A long sandy bay on the eastern side of Patmos, Grikou is the most accessible beach from Hora and Skala and has more facilities than the remote southern beaches. The bay curves gently, with a narrow strip of sand, calm water, and a few tavernas and sunbed operators. It's not the most dramatic beach on the island but is the most practical for a swim without planning an expedition.
At the southern end of the bay, the chapel of Petra sits on a rock promontory connected to the shore by a causeway — worth the short walk for the view back along the bay. The water is clear and the setting is tranquil outside the core of summer.