Patras boasts one of the world′s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges, Roman odeon, medieval castle and keeps the relics of Apostle Andrew.
Cross the Rio-Antirio Bridge - longest span of its type in the world. It links Peloponnese with mainland Greece. Start from the Georgiou I Square, the central square and the heart of the city. It is also the center of political and cultural life in the city. Watch ancient dramas in the Roman Odeon - 160 AD open-air theatre and most significant ancient monument. Visit the church of Saint Andrew - a large church with Apostle Andrew’ relics built on the exact spot where he was crucified. Ascend to the medieval Patras Castle, built in the 6th century AD. Watch a theatre play in the prestigious municipal Theatre Apollon is in the central square of the city. Learn history in the Patras Archaeological Museum. Take a photo with the city’s landmark - The Patras Lighthouse.
Take a bath in the 16th century Ottoman baths. Enjoy the views in shadows of the Spinney - a pine-tree-covered hill known as "the Patras' veranda". Busk on the beaches. Rio beach is one of the most popular. Sail in winter-spring to participate in the best Carnival in Greece. Watch mammoth satirical floats and balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Taste famous Mavrodaphne wine in the Achaia Clauss Winnery. It also houses the oldest wine of Greece - mavrodaphne of 1873. Stroll along the beach promenade with lovely cafeterias, restaurants and parks. Try Local specialities: Bourjeto (fish in tomato sauce with onion, garlic and pepper. Best fish for bourdeto is scorpion fish), Galatopita (milky pie), Rodozachari dessert, Tentura drink.
Drive to Kalogria to view: the Wall of Dymaeans – prehistoric acropolis said to be built by Hercules in 1300 BC, Strofylia National Park, Kalogria lake and Kalogria beaches.
Patreus was the mythical founder of the city. He was the son of Preugenes and ninth descendant of Lacedaemon, the founder of Sparta. He united three small city states around 1500 BC.It was a quiet area of farms which were cultivated for over a thousand years, with occasional interruptions for one war or another.
There was a powerful sanctuary of Artemis Laphria on the acropolis of Patrae.
