Patras

Patras
ΠΑΤΡΑ

The port of Patras, with a Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines cruise ship docked.

Named after King Patreas who ruled the region of Achaïa in around 1100BC, the city of Patras dates back over 3000 years. The city was once a major part of both of the Mycenaean and Roman civilizations, however there is little left here to remind you of Patras’ ancient past.

What was formerly a thriving trade center is now a bustling university city, a place where modern architecture stands alongside a few surviving ancient treasures, and trendy bars, shops and restaurants line the busy pedestrian streets and thoroughfares. The third largest city of Greece, just a 2-1/2 hour drive from Athens through a modern, well-designed and maintained national highway, and the third largest port of Greece as well, on her Western side.

It is recommended to start your exploration of Patras at the famous street of Agiou Nikolaou, which leads you into the Old City quarter. Here you can marvel at the ancient Medieval Castle, which was built in the late 6th century on the site of the old acropolis and offers fantastic views of the city, as well as the gorgeous surrounding scenery. The cobbled streets of the Old City offer a little glimpse into Patras’ past too, with their grand neoclassical mansions.
Elsewhere it is worth heading west of the acropolis to Ano Poli – the ‘upper city’ – to visit the Roman Odeum, which in fact pre-dates the famous Athens Odeon. In Ano Poli you will also find fascinating archaeological sites and the Patras Lighthouse. In the center of the city, two fine historical monuments are sure to capture your attention: St. Andrew Church, one of the biggest Balkan churches, and the Municipal Theater, one of the first Opera houses in Europe.

Spend your morning walking around the city squares: Georgiou, Olgas or “Ypsilá Alónia”, and admire the city’s many beautifully restored neoclassical buildings. Discover Patras shopping area, and shop your heart out! When you feel tired, enjoy a fine meal at one of the numerous eateries, or relax at a lounge café. Then, when night sets in, observe how the streets of the city are transformed into many venues of fun and Patras nightlife awakens.

View of the city of Patras.

Patras is split, so to speak, into upper and lower towns. The Old City can be reached 192 steps above the pedestrian street of Agiou Nikolaou, where the visitor can find the 6th-century Medieval castle built atop the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. There are great views of the city and port from there. In the upper city you'll find the Patras Roman Odeum, and an archaeological park where you'll see all sorts of ancient ruins. Head for the Lighthouse to get a panoramic view of the port. Patras is a university city, a factor which strengthens its cultural life, including, theater, the performing arts and modern urban literature, as well as Greece's gateway to the west. Last but not least, Patras is famous for its Carnival, celebrated with weeks of elegant balls in which the women are elegantly and provocatively dressed and masked, while the men arrive in street clothes to be tempted, concluding by a magnificent and frantic parade.

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For a cup of a delicious chocolate drink (mine was corrected with espresso coffee), ice-cream, homemade pastries and sweets, or coffee, all in a very warm atmosphere of mostly young people, we recommend Si doux, on 15 Patreos Street, close to the junction with Fereou pedestrian Street. For a first-class value Italian menu, try Eataly, at 89 Fereou Street. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Alabra, at Ypsilá Alónia, with a great view. At Poikili Stoa, 129 Fereou Street, Sophia enjoyed a tasty cup of wild herb tea. For fresh seafood by the seaside, try the restaurant of the Sailing Club of Patras, at Marina Terpsitheas.

The view across from the Sailing Club of Patras.

Highlights

The new Archaeological Museum of Patras.

The new Archaeological Museum of Patras, hosts an extensive coverage of Greek history from prehistory to the near present. By the entrance to the museum one can see a spherical dome covered in titanium standing in water, symbolizing the city and its strong relation with the sea. 1300 exhibits introduce the visitor to ancient life including entire sections of Roman houses and floor mosaics.
The Folk Art Museum.
The Museum of History and Ethnology.
APOLLON Municipal Theater, in the city center, an opera houses designed by the German architect Ernest Ziller, housing the Patras Municipal Regional Theater.
The Medieval Castle, built in the second half of the 6th century A.D. on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. Its walls enclose an area of about 22 sq.m.; it consists of a triangular external compound enhanced with towers and ramparts. Walk past the remaining buildings, and take in breathtaking views of the city.
Patras Roman Odeum, built earlier than the Athens Odeum (Herodion 160 AD). The geographer Pausanias, who visited Patras in 170 AD, wrote: “It has the most beautiful decoration I have ever seen, excluding of course that of Athens". The surrounding space is turned into an archaeological area where mosaics, sarcophagi and other ancient findings are displayed.
Visit Spinney, the pine-tree-covered hill, the so-called “Veránda” of Patras, which will certainly uplift your senses. Its specially formed paths and the shade offered by the tall trees make it an ideal place for you to enjoy leisurely walks, or even go jogging. There you can also find a Municipal Tourist Kiosk from where you can admire a breathtaking view of the city, the port and the Gulf of Patras.
The Wall of Dymaeans, a unique fortified Mycenaean acropolis just 35 km southwest of Patras. Wander through the ancient fort, built according to myth by Heracles, and admire its imposing towers and monumental gates.
Several spots around Patras are dedicated in honor of the renowned Greek poet Kostis Palamas, born here. The house where Palamas was born, now restored, it houses the Kostis Palamas Institution. The most famous statue of him stands at Ypsilá Alónia Square.
Visit Achaia Claus historic winery, located on a green hill 8 km south-east to the center of the city. You will be amazed by the stone buildings, the huge oak barrels, with century-old mavrodafni wine, the traditional wine cellar and a unique scenery with the great view.

Luxury Wine Tour in Patras & Aigialeia
$289.43

Visit two wineries in Patras & Aigeialeia and taste 5 premium wines in each winery with the assistance of a certificate guide. Taste Greek gastronomy by having a five-course full meal in the winery or the vineyard or a restaurant. Visit a wine museum in Patras. We organize visits in the cultural sites that visitor wishes to visit by the end of the day. Transportation by a luxury mini van.

The impressive church of St. Andrew (Agios Andreas), Patras, said to be the largest Orthodox church of the Balkans.

Lodging

Hotel Byzantino, centrally located on Riga Feraiou pedestrian street, near the City Hall and the shopping district, the recently renovated historic hotel offers stylish accommodation, well-appointed rooms with modern comforts and tastefully decorated with great ambiance, unique charm and elegance. It is fairly priced, and offers a superb buffet breakfast.
Konstantinos Palaiologos Hotel, centrally located, with great ambiance, very fairly priced, offers a luxurious environment and spacious accommodation. Guests can enjoy traditional Byzantine décor and features, along with modern comforts. It also has a restricted number of rooms, providing guests with a more personalized service. Plenty of restaurants and entertainment within walking distance.
The eco-friendly Maison Grecque Hotel Extraordinaire is located in a historical building of the city center of Patras. Elegantly decorated with handmade furnishings, classical and contemporary paintings, unique tapestries and other pieces of art, all rooms and suites have special anatomic beds. Each unit is equipped with LDC TV, mini bar, A/C and free Wi-Fi access, while the private bathroom comes with bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Olympic Star Hotel, located at the center of the city and just a breath away from Agiou Nikolaou shopping district. We recommend it for best value, since all rooms are clean, comfortable, fully equipped, modern and include hydro massage and free internet access.
Patras Smart Hotel, by the new Patras port, is decorated with contemporary art, and the spacious rooms feature A/C, flat-screen TVs, touch-screen computers, magnetic security locks, a luxurious bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a tea/coffee maker and free Wi-Fi. The lounge also serves as a Greek breakfast area. The hotel’s bar serves coffee or drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. Free parking.

PatrasΠΑΤΡΑ

Lodging

Patras
ΠΑΤΡΑ