Two small Mediterranean islands, Patmos and Rhodes, are known for different yet complementary expressions of Christian heritage. In mid-May, our 25-person Rose State College travel group from Oklahoma debarked from the cruise ship Celestyal Discovery to explore both.
A Heavenly Message in a Cave
Tiny Patmos, just 13 square miles, makes a big impact on Christians. Here, John, probably Saint John, one of Jesus’ disciples, spent two years in a cave on a hillside. Christians believe he received messages from an angel of God and had apocalyptic visions that inspired “The Revelation To John,” the Bible’s final book.
A bus carried us from Skála, a seaside town, to Chorá, a hilltop village crowned with two monasteries dedicated to him.
Deported to Patmos
About A.D. 95, the Roman Emperor Domitian exiled Saint John to Patmos, then a remote penal colony off the coast of Turkey. John and Prochorus, an assistant, likely survived by growing or buying food from villagers and fishing to eat. Although not barren, life was hard.
Their small cave, about 20 feet long and 15 feet wide with a ceiling from five-and-a-half feet to ten feet high, became both refuge and holy site.
Saint John rested his head in a six-inch-deep recess in the wall. He used a small cavity near it as a handhold to get up and down. Both are outlined with beaten silver.
Overhead, three twisted rope-like fissures meet – the cleft from which Saint John heard an angel’s voice.
Heavenly Message
“I, John…was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus…I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, ‘Write what you see in a book…’” begins Revelations. Imagine how joyous Saint John felt as he was being given a divine epiphany.
The churches of St. Anna and St. Artemios were built beside the cave starting in the 11th century. The Monastery of the Apocalypse covers the cave.
A Monastery Holds Christian Treasures
Within walking distance stands the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, started in 1088. It was built like a fortress to protect against pirates. Beautiful medieval frescoes of the Revelation, Resurrection, and the four gospels are painted on the ceiling of its portico.
In a museum upstairs, remarkable relics await. These include the original contract from Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus granting the island of Patmos to a monk, Christodoulos, to establish a monastery (1088).
In addition, there is the Gospel of St. Mark written on parchment (sixth century), and hundreds of other Christian artifacts.
Both monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage sites and holy pilgrimage sites.
Amazed Visitors
Seeing the cave provided me with a time and place where the Revelation occurred. Nancy Winans-Garrison, a member of our group, appreciated it too. She added, “It was amazing to have seen (Apostle) Thomas’ skull (in a glass case) because he was a real historical figure who saw Jesus.”
Janice Andrews, a Rose State professor, shared, “It was so exciting to see and discover that everything I have read and studied came to life for me. It strengthened my faith. It touched others on the tour.”
Other Attractions on Patmos
Patmos is rocky, has one medium-sized town (Skala), three villages (Chora, Kampos and Groikos), and feels serene. Skala offers cafes, tavernas, and shops to visit. Chora has a Folk Art Museum.
Visitors enjoy beaches like Meloi (N of Skala Port), Kambos and Lambi (E of Kambos) and Petra (SE of monastery). There are also several near Grikos (SE Coast).
Rhodes
Photo by R. Stephens, May 2025
Excitement grew as our tour group exited the Discovery to visit Rhodes, a larger island once ruled by medieval crusaders.
Crusaders Built an Island Kingdom
When the Order of the Knights of Saint John, named after John the Baptist, relocated from Cyprus to Rhodes in 1309, they fortified key harbors and built strategic strongholds on the island. They did so to deny Muslim expansion, combat piracy, and protect pilgrims bound for the Holy Land.
Two-Hundred-Year History
According to “The Island of Rhodes” website, “In 1309 the Order of the Knights of St. John established their force here…On the 29th of December 1522 control was relinquished to the Sultan Suleiman” after a six-month siege.
Walking Through Rhodes Town
We entered through the Gate of Saint Anthony, awed by its massive double walls and deep moat. As our tour guide explained the history of Rhodes, we walked on the cobblestoned Street of the Knights through the Knights Quarter.
It once housed soldiers of seven medieval lands/provinces. “You could really tell it had been passed between countries; it was almost like the buildings were telling history all on their own,” group member Ashley Halko recounted.
A Palace of Treasures
The Palace of the Grand Master is a “must-see.” Its entrance is guarded by two impressive (and imposing) keeps. The first floor holds artifacts from Rhodes’ history.
Upstairs, you are rewarded with large rooms displaying ancient Roman mosaic floors, sculptures, and original furniture. A film explains the Knights’ history and purpose.
The Archeological Museum, which used to be the Knights’ Hospital, has more artifacts about Rhodes.
Bustling Shops
Narrow lanes are lined with shops and restaurants offering everything from handmade goods to Greek specialties. While walking, a kind resident offered me mulberries from a Mora tree – a tasty treat.
Rhodes Town is certainly worth a visit; it’s a time-encapsulated medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Acropolis of Lindos
A 45-minute drive south leads to the small town of Lindos. Here, there is a fortress containing the Hellenistic Temple of Athena Lindia (300 B.C.). It’s well worth the visit.
The climb, 180 steep steps, is challenging. However, looking down the 370-foot cliff from the Acropolis, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the island, bays, and cerulean sea.
The Greeks, Romans, Knights of St. John, and Turks each fortified it. What remains are original foundations and partial walls and 20 reconstructed columns of the Hellenistic primary stoa (once a 150-foot-long covered walkway).
There is also a broad, original staircase leading to a secondary stoa and reconstructed Doric columns of the temple. Information boards explain the site in detail.
For an easy way to see both Lindos and Rhodes Old Town in one day, you can book a full-day highlights tour.
Modern Beaches and Sights
Popular beaches include Elli (Rhodes Town), Faliraki (the island’s most popular resort area), Plimiri Bay, Lindos, and Lachania.
Nature lovers can visit Epta Piges, a manmade lake fed by seven springs, and Kallithea Springs, famed for healing waters.
Villages to visit include Emponas (for wine and traditional costumes), Agios Isidoros, Archangelos (for ceramics and music) and Afandou (skillful weavers).
We were tired but elated after seeing these Mediterranean island jewels. Kaliméra: good day.
If You Go
Photo by R. Stephens, May 2025
Bring Euros so you don’t pay a fee to buy them in Greece. Take your passport everywhere you go and make sure it’s secure from pickpockets.
Because of many tourist groups filling up Rhodes Town’s narrow streets, visit in the early morning or the afternoon.
If you are not part of a tour group, hire a guide or have an audiobook to explain its long history and point out attractions.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Author Bio: Richard Stephens, Jr. loves to cruise on Route 66 by attending town festivals in Oklahoma, writes about veterans and seniors and publishes those articles in newspapers. As a student at Rose State College, he joined a group going to Greece in order to see its changes since living there in 1991. Web domain: https://richtravelniche.com/. LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/richard-stephens-jr. Facebook and Instagram business pages: Rich Travel Niche.
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
- The Best Routes and Tips for Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass - December 15, 2025
- 5 Reasons Oktoberfest Should Be on Your Bucket List (Beyond the Beer) - December 15, 2025
- 9 Life Changing Countries Worth Adding to Your Travel Bucket List - December 15, 2025