Patras
Patras a city located in Western Greece and the third most-populated city in the country. Nicknamed the ‘Gate to the West’, Patras is an important commercial and business hub and provides many routes of trade to Western Europe. Culture-wise, Patras offers a range of festivals and museums, giving travellers a variety of activities to choose from.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 100 (police), 166 (ambulance) and 199 (fire brigade).
- Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro
- Country Code: GRC
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 195,265
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 110 (police), 166 (ambulance) and 199 (fire brigade).
Hospitals in Patras
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Airports
Train Stations
Patras Safety
Where can I keep up with local news?
Have you got any city safety tips?
Be alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Take the usual safety precautions so you do not become a targets for pickpockets. Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in your back pocket. Put any valuables items in a dark colour shopping bag when going out to avoid attention.
When withdrawing cash from ATM try to go inside the bank. Beware of withdrawing cash from cash points on pedestrian walkways. Try to withdraw small sums and don’t flash your cash around even in the bank.
Are there any common crimes in the city?
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Credit card fraud, cloning cards can be an issue be careful where you use your cards. Also if you are withdrawing money from cash machines make sure you cover your pin and be discreet about the amount of cash you withdraw.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Patras Events
The Patras Carnival as a wonderfully modern design of traditional style and values. There is a very strong culture in Greece and this is reflected in the carnival. A large parade winds its way through the city streets and brings together spirit and love for the history and culture of the country. It’s a bright and energetic event that is easy to get caught up in the atmosphere.
Patras Highlights
Are there any highlights in Patras?
New Archaeological museum, the Folk Art Museum, or the Museum of History and Ethnology. Discover Patras shopping area, and shop your heart out! When you feel tired, enjoy a fine meal, and relax at a lounge café. Then, when night sets in, observe how the streets of the city are transformed into venues of fun. Patras nightlife awakens.
Apollon Municipal Theatre was one of the first opera houses in Europe, since 1988 it has housed the Patras Municipal Regional Theatre. Many great performances and shows are staged each year and it’s a beautiful venue to watch a show.
Saint Andrew Church is located in the centre of the city it is a beautiful building and certainly stands out. It is one of the biggest churches in the Balkans.
What places are worth a visit?
The Aghiou Nikolaou is the most famous pedestrian street in the city; from the street are nearly 200 steps that lead to the Old City and beautiful views. The streets offer a great insight in to the history and culture of the city itself and its interesting and chequered history.
The lighthouse is a beacon of hope to ships in the night and the port is a beautiful part of the city well worth checking out, it’s a wonderful place to stroll and from the lighthouse itself visitors can get an amazing view of the port. A lovely way to spend the evening and romantic sunset.
The Medieval Castle was built towards the end of the 6th century on the rubble of the ancient Acropolis. It is hard to believe how long the settlement has been there and all the history and people that have lived out their lives within its secure walls. From the top ramparts the views across the city are stunning and well worth a look.
