Getting from Santorini to Patmos

Patmos is the most spiritually significant island in the Aegean and one of the most beautiful. John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation here 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, a fortified monastery that dominates the island's skyline. The Chora below it is one of the finest medieval towns in Greece, a maze of whitewashed lanes and grand sea captain mansions. The beaches on the north of the island around Grikos and Lampi are excellent. Patmos manages to absorb its visitors without losing its character, which is a rare thing.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Santorini to Patmos. The island is part of the Dodecanese network, connected to Piraeus via Blue Star Ferries up to 5 times per week with the crossing from Piraeus taking around 7 hours. Getting from Santorini to Patmos by sea means going through Athens first, which makes flying the practical choice for most travellers.

What about flying?

Patmos has no airport. The nearest airports are Samos and Kos. The fastest overall route from Santorini is to fly to Athens and then take the Blue Star ferry from Piraeus to Patmos, which takes around 7 hours and is actually a pleasant overnight or daytime crossing. Alternatively, fly to Kos via Athens and take the local Dodekanisos Seaways ferry up to Patmos, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Your best option

Fly to Kos via Athens and take the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry north to Patmos. It is faster than the full Piraeus crossing and puts you on the island without an overnight at sea. If you enjoy the ferry experience and have time, the Blue Star overnight from Piraeus is a genuinely good way to arrive.