Petra Beach Patmos

Petra beach also called Kallikatsou, we find it in the south east part of the mystical and wonderful Patmos Island near the Grikos village. Chora the capital just above at a distance of more or less six kilometers.

The peculiarity of Petra beach is the huge geological rock formation also called Tragonisi on the edge of a sand dune that is right in front of it and, if desired, it can also be reached by swimming. Around this spectacular rock there are myths and legends such as the popular saying that tells of a young girl who could not resist the call of the sea and who one day undressed to reach her by swimming after having joined her lover. Her mother took the whole thing as a veritable insult and cursed her forever. The rock is reminiscent of this unfortunate love story. Turning instead to real history, various archaeological researches have shown that the islet was used as a place of worship in honor of the Goddess Aphrodite while in the Christian period it was the hermitage of many hermits such as St. Christodoulos who in 1088 after having received the 'island, began to design the imposing monastery that today we can visit dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. The veracity of the human presence on the rock in the northern part, the less accessible area, are the skilfully hand-carved stairs, cisterns for collecting water and caves where ascetics sheltered.

If you manage to reach the summit, the panorama that you will find in front of you is to leave you breathless! However, always be very careful because the rocks are very slippery and you risk getting hurt. The Kallistasou islet takes its name from a small crow also called jackdaw which usually nests in winter. Patmos is right on one of the major migratory routes and this is confirmed by the fact that during the cold periods, many species such as swans, herons and wild ducks usually like to stop right here in the small swamp that forms naturally.

But let's come to the Petra beach, a long coastline of stones and pebbles of different sizes, from light to pink, transparent and clear waters, a sparkling blue sea with a bottom that descends quite quickly. One part is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for about thirteen euros a day, while an area is completely free so 'you can decide what to do whether to take advantage of the comforts or spread out your towel where most' you will feel inspired and spend a wonderful day at the beach . There is no natural shade on the beach so remember in case you decide to do it yourself to bring either a hat or a parasol.

As for the restaurant, there is a small bar where you can find something fresh to drink and quick to eat. If, on the other hand, you are used to having a full meal, there is no problem move to the nearby of Grikos village and you will find delicious taverns directly overlooking the sea where you can taste dishes of classic Greek and local cuisine.

Continuing to walk along the beach, you will arrive at another small pearl of Patmos, the Plaki beach. It has sand mixed with stones and is a favorite destination for lovers of naturism. It is completely free and there is only one solitary tree so if you want a little respite during the hottest hours and take advantage of its branches, better get there early to grab it. At the end of Plaki beach, a succession of small and private coves which, however, due to their position, go into shadow very soon but can be your secret refuge!

Very easy, if you have your own vehicle, just keeping Skala as a reference point, head towards the Grikos village following the road signs.

If on the other hand, you are not autonomous, always from Skala there are public buses that arrive in Grikos, where once you arrive you can reach the beach with a walk.

On the road that from Skaka you get to Grikos at a certain point there are panoramic benches, if you are lucky enough to stay on the island of Patmos when there is a full moon, stop late, you will see a show that is difficult you will forget, we guarantee it because we do it every time we go to our beloved island to relax a few days after a long and nerve-wracking summer season.

A stop to be included in the list of things to see in Patmos during your holiday in Greece!