Patras: The Gateway to Western Greece

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti kanete?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Milate anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menu, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirososo, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε για γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ya giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάζω
  [Apla kitazo]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Boreite na meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ochto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Boreite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (ya ....)]

Patras, one of Greece's oldest cities, boasts a rich history dating back to antiquity. It was founded by the Achaeans in the 3rd millennium BC and became a significant Mycenaean center. Archaeological findings, including remnants of Mycenaean palaces and tombs, testify to its early importance.

Patras flourished under Roman rule after its conquest in 146 BC. The city became an important trade hub, connecting the eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire. Prominent structures from this era include the Roman Odeon, constructed in the 1st century AD, which is still used today for cultural events.

In the Byzantine era, Patras was rebuilt and fortified, becoming a significant religious center. The city is renowned for the Church of Saint Andrew, which is said to house the relics of Saint Andrew the Apostle. During the medieval period, Patras was a contested site among various powers, including the Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans.

Patras came under Ottoman control in 1458 and remained so until the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century. The city played a pivotal role in the revolution; on March 23, 1821, the residents of Patras declared their independence from Ottoman rule, marking one of the first acts of rebellion in the war.

Following Greek independence, Patras experienced significant growth and modernization. It became a major port city, fostering economic development. The city was reconstructed with neoclassical buildings, many of which still stand today, contributing to its unique architectural heritage.

Patras is renowned for its vibrant cultural life. The city hosts one of Europe's largest carnivals, the Patras Carnival, which has been celebrated for over a century. It features elaborate parades, floats, and festivities that attract visitors from around the world. Patras is also a hub for the arts, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues.

Patras is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Araxos Airport, approximately 45 kilometers from the city. From Athens, you can take a bus or train to Patras, with the journey taking around 2-3 hours. Ferries from Italy also connect to Patras, making it a convenient entry point for travelers coming from Europe.

Patras has an efficient public transportation system including buses and taxis. The local bus network covers most areas of the city, while taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable. For those wishing to explore the surrounding region, car rentals are available. The city is also bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling lanes in some parts.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, although carrying some cash is advisable for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are easily accessible throughout Patras for cash withdrawals.

Patras is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Areas around the central bus and train stations can be hotspots for petty crimes like pickpocketing. It is advisable to avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. Hospitals and medical facilities are available in Patras. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. It is customary to cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Patras like a local, visit the vibrant local markets where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city. Don't miss the Patras Carnival if you visit in February or March, one of the biggest and most colorful events in Greece. For a unique experience, visit the Achaia Clauss winery for a tour and wine tasting.