24hrs in Patras

Patras is Greece’s third largest city and a commercial hub. The city’s port is Greece’s gateway to Italy and Western Europe. Patra is also well known for its carnival parade that takes place every February.

I visited Patras last year for work. It had been almost 10 years since my last visit when I took part in the said carnival. This time I had time and weather on my side to explore the city and visit the new archaeological museum.

Saint Andrew church

I will start off with this one since it’s the city’s landmark. The church was inaugurated in 1974 and is dedicated to Apostle Andrew. Relics of the Saint are stored in the church in a special shrine. The Saint’s feast day on November 30th is a public holiday for the city of Patras.

City Center

Riga Feraiou street is always bustling with people. It is full of shops, cafes, and bakeries. I’m looking always for cool buildings and doors.

A few blocks up from Riga Feraiou streets is Vasileos Georgiou square. If you’ve ever watched the carnival parade on TV you’ve definitely seen this square. The most beautiful building in the square is the Apollo Theater. Renowned German architect Ernst Ziller designed the theater. Unfortunately, it was under construction when I visited.

Maizonos street is a commercial street near Vasileos Georgiou square. It has beautiful buildings that were a pleasure to capture.

Roman Odeon

One of the archaeological sites of Patras that you can visit is the Roman Odeon and stadium. To get there walk up Patreos street and climb up the stairs. The Odeon was built in the 2nd century AD. Pafsanias wrote that it was the second most beautiful Odeon in Greece (at the time). The most beautiful one? Herod Atticus Odeon in Athens.

Ifestou street

Another pedestrian street next to the Roman stadium ruins. It comes alive at night when all the restaurants and bars open up. For me, it’s the ideal place for dinner or a drink. During a recent re-visit to Patras, I dined at Skarimba, but there are plenty of others nearby.

Psila Alonia neighborhood

When I visit a new city, I’m always drawn to exploring the architecture. Patras has a lot of art nouveau buildings that you have to discover among the sea of the block of flats.

One neighborhood I particularly liked was Psila Alonia (meaning literally high threshing floor). It is the city’s high ground area from the Roman Odeon up to Trion Navarchon stairs. I shot some cool houses there. Especially like those with a circle on the corner and most likely a dome.

How to get there and Where to Stay

Patra does not have an airport so the best way to get there is via bus from Athens. If you’re planning a road trip in Greece you can get on the Ferry from Italy and arrive in Patra the next day. A hotel I wholeheartedly recommend in Patra is Castello City Hotel. As the name gives away, it is located centraly. It has modern and minimal design (you know, my favorite) and offers delicious breakfast!

Have you visited Patra? If not, definitely add it to your list for a weekend getaway!