Meli

Known as the Island of the Apocalypse and the Jerusalem of the Aegean, Patmos is characterised by a profound sense of spirituality, serenity and mysticism. For the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Church, it is a holy island and there are numerous churches, monasteries and religious sites to visit. The aforementioned fortress-like Monastery of St John the Theologian is a constant reminder that the disciple was exiled here, while the cave in which St John lived, experienced his visions and wrote the Book of Revelation, is, along with the monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Even for non-believers, Patmos's sense of spiritualism is strong, but most come for the island’s off-the-beaten-track allure and the feeling that it is a little world unto itself. At just 12km long and 7km wide, it’s easy to explore in a week or two. Lapped by limpid waters, its beaches are numerous and idyllic, and the whitewashed, labyrinthine alleys of the island’s towns and villages offer a truly authentic insight into the history of the eastern Aegean.

Patmos can be divided into three sections oriented south to north, each one linked to its neighbour by an isthmus:

• the southernmost part is virtually uninhabited and has no roads. With panoramic hills rising to over 200m and a glorious beach, Psili Ammos (only accessible on foot or by boat), it’s a great area for walkers and those who love to get away from it all;

• the central section is home to fascinating Chora, the seaside village of Grikos, and the main port of entry, Skala, whose attractive, gently buzzing centre is worth a visit. The cave and monastery of St John are also located here and there are numerous gorgeous beaches to try out down on the coast, including those at Diakofti, Chochlaka and Sapsila;

• apart from the village of Kampos, the northernmost part of Patmos is largely uninhabited, but it does have a great selection of beaches. Of particular beauty are those of Geranos, Didimes, Vagia, Agriolivado, Lampi and Lefkes.

Remote for so many centuries, Patmos has developed its own very distinct (and mouthwatering) cuisine, and one of the true pleasures of a holiday here is dining out in the island's many authentic tavernas.