Photo spot 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.
About The monastery of Saint John above Chora
Get directionsThe monastery of Saint John the Theologian was founded in 1088 and built like a fortress against pirates: high grey stone walls, battlements and buttresses, sitting on the highest point of the island. Chora grew up against it, so the white cubes of the town run right to the foot of the walls — that contrast, whitewash against dark stone, is the frame the island is known for.
The working positions are outside. The lane that circles the walls gives near-vertical stone as a background at any hour; the terrace on the west side takes the sunset over the sea; and from the ridge with the restored windmills you get the monastery, the rooftops and the water in one shot.
It is an active monastery inside a UNESCO listing. Shoulders and knees covered, and photography inside is restricted — check on the day, and plan the session for the courtyards, the walls and the lanes below. Opening hours are limited in the afternoons, so build the visit around them.
Best time to shoot
Late afternoon on the west side, or first light for empty lanes below the walls
Tips
Active monastery and UNESCO site: modest dress, restricted indoor photography, limited afternoon opening — check on the day. The climb from Skala is steep; take a taxi up and walk down.
Other spots in Patmos
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.
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.
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 monastery of Saint John above Chora — free of charge.