Patras

Patras is located in north-western Peloponnese and has a population of 250,000 inhabitants. It is the regional capital of western Greece, as a major port is the door of Greece to Italy and western Europe. With more than 50 ferries to Italy every week, almost all trade of Greece to the European Union passes through the city. The surrounding area is an important agricultural area of Greece producing large quantities of citrus fruits, potatoes and watermelons. The area is renowned for its vineyards and its wines are famous around the world. The famous wine producer, Achaia-Claus has it's facilities out of town.

The city offers many opportunities for entertainment and sports. The local orchestra and Solists Patras are giving regular performances at the Municipal Theater, which is the main theater of the city. There are also many amateur theater groups, with the most important,the theater 'Agora', which gives regular performances. At the municipal theater and the outdoor theater in the Venetian castle are often given performances by troupes, orchestras and artists visiting the city. There is also a folk art exhibition and several private galleries in the city with reports of well-known local and international painters and sculptors.

The city has two football fields and several gyms which house a large number of groups. The municipal swimming pool is home to the swimming teams and water polo teams in the city. The gulf of Patras is also providing many opportunities for water sports (windsurfing, swimming, water-skiing) and the marina has been the seat of the Yacht Club of Patras. On the north side of town, near the Venetian castle, there are many preserved buildings of the 19th century. Beside the castle is the Roman Theatre, where performances are scheduled during the summer months.

Downtown there are many shops, cafes and shopping areas. The nightlife of Patras is famous, with a great variety of clubs, bars and restaurants to live music.

The city is famous for its carnival which takes place every February. The youth of Patras, along with University students, organise in groups, dress in carnival costumes, dance in the streets, doparties and participate in events and the big carnival parade. Thousands of people participate each year in this spectacular festival.

The city is centrally located with easy access to most historical sites in the Peloponnese. To the south lies the Olympia, which is an hour away. In the area,there is the ancient temple of Apollo, which is one of the best preserved in Greece. Directly on the other side of the sea, in central Greece, there is Delphi, the most famous oracle temple of the ancient world. In the mountains east of Patras there is also Kalavrita which has an excellent ski resort.

source: www.upatras.g