After savoring our first two “perfect days” on Patmos, it is natural to feel considerably more relaxed and eager to appreciate the rare beauties and finer energies of this blessed place.

It is time perhaps to explore the more distant and secluded parts of the island, such as its northern peninsula, where a series of exquisite, adjacent beaches like Vagia, Liginou and Didimes offer delightful swimming, diving and strolling along their dreamy pathways.

Vagia is a pebble beach with tamarisks for shade and often quieter than most easily accessible beaches. It lies only 10 km, about 10-15 minutes drive,  from Patmos Villa Sophia and, just a few meters from the beach, there is a cafeteria where we can enjoy coffee and other beverages or taste delicious homemade pies and pastries, well known all over the island.

The twin beaches (Didimes in Greek) derive their name from lying side by side in two almost identical bays and are also known as Liginou beaches. They are two small marvelous coves, with crystal clear blue waters, isolated, exotic and not organized while a few trees provide natural shade.

On our way back to the villa, we can stop for late lunch or early dinner at the Kima restaurant by the seaside outside Skala near Koumana, situated right across Patmos Villa Sophia, enjoying the view of Chora and trying fresh fish, if we can spot it, or the more economical seafood (kalamari, shrimps etc).

At night, after a short stop at the villa for a refreshing shower and the… established cocktails by the swimming pool, we can visit Skala, Patmos’ main port.

There, we can explore the numerous arty souvenir boutiques, inland from the excursion boat dock, with antiques and unique creations sometimes created from old widgets by veterans of the Athens Flea Market (Monastiraki).

At some shops we can find reasonably priced porcelain, crystal and silver items and the Patmian embroidery is famous for its elegance.

We can also choose from a wide variety of fresh ice cream and local pastries at Christodoulos Koumanis’ pastry shop opposite the bus stop on the port of Skala.

Then, you can enjoy them during a nostalgic long promenade along the port’s marina with the elegant sailing boats and impressive mega yachts.

photo from www.flickr.com

“Perfect Day Three” has come to an end, but the wonders of Patmos are only beginning to unfold…

Only a little…hero would wake up at dawn during holidays.

Even if the prize, the spectacular sunrise across Patmos Villa Sophia, is worth every second of lost snoozing.

So, on our second perfect day on this blessed island, we have very deservedly earned the right to spoil ourselves.

We wake up at our leisure and not even bother to prepare breakfast. Instead, we head off for one of the most traditional coffee bars and classic «hubs» of the island, the legendary Arion.

Its elegant neoclassical building is situated at the exact center of Patmos, combining delicious omelettes, with a nearby international newsstand and a delightful kaleidoscope of simple yet mesmerizing island life.

If you allow yourself to simply «take it all in», you can enjoy one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences of your life.

Following this majestic delight, there is nothing healthier than a long stroll and a refreshing swim, so it might be a good idea to choose one of the most faraway beaches, such as the Livadi Geranou beach on the north.

(www.in2life.gr)

It offers one of the best swimming experiences on the island with its excellent water and the magnificent view of the Monastery.

( by Odd Haldorsen from www.panoramio.com)

While you are in the area, you can also visit the Geranou Bay little Virgin Mary church, located on the farthest point of the island and witness a fantastic sunset.

Later in the night, after perhaps a short rest interval in Patmos Villa Sophia, you can enjoy dinner and drinks at any of the restaurants and bars located on the little plaza, known as «la piazetta», in the center of the traditional settlement of Chora, considered a world heritage site by Unesco.

A romantic nocturnal promenade around the alleys of Chora, the most notable medieval architectural marvel in Greece, can prove true magic.

Its amazing highlights can be seen in the beautiful settlement presenting a plethora of whitewashed mansions and Aegean style houses that embrace the fortified monastery.

At night, the splendidly lit Castle Monastery of Saint John the Theologian brings immediately to mind the exalted perception of Heavenly Jerusalem that the prophet beheld in his apocalyptic vision.

Indeed, the perfect end to a “Perfect Day 2”.