Marriott scoops up another Greek island hotel, this time in Patmos
The Patmos Aktis Resort & Spa is now Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
I can remember (remember a thing called memories, before you started letting your dumfone fill in all the gaps?) working at the iconic Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs, California. When people called the front desk, they would hear something nice and normal like, “Riviera Hotel, how may I help you?”
That era is now long gone, it seems, mostly replaced by the likes of “Marriott Business Garden Inn & Suites by Krampton & Suites & Hotel Room Inn.”
Charming, right?
This new era of pathologically overbranded hotels comes at a time when the world is waking up, if slowly, to the eminent dysfunctionality of the United States. Sometimes the hypercapitalist wackos at companies like Booking.com get called out on their bullying ways, but mostly the invasions are more subtle.
So it is, anyway, we learned that what was last year called the Patmos Aktis Resort & Spa is now “Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Greece.”
Part of Marriott.
We almost went to Patmos last summer, but major sewage issues, which we hope have been resolved because nobody likes to turn on the tap to see the biological equivalent of AI slop pour out, held us back. We opted for Symi instead.
Tucked away in the northern Dodecanese, Patmos is one of Greece’s most enchanting islands. Often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” this serene island blends spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and timeless Cycladic charm. While smaller and quieter than many of its famous counterparts, Patmos offers visitors an experience that is rich in meaning and relaxation.
It is not flashy island like Mykonos or Santorini, and not an island known for its hotels — big, medium, or other. Posh guesthouses, overpriced Airbnbs, that sort of thing. So clearly the hotel honchos at Marriott spotted an opening to stamp their corporate brand on the property.
Good for them.
Good for you?
Good for Patmos?
Anyway, here’s a repeat rundown of what you shouldn’t miss on the island:
1. Visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian
Towering above the island’s capital, Chora, this 11th-century monastery is Patmos’s most iconic site. Founded in 1088, it resembles a medieval fortress with high walls and a mix of Byzantine and post-Byzantine architecture. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes, ancient manuscripts, and a peaceful courtyard offering panoramic views.
Tip: Dress modestly to enter. It’s an active monastery and a sacred site.
2. Enter the Cave of the Apocalypse
This small grotto halfway between Skala and Chora is believed to be where St. John received the visions that inspired the Book of Revelation. You can still see the fissure in the rock that tradition holds was formed by the voice of God. The atmosphere inside is calm and otherworldly.
🌆 3. Wander the Streets of Chora
Chora is a postcard-perfect hilltop village with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and narrow winding alleys. Wander through its quiet streets, explore elegant mansions built by sea captains, and discover tiny chapels hidden behind stone walls.
Don’t miss: The Patmos Ecclesiastical Museum, which houses religious artifacts, manuscripts, and icons.
🏖 4. Relax on Patmos’s Beaches
Patmos has a wide variety of beaches—most of them peaceful, uncrowded, and ideal for swimming.
Psili Ammos: A remote sandy beach accessible by foot or boat, perfect for those seeking solitude.
Lampi: Known for its multicolored pebbles and crystal-clear water.
Agriolivadi: A lively beach with sunbeds, a beach bar, and water sports.
Grikos Bay: Calm and family-friendly, surrounded by olive trees and traditional tavernas.
🥾 5. Hike the Island’s Ancient Paths
Patmos is crisscrossed with old footpaths connecting villages, beaches, and historical sites. Walking from Skala to Chora (or to the Monastery) is a scenic and popular route. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the island and the surrounding Aegean.
🍽 6. Enjoy Local Cuisine at a Traditional Taverna
Patmos may be small, but it offers a rich culinary experience:
Try fresh seafood, such as grilled octopus or calamari.
Order local specialties like pougia (cheese pies) and tsoureki with mastic.
Enjoy a glass of ouzo or Patmian wine as the sun sets over the harbor.
Recommended spots:
Benetos (fine dining with a sea view)
Tzivaeri (authentic local fare in Skala)
To Tsipouradiko Mas (small plates and ouzo)
⛵ 7. Take a Boat Trip Around the Island
Explore Patmos from the sea by joining a local boat tour. You can visit secluded beaches, nearby islets like Arki and Marathi, or go snorkeling in hidden coves. Many boats leave from Skala and offer half-day or full-day trips.
📿 8. Time Your Visit for Religious Festivals
If you’re visiting in August or during Easter, you may witness one of the island’s many religious festivals, where locals celebrate with food, music, and devotion. The Feast of Saint John (September 26) is particularly significant.
Bottom line
Patmos isn’t just a destination—it’s a state of mind. Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of saints, reading a book by a quiet cove, or enjoying grilled fish under the stars, this island invites you to slow down, reflect, and connect—with nature, with history, and above all, with yourself or — why not? — your cat.
