A peaceful walk from the Byzantine Monastery of Saint John at the hilltop of Patmos Chora, descending past olive groves and windmills to the tranquil bay of Grikos on the island's east coast. The views over the sacred island are exceptional.
The walk from the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian to Grikos Bay crosses the sacred landscape of Patmos, one of the most spiritually significant islands in the eastern Aegean and part of the South Aegean region of Greece. The 6-kilometre descent from Patmos Chora to the sheltered bay of Grikos passes two UNESCO World Heritage sites and traverses a quiet landscape of olive groves, terraced fields, and windmills largely unchanged for centuries.
The trail begins at the entrance to the Monastery of Saint John in Patmos Chora, perched at 270 metres on the island's highest ridge. The monastery, founded in 1088, is one of the most important Byzantine religious sites in the Aegean. Parking is limited in Chora; most hikers arrive by taxi from Skala Port, the island's main ferry terminal, approximately 3 kilometres below. No permit is required for the walk itself.
The path descends steeply from Chora via the Monastery of the Apocalypse, where the Cave of the Apocalypse — traditionally the site where Saint John received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation — is located roughly halfway down the hillside. The cave is a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by significant numbers of pilgrims. Appropriate dress (covered shoulders and knees) is required and a small entrance fee is charged.
Below the Apocalypse cave, the path continues on a rough dirt track and paved lane through olive orchards and small market gardens, with views opening eastward over Grikos Bay and the distinctive mushroom-shaped Petrokaktso rock rising from the sea below. The surface is variable — stone pavement, compacted earth, and loose gravel — and some steep sections require careful footing. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Grikos Bay offers a small beach, tavernas, and calm swimming water. There are no water sources along the route; carrying water from Chora is necessary. Return to Skala from Grikos is by bus or taxi, both operating regularly during the main season. The full walk takes approximately two hours including time at both monasteries.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Patmos
- Best season
- March-June, September-November
Highlights
- Monastery of Saint John
- Cave of the Apocalypse
- Olive grove landscape
- Grikos bay
Tips for visiting
- Combine with visiting the monastery in the morning
- The Cave of the Apocalypse is halfway down the path
- Return by taxi or bus from Grikos
When to visit
March to June and September to November offer the most pleasant conditions for the walk, with comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors than peak summer. Morning departures from Chora allow time to visit the monasteries when they first open before descending to Grikos Bay for a midday swim.
Accessibility
The walk from Patmos Chora to Grikos involves steep stone paths, uneven terrain, and a descent of 150 metres across variable surfaces. The trail is not accessible for wheelchair users or strollers. The Monastery of Saint John has limited internal accessibility; the outer courtyard is reachable on foot but interior spaces involve steps throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Do both monasteries require an entrance fee and dress code?
The Monastery of Saint John charges a small entrance fee and requires modest dress with covered shoulders and knees. The Cave of the Apocalypse has a separate entrance fee and the same dress requirements. Both sites provide wraps for visitors who are underdressed.
How frequent is bus service from Grikos back to Skala?
Buses run between Grikos and Skala several times daily during the main season (April to October), with reduced frequency in winter. Taxis from Grikos to Skala take approximately 10 minutes and are readily available throughout the year.
Are the monasteries accessible independently of the walking trail?
Yes, both the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse are accessible by car or taxi from Skala, with parking available near each site. Visitors who prefer not to walk can visit the monasteries by vehicle and proceed directly to Grikos by taxi separately.
Is the walk suitable for older or less experienced hikers?
The descent from Chora to Grikos involves 150 metres of elevation loss on variable surfaces including stone paving and loose gravel. The terrain is manageable for most walkers, but the steep stone sections near Chora benefit from trekking poles. The overall difficulty is low.