Skala Harbor
Exploring Patmos Sailing Holidays area
Skala is a fairly safe harbor during the meltemi (the Etesians) (the Etesians) season despite the strong gusts and cross-winds. However, it is open to the SE and during the winter months it can become untenable. The yacht berths are towards the head of the inlet, on a half-mile long quay along the west side, north of the town beach which does not appear on recent charts. Depths at quayside are 2.75 meters in the southern end before the bend and 3.8 to 4.25 meters along the remainder to the north end.
The quay closer to the town is reserved for ferries and tripper boats. During strong northerly winds the fetch on the quay can become uncomfortable and you are usually anchor mooring with a cross wind. The holding is mostly good in mud, but in a strong meltemi (the Etesians) plough-type anchors can drag, so it is important to check your anchor is secure if leaving the boat in these conditions.
There are also several charter fleets operating from Skala, so anchors can and do get tangled. There is no electricity available but water can be purchased from a truck that comes by frequently. It used to be possible to anchor at the head of the inlet, but since the construction of the new ‘marina’ this is not really encouraged as the space to swing is now so limited.
In the North end of the inlet a new small "marina" has been constructed, consisting of a substantial concrete jetty and quay with space (theoretically) for around 50 boats if only laid moorings were installed. Depths alongside the north wall >3m and alongside the float >3m at the root and 7m at the end.
Navigational Aids
Dufour 385 Economy
Kambos Bay is further NE of Agriolivadho it is protected form the meltemi but there are strong gusts. Exposed to the S and SE.
The first thing you notice on Patmos is the Monastery of St John the Divine or the Evangelist. It crowns the hill of Hora.
Cafenion (traditional cafe) is located in Skala, Patmos. It is 180 years old and the current owners are trying to keep the style and the traditional environment of Houston.
Loukakia is a small beach just behind the bay of Sapsila. Located a couple of km from Chora and 4 km from the port of Skala, the capital of Patmos, Loukakia has pebbled shore and crystal water.
Grikos is a picturesque fishing village with a big sandy beach and many smaller sandy beaches next to it. It owes its cosmopolitan flair to the sailing boats that moor in its port.
It is a beach known for its beautiful and distinctive pebbles and located in the northern part. It is 9.
Didymes Paralies (twin beaches) is a set of two almost identical beaches located at the eastern part of the island, close to the island's port, Skala. Both beaches are sandy, non organized and belong to identically shaped bays.
Vagia is a pebbled beach in the northeastern part of Patmos, a few minutes’ drive from Kampos, the island's most cosmopolitan beach. Vagia is a tranquil beach, with ice cold waters and trees that provide dew and shade during the hot Greek summer.
Agrio Livadi is an organized sandy beach, with relatively warm shallow waters. The view to the little island of Saint Thekla is magic and there is also a nice beach on the island accessible with a canoe from Agriolivado.
Kampos is the island's most popular and cosmopolitan beach. It has crystal cold, transparent waters and offers all facilities of an organized beach, including a beach bar and water sports.
About 200 meters from the port is the beginning of the beach Agios Theologos (Saint Theologian). It is a sandy beach which is very popular on weekdays with the locals because they can take a quick dive, refresh themselves and go on with the ir daily duties.
Psili Ammos is a secluded sandy beach with turquoise waters, accessible only by boat (a 45 minutes boat trip from Skala) or by bus to Diakofti and then walking for about 20-30 minutes through a path that leads to the beach. There is a tavern that separates the beach in two parts, one of them being used by nudists.
Petra is an organized beach with large white pebbles. At one end of the beach there is a huge rock, "Petra" (that means stone in Greek), a true challenge for visitors that choose to climb on.
Meloi is an easily accessible beach and hosts 2 taverns and the unique organized camping of the island. It is very rarely windy and has shallow waters that are ideal for children.
