The Region
Our Land
Minor getaways
Patras Castle
The Castle of Patras is the old fortress of the city and one of its most well-preserved monuments. It was built on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis during the second half of the 6th AD century by Justinian and specifically after the devastating earthquake of 551 with pre-Christian-era building materials for the defence of the regions and the inhabitants.
Holy Church of Agios Andreas (St Andrew)
The Holy Church of Agios Andreas Patras is dedicated to Saint Andrew, the First-Summoned Apostle of Christ, the Patron Saint of Patras. It is considered to be the largest Orthodox Church in Greece and one of the largest churches in the Balkans. It covers a surface area of approximately 2,600 square meters. There is a 5 metres long gilded cross on the central dome, with 12 smaller crosses on the remaining domes. These crosses symbolize Jesus and his Apostles. The interior of the Church is decorated with Byzantine-style frescoes and mosaics. The Holy Church safeguards relics from the Cross on which the Apostle was martyred and His Venerable Skull.
Roman Conservatory
The Roman Conservatory of Patras is a magnificent building dating to the Roman period. It is located in the Upper City with a brick façade and its steps are marble paved. The Conservatory was probably constructed in the days of Augustus, while Pausanias mentions that it was older than the Conservatory of Herod Atticus. The Conservatory can be visited, whilst it is used to host cultural events, mainly during the Patras International Festival.
ACHAIA Clauss
The wine castle estate of Achaia Clauss is a landmark for Patras. It was founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss and is one of the most historic wineries in the city. The Clauss company was mainly involved with the production of wines, cognac, vermouth and Mavrodafni wine, which continues to be the Winery’s emblematic product. A multicultural society was created in the Winery comprising Germans, Italians, Maltese and Greeks, for whose needs, in addition to residences and a school, two churches were also erected. Saint Thomas, one of the churches was Orthodox, while Santa Anna was Catholic, which still operate at regular intervals. You can visit the cellars and marvel at the dedicated barrels, which are works of art, since they have been decorated with wood carvings from Greek mythology.
Cultural center “Kostis Palamas”
The desire of the city of Patras to preserve the building at 241 Korinthou Street where Kostis Palamas was born, was directly satisfied in November 2014 when Athanasios D. Stefanopoulos acquired the dilapidated building. The main purpose was to dynamically present the poet’s work and not only construct a museum to preserve his memory. It was for this purpose that the house was restored with absolute respect for its external and internal physiognomy and was equipped with the most modern available means of research and study. The Urban Not-for-Profit Association “Stegi Grammaton Kostis Palamas” (Cultural Center “Kostis Palamas”) was also established for its maintenance and operation.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Patras is located at the northern entrance of the city (New National Road Patron-Athens 36-40) and is housed in a building that was constructed in 2008 based upon the plans by the architect Theofanis Bobotis. It has three large halls (Private Life, Public Life and Necropolis). The permanent exhibition of the Museum exhibits finds dating between the 4th millennium BC and the 4th century AD that originate from the city of Patras, as well as from areas in southern and western Achaia. A special place is occupied by the mosaic floors from the residences of Patras, which are richly decorated with themes inspired by mythology and nature and are usually framed with various geometric motifs.
Rio-Antirrio Bridge
The Rio-Antirrio Bridge is a 21st century landmark of Greece and a technological achievement, since it is the longest cable bridge in the world. The completion of the project in 2004 realised the vision that was held by Charilaos Trikoupis, the then Prime Minister of Greece, more than a hundred years ago, to bridge the narrow sea passage between Rio and Antirrio.
Municipal Theatre of Apollo
The “Apollo” theatre is located in the centre of the city, on the north-east side of King George I Square, and was constructed in 1872 according to plans by the great German architect Ernst Ziller. It is a miniature of the Scala of Milan and is the oldest amongst the surviving closed theatres of modern times and the most impressive architectural ornament in the city of Patras. The theatre is the main stage of the Municipal Regional Theatre of Patras (DI.PE.THE).
The Lighthouse of Patras
The Lighthouse of Patras is located in the coastal zone of Patras, opposite the Holy Church of Agios Andreas and next to the Ichthyoskala [wharf] and is a symbol of the city. The Lighthouse does not have a current maritime use, but a cultural function. There is a cafe on the ground floor of the building and the surrounding area has been turned into a park, which constitutes a recreation area.
Mycenaean site of Vounteni
The Mycenaean cemetery of Vounteni is located near the Vounteni settlement of the Municipality of Patras. The archaeological site with a total area of 18 hectares is located at an altitude of 220 metres and a distance of 7 kilometres to the northeast of Patras, and has been set up as a park that can be visited. It includes 78 carved chamber tombs and the ruins of a prehistoric settlement. Many of the finds that have come to light, which include vases, clay figurines, bronze urns, tools, weapons and jewellery, have been transferred and are on display in the nearby archaeological museum of Patras.
Municipal Library and Art Gallery
The Municipal Library of Patras was founded in 1908 during the mayoral period of Mr Dimitrios Votsis and is the first municipal library in Greece. Its main building is nowadays housed in a neoclassical building on Maizonos Street in the centre of Patras, which was completed during the mayoral period of Mr Vassilios Roufos, whilst also having three Annexes. Its collection includes approximately 200,000 volumes, dealing with every type of literary writing endeavours. Much of the collection has come from donations by local residents who had held high state offices, as well as from purchases. It also has a significant number of valuable and rare books from the 16th century, as well as many important personal archives of important personalities in Achaia.
Science and Technology Museum
The Science and Technology Museum [MET] operates on the University of Patras campus and is a pleasant place for informal education, experimentation, collaboration, gaining knowledge and experience, as well as entertainment. The MET has a permanent exhibition on the theme “Telecommunications in our lives” and a number of periodical exhibitions are organised each year with topics related to science and technology, the environment, as well as the relationship between science and art.
The Marina
The Marina is located on the North side of Patras and can accommodate approximately 450 boats. The majority of boats are permanently docked, but there is also a jetty for passing and guest boats. It is ideal for mooring sailing boats up to 18 metres long, as well as small motor yachts. You can enjoy the enchanting sunset from the Marina.
Ancient Olympia
The “cradle” of civilization, Ancient Olympia, is at a distance of 102 km from Vrachneika. It was the venue of the Olympic Games and one of the most important archaeological sites. The most glorified sanctuary of ancient Greece flourished in the so-called “Valley of the Gods” and was the birthplace of the most important sporting events. Visitors to Ancient Olympia can tour the impressive ancient buildings, which the ancient Greeks used as places of worship, sports and conferences. The museum of Olympia is also located there, where you will be able to see ancient exhibits close-up, including the most important, Hermes of Praxiteles, which is one of the most famous ancient statues, the Nike of Paionius, one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture and the sculptured decoration of the Temple of Zeus, one of the most beautiful ensembles that has been preserved from ancient Greek art.
Beaches
Vrachneika
Vrachneika is one of the most beautiful beaches close to the urban complex of Patras, with sand and fine stone beaches. The beach stretches along the western coastline, whilst being organised in several places, with deck chairs, umbrellas and a lifeguard. What however makes Vrachneika beach unique is the dozens of seaside dining establishments, literally on the sea with the Patraikos Gulf in the background. Picturesque fish taverns, grilled meats establishments, pizzerias, cafes and bars provide countless options for families, friends or couples.
Lakkopetra
To the west of Achaia are the blue-green and clear waters that are inviting us to enjoy our swim at one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the region. Straw umbrellas, deck chairs and many beach bars and canteens serve the needs of bathers.
Kalogria
Situated 45' to the Southwest of Patras, where the morphology of nature has created one of the leading Greek beaches. Kalogria beach with its endless golden sand and wonderful waters is particularly well-known, whilst also being organised. Kalogria beach is located within the national park of Kotychi lagoon wetlands and Strofylia forest, which is the largest pine forest in Greece.
Gianniskari
Gianniskari is a popular small sandy beach in Western Achaia at a very small cove to the south of Cape Araxos. It is located on the Ionian Sea, in the northern section of the Kyllini Gulf and at an isolated location within the National Wetlands Park of Kotychi - Strofylia. It is about 44 km from Patras and offers a panoramic view to Kefalonia, as well as the island of Oxya at the mouth of the Acheloos River.
Niforeika
Niforeika beach is located within the Patraikos Gulf of Western Achaia. It has sandy-stone beach with many tamarisks. A section of the beach has been organised and provides infrastructure for serving bathers such as umbrellas, deck chairs, WCs, showers, etc.
Rio
Rio is on the eastern side of Patras. The beaches along the Rio are pebbly, with blue waters and a magnificent view to the Rio Antirrio Bridge. They attract a lot of people and you will find restaurants, beach bars and cafes in the wider area for a coffee, drink or even a meal after your swim.