Dodge the sky-high hotel prices and insufferable crowds of holidaymakers by visiting this idyllic island that has somehow managed to avoid the blinding tourist spotlight
Avoid the coach loads of bustling tourists with this ‘sacred island’ that has been criminally overlooked for decades. Last year, Greece saw a record-breaking number of tourists, with more than 40 million travellers flocking to its mainland and Instagram-worthy cluster of islands.
Enticed by cobalt waters, ubiquitous history, and a penchant for cheap gyros, the influx of visitors sparked heavy backlash from fed-up locals – resulting in a slew of protests erupting across the country last year. Slogans demanding tourists ‘go home’ were spray painted in hotspots, prompting the country to ramp up its tourist tax (up to €15 per night for five-star hotel stays in the peak season).
Even tourists have been deterred by the insufferable crowds, especially in hotspots like Santorini – a tiny island with just 15,000 residents – where millions of tourists fill up narrow streets in search of the perfect sunset snap every year. It’s a similar situation over in Mykonos, where you’ve got more chances of winning the lottery than finding a free sun lounger.
READ MORE: Huge £1bn EU airport where chaos forced its closure after just 4 years
However, peacefully tucked away in the Aegean Sea lies the picturesque island of Patmos – which has somehow managed to avoid the blinding tourist limelight. Declared as a ‘sacred’ island in 1981, this history-rich hotspot is a perfect alternative to Greece’s insanely crowded destinations.
“Much of this place’s allure is owed to its villages: their winding alleys, stone-paved squares, and traditional houses will make a lasting impression on you, as will the good food you’ll taste,” hailed Visit Greece. “The island’s beaches with the amazing waters are also a great asset that will steal your heart away!”
Patmos, which is acclaimed for its religious legacy, is believed to be the place where John the Evangelist (aka John the Theologian) wrote the Book of Revelation. Head over to the Monastery of St. John to learn more about the island’s history – and make sure to check out the nearby Cave of Apocalypse, which won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024.
Most tourists make a visit to the medieval town of Chora, known for its tiny whitewashed villages and quaint coffee shops. “Look especially for the traditional bakeries where you can buy cheese pies, local dairy products and a special confection, called poughi [pouch] made with honey and nuts wrapped in a pouch-like dough,” Visit Greece added.
After a day of exploring, head down to one of Patmos’ pristine beaches to watch the sun melt into the horizon. Unlike Santorini, you’ll be able to get the perfect Instagram picture without having to crop out the heads of selfie-stick-waving tourists.
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter
There are no direct flights to Patmos from the UK, which may explain its lack of tourism. However, getting there isn’t too difficult, and is well worth the effort. First, you’ll have to fly to Kos, which takes an average of four hours and 10 minutes. You can get direct flights here from a slew of UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow and London Stansted. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £88 in July.
After touching down in Kos, you’ll have to get a ferry over to Patmos, which takes just over two hours. For a return economy ticket in the summer, this will cost around €130.98 (around £111.07).
Accommodation on the island hugely varies depending on your budget. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 7-14) at the luxury Patmos Eye Boutique Hotel & Villas – which includes your own private pool – costs a staggering £2,387, based on two adults sharing. However, staying in a more basic twin room at Hotel Athina costs just £574 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite Greek island? Let us know in the comments section below.