Getting from Astakos to Patmos

If you are heading to Patmos from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to an island in the northern Dodecanese group, where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation and the 11th century monastery of Saint John the Theologian above Chora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astakos to Patmos. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Getting to Patmos by sea means driving from Astakos to Athens, which takes around 3.5 hours, and then boarding the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours. Flying via Leros is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Patmos has no airport. The nearest airports are Leros and Kos. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Leros, followed by the short ferry from Leros to Patmos taking around 1 hour, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos to Athens, fly to Leros and take the short ferry across to Patmos. It is the most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Astakos to Athens and continue to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.