General Information & Reviews

Table of contents:
• General info • Useful links • Gallery (8) • Reviews (2)

Patra (or Patras) is the third largest town in Greece (after Athens and Thessaloniki) and one of the biggest ports of the country. Due to its geographical location, the port of Patra connects Greece with the Ionian islands and towns of Italy (Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, Venice an, Trieste).

In fact, the town of Patra Greece owes its cultural and economic development to this port. Being the capital of Achaia Prefecture, Patras is usually visited as a transportation hub or for its Carnival, the most famous Carnival in Greece that takes place in February or May. Carnival celebrations last for about six weeks and include performances, concerts and a big parade on last Sunday of the Carnival. This parade starts at Olga Square at noon and ends late in the evening. All people are dressed in costumes and a festive atmosphere dominates all over the city.

The town took its name from Patrea, who settled there along with other Achaeans in the ancient times. The town didn't actually have an important role in Greek history until 146 BC when it was conquered by the Romans. That time, it flourished as a trade center and many public works were constructed, such as the Roman Odeon and the Roman Theatre that still survive in Patra.

Also in 66 AD, Apostle Andrew was crucified by the Romans in Patra, at a site close to the port, to deny his religious faith. At that site, the church of Saint Andrew stands today.

The development of Patra continued in the Byzantine Times, During the Turkish rule, from the 15th until the 19th century, its Castle was fortified. After the liberation of Patras in the late 1820s, the town was rebuilt according to an architectural plan of Stamatis Voulgaris. Parallel streets were constructed, ample squares and beautiful gardens were designed and the town was divided into two parts, the Upper (Ano Poli) and the Lower (Kato Poli) Town.

Ano Poli keeps its traditional style, with Neoclassical and Venetian residences, stairs and paved paths. Kato Poli is more modern and busy. The Square of King George is the center of Patra and most of the shopping area is concentrated there. Another popular square is Psilalonia with a more relaxing atmosphere and a nice view of the whole city. On the highest point of Patras, there is a large Medieval Castle. Cultural events take place there in summer.

Another characteristic of Patras is the vivid nightlife and its large student community. Patra hosts the third largest university in Greece and a technological institution, which bring a lot of youth in the town. Beautiful beaches and traditional mountainous villages surround the town. Patra is also close to the archaeological site of Olympia and Kalavryta, a popular winter destination, so it constitutes a great base for excursions.

PHOTO GALLERY

Reviews

oliseb 26 Mar 2010

Busy town with nice spots

Patras was our passage town from Italy to Greece. We arrived by ferry from Trieste (long trip, 35 hours!!) because we thought like driving around Peloponnese for holidays. We stayed for two days in Patras before we start our tour (Olympia, Pylos, Monemvasia, Nafplion and then Patra again to take the ferry back). We actually saw a modern town with some beautiful spots. The Castle was definitely one of these spots: huge castle, very few visitors, with the most impressive view of the town on one side and a green hill on the other. The beach promenade was also very nice with all those cafes by the sea. The centre was nothing special, just a typical busy Greek town, with interesting shopping stores though! I bought some real nice swimming tanks from Patras for a burgain! For hotel, look at Rio. This is the closest beach resort, only 10 minutes drive from the city centre.
agnest 23 Nov 2009

Carnival and party

For me, Patra has nothing to envy from other cities, it really provides everything. The streets are full with young people and students, mostly because of the University of Patra. In fact, I have a friend who studies there.

Many coffee shops, restaurants and bars and a very active nightlife, make Patra a everyday party. Many of the above cafes and restaurants lay to the main city square and along the port.

I've visited Patra twice. First time, it was during summer, second, during the famous Patra Carnival. That Carnival is the most famous in Greece, with lots of people visiting the city from all over the country.

You can never imagine what's happening in Patra during the Carnival, if you don't live this experience! The carnival activities and events take place every year, around 2 months before Easter and for some weeks there are everyday activities for children and adults. But what's happening at the last weekend of the carnival is really unbelievable! These people are crazy, I tell you! A huge parade with floats and statues and thousants of people dress up and lots of drinking and party! The last Sunday of the carnival is the most famous and most crowdy. I would advice you, not to miss it!

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT PATRA

Best Hotels

What to Do

How to get there

Photos