After meeting in the reception area of the hotel, we will head down to the water for your acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the hotel for a welcome drink and a safety briefing while discussing our plans for the week ahead.

After breakfast, we meet our main boat in the port, just a short walk from the hotel. From here we start our first swim, heading south to the tranquil fishing village, Grikos. After lunch we head to the western side of the island to Stavros Bay where we continue our swim along the rocky coastline.

Today, we journey over to the neighbouring island of Lipsi - a small island offering serene beaches and stunning blue waters. Our first swim takes us along the southern coast of the island before we stop to enjoy a leisurely lunch on the island. After lunch we continue our swim along the beautiful, secluded coastline of Lipsi before we head back to Patmos.

For our morning swim we head north from Skala to explore the uninhabited northeastern end of Patmos with a coastal swim. We will then head back to Skala where you are free to enjoy the rest of your day – relax and enjoy the view from your hotel, or visit the famous Monastery of St John, and Cave of the Apocalypse.

Today, we head across to the small uninhabited island of Agreloussa, where we will swim along the coast before completing a short crossing to the neighbouring island. We will then head over to Arki for lunch where you will have time to relax before we continue our swim, finishing in the clear waters of the southern coast of Arki.

After breakfast we head south for our final day of swimming. In the morning, we complete a circumnavigation of Tragonisi island, exploring the hidden coves and secluded beaches. We will stop to enjoy a relaxing lunch, and then we complete our final swim along the southeast coast of Patmos before we head back to our accommodation for our final group dinner.

This morning, we have time for a farewell sunrise dip and breakfast before the trip finishes at 09:30.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two support craft to be piloted by local boat pilots and your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

There are no additional, specific items required for this location.

The easiest way to get to Patmos is to fly into Kos, take a transfer to the Kos town ferry port and catch a public ferry to Patmos.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Kos airport to Port

There is a public bus that runs from the airport to the main town of Kos, which is just a short walk to the ferry port. Please visit the flight website for updated schedules and prices. Alternatively, you can organise a private transfer which should take around 30 minutes, please ensure you agree a price with the operator before the journey.

There are usually a couple of ferries a day, schedules will be available nearer the season and should be checked in advance. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, more information can be found using either website: Ferry Hopper or 12ne.

From Patmos port to Accommodation

The accommodation is just a short distance from the port, up the hill. This is about a 15-minute walk, or 5 minute drive, and you can take a taxi from the taxi rank by the port.

Through Athens

If you are flying into Athens, the quickest route is to take an internal flight to Kos, and then follow the route as outlined above. Internal flights usually run multiple times a day, and you can view times and prices here: Aegean Air.

Alternatively, you can take a longer ferry from Athens to Patmos. This journey usually takes around 8 hours and costs between 30 and 70 euros per person. Schedules and prices will be updated nearer the season, for up-to-date information, please visit Ferry Hopper or the ferry operators directly:

• Hellenic Seaways

• 12ne

• Blue Star Ferries

For this location, your accommodation will be Patmos Eye Boutique Hotel, a charming property that blends traditional architecture with modern comfort. Perched on the hill just outside the main town, it is a serene escape with breathtaking views – the perfect place to relax after each swimming adventure.

For more information about our hotel in Patmos, please visit our Accommodation: Patmos Eye Boutique Hotel page on our website.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you want to book additional nights either side of your trip, please contact the hotel directly at reservations@patmoseye.com.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts are included in your trip price, however lunches and dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€).

Please note, the Greek Ministry of Tourism has introduced an Overnight Stay Tax. This is payable upon arrival at the accommodation.

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Greece require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Greece.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout both hotels where we stay in Greece.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.