Patmos

But the most iconic town on Patmos is certainly Chora, which together with the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are art galleries and cafes galore, but the monastic complex is the defining feature of Chora and sits on its highest point—truly stunning in its sturdiness, it’s nothing less than a monumental lookout post for Christendom. The Byzantine monastery itself was built in 1088 by St. Christodoulos and features extremely high stone ramparts over which boiling oil could be poured on pirates and invaders. Its crenellations and towers give the monastic complex the appearance of a polygonal castle from the outside, while inside the monastery walls are a cathedral and eight chapels. The island’s trademark trio of stone windmills stands guard nearby the walls.

The ancient settlement of Chora is one of the best-preserved in the Aegean, having evolved without interruption since the 12th century. It is the only example of a Greek Orthodox monastery that from its very origins integrated with a supportive community built around the hilltop fortifications. The narrow streets around the monastery are lined with whitewashed houses having the characteristic flat-topped roofs that were originally designed with defensive purposes in mind. The settlement started to expand in the 13th century, with other important phases in the 15th century when refugees arrived from Constantinople and in the 17th century from Crete. The two- and three-story neoclassical houses are mostly from the late 16th and 17th centuries when Chora flourished as a trade center under Ottoman occupation. Nowadays these former merchants’ residences, many with ravishing sea views, are highly sought-after properties for part-time island residents. The Astivi Bar and Restaurant is actually located inside one and makes for a great spot to enjoy pizza, pasta, or a cocktail in an elegant setting.

If faith has shaped the island’s history and unique place in the Greek archipelago, the blue sea is also what makes it splendid. So, if you have time, try to fit in a swim at one of the island’s numerous excellent beaches. One of the most iconic is south of Chora at the charming village of Grikos—look for the big rock called Petra to the right of the beach. For a memorable gourmet dinner here, try the restaurant Apocalypsis, where cod fritters with cream potatoes and garlic confit tempt as much as the seaside setting. Agriolivado, three kilometers north of Skala, is a fine family-friendly beach with sun loungers and umbrellas. In the north at Geranou, right on the Patmos seahorse’s snout, there’s a beautiful sandy beach framed by crystal-clear waters: like most everywhere else on this exceptional island, it’s simply divine!