Patmos Settlements
CHORA
Chora, the capital of the island, is a Middle Age settlement with unique architecture, which is built around the Monastery of St John the Evangelist. Chora is located 3.5 km from Skala port and the registered population is 541 residents (2011 census). It is the heart of Patmos and attracts visitors from all over the world. The development of the settlement started with the arrival of St John’s Monastery construction workers in 1088. They first resided in Kampos settlement, however safety issues forced them to move right outside the Monastery’s Wall in order to avoid pirate raids.
The settlement was declared a “World Heritage Monument” by UNESCO in 1999 and its oldest houses and mansions date back to the 15th century. It is considered one of the most expensive real estate markets in Europe.
Chora is divided in three neighborhoods: Allotina, Kritika and Aporthiana that represent the three large refugee arrivals which took place in the capital in 1453, 1669 and the 1700s respectively.
Chora settlement offers numerous restaurants, cafeterias and all kinds of shops. Its main square, Agia Levia, is the center of the town’s night life.
SKALA SETTLEMENT
Skala is the settlement around the port and the largest one on the island, with 1747 residents. (2011 census) The area was not populated until after the 18th century due to its vulnerability to pirate raids.
Characteristic of its buildings is the Italian architecture. The settlement includes a large number of shops and restaurants, as well as all Patmos’ public services except the Town hall which is located in Chora.
Skala is the main crossroad of the island leading to all the other settlements and beaches.
KAMPOS SETTLEMENT
Kampos is located 6 km from Skala and is the third settlement in population on the island with 611 residents (2011 census). The first residents were St John’s Monastery construction workers who moved there in 1088.
The settlement is divided in two neighborhoods: Ano Kampos and Kato Kampos which are the neighborhood up on the hill and the one that surrounds the beach respectively. The school, the main square and the church of the settlement are located in Ano Kampos while Kato Kampos offers restaurants, cafeterias, water sports and a large beach parking lot.
Kampos is the crossroad that leads to the northern beaches of the island.
GRIKOS
Grikos settlement is a quiet and picturesque fishing village in a beautiful bay with a nice beach and restaurants. The settlement is located 4.5 km from the port, with a population of 77 residents (2011 census). The main site of the settlement is the Rock of Kallikatsou.