Getting from Mykonos to Patmos

Few islands in Greece carry the weight that Patmos does. This is where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation, where the Cave of the Apocalypse sits halfway up the hill between the port and the fortified monastery at the top, and where pilgrims have been coming for centuries. It is also simply a beautiful island, quieter than its Dodecanese neighbours, with a dignity and calm that feels connected to its history. If you are making the journey from Mykonos it is worth doing properly.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Patmos. The connection goes via Piraeus making this a long journey by sea, around 10 to 12 hours in total depending on the service. Some ferries on the Dodecanese route stop at Patmos on the way down which can make it part of a longer island hopping itinerary. Check the schedule carefully as Patmos is not always a daily stop. If time is a factor, flying is the more practical option on this route.

What about flying?

Patmos does not have an airport so you cannot fly directly to the island. The closest airport is Kos, from where you can take a ferry across to Patmos in around 2 to 2.5 hours. So the journey would be Mykonos to Athens, Athens to Kos, and then the ferry to Patmos. It is a multi leg journey but significantly faster than the overnight ferry from Piraeus if you are pressed for time.

Your best option

If time allows, come by sea. Arriving into Skala port with the monastery sitting on the hilltop above you is one of the great island arrivals in Greece. If you are short on time, fly to Kos and take the ferry across. Either way, give Patmos at least two nights. One to climb to the monastery and the cave, one to slow down and feel what the island actually is.