Photo spot in Patmos
The Cave of the Apocalypse
A whitewashed monastery terrace built over the grotto where the Book of Revelation is said to have been dictated, halfway between Skala and Chora.
About The Cave of the Apocalypse
Get directionsHalfway up the road from the port to Chora, a small white monastery is built into the hillside over a cave. Tradition places the dictation of the Book of Revelation here, and the site is part of the UNESCO listing along with the monastery and Chora. Architecturally it is a stack of whitewashed terraces, arches and a sail-belfry against bare rock, with the hillside dropping away to Skala bay below.
The usable frames are outside: the arcaded terrace, the white stairs, and the view over the bay from the parapet. It is a compact site, so it works as a fifteen-minute stop between Chora and the harbour rather than a whole session, and the low sun of late afternoon lights the west-facing walls.
The grotto itself is a chapel and photography inside is not allowed — check on the day, and dress modestly for the whole visit. Opening hours are limited, especially in the afternoon, and tour groups come through in waves from cruise arrivals, so a photographer who knows the timetable is worth having.
Best time to shoot
Late afternoon on the outside terraces, between tour groups
Tips
Religious site with limited hours and no photography inside the cave — check the day's opening. Modest dress required. Park below and climb the steps; there is no room to linger on the road.
Other spots in Patmos
The monastery of Saint John above Chora
Grey battlemented walls on the summit of the island, with the white roofs of Chora packed against them and the Aegean on three sides.
Chora's white lanes
A maze of whitewashed alleys, vaulted passages and painted doors under the monastery walls, with sudden blue gaps out to the sea.
Psili Ammos beach
The island's one stretch of real sand, at the southern end, reached by caique from Skala or a walk over the hill — tamarisks, dunes and one taverna.
Ready to book?
Our concierge team will hand-pick 2-3 photographers who know The Cave of the Apocalypse — free of charge.