Ferry from Arki to Patmos (Skala)

Arki to Patmos is a short crossing of twenty minutes to under an hour, depending on the boat. Dodekanisos Seaways, SAOS Ferries and the Patmos Star all work this stretch, so you may find yourself on a fast catamaran, a conventional ferry or a small local boat. All of them treat Arki as a brief call, so be on the quay in good time.

Patmos is a quietly significant island that has kept its development in check. Boats dock at Skala, the port town, with the fortified Monastery of St John crowning the Chora on the hill above and visible from the water. The monastery and the Cave of the Apocalypse are UNESCO-listed, and there are good quiet beaches away from the pilgrimage sites.

There is a sailing most days in season, which makes this the easiest way on and off Arki; the current timetable and fares are shown below, with fares starting around €4. Patmos is the local hub, with onward links to Leros, Lipsi, Samos and the mainline ferries to Piraeus.

Arki to Patmos Ferry Fares

Weekly Arki to Patmos Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Do you need a car in Patmos?

Not essential, but useful if you want to reach quieter beaches beyond Chora and Grikos at your own pace. Rental desks sit right at Skala port, and buses from the same stop run to Chora, Grikos and Kambos around six times a day, with taxis filling the gaps. Roads are well maintained and quiet, so driving is easy. Compare suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Arki to Patmos between 24 October 2026 and 6 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Arki to Patmos ferry

• Cold drinks sell out on very busy summer sailings; buy yours as soon as you board rather than waiting until you are thirsty.
• Medicines, including seasickness tablets and any prescription drugs, should always be in your day bag, not buried in hold luggage.
• Alcohol makes seasickness worse; if the crossing is rough, stick to water and plain foods.
• Once you arrive in Patmos, the UNESCO-protected old town of Hora and the imposing Monastery of Saint John the Theologian – built in the 11th century – dominate the hilltop above the port. The Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John is said to have written the Book of Revelation, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world.

Plan a journey

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