PatrasPeloponnese · Greece

All About Patras

Patras is a buzzing city in the northern Peloponnese, the capital of western Greece and the third-largest city in the country. With a population of over 200,000, a thriving modern economy, two universities, and a famous art scene, Patras has everything one could expect from a contemporary European city. While often overlooked by international tourism, Patras offers a unique blend of cultural sites, ancient history, picturesque beaches, and stunning natural beauty. So get your ferry tickets to Patras and explore this beautiful town for yourselves.

For those seeking a stimulating city break, away from the hustle-and-bustle of Athens, Patras is an excellent and unique alternative. The city is blessed with a wide array of galleries and museums, exhibiting both ancient artifacts and works from international and local artists. Every February, it’s host to one of the largest carnivals in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. For nature-lovers, Patras is uniquely positioned amid verdant forests, pristine beaches, and winding rivers. No matter your style of travel, you’ll find exactly what you’re after in this diverse modern Greek city.

Patras’ position as the cultural heart of the Peloponnese goes back to antiquity, often described as Greece’s ‘Gateway to the West’. In the Roman era, it was one of the cosmopolitan capitals of the Mediterranean, attracting travelers from around the seas for its vibrant academic scene and thriving trade economy. Remnants of this history are still present in modern-day Patras, with the Old City immortalizing the glories of its medieval past. Since then, Patras has developed into a quintessential 21st-century Greek city, emerging as a popular student town that rivals the likes of Athens and Thessaloniki. If you’re looking to get a taste of Greece for the Greeks and to experience a cosmopolitan center free from overcrowding and excessive tourism, Patras is the place for you.
 

Routes and Ferries to Patras

Book your ferry to Patras using Ferryscanner and begin your explorations of this gateway. Patras connects to many Greek destinations and you can arrange your ferry tickets to Patras from the islands of Corfu (3.2 hrs), Kefalonia (2.5 hrs), and Ithaca (3.4 hrs) with Superfast Ferries and ANEK Lines.

Further connections to other islands can be found from Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland, which you can reach after booking your ferry tickets to Patras. Head to Igoumenitsa (5 hrs) then onwards to some of the beautiful islands of the Ionian Sea. If you’re coming from Italy, the southern port of Patras connects to three different Italian ports. You can secure ferry tickets to Patras leaving from Ancona (21 hrs), Bari (16.3 hrs), and also Venice (33 hrs) with Minoan Lines, Superfast Ferries, and ANEK Lines.

For journeys by plane, Araxos Airport is around a 45-minute drive away from Patras, serving a range of regional and international flights. Additionally, the KTEL bus offers frequent routes from Athens, with a 2.5-hour journey.
 

Port of Patras

The port of Patras is a bustling travel and trade hub, serving up to 700,000 passengers and 8,400 containers a year. The second-largest in the Peloponnese, the port of Patras is well-developed and connected, offering routes to the surrounding Greek islands and Italy.

The port is located in the suburb of Antheia, divided into the North and South Port. In the North Port, you’ll find ferries leaving to different ports in Greece as well as a commercial area, while boats to Italy leave from the South Port. There are plenty of cafés and dining options for you to grab refreshments before your journey, as well as a children’s playground underneath the old lighthouse.
 

Best Beaches

Despite being such a bustling city, Patras is well-connected to an excellent range of organized and wild beaches. The Peloponnese is famous for its coastline, and the Gulf of Patras flows with the same waters as the stunning Ionian Sea. Whether you’re after beach bars and umbrellas or pebbled shores and secluded coves, you’ll find exactly what you’re after just a short drive away from the city. So get your ferry tickets to Patras and start exploring them!

Patras Beach

Patras Beach is one of the closest beaches to the city, only 1 km away from the center of town. Lined with bars, restaurants, and hotels, it’s often very crowded during summer, but don’t let that dissuade you. It’s perfect for an afternoon dip, or a long day by the coastline without having to leave the comfort of town.

Rio Beach

Only an 8 km drive away from Patras, Rio Beach is one of the most popular in the area. Expect turquoise waters, golden sands, and excellent beach bars. The university is located close by, meaning that the beach is energized in the nighttime with a young and vibrant crowd.

Rodini Beach

Rodini Beach lies around a 20-minute drive away from Patras on the northern tip of the gulf. Spacious, fresh, and family-friendly, Rodini is a perfect blend of organized and wild. The nearby town is quaint and charming, filled with lots of authentic taverns and restaurants for post-swim dining. There’s also a nearby water park filled with rides, slides, and summer fun for the little ones.

Lambiri Beach

Take a 30-minute drive north along the coastline to Lambiri Beach. Quiet and secluded, Lambiri is far enough away from Patras to avoid the groups of tourists that often visit the closer beaches. You’ll find a laid-back beach with clean water, golden sands, and a few beach facilities.

Alissou Beach

If you’re wanting to get further away from Patras and explore some of its southern neighbors, Alissou Beach is a perfect first port of call. A 20-minute drive away from the city, Alissou is a charming village with an excellent coastline. Make your way further south and reach Kato Achaia, which is very popular with free campers and lovers of more secluded, natural beaches.
 

Things to Do

Explore the City

Patras is a big city and one that needs a few days of exploring to get a good feel for. It’s divided into two areas: Kato Poli and Ana Poli; the former one being the more modern area. Wander through its winding streets, moving from cosmopolitan shopping strips to medieval alleyways, and discover a city filled with cultural curiosities and contemporary comforts.

Start the day with coffee and people watching at Plateia Georgiou, the main plaza of the city lined with neoclassical buildings. Then, make your way to the Cathedral of Agios Andreas; an imposing church filled with precious icons and religious art. Complete the evening with dinner and cocktails near the coastline, watching the city’s nightlife come alive as the ships sail past.

Wander Through the Old Town

You’ll find the Old Town of Patras in Ana Poli, around a 10-minute drive from the port. Neoclassical architecture and cobblestone streets line the area, which is filled with a host of medieval sites and archeological wonders. Don’t miss a trip to the Roman Odeon; an ancient amphitheater popular with tourists that’s been very well-preserved. After that, take the 10-minute walk to Kastro, the castle of Patras; a 6th-century fortress built on the site of an ancient Acropolis.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Patras

One of the best museums in the country, the Archaeological Museum of Patras is a huge structure built in 2006 that hosts a stunning collection of regional and national artifacts. Journey through its many permanent exhibitions and gain insight into the rich history of the Peloponnese region, including a rare necropolis featuring ancient tombs and monuments.

Dine at Ifaistou

With a bohemian vibe and a host of great dining options, Ifaistou is a must-see spot for a taste of contemporary Patras. Attracting student and traveler crowds, the cobblestone lane lit by lanterns is filled with cocktail bars, excellent restaurants, and authentic taverns. It’s right next to the Roman Odeon, creating a modern-day space with an ancient backdrop.
 

Transportation Around Patras

As a large, modern city, Patras has an excellent public transport network. You’ll find a public bus service that makes stops around the city and surrounding areas. The KTEL bus line connects Patras to other cities and towns on the mainland and gives you access to selected beaches too. The routes and itineraries vary depending on the season, so it’s best to double-check at the central station in Pano Poli.

Alternatively, Patras has a suburban train line which makes getting around the city very easy. The main station can be found near the port. If you’d rather make use of private transport, you’ll find a wide range of car and motorbike rental stores. There are also lots of taxis around the city that can be flagged down or booked in advance.