Getting from Elafonisos to Patmos

If you are heading to Patmos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to an island in the northern Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It is 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

Elafonisos has no ferry connection to the wider Greek ferry network. The only ferry from Elafonisos is the short 10 minute crossing to Pounta on the southern Peloponnese, which runs every 30 minutes in summer. Getting to Patmos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and either flying to Leros and taking the short ferry from Leros to Patmos, which takes around 1 hour, or continuing to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours.

Getting there by air

Patmos has no airport. The nearest airports are Leros and Kos. Elafonisos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Pounta. Taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying from Athens to Leros, followed by the short ferry from Leros to Patmos, gives a total journey time of around 7 to 8 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, drive north to Athens and fly from Athens to Leros, then take the short ferry across to Patmos. It is the most practical approach. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.