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Patra

Patras is the capital of the region or prefecture. It owes its name to Patreas, chief of the Achaians. The city is among the most important in Greece, and the largest in the Peloponnese. It is also a major transportation center, linking the country with Italy and the Peloponnese with the Ionian Islands. The city extends from the shore up to the Castle. It is divided into two parts, the upper and lower Patras, whose layout, parks and plazzas give it a definite distinction. The old city, at the foot of the castle, still has quite a number of attractive neoclassical houses, while the lower city has many mansions, such as those housing the Municipal Theatre, the Odeon, etc.

Patras possesses a fine archaeological museum, an art gallery and a printing museum. Dominating the city from on high looms the ruined shell of the castle, whose grounds have been transformed into a park. From here you have a view of the whole city and the sea beyond. Patras' famous Carnival - a festive sampling of its citizens' imagination, humour and high spirits - attracts thousands of visitors every year. Finally, the city's innumerable pastry shops, its quiet little cafes, its wide range of taverns, its lively streets bustling with locals, foreigners and transient travelers complete the picture of Patras, beautiful and renowned throughout Greece.

The coasts of Achaia are a delightful concoction of picturesque villages, indented shores, gardens and shady trees. A treat for the eye. While the heart of Achaia may be its mountains, one cannot fail to hear its soul in the murmur of the sea. Leaving Corinth, you take the coast road all the way to Patras. It's more scenic than the National Road, since it's right on the water's edge. You reach Akrata, a coastal village, set in lush surroundings on a crystal clear sea. This was the site of ancient Aigai. In the hinterland, a sight worth seeing is the post-Byzantine monastery of Agia Triada (1715), which has well-preserved mosaics. Next come Platanos, Trapeza, verdant hamlets, and Diakofto. This is where the railway leaves for Kalavrita. Continuing along the coast road, you see the roofs of one village after another poking through the unbroken green of the hillsides.

Right before Patras comes Rio, a transportation hub, uniting the Peloponnese with Central Greece and Epiros by car ferry. A huge bridge is now being built to connect the two shores for car traffic. Traversing Patras, continue along the old Patras - Pirgos road. It is in good condition with a view of the sea and passes endless stretches of sandy beaches (Araxos) and charming villages lapped in greenery. This little jaunt ends at Kalogria in time for an afternoon dip and a rest on its white sand.

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