Patras was one of the most overlooked cities in Europe for tourists. Ferries across the Adriatic stopped at Patras, but tourists eager to get to Athens generally hopped on the waiting bus.
and they skipped the port city entirely.
Should you, the canny tourist trying to immerse himself in Greek culture, do that? Well, maybe the fact that Patras was designated the Greek Capital of Culture for 2006 will convince you to stay a few days and visit the city.
Patras is a university city (hence the connection to its cultural strengths: performing arts and modern urban literature), as well as Greece’s gateway to the west. It is famous for its carnival celebrated with weeks of elegant dances in which the women dress and mask in an elegant and dangerous way, while the men arrive in street clothes to be tempted.
What to see in Patras
The new Archaeological Museum of Patras rivals the National Archaeological Museum of Athens for its coverage of Greek history from prehistoric times to the near present. The entrance to this incredible museum is shown above, where you can see the spherical titanium-covered dome standing in the water, symbolizing the city and its strong relationship with the sea. 1,300 exhibits teach you about ancient life; Entire sections of Roman houses and mosaics have been transported from floor to museum floor so you don’t have to be outside in the sun, dust and heat to view them properly.
Other popular museums in Patras include the Museum of Folk Art, the Museum of History and Ethnology and the Zoological Museum of the University of Patras.
Patras is divided into upper and lower cities. The Old City is located 192 steps above the Aghiou Nikolaou pedestrian street, where you will find the 6th century medieval castle built on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. There are great views of the city and harbor from there.
In the upper city you will find the Patras Roman Odeum, now converted into an archaeological park where you will see all kinds of ancient things. Head to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the harbor,
Spinney is the pine covered hill called Veranda of Patras. There are many trails to walk, shaded by pine trees.
In the center of the city, you will find one of the largest churches in the Balkans, the Church of Saint Andrew.
There is even a winery near the city. Get your grape juices at Archaia Clauss , a winery founded by a Bavarian named Gustav Clauss in 1854, the first winery in Hellas. He built a village so that workers could live and work around the winery. You won’t be the only one to visit, the winery hosts around 200,000 thirsty visitors annually. If you’ve ever wanted to taste a great wine that has been aged in French oak for 30 years, try the famous Achaia Clauss Mavrodaphne Gran Reserva from 1979 . It is not as outrageously expensive as you might think.
There are also many clean beaches, mainly east of the center of Patras.
Accommodation in Patras
The highly rated and affordable three-star Airotel Patras Smart hotel is close to Saint Andrews Church, Psila Alonia Square and Patras Town Hall.
The City Loft Boutique Hotel is a bit more expensive and tourists found very comfortable beds and friendly service within the new hotel facilities.
Ferries a Patras
Ferries travel between Patras and Ancona, Venice, Bari and Brindisi daily during the season. You can also reach the Ionian islands of Corfu, Kefalonia and Igoumenitsa. You can get tickets from various sources like FantasticGreece.com.
To continue to Athens, there are daily bus transfers that meet the ferries. Smoking is not allowed on buses.
There is also a bus to train route between Patras and Athens. It takes about three hours and 15 minutes to get to Athens.
Tours from Patras
Viator offers full-day excursions to Olympia and Delphi from Patras.
