Greece - Korina Miller [469]
‘Revelation’ is considered to be open to interpretation at best and is not afforded the serious scholarly study that it would seem to merit – perhaps because of the obscure and essentially hard-to-interpret symbolism of the work. Some critics have even suggested that it was the work of a deranged man. Whatever you choose to believe, it’s worth visiting the cave where it all supposedly took place. Who knows – you may even have a bit of a revelation yourself.
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There are three ATM-equipped banks in Skala: the National Bank of Greece, the Emporiki Bank and the Commercial Bank.
AB Food Market ( 22470 34023) A well-stocked grocery store 100m along the Hora road in Skala.
Apollon Travel ( 22470 31324; apollontravel@stratas.gr) Ticketing for flights and ferries.
Apyos News Agent ( 22470 32431) Selling international papers, paperbacks, maps and traditional Greek music.
Dodoni Gelateria ( 22470 32202; internet per hr €4; 9am-9pm) Get online while scoffing ice cream.
Hospital ( 22470 31211) Two kilometres along the road to Hora.
Just like Home Laundry ( 22470 33170; wash & dry per load €10) Behind the new marina. A high cost for cleanliness.
Meltemi ( 22470 31839; internet per hr €4) Speedy computers next to the beach.
Municipal Tourist Office ( 22470 31666; summer) Shares the same building as the post office and police station.
Oxerolas Bookshop ( 22470 32251) Secondhand books in English, French, Dutch and German.
Police ( 22470 31303) On the main waterfront.
Port police ( 22470 31231) Behind the quay’s passenger-transit building.
www.patmos-island.com Lots of local listings and info.
www.patmosweb.gr A slightly flashier site with history, listings and photos.
Sights & Activities
Skala has a couple of religious sites, including the place where St John first baptised the locals in 96 AD, just north of the beach. To find out more and to see religious objects from across the island, visit the Orthodox Culture & Information Centre ( 22470 33316; 9am-1pm Thu-Tue & 6-9pm Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri) in the harbour-side church.
If you feel like a workout, climb up to the remains of an ancient acropolis on the hillside to the west of town. The route is not well signposted; head for the prominent chapel then follow the dirt trail across the fields full of wildflowers and lizards. The views from the top are stunning.
Sleeping
At the port you’ll find a small info bureau ( 22470 32899) with details on private rooms, studios and apartments for rent. Hotel and studio owners often meet boats at the port, but it’s best to call ahead and arrange a pick-up.
Pension Maria Pascalidis ( 22470 32152; s/d €25/35) This longstanding traveller-friendly budget option is on the road leading to Hora. Simple but presentable rooms are part of a family home and set amid a fragrant citrus-tree garden.
Casteli Hotel ( 22470 31361; fax 22470 51656; s/d incl breakfast €50/70; ) With ’70s retro telephones and funky tiles in the bathroom, this place is dated but well loved. Rooms aren’t huge but have great views of the harbour and Hora and there’s a rooftop pool.
Hotel Chris ( 22470 31001; www.patmoschrishotel.gr; d back/sea view €50/80; ) This hotel’s age shows in the slightly down-at-heel lobby and halls but the renovated rooms have tiled floors and lovely wooden furniture. Some have four-poster double beds and sea-view rooms have balconies. A little pricy but well situated next to the beach with a popular cafe out front.
Captain’s House ( 22470 31793; www.captains-house.gr; s/d incl breakfast €55/75; ) This welcoming hotel next to the port has small but comfortable rooms with fridges and a lovely pool to cool off in. The front rooms have sea views, but can get street noise.