Patras

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Greece, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

The most favourable times to visit Patras are the shoulder seasons of late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). These months offer warm, pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding beaches. For a specific cultural highlight, plan your visit for late winter to experience the famous Patra Carnival, a spectacular city-wide festival of parades and events typically held from January 17 (the day of St Anthony) and lasts up to Clean Monday. If you visit during the peak summer months of July and August, expect intense heat, busy streets and beaches, and higher prices, though this period is perfect for dedicated beach time and long evenings.

Public transport in Patras is centred on a network of blue city buses (KTEL) for urban travel. For longer journeys, regional KTEL buses connect to destinations across Greece from the city's central bus station. A key connection is the Suburban Railway (Proastiakos), which links Patras to Kiato; from there, you can transfer to the main rail line to reach Athens in approximately three hours. Tickets for city buses should be purchased in advance from kiosks, as buying them on board incurs a higher fare. The city centre itself is compact and easily explored on foot.

Taxis are plentiful, cheap and professional. Most taxi drivers speak English and taxis carry up to four passengers. You can find taxis in Patras by hailing burgundy cabs on the street, going to official ranks next to big city squares, or booking via popular radio taxi numbers like RadioTaxi Patras (+30 2610 205205) or Taxi Express Patras (+30 2610 450000), with the Freenow app also being a convenient option for ride-hailing in Greece.

Greece uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.