Patra

From Wikitravel

Patras is the third largest urban conglomeration of Greece, (after Athens/Piraeus and Thessaloniki). It is the capital of the Prefecture of Achaia on the Peloponnese and the western gateway into the country, thanks to numerous ferry connections with Italy.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

Patras' own airport is located on the military base of Araxos (IATA code: GPA), some 50 kilometres to the south, but this receives only seasonal charter flights from various locations in Europe. For regular flights, Patras is served by Athens International Airport, some 250 kilometres to the west.

A startup floatplane company, Air Sea Lines, operating DHC 6 de Havilland Twin Otters, has set up a seasonal base at the Patras marina, linking the city with several Ionian Islands and the city of Ioannina in Epirus. Onwards services from Corfu run to Brindisi in Italy.

[edit] By boat

Patras is linked by ferry to the Italian ports of (south to north) Brindisi, Bari, Ancona and Venice, with numerous sailings daily year-round. Service to Trieste has been discontinued.

For the ferry form Ancona to Patra you will e.g. pay for a single person about 40€ winter/60€ summer. See also http://www.greekferries.gr/ OR www.Ferries.gr.

Local ferry services offer daily sailings from Patras to the Ionian Islands. Corfu is served by the International ferries on their way to and from Italy.

[edit] By road

Patras, located in the northeastern corner of the Peloponnese is connected to Athens by road via Corinth on the 8a National Road (corresponding to the E65 and E94 European Routes. To the south, Patras is connected by road to Amalias, Pyrgos and Olympia and further to Kalamata. The construction of a new bridge linking Rion (on the Peloponnese) to Antirrion (on the Central Greek mainland) has been in operation since 2004 and carries the E55 European route, linking Patras with points in Central Greece and Epirus (and onward to Albania) including the port of Igoumenitsa.

[edit] By train

A narrow gauge train line runs through Patras southwards to Olympia and Kalamata and westwards to Athens and the port of Pireas. the Slow Train to Athens costs about 5 € and it takes you there in 4,5 hours. For more info see the train company webpage (OSE)

[edit] By bus

Near to the port and main station lies the intercity bus station (KTEL).

[edit] Get around

The city bus service in Patra can be slow and unpredictable, lacking definative timetables. Information can be found from the small booth in front of port, near the Intercity bus terminal.

[edit][add listing] See

Notable sights include:

• The impressive Rio-Antirio bridge.
• The Roman Odeon.
• The Achaia Clauss wine factory.
• St. Andrews Church: Inside this church, which was built in the 20th century, are preserved the remains of St. Andrew the Apostle. These are located in a small chapel to the back right of the church as you face the front. The remains of his X-shaped cross are kept behind it.
• The Castro, which offers a good view of the city.
• The Faro (Lighthouse) which is the symbol of the city.
• The Apolllo Theatre, situated at the central square of King George A.
• The Turkish hot baths (Hammam) which are still in use.
• some very attractive leafy squares with terrace cafes.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

Patras is well known for the wines produced by the Achaia Clauss wine factory and especially for a variety called Mavrodafni. Visitors should also taste the local liqueur called Tentoura which is usually served as a digestive.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There is only one Youth Hostel in Patra about 10min walk from the harbour (north) but you don't want to stay there. It's small, dirty and expensive.

A better choice is the Pension Nico. About 33 Euro for a twinner.

[edit] Get out