Astoria Travel +30 22470 31205

Skala · Patmos · Since 1952

The oldest travel agency on Patmos

Three generations of the Kamaratos family welcoming visitors to the island of the Apocalypse: guided tours, ferry tickets, yachts, transfers and stays, all from one office by the harbour.

Explore our toursPlan your visit
1952Serving Patmos since
85%of organised tourism on the island
13signature tours & excursions
60–80marina berths we manage

Tours & excursions

Discover Patmos with local experts

Built on decades of experience, for individuals and groups alike. Every tour can be tailored to you. Tap a tour for the full itinerary.

IIndividuals 1–8SSmall groups 9–19LLarge groups 20+

Services

Everything for your stay, in one office

Complete, integrated services for every Patmos visitor, whether you're travelling on your own, with a group, or as a tour operator.

Blue Star ferry at Patmos

Ferry tickets

We're the central agency for passenger boats departing from and arriving at Patmos.

Blue Star FerriesAnekLeros ExpressSeajetDodekanisos SeawaysMinoan
Cruise ship off Patmos

Cruise & shipping agency

Known for handling cruise ships, ferries and yachts, and taking care of everything a vessel needs while it's in port.

CarnivalRCCLSeabournSilverseaStar ClippersGrand CirclePonant
Yachts in Patmos marina

Marina & yacht service

The Patmos marina sits in Skala bay next to the main port, with 60 to 80 berths.

Pier allocationImmigrationBoat clearanceProvisioningElectricity & waterLong-term dry docking
Helicopter transfer

Transfers

Transfer options to every destination on and off Patmos.

LimousineMinivanCarsMinibusCoachBoatsHelicopter
Rental cars

Car rental

Astoria is the central Patmos office of AVIS / Budget. Pick up your car right by the port.

AVISBudget
Hotel on Patmos

Accommodation

Bookings for individuals, groups and tour operators at most hotels on the island, plus private houses and villas.

HotelsVillasPrivate housesGroup blocks

Our story

A family business, three generations deep

Astoria began as an office serving the ferries to and from mainland Greece. The family still runs it today, adapting year by year to what Patmos visitors need.

Our mission is to offer complete, integrated services to every visitor to Patmos. Our long presence on the island lets us anticipate each guest's needs, whether you're a business partner or an individual traveller.

Boats in Skala harbour
  1. 1952

    Astoria Shipping is founded, representing the ferryboats in and out of Patmos.

  2. 1970

    Our first tourist bus arrives, opening the market for tours and excursions for cruise ship passengers.

  3. 1978

    Minas Kamaratos takes over at a turning point for Greek tourism, as the office starts handling five times more cruise visitors.

  4. 1986

    John Kamaratos takes over and broadens the business to cover nearly every visitor need. Today it handles about 85% of organised tourism on Patmos.

  5. 2015

    Astoria expands into handling and catering for private yachts and boats visiting the port and marina.

  6. 2018

    Astoria becomes the central Patmos office of AVIS / Budget.

Our island

Patmos, the island of the Apocalypse

One of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese, Patmos is where St. John received the vision of the Book of Revelation. Its main communities are Chora, the hilltop capital, and Skala, the island's only commercial port, with Grikos and Kampos further out. Along its coast you'll find bays, coves and capes, with one beach after another.

Monastery of St. JohnFounded in 1088, crowning Chora
Cave of the ApocalypseWhere Revelation was written, 95 AD
Chora windmillsLandmark views over the Aegean
Agrio LivadiSandy, organised beach 4 km from Skala
KamposSheltered bay with water sports
Profitis IliasHighest point of the island, 269 m

Contact

Let's plan your Patmos

Call, email or drop by our office on the harbour in Skala.

Office
Skala, Patmos 85500, Greece
Send us an email

Tour A01

Classic Monastery

The Sacred Island of Patmos lies at the northwestern extremity of the Dodecanese between the islands of Ikaria and Leros. An island of rare beauty captivating the visitor at first glance, with its picturesque harbor dominated by the imposing Monastery of St. John standing on the hill above.

Leaving Skala harbor, you take a drive to the impressive village of Chora. The Monastery of St. John is situated amongst gleaming white houses forming a startling contrast to its dark mass.

The Blessed Christodoulos, Servant of Christ, built the Monastery in 1088.

It has thick, high walls crowned all around with battlements and a total of eight chapels. The courtyard is laid with pebbles and decorated with arches through which one can see the intricately designed frescoes adorning the chapel entrance.

The museum houses a magnificent collection of jeweled chalices, crowns and crosses. In addition, there are old writings dating back as far as 1073, icons and religious paintings including an original El Greco. Many exhibits from the library, which unfortunately is not open to the public, can also be viewed in the museum.

The tour then continues with a visit to the Grotto of St. John, taking the form of a 17th century Monastery built around the cave where St. John lived for two years (95-97AD) during his writings of the Apocalypse. Inside one can see the stone which he is said to have used as a pillow.

After this memorable tour, you will embark the coach for the short ride back to the port.

Tour A02

Patmos Highlights

This varied tour is perfect for those who want just a little bit more.

The tour visits the Cave of the Apocalypse home to the birth of the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Holy Bible. In 95AD, at the time of the persecution of the Christians, St. John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the vision of the Revelation was revealed to him in this small cave which has now become a place of worship and an important destination for pilgrims.

On leaving the Cave we drive to the old village of Chora, high on the hilltop where one will have the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking panoramic view over the island and discover the stunning architecture of houses dating from the fifteen to eighteen hundreds.

Chora, the islands capital, houses the 11th century Monastery of St. John the Theologian. Here one can get a glimpse of monastic life and absorb timeless history through the magnificent ecclesiastical artifacts of its museum. Among the Monastery’s treasures are frescoes of the founder Christodoulou and miracles of St. John, ancient documents dating from the 6th century, vestments, silverware and numerous icons including a work attributed to El Greco.

From the Monastery we walk through the winding cobbled streets of Chora to the house of Simandiris.

Mansion of Simantiris is the oldest mansion of Patmos , the construction of which dates back to 1625. Keeping its traditional – classic style , dominates the cultural side of the island , whilst a particular highlight is the extensive collection of artworks including paintings, icons and jewellery ,some dating back as far as the 14th century.

The most impressive part of the mansion’s history is that the building still belongs to the same family. The guided tour in the exhibition place is given by the last direct descendent ,who is the 14th generation of the original family.

Before returning to the port of Skala we conclude our tour with a walk through Chora and browse the open air shops.

Tour A03

Patmos Scenic Tour

An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos within the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach.

Commencing your tour from the port of Skala you will drive half way up the mountain to the Cave of St. John, the most important sight of the island.

Your sightseeing will then bring you to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean islands. Enjoy the view and take photos.

From there we continue to the south part of the island and observe the highest point of the island and the small village of Grikos.

You continue your drive around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprised mostly of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets.

Upon arrival in Kampos, located in the north part of the island, you will enjoy a cold refreshment.

Your tour ends in the port of Skala, the quaint and picturesque harbor of the island.

Tour A04

Spirit of Patmos

Leaving Skala harbor your tour will start by visiting the Cave of St. John taking the form of a 17th century Monastery built around the cave where St. John spent two years living the life of an ascetic (95-97 AD).

Under the influence of visions, St John wrote the Apocalypse, dictating it to his disciple Prochoros.

We then drive up to the most impressive village of Chora, the capital of the island. On top of the hill lies the Monastery of St. John, a Byzantine building, built in 1088 by the Blessed Christodoulos, servant of Christ. Behind its imposing thick, high walls, there is a fantastic array of religious treasures, relics of saints, priceless heirlooms, jewelry and votive offerings. Monastery’s library is of great importance with a rare collection of books and manuscripts.

Taking the way down from the Monastery you will visit one of the traditional Patmian houses; the house of Simandiris family, dating back to 1625.

Preserving its traditional and classical character, the mansion holds an important place in the cultural heritage of the island. One of its most remarkable features is its extensive collection of artworks, including paintings, icons, and jewellery, some of which date back as far as the 14th century.

You then proceed to “Aloni” to enjoy some ouzo with Greek snacks while attending a Greek folklore show where you may participate.

After this impressive tour you will return to Skala passing the South end of the island.

Tour A05

Boat Trip

Enjoy a morning cruise with a traditional Greek caique of Patmos.

After leaving the port the captain will take you on a trip along the beautiful Patmos coast line. Eventually you will anchor at a small bay from one of the many islets surrounding Patmos.

There you will be able to sunbath, swim in the crystal clear waters and try out your snorkeling abilities. Learn to distinguish an edible sea urchin from an Inedible one and even taste it. Explore the small bay and coast line of its wild life and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Learn about the new designated sea life sanctuary around Patmos.

In case of a full day boat trip we can offer visiting surrounding islands like Arki, Marathi, Tiganakia, Aspronissia or Makronissia and lunch on a secluded island.

Tour B01

Art and History

Our main destination is the old village of Chora, the island’s capital, which stands high on the hilltop looking down over the port of Skala. From here we will have the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking panoramic view, learn a little about the islands historical background and discover the stunning architecture of houses dating from the fifteen to eighteen hundreds.

After a short walk through the winding cobbled streets we arrive at the House of Simandiris.

Mansion of Simantiris is the oldest mansion of Patmos , the construction of which dates back to 1625.

Keeping its traditional – classic style , dominates the cultural side of the island , whilst a particular highlight is the extensive collection of artworks including paintings, icons and jewellery ,some dating back as far as the 14th century. The most impressive part of the mansion’s history is that the building still belongs to the same family. The guided tour in the exhibition place is given by the last direct descendent ,who is the 14th generation of the original family. Just around the corner is the tiny Convent of Zoodochos Pigi built in 1607. On one side of the cobbled courtyard is the chapel, where we discover an array of recently restored 17th century frescoes, the timeless art of the icon along with a beautifully carved icon wall. On the other side is a small gift shop where one can purchase handicrafts made by the nuns.

We will continue by foot through a labyrinth of atmospheric lanes winding their way past the foot of the Monastery of St. John to the Mansion of Nikolaidis. This historical homestead has recently been restored under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture to protect Byzantine Antiquities. After the fifteen hundreds Patmos enjoyed an influx of wealthy ship owners and merchants who built large luxurious houses displaying their powerful class and allowing them protection against numerous pirate attacks.

The Nikolaidis Mansion, built in the seventeen hundreds, is a wonderful example of these grand houses – an excellent exhibition showing not only the islanders way of life but also a varied collection of local archeological finds. On the ground floor we find storerooms for foodstuffs, a cooking area with its original oven, water tanks for the collection of rainwater and its own private chapel named after St. Nickolas.

Three staircases lead to the 2nd floor where we find verandas, the formal reception room and the sleeping area, along with a magnificent ambataros (a separating wooden partition), decorated with traditional folk painting. The ambataros is a grand status symbol of that time.

Before returning to the port of Skala we conclude our tour with refreshments in a beautiful environment with a spectacular view. A bit of shopping in Chora is also an option!

Tour B02

Essence of Icons

This tour takes us right to the heart of spiritual art giving us a deeper understanding of the icons beauty, harmony and symbolism.

Our tour departs by coach from the port of Skala taking us to the Old village of Chora, the islands capital, which stands high on the hilltop with a panoramic view over the island.

Firstly we visit the tiny Convent of Zoodochos Pigi built in 1607. On one side of the cobbled courtyard is the chapel where we discover an array of recently restored 17th century frescoes along with a beautiful carved icon wall. On the other side is a small gift shop where one can purchase handicrafts made by the nuns.

From the convent we walk through the winding cobbled streets of Chora to the 11th century Monastery of St. John the Theologian. The main church is steeped with icons and frescoes dating as far back as the 12th century, along with an impressive gilded icon wall. What sets this tour apart is the rare opportunity to visit the Monastery’s icon restoration studio, where we see meticulous skilled work in progress and learn about restoration techniques.

We then visit the monastery’s museum which contains endless Byzantine treasures including documents dating from as early as the early 6th century and a wonderful collection of icons by many famous painters including an early El Greco. After this memorable tour, you will embark the coach for the short ride back to the port.

Tour B03

Photography Exhibition

This tour, covering the south side of the island, not only gives you the opportunity of discovering hidden places but also an opportunity to photograph the most amazing land and seascapes along with developing your creative eye, composing images from geometric form and abstract pattern.

Our tour commences from the port of Skala where we will be taken by minibus to the old village of Chora, the island’s capital and a photographer’s paradise! Our first experience is a wonderful panoramic view right over the island and on turning our heads 90 degrees we get a glimpse of the 11th century Monastery built like a fort, standing with proud dominance.

You will be guided through Chora’s labyrinth of winding cobbled streets and maze of arched alleyways which offer you a feast of inspiration. The settlement of houses dating from the fifteen hundreds with their White washed walls, reflect the light casting shadows and creating geometric patterns. The alleys, arches and doorways display a harmonious balance revealing subtle architectural details which, through your lens, can become exciting atmospheric images trapped in time.

We continue with a drive to the top of the mountain of Profitis Ilias, the highest point of the island – 269 meters above sea level. What more to say than from here the panoramic sea and landscape views leave one speechless!

Next we make our descending drive to Diakofti stopping off to photograph the view of the mystical rock of Petra and then on to a boatyard. Here we will have the opportunity to photograph the local islanders at work and the streamline shapes of vessels in dry dock.

Refreshments can be had at a unique café – built on a boat with a sea view.

An unforgettable experience – you will have a memory of Patmos and its life, recorded with your own personal expression, in images to take home with you.

Tour B04

Remote Chapels

This tour is for those who want to discover the peaceful serene atmosphere that makes Patmos so unique. The tour will take you into the most distant corners of the island’s countryside to visit three small chapels and to experience the mystical harmony that exists between spirit and nature.

The tour starts from the port of Skala where a minibus will transport us along the southern coastal road to the picturesque green valley of Sicamya. Here lays a tiny chapel surrounded by orange and palm trees. Renowned as one of the island’s oldest chapels, it has a small adjoining cave where St. John was said to have baptized his followers. The atmosphere of both the valley and the chapel’s interior are a rare treat.

From here we will drive to the northern part of the island past the village of Kampos and through some of the island’s most beautiful unspoiled landscape arriving at the fertile valley of Kalogeron (meadow of the monks) on the northwest coast. Taking us back in time we see fields still being farmed with traditional methods, a thrashing circle, livestock and a beach with small fishing boats. Here we will visit the hermitage and chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary built in 1798 and home to the monks parthenios partheniadis (1798) and Amphilochios (1883).

Our next stop will be the chapel of St. Nikolaos (patron saint of the sea), about a 10 minute drive in a westerly direction, through powerful rugged rocky landscape. Here we will discover the wonders of fresco and icon painting, with walls and ceiling covered in biblical imagery.

Our tour culminates with refreshments in a perfect setting with one the most charming and mystical seascape views of the island. The bus will then return to the port of Skala.

Tour B05

Three Monasteries

This tour gives an inside look at monastic life and takes you to the most important Orthodox sights on the island.

We leave the port of Skala by coach taking the coastal road to the Convent of Evangelismos which lays in a beautiful setting surrounded by well-kept gardens with a spectacular view over the bay of Kipi. The original chapel of St. Luke dates from 1613 and the Convent itself was founded in 1937. We have the opportunity to see a wonderful collection of frescoes painted by the nun Olympia who died Within the last decade. This large convent is a wonderful example of ecclesiastical architecture and houses an exhibition where examples of handicrafts made by the nuns can be purchased.

We then take the coach to the old village of Chora where we will visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian built in the 11th century. Here one can get a glimpse of monastic life and absorb timeless history through the magnificent ecclesiastical artifacts of its museum. Among the Monastery’s treasures are frescoes of the founder Christodoulos and miracles of St. John, ancient documents dating from the 6th century, vestments, silverware and numerous icons including a work attributed to El Greco.

After a short coach ride we arrive at the Cave of the Apocalypse – home to the birth of the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Holy Bible. In 95AD, at the time of the persecution of the Christians, St. John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the vision of the Revelation was revealed to him in this small cave which has now become a place of worship and an important destination for pilgrims.

Our tour finishes at the port of Skala.

Tour B07

Religious Highlights

We leave the port of Skala taking the coastal road passing the South end of the island to the Convent of Evangelismos, which lays in a beautiful setting surrounded by well-kept gardens with a spectacular view over the bay of Kipi. The original chapel of St. Luke dates from 1613 and the Convent itself was founded in 1937.

We have the opportunity to see a wonderful collection of frescoes painted by the nun Olympia who died within the last decade. This large Convent is a wonderful example of ecclesiastical architecture and houses an exhibition where examples of handicrafts made by the nuns can be purchased.

By coach we continue to the old village of Chora. A short walk through the winding cobbled streets of Chora will lead us to the tiny Convent of Zoodochos Pigi built in 1607. On one side of the cobbled courtyard is the chapel, where we discover an array of recently restored 17th century frescoes, the timeless art of the icon along with a beautifully carved icon wall. On the other side is a small gift shop where one can purchase handicrafts made by the nuns.

We continue through a labyrinth of atmospheric lanes winding their way to the foot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian built in the 11th century. Here one can get a glimpse of monastic life and absorb timeless history through the magnificent ecclesiastical artifacts of its museum. Among the Monastery’s treasures are frescoes of the founder Christodoulos and miracles of St. John, ancient documents dating from the 6th century, vestments, silverware and numerous icons including a work attributed to El Greco.

After a short coach ride we arrive at the Cave of the Apocalypse – home to the birth of the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Holy Bible. In 95AD, at the time of the per-secution of the Christians, St. John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the vision of the Revelation was revealed to him in this small cave which has now become a place of worship and an important destination for pilgrims.

After this memorable tour, you’ll embark the coach for the short ride back to the port.

Tour C01

Beach Tour

The beach is located on the north-east side of Patmos and situated in a cozy inlet, protected from the summer winds.

The drive is approx. 10 minutes and once there an escort will walk you to your reserved area with umbrellas and sun beds.

Here you will enjoy relaxation by the crystal waters of Patmos. At the nearby located Cafe – Restaurant, soft drinks will be served.

Water sports, such as wake boarding, water ski, wind surfing, tubes, bananas and canoes are available.

Our offer includes the umbrella, sun bed and a soft drink per guest.

Other destinations for the beach tour are available on request.

Tour C04

Full Day Island Tour

An air-conditioned coach will start from the port of Skala and drive half way up the mountain to the Cave of St. John to visit the most important site of the island. Here is where St John the Theologian wrote the Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. Once visited we will continue to the Monastery of St. John. Christodoulos, Servant of Christ, built the Monastery in 1088. Its castle like structure crowned all around with battlements has a total of eight chapels inside. Once entering the courtyard one can see the Intricately designed frescoes adorning the main chapel entrance.

The Monastery’s museum houses a magnificent collection of jeweled chalices, crowns and crosses. In addition, amongst the many icons and religious paintings there is an original El Greco painting which is one of his first. The library, which unfortunately is not open to the public, has many ancient books exhibited in the museum.

After leaving the Monastery on top of the hill, a short walk into the old town will bring you to the doorstep of a Patmian house from the 18th Century. Next to it, one will visit the active Nun’s Monastery. Both sites will give you an idea of how one lives today in Chora. Time will be given for the opportunity to take photos in the narrow streets of the old town. On return to the coach a trip to a restaurant of choice will be arranged.

After lunch the tour continues by following the coastal road back to the port via Grikos Bay on way to the North part of the island which is the agricultural area. During the leisurely drive a complete image can form on how the beautiful inlets and tranquil beaches appeal to the many guests that visit Patmos.

The last site is the bay of Lambi where the beach is famous for its colorful stones.

Last minute shopping can be done after the coach returns you to the port.