CNN Travel Reveals the ‘Sacred’ Beauties of Patmos

Patmos Island, Dodecanese

The pilgrimage sites and tranquil beaches of the island of Patmos, in the Dodecanese, are featured in an extensive article recently published on CNN Travel, the special online edition of CNN offering tips, guides, photos and videos of destinations around the world.

In the article titled, “Patmos: The Greek island where the end of the world began”, travel writer John Malathronas says that Patmos may look like a typical vacation destination in Greece, but it isn’t.

Cave of the Apocalypse, Patmos Island. Photo Source: Municipality of Patmos

“This is the place from where infernal visions of mankind’s ultimate downfall sprang, inspiring St. John to write the Book of Revelation which forms the closing pages of the New Testament and gives the Bible some of its most portentous descriptions,” he notes.

The feature refers to the Greek Orthodox chapel of St. Anne, constructed in the early 17th century, which encloses the cave where John is said to have seen visions that he interpreted as the final judgment.

It also explores the monastery of St. John, its history, as well as the valuable documents, books and other items kept in its museum and library.

Religion however, is not the main reason why travelers visit Patmos, according to Malathronas. It is also the island’s beautiful Chora and stunning beaches such as Lambi, Petra and Grikos.

St. John Monastery, Patmos

Patmos has no airport, thus remains unaffected by mass tourism, but attracts VIPs from all over the world due to its tranquility – the Aga Khan, David Bowie and Giorgio Armani have all been regulars over the years.

Furthermore, prominent personalities from the fields of entrepreneurship, academia and politics have made Patmos their home and sought to benefit the island. John Malathronas had the chance to speak with Nicholas Negroponte, co-founder of the MIT Media Lab, and Swiss Politician Josef Zisyadis.

Patmos is among the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex. It is accessible by ferry from Piraeus or the nearby island of Kos.