Patmos island

Patmos is one of the Greek islands located closer to the Turkish mainland, and another of the Dodecanese.

Patmos's significance in Christian belief stems from the exile of St. John, one of the twelve apostles, to the island. He was subsequently seen by Jesus in a cave on the island in the final years of his life, leading to his writing of the Fourth Gospel and the Apocalypse. Today, this cave and the monastery above it are visited by Christians. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chora, located in the middle and at the top of the island, boasts views overlooking the Aegean Sea, white houses and streets, and bougainvillea flowers, making it one of the island's most picturesque areas.

One way to reach Patmos is by cruise ship to the Greek islands; another way is to take a ferry from Bodrum to Leros, and from Leros to Patmos. There are times when direct ferries operate from Kuşadası. One reason the island remains untouched is the lack of an airport, and the longer travel time.

It's a seahorse-shaped piece of land, with tranquil shores stretching beneath low, brown hills, not particularly green, and a sea that's invisible to the mainland, leaving you with nothing but sailboats and other small islands. It's a place that feels remote.

Patmos is a small island; like me, you could stay in the central Skala harbor and rent a car to explore the island in a day or two. The northern beaches are the best for swimming; the Kampos area; you can find sun loungers on Campos beach, or if you've rented a car, you can continue on and find more pristine bays like Geranou further on. For dining, I recommend Bento's restaurant in Chora.