Welcome to Patras
Patras, the city of Patreas, Saint Andrew, and the Carnival.
The third-largest city in Greece by population, Patras is home to one of the country’s biggest ports—hence its title as the “Gateway to the West.” Visitors can’t help but be captivated by the region, as it uniquely combines mountains and sea, while thanks to the modern motorways, Patras is only a two-hour drive from both Athens and Ioannina.
But what can one see in our city?
To begin with, one of the largest cathedrals in the Balkans. Inside the holy church of the city’s patron, Saint Andrew, are kept the Saint’s Skull and relics, as well as the Cross of his martyrdom.
A unique sight is the Rio–Antirrio Bridge “Charilaos Trikoupis,” which opened in 2004, connecting Rio with Antirrio and the northern Peloponnese with western Central Greece.
Patras is famous for hosting one of the largest carnivals in the world, featuring a multitude of events in the pre-pandemic era and known for its spectacular dances, grand parades, and impressive floats.
In the city’s highlands lies the renowned historic winery “Achaia Clauss,” famous for its signature Mavrodaphne wine. In the Upper Town, one finds the Roman Odeon, which hosts events and festivals.
Patras also boasts a Byzantine-era Castle, later used during the Ottoman period, from the top of which one can see the Ionian Islands. A smaller old fortress can also be found in the area of Rio.
The region is also rich in sports facilities, large and small, with the most notable being the Pampeloponnisiako Stadium, “Promitheas Park,” the swimming venues “A. Pepanos” and “Ep. Petralias,” the “Tofalos” indoor arena, “Apollon Hall,” and many more.
As for accommodation, Patras offers a number of modern hotels and a beautiful coastal zone filled with cafés and restaurants, while the pedestrianized historic center provides visitors with a truly unique experience.
Finally, it would be an omission not to mention the city’s immense political legacy, having produced Presidents of the Republic (Kostis Stephanopoulos) and prime ministers (the Papandreou family, Dimitrios Gounaris, Panagiotis Kanellopoulos).