The Petra Hotel

One of the world’s best-preserved medieval monasteries, filled with an extraordinary collection of Byzantine treasures.

This creepy cavern is where St. John the Evangelist had his apocalyptic revelations (which became the last book of the New Testament). Adorned with 12th-century wall paintings and shimmering icons, the sacred grotto is often packed with Greek pilgrims, as well as day trippers from the many cruise ships that service Patmos.

Patmos is short on sandy beaches, but Psili Ammos (meaning ‘fine sand’) is a gem. It’s only accessible by water taxi from Skala or a one-hour hike over the hills from Grikos, rewarded by ice-cold beer and stewed goat at the shady taverna on arrival.

A tranquil beach in the north of the island, famous for its beautiful, multicoloured pebbles. But beware: you can be fined if you remove any pebbles from the beach.

An unspoilt island of revelations, with mystical monasteries, isolated beaches, and a stunning medieval capital.