Patmos - seeing sites independently

[psygist]

Is it easy to visit the main sites in Patmos independently, or is it better to go on an organized tour? How far from town is the monastery and is transportation needed to get there?

[alexandra cruiser]

ended up hiring a local guide that was right at entrance, who spoke English,for a mere $20.00 for as long as you wanted,we lasted over an hour......took a taxi from ship....it was just enough for us...we saw the ships tour group and they were being "herded" around too much for us and was cheaper for us on own....of course, if your e a real history buff go for the ships tour, if just so so ,go on own....either way, very nice to explore,glad I went,,,,my way,,,,then we were able to wander around port area and see that too....;)

[TLCOhio]

Is it easy to visit the main sites in Patmos independently, or is it better to go on an organized tour? How far from town is the monastery and is transportation needed to get there?

 

The experience and advice from alexandra cruiser is good and solid. There are pro/con factors either way. With a ship tour, you get the transportation, guide, etc. There is the logistical challenge getting from the port/docking area "up the hill". It would be fairly challenging and time-consuming to try to just "walk it". If you like history and art, it is well worth making the effort to go "up there". Below are some visual samples for what you can see and experience.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Overlooking the harbor in Patmos with a large ship there, the surrounding hills, etc.:

 

 

 

Inside the church part of the Holy Monastery of St. John in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. It is part of a complex with a nice museum and art collection:

 

 

 

Above where you enter to see the famed cave of St. John, this art piece summarizes this history:

 

 

 

On Patmos, here are more from inside the church with its ceiling and around the Holy Monastery of St. John. You will see some ceiling highlights, its courtyards, bells, art treasures, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

[Carmic]

Has anyone used the local bus to go up to the Monastery and the Cave of St. John?

 

Carol

[TLCOhio]

Has anyone used the local bus to go up to the Monastery and the Cave of St. John? Carol

 

We used a ship tour, but my understanding is that on many of these smaller islands, the bus service can be rather limited. Many schedules are not what we would call frequent or handy. If your time is limited, it might not be worth the waiting and hassles to do such local buses up and back.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[pennsylvaniamimi]

Is it feasable to DIY with a taxi up to the Monastery and walk down to see the cave with 3 hours? We are only in port from 7 am to 10:30 am. Or should we just take the ship tour because of time restrictions?? Maureen

[TLCOhio]

Is it feasable to DIY with a taxi up to the Monastery and walk down to see the cave with 3 hours? We are only in port from 7 am to 10:30 am. Or should we just take the ship tour because of time restrictions?? Maureen

 

Hi, Maureen! If your time "window" is only from 7 am to 10:30 am off of your ship, here are a couple aspects of "realiity". You probably won't be off of the ship right at 7:01 am and you will have to be back ON the ship much before 10:30 am when it sails out. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian does open at 8 am. It's just all of those pesky "logistics" in getting off of the ship, finding a cab (there will probably be others wanting cabs, too), getting up there and back, etc. The population and tourist infrastructure is limited on this island. That "smallness" is part of its appeal.

 

Ship tours are not always the best, but they help solve your logistics and lessen any risks or worries about not getting back on your ship in time. I don't know how large your ship is and/or if any other cruise ships will be in port at the same time. That impacts your logistics in trying to do lots in a very short period of time.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[tully07]

One thing to remember is that the Cristal will not be the only ship in port - usually there are at least 5 small cruise ships (the Cristal has around 1200 passengers and is one of the larger 'small' ships) ....and sometimes a couple of the larger north american -style cruise lines too. A lot of traffic on very small islands....

 

I did a ship's excursion to the cave in 2007 and there wasn't much time left over....

[X-ring]

We docked in Patmos late afternoon on Nov. 2 and I was one of the first ones ashore. We were the only ship in port.

 

A taxi was at the dock and offered to take up to 4 persons to the attractions for 30 euros as follows:

 

- from ship to the Cave where he left us for 30 minutes

- he returned as scheduled 30 minutes later and drove us the rest of the way up to the monastery, where he left us for 60 minutes

- he picked us up 60 minutes later and dropped us back at the ship.

 

We paid him at the end as he had specified. Perfect!

[diane.in.ny]

My husband and the husband of a couple we were traveling with, both avid photographers, did the taxi route as x-ring described. Although they also requested for some additional scenic views around the island. Worked out well for them as they had plenty of time to take their pictures and wander as they wanted.

[TLCOhio]

My husband and the husband of a couple we were traveling with, both avid photographers, did the taxi route as x-ring described. Although they also requested for some additional scenic views around the island. Worked out well for them as they had plenty of time to take their pictures and wander as they wanted.

 

Your experience and that of x-ring worked well. One key tip or secret is getting off of the ship early, grabbing the cab. Much depends on how many other ships are in port when you arrive. With a group of four that also makes the cab cost work out well. Also, it was smart to see around some of the other parts of this and these other islands. There's more interesting things to do on these islands than just the main port/docking area, a few shops and one or two of the usual "name" attractions. Below are a few other Greek Island pictures. Lots to see and love there.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 26,550 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

A longer shot from a higher location of the harbor in Patmos:

 

 

 

In a small village, a colorful group of flowers at a doorway:

 

 

 

A sampling of the florial beauty on Patmos: