Patra, or Patras, is located in the southwest part of Greece in Peloponnesos and it is the third largest city of Greece, and also the capital of the Achaia region of Greece. It is also the seat of the Province of West Greece. Patras's metropolitan area has a population of over 250,000 and is an important commercial center and a busy port, with regular car-ferry services to and from Italy and the W.Europe. Over and above, the area of Patras is one of the most important agricultural regions of Greece, producing significant quantities of citrus fruits, potatos and watermelons. The region is also very famous for its vineyards and its famous wines worldwide.

The town nowadays remains divided into the Upper and Lower part with broad flights of steps, as well as streets, giving access between the two levels. The upper part is the older and more picturesque but the lower part is attractively laid out with plenty of squares, notably the square of Psila Alonia and Georgiou I square. There are a lot of neoclassical buildings like the theatre "Apollon" in Georgiou I Square, the Town Hall, the headquarters of the Local Trade Association and the Justice Court.

Patras is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. It offers its resident a lot of facilities such as shopping centers, picturesque cafes, pubs, discos, restaurants as well as educational and cultural facilities such as schools, colleges, a university, a library, two theatres and some galleries and cinemas.

One of the biggest tourist attractions of Patras, is the Carnival of Patras held every year from February to March. It is said to be one of the most famous in the world coming just after Rio de Janeiro and Venice. Every summer takes place the International Festival of Patras with a program consisting mostly of plays--both ancient drama and modern theatre--as well as various music concerts.

Rio is the main way of reaching the Greek mainland from Peloponnesos. Ferries run on a regular basis accross the channel that joins Rio wth Antirio and Aetoloacarnania. The traveler has the opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes and also the Castle of Rio and Antirio. Rio's Castle, was built in 1499 and was named "Kastelli of Moreas" (the little castle of Peloponnesos).