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Home > Your Guide To Patra, Greece – Gate To The West

Your Guide To Patra, Greece – Gate To The West

Written by our local expert Gabi

Gabi is an award-winning writer who lives on the Island of Crete in Greece. She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler.

Here is all the Patra travel advice that you need. We’ve got a list of things to do in Patra, as well as top sites and tips for traveling with kids in Patras, Greece.

The third-most important city in the country, also known as Patras, is a delightful destination all year round, with a fantastic coast and dozens of cultural experiences to enjoy.

Known as the Gate to the West, Patra hosts the main Greek port that connects the country to Western Europe . However, Patra is actually a lot more than just a port town.

In this guide, I’ll be happy to tell you about the places to visit and the things to do in Patras city, a culturally rich place to see in mainland Greece . If you’re planning a trip around the Peloponnese region , then Patra should undoubtedly be among the places you’ll visit. Are you ready? Let’s get going on our Patras guide!

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Where Is Patra In Greece

Patras city is one of the most important in the Peloponnese and the third most important in Greece; Patra sits facing the wide gulf of Patra, in the northern part of the Peloponnese, about 215 kilometers from Athens .

Patra is home to a very active port on the western coast of Greece, from where it’s easy to reach some of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian , including Lefkada , Zakynthos , Paxos, and Kefalonia . However, Patra is also the gateway to the Adriatic, from where you can reach, by ferry, the Italian ports of Bari and Ancona .

How To Get To Patra Greece

If you are arriving at the airport in Athens , you can travel to Patra by car along a relatively modern highway. The journey is about two hours, and it’s quite a pleasant drive.

Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Greece.

Different buses reach Patra from Athens, too; however, if you’ve arrived at Athens’ airport or the main port of Piraeus , you will first need to reach Kifisos Bus Station via public transport to board the long-distance bus. The trip is a bit less than three hours. 

If you’re traveling from Italy by ferry , you will arrive at Patras port, not far from the center of town.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Patra

Like the rest of the country, the city enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with long hot summers and short, often rainy winters. 

Suppose you’re visiting the Peloponnese to enjoy its pristine beaches. In that case, traveling around the region from late May until September will guarantee excellent weather and tons of sunny days by the sea. 

July and August are the months that receive the most tourists, so you’ll be better off avoiding them if you don’t enjoy the crowds. June and September still have summery-like weather minus the crowds.  Accommodation prices also go down during the shoulder season.

Winters are fine if you’re just interested in exploring the cities and the mountains , but the temperature of the sea in winter in the Peloponnese might feel quite chilly.

Top Things To Do In Patra

Known for its huge port, popular carnival, and impressive Rio-Antirio Bridge, you’ll be surprised to discover that there’s more to Patra than that. 

In 2006, the city was declared a European City of Culture, so you should expect to experience quite a lot more than just a few museums.

Divided into an upper town rich in archaeological remains and a lower town, where most nightlife and cultural events take place, the city offers a unique variety of activities, ideal for those who love a vacation packed with varied and surprising experiences. 

For those interested in moving around, Patra is a great starting point to visit one the most significant archaeological sites in the country , the Ancient Site of Olympia, just a short drive from town.

So, without further ado, let’s see what the best things you can do in Patra are and which attractions you shouldn’t miss.

Discover The Medieval Castle Of Patra

Arguably the most remarkable spot in Patra, the city’s medieval castle, stands on a soft hill overlooking Patra’s Old Town. 

Designed and constructed during the Byzantine era, the castle’s building was ordered by Emperor Justinian in the year 550 AD. It stands on a high position on top of the former ancient Acropolis to offer an unobstructed view of the gulf and to protect the city against foreign attacks.

However, despite its strategic location, throughout the centuries, Patra’s castle was conquered by the Franks and, later on, by the Turkish during the long years of Ottoman domination in the country. This fortress was continuously used for defensive purposes until relatively recent years, being used as shelter even during WWII.

Currently open to visits, the Castle of Patra is an excellent observation point with breathtaking views of the city and the sea. In summer, locals and visitors alike can enjoy several musical and artistic events in its small theater.

Explore The Church Of Agios Andreas

Patra’s Saint Andrew’s Cathedral is the most important church in town, the biggest in Greece, and the third-largest in the Balkans. It is dedicated to the city’s patron saint and protector, often worshiped as a miracle worker since locals believed him to be the saint that protected the citizens of Patra from the many sieges and constant pirate attacks that the area underwent all through the centuries.

Besides, according to Catholic tradition, Apostle Andrew was crucified near the port of Patra, where this impressive cathedral stands today. 

Its imposing arches and unique green domes somewhat remind visitors of the cupolas in Alexander Nevsky’s Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria , and for a reason: Saint Andrew’s features an imposing green dome which is also the largest dome in the Balkans .

Built in relatively recent years, the church dates from 1974, and there is a small spring only steps from the church that, according to the legend, is the exact post where Saint Andrew was killed.

Check Out The Roman Odeon

One more impressive site to discover is the incredible Roman Amphitheater or Odeon of Patra. The site, which remained buried for centuries, was found by accident in 1889 when the port of Patra was being built. Restoration works took more than fifty years since, all around the area, continuous archaeological sites came to light as reconstruction took place.

The Odeum is currently the place where different festivals take place throughout the year, including the popular Patra International Festival, and it can seat up to 2300 spectators. The best way to experience the site is to visit during a musical event to appreciate the incredible acoustics of the theaters and the magical atmosphere of this ancient wonder.

Visit The Archaeological Museum

This newly inaugurated museum is Greece’s second-largest, with an exhibition area expanding over 8000 square meters. 

The Archaeological Museum of Patra is worth a visit not just for the historical exhibits and ancient objects unearthed in different excavations around the Peloponnese but also to admire the impressive metallic dome and to appreciate the gardens spreading over 20.000 square meters of land. 

Inside the premises, the exhibitions are organized into different categories, showcasing objects related to public and private life and life after death and covering various historical periods, from the Mycenaean times to the Roman era.

Spend A Few Hours At The Folk Art Museum Of Patra

Known as a heritage museum, the Folk Art Museum of Patra is one exciting place to visit. The space was established to preserve the local traditions and showcase numerous artifacts and other folklore items related to ancient local costumes and activities.

On display, dozens of work instruments and agricultural tools were used in the region, many of which related to olive oil production . There are also old pieces of furniture as well as handmade fabrics or utensils collected in Patra and several other small villages around the town.

Researchers and anthropology students from all over the world reach the museum to use the impressive library and photo archives and visit different traditional workrooms built to preserve ancient crafts and artisan work such as wax, shoe, and even hat making.

Don’t Skip The Municipal Theater

Usually described as a modern architectural wonder, Patra’s Apollo Municipal Theatre was built back in 1972. It’s a remarkable replica of the famous Milanese opera house, Teatro Alla Scala, and it can host up to 200 people. The theater is located in Patra’s main square, and it has a unique role in Patra’s cultural life. 

Spend A Relaxing Time At The Hammam

Patra is another city in Greece where the influence of hundreds of years of Turkish domination is still part of society and everyday life. And the Turkish Baths of Patra are one more ingredient of the Ottoman heritage. 

However, it is pretty surprising to learn that construction works started even before the total domination of the city by the Turkish , dating back to the fifteenth century, the last years of Venetian domination. Patra’s hot baths are the oldest hammams in Greece and are still in use. 

Patra’s hammam is located at 29 Mpoukaouri Street. The place offers an excellent opportunity to relax and rest after a whole day visiting the city. Men and women have different days and hours, and the entrance fee is only 7 euro. You can check their Facebook page for more details.  

Learn About The Prestigious Peloponnese Wines

One of the most visited places in the nearby area is Achaia Clauss Winery, located a very short ride from the center in the region of Achaia. The winery was founded in the nineteenth century by a Bavarian trader who became a winemaker after discovering Patra’s verdant hills, which are ideal for grape cultivation.

Despite being new to the winemaking industry, his passion for the quality of local grapes and resulting wines quickly turned his company into the most important winery in the region, specializing in the trademark grape of Patra, mavrodafni.

The winery’s interesting history is closely related to WWII when, according to an urban legend, German soldiers decided not to bomb the premises after falling in love with its wines. 

The winery is one of the most visited places in the region, attracting wine connoisseurs from all over the world interested in witnessing traditional winemaking methods that have not changed through the years. 

Learn all about the wines and wine regions of Greece here!

Go scuba diving in patra.

Another key thing to do in Patra is to try your scuba diving skills . All over the area, there are diving sites where it is possible to observe a few interesting wrecks. Some of the sites are perfect for people just beginning their diving adventures, while other wrecks are for more experienced divers. 

In town and on the coast, you’ll easily find several diving centers that organize excursions, boat trips, night diving, diving for beginners, courses, and group diving to the different sites along the coast.

Admire The Rio-Antiro Bridge

Only eight kilometers east of Patra, don’t skip a visit to the village of Rio. The place is quite visited for its gorgeous beach with tourist amenities, lounges, umbrellas, and a few bars and tavernas. Besides, not far from the area, there is a seat of the important University of Patra.

However, the main reason to visit is to marvel at the incredible engineering wonder that is the Rio-Antiro Bridge. 

The structure is the world’s second-largest cable bridge and connects the Peloponnese peninsula to the region of Sterea. Those travelers interested in photography will have a blast shooting in the area and discovering all the photogenic sights that this place offers.

Take A Day Trip To Ancient Olympia

Visiting Olympia could easily be a day trip or a weekend away from Patra. Archaia Olympia, or Ancient Olympia, is located about 2 hours from Patra. It is one of Greece’s most impressive archaeological sites, known as the place where the ancient Olympic Games took place.

Other than discovering the interesting findings related to athletic installations for the Olympic games, there is also a magnificent Zeus sanctuary. When visiting, don’t skip a stop at the Ancient Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hera , as well as the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.

The surrounding green scenery offers incredible hiking or biking opportunities, fantastic hotel facilities, and several excellent Greek tavernas, all the ingredients you need for a great day away from Patra.

The Carnival Of Patra

Locally called Patrino Karnavali, Patra hosts the second most important carnival in Europe , coming third only after the Carnival in Rio (Brazil). The carnival season begins at the end of January and extends into Clean Monday, an important day all over the country that not only marks the start of Lent and the countdown to Easter . 

A Patra Carnival tradition features satirical parades often related to current political events. The opening ceremony on the first day of the carnival starts with a satirical message that sets the tone and theme of the year. 

Since many details are kept secret until the official celebrations kick off, carnivals in Patra often come with plenty of surprising events and celebrations, such as a carnival for children, a treasure hunt, night parades, and a magnificent closing ceremony with fireworks and the burning down of the Carnival King, a figure specially created for that purpose. The whole city is a feast during the carnival, offering activities, music, dances, and entertainment everywhere.

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Best beaches in patra.

There are just a few beautiful beaches to visit near Patra, as most of the best shores in the area need you to get in a car and drive for at least 40 minutes. However, three shores near town can have all the things you need to spend a glorious day sunbathing in the Peloponnese .

These are the beaches closest to Patra that you should not miss.

Already mentioned above, this is one of Patra’s most visited seaside areas. It’s located about eight kilometers from Patra and is a well-organized beach. The area features many restaurants, hotels, and vacation homes to rent.

Paralia Patras Or Town Beach

Easy to reach and family-friendly, this beach is the most visited in Patra as it is only one kilometer from the city center. For that reason, it tends to get quite overcrowded at times. The beach has good organization, including beach bars and several water sports facilities. In the area, there are also some good hotels, and it is the place chosen by locals to seek relief in summer during the hottest hours of the day.

Psathopyrgos Beach

Psathopyrgos is a small fishing village about 15 kilometers from Patra. The quiet settlement gets busy in summer as it is one of the closest beaches to town, and it features pristine, shallow waters, perfect for families with kids . 

The overall atmosphere surrounding the village is quiet and relaxing; even when there are no water sports facilities or fancy beach bars, the place can be incredibly attractive. Some good fish taverns by the sea are known for serving the day’s catch. This is the right place to be if you enjoy a cold beer and a dish of grilled octopus by the sea after a long, relaxing swim.

Patra With Children

The city of Patra can be an exciting place for family holidays , especially for children interested in history and impressive sights. No kid remains indifferent to the imposing views of the Rio-Antirio Bridge, while most kids enjoy the unique activities showcased in the Folk Art Museums.

A visit to the Archaeological Museum or venturing on a road trip to Ancient Olympia are also two of the things that families enjoy the most near Patra. 

Patra is a hospitable city with the same welcoming traits that most Greek cities have, especially for families with kids . Pair that with delicious food and sunny days, and all the family will undoubtedly have a magnificent vacation. 

Patra At Night

Being the third-most important city in Greece does not come without intense nightlife . The center of Patra houses several music lounges, bars, pubs, and a few discos for young travelers. 

There are fantastic restaurants and tavernas in the center and near Patras port, serving delicious cuisine until late in the evening. At the same time, there is also an exhilarating cultural life that includes theaters, cinemas, exhibitions, and more.

Best Places To Eat In Patra

These are some of the most popular places to eat in Patra.

• Mr. Burger is a favorite among families serving succulent patty sandwiches with cheese and fresh veggies, delicious fries, and a rich variety of desserts.
• Rooster is a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant with top reviews for its affordable prices and top-quality, very abundant dishes.
• Troufa is the place to visit in order to discover local delicacies and authentic homemade Peloponnesian cuisine.

Find out what to eat in Greece here. 

Top accommodation in patra.

Being such a populous city, it is not difficult to find accommodation in Patra; these are the best places to choose to stay very near the city center.

Budget Places To Stay In Patra

Galaxy city center hotel.

This place which has been recently renovated, is an affordable place to stay in the center of Patra, with well-equipped suites featuring hypoallergenic pillows, an electronic safe, and a minibar. There is an atmospheric lobby with comfortable seating areas and a fireplace. The hotel is close to Patra port and the intercity bus station.

This hotel is located in the center of Patras, a short walk from the old harbor. It offers affordable but luxurious accommodation right next to the train and bus station. It boasts an underground garage and a rooftop restaurant that is open in summer, with panoramic views of the Gulf of Patras and an outdoor pool.

Mid-Range Places To Stay In Patra

Maison grecque hotel extraordinaire.

This is a 4-star hotel located in a historical building of the city of Patras, within 600 meters from the center. It offers homemade breakfast and stylish rooms, only a short distance from the Patra port.

Porto Rio Hotel

Located about 7 kilometers from Patra, this hotel is perfect for visiting the Rio-Antirio Bridge. The beachfront complex offers an outdoor pool and gorgeous suites with balconies.

Luxury Places To Stay In Patra

Cavos fokidos.

Check out this beautiful property boasting an outdoor pool and a well-tended garden, 150 meters from the beach. It offers self-catering accommodation, opening to a furnished balcony with Corinthian Gulf views.

The Bold Type Hotel, A Member Of Design Hotels

This 5-star property offers concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a garden, and a terrace 1.6 kilometers from the Port of Patras. You will find a restaurant serving Greek, Japanese and European cuisine at the accommodation. Rooms are air-conditioned and have a desk, a coffee machine, and a balcony.

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 15 Best Things to Do in Patras (Greece)

15 Best Things to Do in Patras (Greece)

Capital of the Achaia prefecture, Patras has a heavenly setting on its namesake gulf at the very north of Peloponnese. Modern Patras by the water was rebuilt around impressive squares after the city was damaged Greek War of Independence in the 19th century.

But up the slope is the old city, where you’ll happen upon Roman buildings like the Odeon, Amphitheatre and the Castle of Patras, which was occupied by a military force for 15 centuries straight. There’s history of an even more ancient kind at Skioessa, which has 75 preserved tombs from a Mycenaean cemetery dating back 3,500 years. Life in ancient Patras is neatly summed up at the superb Archaeological Museum, which has one of Greece’s largest collections of mosaics.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Patras :

1. Archaeological Museum

Inaugurated in 2009, the Archaeological Museum is hard to miss from the road for its enormous metallic dome, looking a bit like a fat flying saucer.

When it opened the museum drew acclaim for the clever way it displays its artefacts, organising them in three large rooms (Private Life, Public Life and the Necropolis). Private Life has jewellery and everyday utensils from Mycenaean, Geometric, Archaic, Hellenistic and Roman Greece, a whopping collection of 14 Roman mosaics, as well as partial reconstructions of Roman houses from around the city.

Public Life is loaded with coins, statues, musical instruments, amphorae an yet more mosaics, all painting a clear picture of society in Ancient Patras.

The Necropolis deals with the tombs and the objects within them, found in Patras and around Achaia.

Three whole graves have been reconstructed, two Mycenaean from the Voundeni cemetery near Patras, and one Roman.

2. Roman Odeon

In Patras’ hilltop upper town, close to the castle is a Roman conservatory for musical performances, built during the rule of Emperor Augustus at the turn of the 1st century AD. With a brick facade on its south wall, the Odeon was connected to Patras’ Roman Forum and was actually built some time before the Odeon in Athens.

Successive earthquakes, wars and invasions took their toll, almost destroying it and burying it under the remnants of other buildings.

The Odeon was rediscovered by accident in 1889, and the restoration continued up to 1956. Now partially made with modern material the Odeon has a capacity of 2,300 and is used for music once more, notably at the Patras International Festival every summer.

3. Agios Andreas Cathedral

This vast basilica was started in 1908, but because of the tumultuous events of the 20th century wouldn’t be consecrated until 1974. The Agios Andreas Cathedral is the largest church in Greece and the third largest Orthodox edifice in the Balkans.

The church is a pilgrimage site for Christians the world over as it contains the purported relics of St Andrew, one of the 12 Apostles.

In a chapel to the rear on the right side are fragments of the cross on which he was martyred, as well as a finger and the top of his cranium.

The piece of skull has been at the Agios Andreas since 1964 when it was sent from Rome and received with great fanfare.

Also take in the sumptuous neo-Byzantine mosaics on every surface, admiring the Madonna with Child behind the iconostasis.

4. Castle of Patras

Also at the top of the city, one of the first things that will strike you about the castle is how far you can see over Patras and the channel.

The castle was built in the mid-500s AD on the ruins of the ancient acropolis.

From the time it was completed to the Second World War the Castle of Patras was constantly armed.

A long list of cultures and civilisations have either besieged or taken the castle, among them Slavs, Moors, Normans, Franks and Venetians.

The Ottomans were in charge from the middle of the 15th century and later in the 17th-century Morean War, the Venetians wrested it from them for almost two decades before the Turks regained control, in 1715. A remarkable thing about the castle is that all of those occupants left their mark, revealing the development of military technology over the course of 1,500 years.

5. Voundeni Mycenaean Cemetery

The Skioessa neighbourhood on the road northeast of Patras is an area with signs of habitation going back 3,500 years.

Remnants of a settlement and cemetery have been discovered, in use from 1500-1000 BC. The cemetery to the southeast is the most exciting part for visitors, covering 1.6 hectares with some 75 tombs of various sizes and designs that were first excavated in the 1920s.

You can enter about ten of the tombs, and each one is labelled with details about the items discovered during the digs.

The first tomb has been left undisturbed, so you can see the skeletons of three people, knowing that they have lain here for as long as 3,500 years.

Further up at the ruins of the settlement, the view over Patras and the gulf are unforgettable.

6. Agiou Nikolaou

If you’re in the mood for some shopping the lower end of this street in the centre of Patras has many of the big European chains.

On Agiou Nikolaou and the adjoining streets you’ll have H&M, Zara, Stradivarius, Sephora, Marks & Spencer, Pull & Bear, Pandora and Massimo Dutti, to name a few.

If you head southeast along the street, following the slope you’ll eventually come to the Church of the St Nicholas, next to the eponymous flight of stairs.

From here you can climb the 192 steps (take your time on a hot day) up to the castle and upper town, turning back occasionally to savour the mountains across the channel.

7. Rio-Antirrio Bridge

Spanning the western end of the Gulf of Corinth between Peloponnese and Western Mainland Greece , the Rio-Antirrio Bridge is, at 2,880 metres, among the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges.

It is also definitively the longest bridge of its kind in the world to be fully suspended.

The bridge opened in August 2004 and crosses not far from Patras to the town of Antirrio on the mainland, overcoming both the gulf’s deep water and the constant seismic activity in the region.

The bridge has more than 100 sensors, measuring anything from seismic tremors to the deck’s thermal expansion.

Before this structure was completed the only way across was by ferry, and by road the Isthmus of Corinth 130 kilometres to the east added hours to journey times.

Only two bridges in the world have longer cable-stayed decks: China’s Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge and the Millau Viaduct in France.

8. Faros Patras (Patras Lighthouse)

On a headland a brief walk from Agios Andreas Cathedral is the city’s lighthouse.

You may be able to tell that the faros doesn’t have a maritime role, but instead has more of a symbolic meaning , replacing a lighthouse from 1878 that was pulled down when the port was modernised in 1972. This current building is from 1999 and has a blue glow at night.

At the base of the lighthouse is a cafe and the area around it is a waterfront park, facing west and a great place to watch the sunset.

9. Spinney of Patras

East of the centre of the city is a steep, pine-covered hill known as the Spinney of Patras.

The hill is loved by walkers and joggers for the ample shade offered by its pines planted in 1916 by an Austrian expert in forest management.

The view of the city, port and gulf is so impressive that the Spinney is often described as “Patras’ Veranda”, and there are a couple of spots to stop and take it all in.

One is the cafe terrace at the fork in the road, and another is a municipal tourist kiosk.

10. Plateia Yioryiou (Georgiou I Square)

The recent story of Patras is one of destruction, either at the hands of the Turks in the War of Independence or frequent earthquakes.

So it’s no mystery why only scraps of Patras’ old signature Neoclassical architecture has made it to the 21st century.

Some of the few exceptions await you on Georgiou I Square, and the most eye-catching of all is the Apollon Theatre on the northeast side of the square dating to 1872. Take a seat at a shaded cafe table next to the theatre’s arcades, look over the fountains and give yourself a few minutes to see the people of Patras coming and going.

11. Roman Amphitheatre

Next to the Roman Odeon are the partially excavated ruins of Patras’ amphitheatre, raised during the time of Emperor Domitian at the end of the 1st century AD. The amphitheatre was first identified in the 1870s, but archaeological surveys weren’t made until the 1990s, a job made difficult by the amount of modern development on the site.

It is believed that the amphitheatre was a gift to the city on the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Roman colony here.

The eastern side, which is the most intact, is built into the slope, and the edifice measures a total of 200 by 90 metres.

In its day the amphitheatre was known all over Greece for the Caesarea, games in which athletes from far and wide competed in a range of events like racing, pentathlon, boxing and wrestling.

12. House of Kostis Palamas

A sight to keep on your radar as you navigate the centre of Patras is the Neoclassical house at 241 Korinthou Street.

In 1859 this was the birthplace of the poet Kostis Palamas.

He was one of the luminaries of the Greek “1880s Generation” literary movement, helping to found the New Athenian School together with other eminent writers of the day Ionnis Polemis and Georgios Drosinis.

But to you and me, Kostis Palamas will be remembered as the man who wrote the lyrics to the official Olympic Anthem, performed for the first time to music by Spyridon Samaras at the Athens Olympics in 1896.

13. Patras Hammam

Although now a private business, these baths also have real historical value.

They were built in the 15th century by the Venetians and later adapted by the Ottomans who turned them into a hammam.

The baths have been in continuous use since that time, putting them among the oldest surviving Turkish baths in Europe.

You can use the baths as they were intended and stop here to recuperate after a day of climbing up and down the steps to the upper town.

14. Achaia Clauss Winery

Established by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss in 1861, Achaia Clauss is the second oldest business operating in Greece after the National Bank.

One reason the winery was able to flourish was because of the Clauss’ connections to the Bavarian-born king, Otto of Greece.

The winery is built like a castle on a picturesque hillside at Glafkos about 15 kilometres from Patras.

You’ll be given an enthusiastic tour of the vineyard and the buildings, learning about the dense history of the winery and checking out giant old barrels, some of which have wine going back to 1889. You’ll get to pose in an old-time cooper’s apron, while there’s a generous array of wines available to taste, including red, white, rose and the trademark sweet red fortified wine Mavrodafni.

15. Patras Carnival

Between 17 January and Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent (48 days before Easter) on the Orthodox calendar, you can catch one of Greece’s most famous street spectacles.

The Patras Carnival is unique in the country, and is one of the largest in Europe with a riot of masked balls, games and parades attended by tens of thousands of people, as well as all manner of unofficial side events.

The things you have to see are the opening ceremony on 17 January, the Children’s Carnival with 5,000 participants on the penultimate weekend, the Saturday night parade, the Grand Parade with satirical floats on the final Sunday and the closing ceremony, illuminated by fireworks.

Also on the final weekend there’s a treasure hunt, in which the various groups taking part in the parades compete with each other, solving riddles and questions to find clues around the city.

15 Best Things to Do in Patras (Greece):

• Archaeological Museum
• Roman Odeon
• Agios Andreas Cathedral
• Castle of Patras
• Voundeni Mycenaean Cemetery
• Agiou Nikolaou
• Rio-Antirrio Bridge
• Faros Patras (Patras Lighthouse)
• Spinney of Patras
• Plateia Yioryiou (Georgiou I Square)
• Roman Amphitheatre
• House of Kostis Palamas
• Patras Hammam
• Achaia Clauss Winery
• Patras Carnival

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