Getting from Athens to Patmos

If you are heading to Patmos from Athens you are making one of the most rewarding journeys in the Dodecanese. Patmos is the island where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation in a cave on the hillside above the port, and the monastery of Saint John the Theologian that was built above Chora in the 11th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chora itself is one of the finest medieval towns in Greece. The beaches are excellent and the island manages to absorb its visitors without losing its essential character, which is a rare thing in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Patmos ferry is one of the classic Dodecanese crossings. Blue Star Ferries operates the route up to 5 times per week year-round, with the crossing taking around 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes depending on the sailing. The overnight departure from Piraeus at 18:00 arrives in Patmos in the early hours of the morning, which is a good way to travel if you book a cabin. Seajets also serves the route on certain sailings. Book in advance in summer.

What about flying?

Patmos has no airport. The closest airports are Leros and Kos, both of which have connections from Athens. Flying to Kos via Athens and then taking the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry north to Patmos, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, is a faster overall approach than the Piraeus ferry for those who want to minimise sea time. Flying to Leros is even closer, with the ferry to Patmos taking around 1 hour from there.

Your best option

If you enjoy a proper ferry crossing, the overnight Blue Star from Piraeus with a cabin is a genuinely good experience and saves a night's accommodation. If you want to minimise travel time, fly to Leros and take the short ferry across. Either way Patmos rewards at least two nights and ideally more.