Crete, Santorini, Mykonos… These are likely the first islands that spring to mind when you think of Greece.
But in 2025, many of these idyllic destinations saw the effects of overtourism, from environmental damage to overwhelming cruise ship arrivals.
So, perhaps 2026 is the time to give these islands a rest and go in search of some hidden gems.
That’s why we’re looking to Patmos, in the Aegean Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to authentic villages, pristine beaches, and one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites. All the ingredients for a great holiday.
Eager to check out this Greek paradise for yourself? Here’s everything you should see and do in Patmos.
Steeped in history
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While Patmos’ beaches are stunning (we’ll get to this later), the island is most famous for its history.
Nowhere is the past more evident than in the village of Chora, a quaint spot with narrow cobbled streets and a mix of Cycladic houses and Neoclassical mansions, built on an ancient hilltop around the Monastery of St John.
The Greek Orthodox Monastery was founded here in 1088 and has been a place of pilgrimage ever since. According to legend, it’s where Saint John the Apostle wrote the final books of the New Testament.
Meanwhile, the bleakly named Cave of the Apocalypse is located halfway up the mountain. This is said to be where John of Patmos received the visions of the Earth’s final days.
Recorded in the Book of Revelation, the isolated grotto was the spot he watched the creation of the new Earth unfold.
GetYourGuide offers a £26 tour of the monastery and the cave, where you can ‘discover the island’s spiritual and historical significance as you visit the sacred sites’.
Cheap, cheerful, and charming
Patmos is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean Sea, and one look at its coastline will tell you why.
The island boasts a blend of secluded and natural spots, with crystal turquoise waters and a brilliant mix of golden and white sands.
Popular beaches include the relaxed Psili Ammos, which has one taverna and ample sunbathing space.
There’s also Petra beach, which features a cluster of sunbeds, and Agriolivadi, described as a ‘lovely bay between Skala and Kampos,’ with a beach bar and taverna at the end.
From the water, explore the coastline by kayak, or take boat trips to remote coves for snorkelling.
Speaking of Skala, this is the perfect fly and flop beach town for those looking to soak up the Grecian sun.
It’s the main port and commercial centre of the island, made up of hotels, shops, ferry ports and tavernas.
Grab €3 (£2.61) glasses of wine and €4.50 (£3.92) tzatziki at one of the many restaurants while watching the hustle and bustle of harbour town life.
Trehantiri Taverna on Skala Harbour is a favourite among travellers.
It’s rated in the top three restaurants on Patmos and much-loved for its traditional Greek cuisine, which consists of dishes such as fried squid, baked aubergine, moussaka and gyros.
One person on TripAdvisor loved the ‘rustic vibe and low prices,’ while another described the portions as ‘extremely generous.’
Metro's favourite Greek picks
What’s the weather like in Patmos?
Patmos enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny summers and mild winters.
The best months to visit are May to October. In spring, marvel at the blooming flowers and bask in the pleasant 24°C before the searing heat.
June to September can exceed 30°C. However, if you’re a sun worshipper (always remember to wear SPF), the long hours of sunshine provide perfect beach conditions.
Edging into autumn, expect averages of around 22°C. At this time of year, the sea is at an ideal temperature for swimming, as it’s still warm from summer.
Remember: shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and more affordable prices.
So, if you’d rather avoid scorching temperatures — while sightseeing and sunbathing in more relaxed environments — Patmos in spring, early summer, and autumn is your best bet.
How to get to Patmos from the UK
Like many smaller Greek islands, Patmos doesn’t have an airport. Therefore, you have to fly to neighbouring Kos or the capital, Athens, and then get a connecting flight.
The Metro Travel team did some research and found that Kos is the cheapest and quickest route.
On Sunday, April 19, easyJet is flying from London Gatwick to Kos International for £19. There’s not much difference in Athens — on the same date, an easyJet flight costs £21. Both routes take around four hours.
Once you’ve landed, take a foot passenger ferry from Kos to Patmos. One-way tickets with Direct Ferries average around £43.95. The journey takes two hours and 15 minutes.
If you’re landing in Athens, take the ferry from Piraeus to Patmos. While prices are a little lower, at £39, it takes a much longer eight hours.
