Tel: +30 2247 031223