Hello! Today I will tell a few details about the city Patras + some interesting features of Greece that are significantly simplify your stay in this place.
So, Patras is the largest city and port on the peninsula. Peloponnese, as well as the third largest city in Greece.
I lived near this city, 20 minutes away, in the village of Kaminia (Kaminia). There are many small shops, private houses, gardens with lemons. Nearby is the small town of Katohaya (Kato Ahaia), 10 minutes by bus. And by the way, there is very nice, if you’re out by car, be sure to stop by Narrow streets, compact hotels, small coffee shops and a bunch of croissants. I don’t know why, but the Greeks adore croissants! What kind of coffee shop you will not go – a huge selection This baking, different sizes (size XXXL even), different tastes. By the way, the Greeks are very fond of coffee in all its manifestations, in especially in the cold. They have drinks like: Fredochino (This is a cocktail of milk, chocolate, coffee and ice, which interfered with one mass), Fredokapuccino (cold cappuccino), etc. according to the list. BUT tea, oddly enough, they do not really like and drink it only when diseases.
There is also a sandy beach in Katohai where many people come from Patr. Yes, by the way, basically the entire coast is a small pebble. Only Some beaches have a sandy beach. There is also a beach Kalogria (Kalogria) is one hour from Patras – it is also sandy and there Many go to rest, but I’m afraid that without a car there will be difficult get there. The beach is free, but rent an umbrella or deckchair Naturally for a certain amount. There is another feature with temperature water, where Patra – the water is very clean, but cold, but closer to my village, it is warmer, but there is more than any grass.
And the Greeks also have a peculiarity, like other Europeans, they do not like to swim in the sea, for them it is dirty, so they prefer pools. Therefore, on their day off they are not rare come to hotels and pay for their stay by the pool. A total of 4 euros per day.
Photo: Patra Beach
Don’t be surprised if there is a supermarket or store on Sunday will be closed – the Greeks, in principle, have their own schedule for everything. For example, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from 9:00 to 14:30. BUT Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – from 9:00 to 14:30, and then resume work from 5 pm to 8 pm This also applies to shops, banks, museums, so it’s best to do everything in the morning.
On vacation, I took the car, used the company avance. By car I traveled to Olympia, to Patras, also traveled across the RIO bridge, which connects the Peloponnese and the mainland. By the way, travel through the bridge is paid, for passenger cars13 euro. You have 10 hours to return and do not pay the fare in the opposite direction. The bridge is very beautiful, well done, you go very smoothly. To the other side You can also get on the ferry, but as I understood, they only go once an hour About the car and gasoline. I took NISSAN MICRO consumption was the next 150 km – 15-20 euros.
Through the bridge went to a very cute town Nafpaktos. is he small and has an ancient history. There stands the Venetian fortress, which was still built by the Venetians for defense against the Turks. I did not climb this fortress, so I can not say anything (I just walked around the city, enjoyed the views, saw Fredochino), then went to the beach. There are a lot of restaurants and cafes on the beach, who arranged their tables and chairs there – you can order water and be there all day. Each cafe near the shower with running water
Photo: house in Nafpaktos.
Also on excursions I was in Athens, on Meteora, if someone wants, then separately I will write about it. But since this the article is called “The Art of Survival in Patras,” then I think It’s time to clarify what I meant by that.
BTW, very important advice! If you see somewhere in tourist shops cool magnets, a little olive oil, or a cool set with alcohol or spices – buy! You definitely will not find cheaper, almost everywhere prices the same, magnets somewhere 2-3 euros. And if you do not decide to buy, then such an opportunity will be at the airport, and at the airport all 3 times expensive. It’s just that this situation affected me when I decided not to spent on a little olive oil in Olympitrevel format, beautifully designed (perfect gift for a friend), but I decided that calmly buy somewhere in the supermarket. But in the end nowhere I did not find anything like it (like a set with spices. And a very upset.
So, why did I call this article “Art survival in Patras. “This trip was the first trip in Greece to whole When I drove, I was surprised at the high prices the rules of the country, the provision that here everything is always necessary to pay. I don’t know if this was always the case or only after the crisis Greece so covered. In general, Patras just became the first city where I am confronted with many misunderstandings.
In Patras, I was 2 times for my 10 day rest. Since she was not far from the village where I stayed, it was not difficult get there I went there by car or by bus. Directions cost 1.8 euros for a 20 min drive. Buses are very comfortable, surprised how such engines do they manage to maneuver on these narrow the streets.
What can I say about Patras: a very ancient city, port, a lot people, many cafes, old houses. Was in the cathedral Andrew the Perv – he is very big, inside you can see wooden cross on which he was crucified. Only he is not like by Christ. Andrew said that he was not worthy of the same cross as that of Christ, therefore his cross looks like a sign of multiplication) I don’t know how to say otherwise.
Photo: Temple of Andrew the First Broken
Photo: Streets of Patra
By the way, if you want to buy coffee in Patras, then go to MIKEL. I took there cold coffee with chocolate ice cream – very tasty. By the way, in the same cafe I found another feature. If you are buy coffee at the counter, then they give it to you in a paper cup and that means you drink it anywhere on the street, just not inside premises. And to drink coffee indoors, you need to sit at table and call someone. And then bring coffee in the glass a cup. That is, in fact, nobody told us that when we were at the counter. paid for coffee, and then went to the table. We were just told type leave, with paper cups it’s impossible and we don’t overflow. Such rules.
Guys! Try pita! Sure, I ate at Le Coq – this delicious!
Photo: Cafe Le Coq
Since I’m talking about food, I have to say an ode Greek salad. It’s a great feeling when you eat greek Salad in Greece, in the tavern. Where food brings you the real The Greek who owns this tavern in which generation. By the way found such a wonderful place on the ascent to the old castle. That is, you go up the huge stairs (by the way, do not sure, you can climb is not so cool, and get around). And when go to the very end, a magnificent view. And immediately, right tavern. Take there Greek salad! He is huge for two sure enough! It was worth somewhere 4-5 euros. Menu in Greek, and host plainly in English can not explain. Therefore, we poked our fingers at plates of our neighbors) and they said the same to us) Very tasty sheep cheese baked in the oven (they have this the dish is called something, but I don’t remember), but with bread just fairy tale. And he does not give such plowing as goat, that is, everything is simple fine! We also took fried pies with cheese, very tasty. Wine they are also very tasty. And the main thing is not so expensive.
By the way, the Greeks are very fond of unhealthy food, they have a lot of fried, no cult helthy food. Fried potatoes, but more. AT The center of a lot of fast food, where the Greeks prefer to eat. And there are almost no soups, dairy type, cottage cheese and other resulting from dairy products, as in Russia.
By the way, another Greek feature. In the tavern, cafe you bring bread without asking about you, and then in the bill you see already 1 Euro. Like a little, but when you have just enough money, and you do not know this feature, you can not get into a very good situation, but knowing the Greeks, maybe they will forgive you)
Photo: map, where to find a cafe
Here you have a hearty meal) Now we go to the old castle, which, as I understood, the Turks first occupied, then the Italians, on the map see where he is. To reach it from the tavern you you need to turn right go to the end of the wall, then turn left, go upstairs and there is the entrance. It was defensive structure, from which there is little that still left. All the more so some Greeks have placed their houses right under this wall with from the outside. By the way! Opening hours up to 3 hours! About days I don’t know a week.
Photo: castle vnitri
Still nearby there is an ancient Roman stadium, you can walk there. He, too, to 3 open.
I’ll tell you another feature about the exchange of money. I came with dollars, we were told to exchange them at the bank. But nobody in the bank He was going to change us, because he needed to be a bank customer. therefore I had to look for an exchanger, which was not so easy to find.
By the way, many Greeks speak English very well, me just struck, because the Europeans do not really say. For example, Austrians, Czechs. And then almost everyone, just some exceptional ones cases when do not say. I was told that seriously to the language relate to school, so many know. Therefore, you calm help, show the road, and if they don’t even know the road, they will ask any Greek, does he know english and ask to help me explain)) It struck me straight, this is their vitality, cheerfulness, desire to help. When I was looking for the bus I needed, asked the locals they didn’t know, but they found someone who knows they took me by the hand literally and took me to the man who could help me) Or for example, I wanted to ask for directions, man did not know English., he went to his neighbor, he also did not know and neighbor I went to wake up my daughter and she explained to me in English half way through go))
In general, I am crazy about the Greeks, about their mentality, about their radiance)
I will also tell you what can be brought from Patra and where it is possible buy. In general, you can go to the supermarkets: there you can buy honey Greek, olive oil (it smells interesting by the way, but it tastes bitter and By the way, in Russia, Greek oil is not for sale, so be sure to bring). They have many sweets similar to Turkish: baklava, Macedonian halva, Turkish Delight rahat (they have it called). Be sure to bring OLIVES home – they are very delicious. Mastiha liqueur, Ouzo vodka, and liqueur on cinnamon, which is great to use at the first symptoms of the disease – Tentura (TENTURA). It is made in Patras. To me advised to buy brand VANTANA. I also bought a piece there, like marshmallow in a jar. I do not know exactly how it is called, but they are before eat it, dip a spoon in cold water, and then scoop this white sweet mass) In general, probably so) If you have questions – ask! Be sure to answer.
