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Why Patmos & Parga Should Be On Your Radar in 2023 + Where To Stay
Greece has a lot of islands. 6000 at the last count, of which some 227 are inhabited. Of these, probably 10 such as Santorini and Crete, and Mykonos (read our guide here) are well known to people from outside of Greece. The rest are a bit of a mystery. Those looking to explore a new destination in 2023 should look no further than Patmos, a small Greek island in the Dodecanese complex offering a scenic escape for discerning travellers. An unspoilt haven of discreet luxury and adventure, Patmos is paradise for jet-setters hoping to disconnect from the everyday and embrace a slower pace of life. Once referred to by locals as the ‘holy island’, it served as the backdrop for St John’s Book of Revelation and has since maintained its wild Mediterranean beauty, inviting visitors to explore its religious past and revel in its cosmopolitan present.
You can only reach Patmos by ferry or cruise ship. The nearest airports to Patmos are on the nearby Greek islands of Samos and Kos.
Where to stay;
Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa
Four miles south of the main port of Skala, the chic boutique Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa is the only five-star resort on the island and makes the perfect base to discover this Grecian gem. Set within the picturesque Grikos Bay, Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa is a five-star all-suite beachfront resort inviting guests to experience the island’s storied past, unspoilt beaches and heartfelt hospitality. Expect comfortable, spacious rooms, filled with dazzling natural light and paired with white curtains, cushions, and bed linen.A wonderful shared swimming pool as well as private pools in the most exclusive suites, and phenomenal views. About 5 km from Skala, the hotel is on an idyllic pebble beach.
Designed to frame mesmerising views of the glistening Aegean and mountainous terrains, 56 spacious suites are complete with traditional accents and modern furnishings, 26 of which boast private swimming pools with expansive terraces. The cosmopolitan Greek haven is also home to two waterfront restaurants which serve gastronomic creations ranging from traditional Greek recipes to contemporary international dishes in a tranquil setting overlooking the sea. The only 5-star wellness centre in Patmos, Anasa Spa provides a bespoke approach to wellbeing with an exceptional range of treatments offered by award-winning holistic skincare brand “Ila” to rejuvenate the body and mind. Just over a 10-minute drive from the island’s main historic village of Chora, home to monasteries, museums and an animated nightlife, Patmos Aktis is perfectly positioned to explore the copious cultural treasures, scenic landscapes and day-to-night lifestyle the island and nearby islets have to offer.
The Petra
Located in the charming fishing village of Grikos on the Greek Island of Patmos, The Petra (part of Small Luxury Hotels) is a delightful island hideaway with just 11 rooms and suites, a swimming pool and paintings and sculptures by contemporary Greek artists, all of which is close to the beach.
The rooms and suites form a miniature village in traditional island architecture and are contemporary in design with traditional white-washed walls. The atmosphere is warm and intimate with breakfast enjoyed on the charming dining terrace that overlooks the sea and the Kalikatsou Rock.
Take a walk to the beach and view the colourful fishing boats in the bay. Skala is nearby, with ruins of an ancient acropolis and the convent of Zoodochos Pigi. Be sure to visit picturesque Chora, Patmos’ main village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built around the fortified Monastery of Saint John in the 12th century and has attractive 16th-century mansion houses
https://www.petrahotel-patmos.com/
The best beaches…
Psili Ammos Beach
Patmos Island has some fantastic beaches, and Psili Ammos Beach is undoubtedly one of them. This is a golden, sandy beach that is famous for its huge dunes. It is around 6 miles away from Chora, and it’s easy to get to, with regular bus services during the summer months and an easy-to-follow road if you prefer to drive yourself.
Petra Beach
Another must-visit beach is Petra Beach. The beach is famous for Kalikatsou Rock, and is a very pebbly beach, so beach shoes are recommended when going for a swim. You’ll find umbrellas and sunbeds to relax on and a bar that offers refreshments and snacks during the day. The views are something else, and will be the perfect backdrop to those holiday photos.
Uncover Greece’s Hidden Gem – Valtos Beach, Parga
Escape the crowds and explore the lesser-known town of Parga this summer, home to blue-flag Valtos Beach. Set on the Epirus coastline in north-western Greece, the 3km stretch of golden sand is complete with plush sun loungers and parasols for those looking to bask in the Grecian sun. The area has exotic beaches, breath-taking natural landscape and traditional architecture in abundance, with its crystal-clear waters waiting to be explored. Visitors may swim, snorkel or sail around the shoreline with a small harbour set at the end of the beach for day guests to dock their boats. Visitors of the destination can immerse themselves in all Parga has to offer from taking a trip to the cosmopolitan harbour town to checking out the picturesque Paxoi Island, with its turquoise waters and wild beauty.
Parga Beach Resort
Providing direct access to Valtos Beach, guests of Parga Beach Resort can bask in undisturbed bliss. Those seeking an overwater adventure can opt for a sunrise kayaking tour around the picturesque coastline, whilst for a truly memorable evening the team can arrange a private dinner under the stars, with a bespoke menu created by the head chef. Set directly on the beach, the resort’s three restaurants are easily accessible and include Ammos Beach Bar, where guests can indulge in refreshing beverages and light bites from the comfort of their lounger. Peppered throughout lush gardens the resort’s bungalow-style buildings offer stylish lodgings, luxurious facilities and access to four pools. The resort is unveiling 23 new luxury suites for 2023 that feature a harmonious minimal design and fully equipped with private balconies, terraces, and some with private plunge pools.
