Patmos Island in 2 Days: A 48-Hour Escape to Paradise

Patmos Island is one of the quiet and peaceful corners of the Aegean. The moment you set foot here, you immediately feel time slow down and life's chaos fade away. This small island, where history and nature intertwine, is the perfect place to relax your soul and take a few days for yourself. If you only have 48 hours, don't worry. Patmos is a perfect choice for a short getaway. In this time frame, you can explore historic monasteries and mystical caves or enjoy the sea on pristine beaches. Where to go, what to eat, and where to find peace and quiet during these two days. 

On a slightly breezy summer evening, sipping ice-cold white wine at Kyma Patmos, you'll find a beauty here that makes you question life.

How to Get to Patmos Island from Turkey

One of the most enjoyable ways to reach Patmos is by ferry. During the summer months, ferry services are frequent and in high demand. From the ports of Bodrum and Kuşadası, you can reach this tranquil island with a short journey across the blue waters of the Aegean. Ferries departing from Bodrum usually make a stop in Kos before continuing to Patmos. This trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the scenery alone makes you feel like your holiday has already begun. Ferry ticket prices vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check current rates before planning your trip (round-trip tickets cost approximately €35–50). Thanks to the on-arrival visa system, you can enter Patmos for a short stay and stay on the island for up to seven days. The return journey follows the same route, making it easy to get back to Turkey. While the trip may involve a transfer, you can leave home in the morning and be wandering the charming streets of a Cycladic-style town by the afternoon.

 
Where to Stay on Patmos Island

Upon arriving in Patmos, the first thing you’ll notice is the peace and calm of the island. This tranquil atmosphere is reflected in your accommodation choices. Like most visitors, you may prefer small, characterful, and cozy places over large hotels. Staying on Patmos is also part of experiencing the soul of the island.

Pensions and small hotels around Skala Port are ideal for easy access to transport and dining options. If you prefer a quieter and more scenic choice, consider staying in the Chora area at the top of the island, where you can start your day with stunning views. Stone houses, narrow streets, and buildings carrying the traces of the old world make the experience even more special.

1. Petra Hotel & Suites: One of the most popular hotels on Patmos, Petra Hotel & Suites offers sea-view rooms and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect romantic getaway. The whitewashed walls, traditional Aegean touches in the decor, and freshly prepared breakfasts every morning are highly praised. Waking up to the sea view makes every day here extra special.
2. Onar Patmos: Featuring minimalist lines, modern décor, and a simple yet elegant atmosphere, Onar Patmos is ideal for travelers who love simplicity. Located right next to Chora, you can enjoy the calm and explore the historical charm of the island on foot.
3. 9 Muses Exclusive Apartments: Situated very close to Skala Port, 9 Muses offers excellent convenience. Named after the inspirational muses of Greek mythology, each apartment is uniquely decorated. Watching the sunset from the balcony or waking up to the sea breeze makes your stay unforgettable. This is a delightful option for couples or groups of friends.

Petra Hotel & Suites

Things to Do on Patmos Island

Patmos may be a small island, but the beauty it holds and the experiences it offers are truly impressive. Even walking along its charming stone streets accompanied by a gentle Aegean breeze is a pleasure in itself. Of course, we didn’t come to the island just for the views… With its history, sea, and streets, you can easily fill 48 hours with unforgettable experiences. On Patmos, what to do isn’t just a “list” — each activity is like a little pause full of memories that soothes your soul. You can take an early morning stroll through the quiet streets of Chora or watch the sunset from a hill. You can cool off under the shade of an olive tree before swimming, or lose track of time at a seaside taverna. Every step on Patmos is a way to slow down, feel more, and truly realize you’re on holiday.

Day 1 Morning: Start your day in Chora. Those cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, blue shutters... Just walking through those streets is therapeutic.

• Must-See: St. John the Theologian Monastery and Apocalypse Cave. (UNESCO World Heritage Site; its historic atmosphere draws you in.)
• Lunch: Stop for a frappe at Pantheon Cafe in Skala. Sit in the shade, watch the world go by, feel the island.
• Dinner: Trehantiri Taverna, fresh calamari, friendly service. Perfect for lingering.
• Afternoon: Psili Ammos Beach, accessible only by boat, which means: few people, plenty of peace, plenty of sea.
• Evening: Kyma Patmos, Seafood served with elegance. The view, the dishes, the atmosphere... All make you say, “I'm so glad I came.”
• Night: Sapsila Beach Bar, Sunset, a light breeze, a mojito in your hand. It's not silence, but peace is here.

Day 2: Feet in the Sand, Heart at Peace

1. Breakfast: Benetos Restaurant, homemade jams, good coffee, and a long breakfast overlooking the view. You may wish time would stand still.
2. Morning: Boutique shopping in the streets of Chora: handmade soaps, linen shirts, natural stones. It may stretch your budget, but it will make your soul happy.
3. Lunch: Flisvos Restaurant, right on the edge of Skala Harbor, a pleasant lunch with a zero-distance view of the sea.
4. Beach Time: Lampi Beach, rocky but with crystal clear water. Afterwards, Agriolivado Beach is easy to access, with comfortable loungers. You can spend the day here.
5. Evening: George's Place, a classic Greek taverna with live music, friendly tables, maybe a few ouzos... The night ends with dancing here.

Mini Patmos Tip: Siesta time is between 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Shops close, streets quiet down. The best way to spend this time: sit in a shady café with an iced coffee and pretend you have no responsibilities in life.

Patmos’ 3 Most Beautiful Beaches

One of the greatest pleasures of Patmos in the summer is cooling off, escaping the crowds, and reconnecting with nature  its beaches offer exactly that. Some are accessible only by boat, others after a short walk, but all provide a unique sense of calm. Forget massive beach clubs or rows of sunbeds; the island remains simple and natural. These three beaches, with some of the cleanest waters in the Aegean, will make your two days on Patmos even more unforgettable.

1. Psili Ammos: One of the island’s most pristine coves. Getting there requires a bit of effort  by boat or a short hike  but the peace is well worth it. Lean against a shady pine, open your book, or simply listen to the waves.
2. Lampi Beach: Lampi gets its name from its sparkling stones, which shine like glass in the sunlight. No sandy stretches here just pebbles but the water is so clear that you can see your toes from the first step in. A few tavernas and seating areas are available. Visitors include both day-trippers and locals who come to catch the sunset.
3. Agriolivado: One of the easiest and most social beaches to reach on the island. Sunbeds, music, a bar, and snacks are all available. If you’re looking for a bit of activity, this is the place. The water is crystal clear here as well. Quiet in the morning, lively in the afternoon.

Lampi Beach