Patras

Patras (Modern Greek: Πάτρα, Greek pronunciation: [ˈpatra], Classical Greek and Katharevousa: Πάτραι (pl.)) is the third largest city of Greece, after Athens and Thessaloniki. It is the capital of the Prefecture of Achaea on the Peloponnese and the western gateway into the country, thanks to numerous ferry connections with Italy.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Patras Araxos Airport (GPA  ^IATA) (on the military base of Araxos, 40 km to the south). Receives only seasonal charter flights from various locations in Europe.  

For regular flights, Patras is served by Athens International Airport (ATH ^IATA), 250 km to the east.

By boat

Patras is linked by ferry to the Italian ports of (south to north) Brindisi, Bari, Ancona and Venice, with numerous sailings daily year-round. Service to Trieste has been discontinued.

For the ferry frοm Ancona to Patras you will, e.g., pay for a single person about €40 winter/€100 summer. Local ferry services offer daily sailings from Patras to the Ionian Islands. Corfu is served by the international ferries on their way to and from Italy.

By car

Patras, located in the northeastern corner of the Peloponnese is connected to Athens by road via Corinth on the 8a National Road (corresponding to the E65 and E94 European Routes. To the south, Patras is connected by road to Amalias, Pyrgos and Olympia and further to Kalamata. The construction of a new bridge linking Rion (on the Peloponnese) to Antirrion (on the Central Greek mainland) has been in operation since 2004 and carries the E55 European route, linking Patras with points in Central Greece and Epirus (and onward to Albania) including the port of Igoumenitsa.

By train

A new railway Athens Airport - Patras line is under construction and operational until Aigio. From Athens you can take the suburban railway to Kiato and change there for the rail replacement bus to Patras. The trip is comfortable and fast, with the advantage that you don't need to go to the Intercity Bus Station in Athens which is located far from the city center and is not connected with the metro network.

By bus

Near to the port and main train station at the corner of Zaimi Str. and Othonos Amalias Str. lies the 2 intercity bus station known as KTEL. KTEL buses connect Athens and other towns in Achaea with Patras.

Get around

The moovit app has accurate information and itineraries regarding urban (and some suburban) transport in Patras.

By bus

There is a city bus service in Patras consisting of 10 different lines connecting most of the city and also offering connections to places outside of Patras such as the Rio Hospital, the University of Patras, the Rio Docks (useful as many intercity buses from Athens stop there) and several villages. Tickets are available at many shops and kiosks throughout the city. There are also ticket offices of the bus company in the city center and at various other points such as the hospital and the university. Tickets for trips inside the city (Zone A) cost 1.20€, with trips outside the city costing 1.60€. Tickets purchased inside the bus cost 2.00€ and payment can be made by both cash and card. Most lines offer good service and you will most times find a seat. Lines 2 and 6 serving the two universities can get very crowded at times where classes are taking place. Generally prefer the Ktel or train wherever services are available and not the city bus because they are slow and expensive.

Line map of the suburban railway

By rail

There is a suburban railway service connecting various places in the wider Patras region, with the 32.9km long line stretching from Agios Vasileios to Kato Achaia. It operates on the metric-gauge tracks of the now closed (since 2011) Peloponnese Railway which had been operating since the late 1800s. There is a train every one hour, with timetables available on the Hellenic Train website. The Agios Vasileios and Aktaion stations are served by bus, changing at Kastellokampos and the route Kaminia-Kato Achaia is served by bus, changing at Kaminia. There is also a bus shuttle that connects the railway to the University of Patras and the Rio Hospital at Kastellokampos station. There is almost no wait for these shuttle buses as itineraries are made so that the arrival of the train and bus coincide. Trains have air conditioning and offer a much more comfortable and faster trip than buses. Ticket prices range from 1.40-3.00€ depending on the number of zones you cross. Tickets can be purchased at the Kato Achaia, Agios Andreas, Patra and Rio stations as well as some other shops near the train stops.

By taxi

Taxis can be found in many cabstands around the city. The taxis are of maroon colour and the costs of moving start from €3.70 for urban routes and reaches €8 - 15 around for Rio, Ag. Vasilios, Vrachneika etc. If you call radiotaxi there is a €2 surcharge. For Taxi Express Patras 2610 450000 .

See

The restored Roman Odeon of Patras

Cathedral Agios Andreas (Saint Andrew)

Notable sights include:

• 1 Rio-Antirio bridge. The impressive 'Rio-Antirio bridge', officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge after the statesman who first envisioned it, is the World's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rion on the Peloponnese to Antirion on mainland Greece. You can walk across it for free. On the Patras side, there are the most popular strip of clubs and cafes along the water to visit. On the Antirio side, right next to the bridge are historical ruins that you can tour. (updated Mar 2016)
• 2 Archaeological Museum, National Road Patras Athens & America, ☏ +30 2610 220 829. The museum, which opened in 2009, has startling architecture, including an entrance made of silver-hued titanium that is shaped like a flying saucer on steroids (or an enormous antacid tablet). In yet another attempt to lure the unwilling into museums, this one has what is described as an "aerial corridor," which will whisk visitors above the exhibits, as they give passing glances at whatever catches their fancy. If you go through the museum room by room, you'll see themed exhibits on private and public life from antiquity through the Byzantine epoch. Entire period houses have been reconstructed and a necropolis is on view. (updated Mar 2016)
• 3 Roman Odeon. The Roman Odeon is on the west side of Patras. It was built before the Odeon of Athens and there was a statue of Apollo inside it. The Odeon of Patras was severely destroyed by successive invasions, wars and earthquakes. It was almost buried under the remains of other buildings and ground. It was in 1889, when the Odeon was found by accident while some workers were digging up the ground for the construction of the port. The restoration of the Odeon continued until 1956, when it regained its original shape. Along with the restoration process of the Odeon, the nearby areas were declared as archaeological sites. The Roman Odeon today functions as the chief venue for the Patras International Festival, held every summer. The Odeon has a capacity to hold 2,300 people, with all basic facilities of a theatre such as hollow, orchestra, proscenium, scene and wings. (updated Mar 2016)
• 4 Achaia Clauss wine factory, Petrotou, ☏ +30 261 052 7089. On a green-clad hill, eight km southeast of Patras' centre, are located the facilities of Achaia Clauss winery, distinguished as one of the topmost tourist sites of the region. Its founder, Bavarian Gustav Clauss, arrived in Patras in 1854 to work in a German company dealing with exportation of raisin. During an excursion, he visited this region that charmed him with its natural beauty. He bought a small vineyard just to produce some wine for self-consumption and he ended up to the establishment of this Castle-Winery that survives intact till now. In 1861 he founded Achaia Clauss Co and the excellent quality wines, including Mavrodaphne of Patras, conquered both Greek and international market. The stone-made buildings, the large oak carved barrels with one century-old Mavrodaphne, the traditional cellar where visitors are welcomed as well as the unique landscape with the breathtaking view attract approximately 200,000 visitors per year. (updated Mar 2016)

• 5 St. Andrew's Church. Inside this church, which was built in the 20th century, are preserved the remains of St. Andrew the Apostle. They are in a small chapel to the back right of the church as you face the front. The remains of his X-shaped cross are kept behind it. Although the present (substantial, but undistinguished) church was built after World War II, the mosaics give a vivid picture of old Patras. It's important to dress appropriately to visit the cathedral, a major pilgrimage shrine thanks to the presence of St. Andrew's skull in an ornate gold reliquary to the right of the altar. Visitors will find several pleasant cafes in the shaded park across from the cathedral. (updated Mar 2016)
• 6 Patras Castle (Greek: Kastro). which offers a good view of the city. The castle of Patras was built in the second half of the 6th century AD on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. In AD 805 the inhabitants of the city were besieged in the castle by the Slavs and Saracens and their victory, considered a miracle of the city's patron Saint Andrew, was important for repelling the barbarian invasions in Peloponnese. In the following centuries the castle, which remained continuously in use until the Second World War for the defense of the city, as well as an administrative and military centre, was captured by the Franks, Venetians, Palaiologoi and Turks. The castle consists of a triangular outer enclosure reinforced with towers and bastions, which was originally protected by a deep moat and an inner enclosure rising on the NE angle and protected by a moat as well. The building phases distinguishable today on the castle provide evidence for the works carried out by each of its conquerors as repairs and provisions according to the development of military science. The original construction is visible today mainly along the north wall, but remains of it exist on all three sides of the curtain indicating that the original medieval fortification had more or less the same perimeter. To reach the castle one can either travel up the vast staircase or take the short drive to the top. Once reaching the historic site, visitors have the ability to sit and enjoy the view over refreshments. (updated Mar 2016)
• 7 The Lighthouse (Greek: Faro). "The Faro" is the symbol of the city. The lighthouse has a cafe underneath it with a large television where they broadcast mostly soccer games for people to come and watch while enjoying a beverage of their choice. There is a playground right outside of the cafe for children to play in. The cafe is next to the water, so one can sit next to the windows and enjoy the waves crashing against the wall. (updated Mar 2016)
• 8 Turkish Baths (Hamam), 29, Mpoukaouri Str., ☏ +30 2610 274 267, +30 697 979 6915 (Mobile). The Turkish hot baths are still in use. (updated Mar 2016)
• 9 King George I Square (Greek: Plateia Georgiou). Sit at a cafe and take in the façades of the handsome neoclassical theater and banks on the square. Patras was burned by the Turks during the War of Independence and has been hit repeatedly by earthquakes. These buildings are among the few that remain from the 19th century, when the city was famous for its arcaded streets and neoclassical architecture. Patras boasts other attractive squares: Plateia Olga and Plateia 25 Martiou have cafes, restaurants, and shops (updated Mar 2016)
• 10 The Municipal Gallery, 110 Maizonos Str.,, ☏ +30 2610 966235. Founded in 1988 housed on the ground floor of the Municipal Library, beside the Old Town Hall, a location with many historical memories. The Municipal Gallery of Patras boasts of one of the richest painting collections dedicated to Greek painters, outside Athens. Of special interest and precious value, are the works of the 19th century, by Greek painters like: Nikos Kounelakis, Andreas Kriezis, Ioannis Doukas and Georgios Samartzis, as well as the portraits of Greek prime ministers, originated from Patras, as: Demetrios Maximos, Demetrios Gounaris and Andreas Michalakopoulos. (updated Mar 2016)
• 11 Apollon Theatre, Georgiou I Square. Designed by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller, the Apollon Theater was completed in 1872. It is a micrography of the La Scala in Milan (updated Mar 2016)

Do

The wide array of special events, exhibits, festivals, and various ongoing presentations, continue to delight large numbers of travelers annually, all of which have been designed to show the city of Patras at its best. For those who have never experienced the city, it is one of the best examples of a true Greek city. In addition to its tourist industry, Patras relies heavily on agriculture, its prolific wine country, and its busy shipping industry. However, it is also renowned for its colorful Carnival Season and how it has preserved the performances of ancient Greek theatre, held every year in February–March. Being the city's flagship during the last 170 years, it is without any doubt the greatest local celebration and has long been widely acknowledged in Greece and abroad.

Rooting in ancient Greece, Patras' carnival (as every other Greek carnival) is connected to the worship of Dionysus, god of wine and celebration. The carnival events, starting on 17 January every year and lasting until Ash Monday, are either programmed by the Municipal Committee of Carnival Events, or planned by the citizens and supported by the spontaneity, the inspiration and the creative ability of the inhabitants of Patras themselves. Patras' carnival draws its invigorating energy from the great numbers of participants (more than 30,000), which makes it the most famous in Greece.

Additionally, Patras hosts the Panachaiki soccer team which hosts games at the Pampeloponnisiako Stadium, so natives as well as visitors can stop by and catch a game. If you're interested in going for a stroll along the water, one can venture over to the Molos port walk where there are benches to sit and enjoy the scenery and a cafe at the end of the port where you can sit and wait for your boat enjoying the water.

Buy

The city of Patras has a lot of vintage shops, most in the town hall. They are a litle bit more on the "expensive but good quality" side. You can find all the brands; Patras' biggest mall is Notos Galleries.

Eat

• Tula Pot (Κατσαρόλα της Τούλας), Riga Fereou 49, ☏ +30 26 1027 1555. A good place to fill up on local homemade cuisine, with big portions. (updated Aug 2021)

Drink

Patras is well known for the wines produced by the Achaia Clauss wine factory and especially for a variety called Mavrodafni. Visitors should also taste the local liqueur called Tentoura which is usually served as a digestive.

Some of the best places to get a drink, especially in the warm summer months are on the beach road in Rio. This strip of land is lined with bars and cafeterias catering to mostly Greeks. The clubs can get pretty packed, and usually European style music is played rather than Greek. Enjoy the views of the ocean and the Rio-Antirrio Bridge which is magnificently lit up on the weekends.

The city can provide a big variety of coffee shops, especially in Agiou Nikolaou Str. (Saint Nikolaos Str.), Radinou Str., Marine (area called "Pelekaneika" in Iroon Politechniou Str.), Plateia Vasileiou Georgiou (King Georgios Square), Gerokostopoulou Str., Ipsila Alonia Square (Plateia Ypsilon Alonion), "Veso Mare" in Akti Dimeon Blvd, Koukouli area near Technological Institute of Patras etc.

Nightlife

• 1 Disco Room, Agiou Andreou 88 & Patreos, ☏ +30 694 442 1616 (Mobile). (updated Mar 2016)
• Distinto at Rio.
• Radinou Street is a tiny alley that houses some small café and pubs, it's empty during the day but gets packed during the night. There's no much difference between the one pub from the other, the loud beat will hit you anyway as they come from every small spot, just stand between two pub and you will here in stereo a mix of two different tracks

Sleep

Budget

• 1 NTO Campsite. Owned by the National Tourist Organization of Greece. Very Good location (updated Mar 2016)
• 2 Mediterranee Hotel, 18, Agiou Nikolaou Str, ☏ +30 2610 279 602, +30 2610 279 646, fax: +30 2610 223 327, info@mediterranee.gr. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 3 Acropole Hotel, 32, Agiou Andreou Str, ☏ +30 2610 279 809, fax: +30 2610 221 533, info@acropole.gr. 2-star hotel. 24 double, 3 single. Air-condition, Minibar, Bath or shower (updated Mar 2016)
• 4 Atlanta Hotel, 10, Zaimi Str, ☏ +30 2610 278 627, +30 2610 220 019, fax: +30 2610 220 019. 2-star hotel. (updated Mar 2016)
• 5 Marie Palace Hotel, 6, Gounari Str, ☏ +30 2610 331 302, +30 2610 331 324, fax: +30 2610 331 346. 2-star hotel. 26 rooms. Air-condition, Bath or shower. (updated Mar 2016)
• 6 El Greco Hotel, 145, Agiou Andrea Str., ☏ +30 2610 272 931, fax: +30 2610 272 933, +30 2610 272931. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 7 Delfini Hotel, 102, "Iroon Polytechniou" Str, ☏ +30 2610 421 001, fax: +30 2610 421 006. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 8 Adonis Hotel, 9, Kapsali & Zaimi Streets, ☏ +30 2610 224 235, fax: +30 2610 226 971. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 9 Olympic Star Hotel, 46, Agiou Nikolaou Str, ☏ +30 2610 622 939, +30 2610 224 103, fax: +30 2610 243 754, info@olympicstar.gr. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)

Mid-range

• 10 Airotel Patras Smart Hotel, 9, Akti Dimaion & Georgiou Olympiou, Evmilou Streets, ☏ +30 2611 100 900, fax: +30 2611 100 990, patras_smart@airotel.gr. 3-star hotel. Not good location. 44 double, 6 triple, 1 quadruple. Bath or shower, Air-condition, Wi-Fi Wireless Internet, Safe box, Cable-/Satellite TV, Coffee-/Tea Machine, Iron-/Ironing Board (updated Mar 2016)
• 11 City Loft, 6, Valtetsiou Str, ☏ +30 2610 223 552, +30 6945 496 970 (Mobile), fax: +30 2610 223 556, info@cityloft.gr. 3-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 12 Tzaki Hotel, Proastiou Beach, Bozaitika, ☏ +30 2610 453 960, fax: +30 2610 426750. 3-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 13 Galaxy City Center, 9, Agiou Nikolaou Str, ☏ +30 2610 275 981, fax: +30 2610 278 815, info@galaxyhotel.com.gr. 3-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• Long Beach Resort, Loggos, 25100 Egio (33 km east of Patras), ☏ +30 26910 72196-8, fax: +30 26910 72373, lbhotel@longbeach.gr. Prices from €90. (updated Oct 2021)

Splurge

• 14 Astir Hotel, Agiou Andreou 16, ☏ +30 2610 279 812, +30 2610 277 546, +30 2610 277 502, +30 2610 276 311, fax: +30 2610 271644. 4-star hotel 
• 15 Byzantino Hotel, 106, Riga Fereou & 20, Gerokostopoulou Str, ☏ +30 2610 243000, fax: +30 2610 622150, info@byzantino-hotel.gr. 4-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 16 Maison Grecque, 116, "25th Martiou" Str, ☏ +30 2610 241 212. A 4-star hotel housed in a historical Greek style building, dating back to 1890. (updated Mar 2016)
• 17 Patras Palace Hotel, 15, Othonos Amalias Str, ☏ +30 2610 623131, fax: +30 2610 623972, info@patraspalace.gr. 4-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
• 18 Porto Rio Hotel Casino, Syrogianni Str, (Near the Rio-Antirio Bridge), ☏ +30 261 099 2102. 4-star hotel by the beach, with casino and restaurant (updated Mar 2016)