Skala Port

Skala is the harbour of Patmos and the island's main settlement, a small town built around a deep, sheltered bay on the east side. Almost every visitor arrives here, whether on a ferry from Piraeus, Rhodes or Kos, on one of the small boats that link the Dodecanese, or on a cruise ship that anchors in the bay. The waterfront, with its long quay, the customs house and the line of cafes, is the first impression of the island, and it is easy to see why many people stay in this area.

The town itself is pleasant and low-key. White houses with blue shutters climb the slope behind the quay, and some of the larger mansions date from the nineteenth century, when Patmos had a prosperous shipping trade. The main square near the harbour, with its church, bakeries and taverns, serves as the centre of daily life, and the lanes behind it hold shops, small hotels and quiet corners. Fishermen unload at the quay in the morning, and in the evening the cafes fill with locals and visitors watching the boats. The beach at Meloi, just north of the harbour, offers a swim without needing transport.

The harbour is the gateway to the island's two most important religious sites. A cobbled path and a road lead uphill from Skala to the Cave of the Apocalypse, where tradition says John received his visions, and farther on to Chora, the white hill town crowned by the monastery of Saint John the Theologian. Both are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk from Skala to Chora takes around forty-five minutes to an hour, passing the cave on the way, while a bus and taxis offer an easy alternative for those who prefer not to climb.

Skala also works as a base for island excursions. Small boats run from the port to beaches at Grikos and Psili Ammos, which is reachable only by sea or on foot, and to neighbouring islands such as Lipsi. Tavernas along the waterfront serve fresh fish and Patmian dishes, and the town has a small selection of shops and services, including ticket offices, a bank and a pharmacy.

Ferry schedules change with the season and sea conditions, so check them in advance, and book accommodation early for the summer. The quayside is flat and easy for luggage, and a taxi from the port to Chora is short. The best time to feel the island's character is in the early morning or evening, when day visitors have left and the harbour is quiet.