My Account

    Patra

    Discover the vibrant energy, cultural heritage, and seaside charm of Patras

    Patras, Greece’s third-largest city, is a dynamic urban destination full of contrasts and rich experiences. Famous for its Carnival—the largest in Greece—and its historic ties to Rome, it is a captivating hub of culture, university life, and commerce. The Achaean capital offers neoclassical buildings, lively squares, the magnificent Church of Saint Andrew, and the imposing castle overlooking the Gulf of Patras. Its coastal zone is ideal for strolls, coffee, and sampling the flavors of Western Greece. Whether as a gateway to the Ionian Islands and Italy or as a stand-alone destination, Patras brims with energy, flavor, and character.

    Highlights

    Medieval Castle

    Built in the 6th century AD on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis, the Castle of Patras stands about 800 meters from the coast and served in the city’s defense until World War II.

    Roman Odeon

    Located in the Upper Town, the Roman Odeon of Patras predates the Herodes Atticus Odeon in Athens. Restored in 1956, it now hosts top Greek and international performances every summer.

    Saint Andrew’s Church

    There are two churches dedicated to the city’s patron saint: the old church, built on the site of Apostle Andrew’s martyrdom and housing his holy relic, and the newer church—one of the largest and most ornate in the Balkans.

    Achaia Clauss Winery

    Founded by Bavarian Gustav Clauss in 1861, it is world-famous for producing Mavrodafni wine. Its stone buildings, massive carved oak barrels, and unique location attract thousands of visitors every year.

    Kotichi–Strofylia Wetlands

    A landscape of unique natural beauty, with lagoons on one side, a vast pine forest in the center, and the sand dunes of Kalogria beach on the other. It hosts Greece’s largest stone pine forest and one of the largest in Europe.

    Search destination

    IDEAL DESTINATION

    Where History meets Youthful Energy

    Patras is a city with a maritime character, a vibrant cultural life, and rich historical heritage. Its strategic port makes it a gateway to Western Greece and Europe. The city blends Roman remains, neoclassical architecture, and youthful energy thanks to its university. It is perfect for those seeking authenticity, a festive spirit, and gastronomic experiences. Renowned for its liveliness, world-famous Carnival, and deep cultural identity, it also serves as an ideal base for exploring Western Greece.

    Gastronomy

    In traditional tavernas, you can enjoy local meats cooked in regional recipes such as rabbit stifado, rooster with pasta, beef, lamb & goat in the oven or with olive oil and oregano, and boiled goat or veal. In seaside fish tavernas, you’ll find freshly caught fish of all kinds—don’t miss fish bourgeto and marinated anchovies in olive oil. Pair your meal with local wine, ouzo, or tsipouro. Before leaving Patras, take home local specialties such as the famous sweet red wine Mavrodafni, Tentoura liqueur, spoon sweets, syrup-based pastries, local halva, and loukoumi.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Patras depends on the type of experience you are seeking. For a truly unique cultural celebration, the weeks of Carnival are unmatched, offering vibrant parades, music, and festivities that fill the entire city with color and energy. Summer is perfect for enjoying the beautiful coastline, relaxing on nearby beaches, and taking advantage of the warm weather for outdoor dining and seaside walks. Spring and autumn, with their mild temperatures and fewer crowds, are ideal for exploring the surrounding mountains, gorges, rivers, and lakes, allowing visitors to discover the natural beauty of Achaia at a relaxed pace.

    How to get around in Patra

    Transportation options to/from the airport

    The nearest airport is in Athens. You can travel to Patras by road either via KTEL bus from Athens (approximately 2.5 hours) or by suburban train from Athens to Kiato (about 1.5 hours) and then by OSE bus to Patras (about 1.5 hours).

    By car, the distance from Athens is 220 km and from Thessaloniki is 475 km.

    Public Transportation

    To get around Patras, it’s best to have your own car. However, if you don’t, Patras offers urban buses for travel within the city, KTEL buses connecting it with many nearby towns in the Peloponnese, and a railway station with trains linking Patras to the western coast of the Peloponnese.

    Alternatively, you can rent a car there.

    Questions / Answers

    Q&A

    The castle, Saint Andrew’s Church, the Roman Odeon, and the seaside neighborhoods.

    It begins in early January and peaks on Carnival Sunday (February/March).

    Yes, with children’s events, beaches, and easy walks in the city center.

    By car from Athens (about 2.5 hours), by train, or via the port for Italy.

    Yes, it’s ideal for trips to Kalavryta, Olympia, Nafpaktos, and Mount Ziria.

    TRAVEL BLOG

    Travel Inspirations

    Αthens :  The Ultimate City Break Guide to Greece’s Timeless Capital

    Ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, authentic food, and easy day trips—everything you need to experience Athens like a local Athens is...

    Enjoyable escape in Thessaloniki: Flavors, wine, and urban explorations

    The ultimate city break destination for strolls, culture, and gastronomic delights.

    Three unique excursions from Grevena

    Discover three enchanting routes that will take you on a journey through the unparalleled mountainous charm of the region.

    10 Amazing Greek Castles That Stand Out

    Τhe Castles of Greece: Monuments of History and Culture

    Discover the luxury of the top 7 spas in Europe.

    The tradition of thermal tourism has deep roots in history and continues to captivate visitors even today.

    They said about us...

     Savita
    2025-07-21
    Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
    My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
    2025-05-09
    Group from India
    Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
    During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
    2024-03-27
    BDA - Scientific meeting
    Mata/ChristineThe feedback from all delegates was very positive about all the arrangements provided by the hotel and your good selves. Accommodation, meals and overall satisfaction from the hotel was very good. The renovated rooms help to bring the best of the hotel – the gala dinner room location was fantastic. Please give this feedback to the hotel too. All the transfers, excursions, the drivers, guide etc were performed professionally and all delegates again had something good to say about your services and the way you have handled the management of these activities. Overall well done. This is a genuine feedback and hope that makes you feel satisfied for a job well done
    Fabiola Cano
    2023-11-29
    Fabiola Cano from Viajes Lerma
    It was a real pleasure to meet you. The passengers were happy with all your details and the beautiful country of Greece. Regarding food, I must thank you for the care you took to choose the places and the dishes. They were all a great success. The menus, even in Spanish, were totally appreciated. Regarding accommodation, I found the hotel nice, comfortable and well located. The breakfast room is a bit busy in the mornings, but the food tastes great. And the view of the Parthenon from the top roof is impressive. Transportation good. The tours seemed good to me. Tour guides have a good command of the Spanish language and were quite friendly.  Regarding contact and respond from the company. I must emphasize that there is only praise for you, Anna. You really are a great person. The joy of your soul is transmitted around everything you do. Always with a smile no matter how tiring the tourist activity is. The details and care with which you do your job are extremely applaudable. I only have one word but for you THANKFULNESS.October 2023
    RAK
    2023-05-05
    One more Thank You
    Dear Mata and Desi,I mean it when I say I have never been exposed to such level of loving care in the world of travel.  We were not just your clients. We felt like your family. You cared for us, and all of our many (many! Many!) different needs. You showed Stuart such respect. You were patient with some in our group who would not always ask things with proper respect. You kept showing up in places we did not expect. You made visits to the pharmacy, and extra trips with your car, all to make us feel comfortable and at home.Truly—you are at the top of your business, and it shows. I do not even remember how we initially found you. But however it was, I am so grateful for this friendship and partnership. And I do mean it when I hope that we do many trips together in the future, and that I can send many of my colleagues to you for trips.It is hard for this trip to be over and to say goodbye. Know that we mean it when we say we have not only appreciation for you. But love for you.Αντίο και σας ευχαριστούμε και σας αγαπάμε και είμαστε ενθουσιασμένοι που θα σας δούμε σύντομα.With a heart that is full because we know one another, and heavy because we have to say goodbye!
    Kleopatra M
    2021-09-15
    Very helpful office…
    Very helpful office… special thanks to Ms. Lina who was very kind, very fast (although she had a large workload due to the tourist season) and met our needs perfectly !!! I highly recommend it !!!Kleopatra M
    Aris Konstantinidis
    2021-09-07
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly as a voucher holder for \"tourism for all\". Perfect organization of the whole trip. Definitely first in my choices for future travel!Aris Konstantinidis