Patras

Patras, or Patra, in the Peloponnese is Greece’s third-largest city, home to Greece’s largest Carnival, with many Roman and Greek remains, museums and churches.

Although it is Greece’s third-biggest city, Patras in the Peloponnese isn’t much on the tourist trail. It doesn’t even have a direct flight with Athens, although you can drive there from Athens in 2-3 hours (and a very pleasant drive it is), or get there on the bus in 3-4 hours. If it’s known for anything it’s for being a busy port and for having the biggest Carnival celebrations in Greece.

Beach near Patras on the Peloponnese in Greece — Beach near Patras

When to Visit Patras

Patras has a Mediterranean climate and you can happily visit it at any time of year. Most rain falls in the winter and December is the wettest month with an average of 13 rainy days. However, the average temperature in December is 11.9C (53.4F) and it never falls below freezing.

The driest months are June to September, with very little rainfall. The average temperatures for those months ranges from 22.7-25.3C (72.9-77.5F), making it a very pleasant time to visit.

Many people visit in February when Patras holds the most famous Carnival in Greece (see below). The average temperature in February is 10.7C (51.3F) with about 10 rainy days during the month. If you plan to travel then, you should book accommodation well ahead.

Getting To and From Patras

By Air

Patras has an airport which gets seasonal charter flights from several European cities, though there are currently no direct flights between Patras and Athens.

By Bus

Patras is well-served with bus connections on the main KTEL network, including with Athens. with a journey time of 3-4 hours.

By Rail

There used to be a rail connection with Athens but today’s train network only extends to a few nearby towns and villages and isn’t likely to be used by most visitors.

By Road

The Rio-Antirrio Bridge near Patras on the Peloponnese in Greece — The Rio-Antirrio Bridge near Patras

It takes about 2-3 hours to drive from Athens to Patras. From Patras you can easily get around the Peloponnese. If you want to avoid driving into the city then there is a ring road which takes you around it. You can also cross the Gulf of Corinth into Northern and Western Greece using the impressive and graceful Rio-Antirrio Bridge (officially the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge).

By Sea

Patras has long been one of Greece’s major ports, both for commercial trade and passenger transport. It has ferry connections with several of the Ionian Islands, with the city of Igoumenitsa, and with several Italian ports, including Venice.

The Pier at Dusk in Patras on the Peloponnese in Greece — The Pier at Dusk in Patras

Things to See in Patras

Although it is a busy port, and many people pass through it every day, Patras has more than enough things to see to warrant a stay of a few days.

Patras Archaeological Museum

The building itself is strikingly modern, and it houses an impressive collection as Patras has many fine ancient archaeological sites.

Roman Remains

Patras was a major city when the Romans invaded Greece, and many Roman remains can be seen. These include the Roman Theatre from 160AD, a nearby Roman amphitheatre, an aqueduct, the ruins of a stadium, and parts of walls and bridges.

Greek Remains

Just outside Patras is a Mycenean Cemetery, which is one of the most important Mycenean sites outside of Mycenae itself.

Patras Castle

Overlooking the city, the castle dates back originally to the 6th century AD, although the walls you see today are from the Venetian period of the 17th-18th century. The interior has been turned into a public park.

St Andrew’s Cathedral

St Andrew’s Cathedral is the most imposing church in Patras and is dedicated to the saint who was crucified in Patras in 69AD. The church was built on the spot where it is said to have happened.