Revekka

Apart from the beaches of Didimes below the house, there are several others in close proximity, including those of Livadi Geranou (which has a taverna and is within easy walking distance), Vagia and Panagia Geranos.

In terms of amenities, there are a few tavernas in Kampos, and a good selection in Skala (15mins drive).

A 20-minute drive away, meanwhile, is Chora, Patmos's ancient hill-top capital. Nestling under the extraordinary and imperious 11th-century Monastery of St John the Theologian, it is home to a weave of picturesque narrow streets flanked by tavernas, shops, cafés and bars. One can while away many hours here, sipping on a coffee and gazing out at the remarkable views.

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 north to south, each one linked to its neighbour by a slender isthmus:

• the northernmost part of Patmos is sparsely inhabited apart from the village of Kampos. There are numerous idyllic beaches, including those already mentioned above, and a tranquil atmosphere

• the central section is home to fascinating Chora, the seaside village of Grika, 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 in this area, and there are numerous gorgeous beaches to try out down on the coast, including those at Diakofti, Chochlaka and Sapsila

• the southernmost part of Patmos, meanwhile, is almost totally 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

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.