The best city hikes and walks in Aetolia - Acarnania

The mural in the picture shows a woman looking at a landscape dominated by wind turbines at sunset. It is a work by the artist NEAN (real name Fabien Hupin), a Brussels-based street artist. The mural was created as part of the ArtWalk Patras festival in Greece. NEAN's style is often characterized by a poetic approach that addresses the relationship between humans and the environment.

The ruins of the Roman stadium of Patras. It was presumably built in the last quarter of the 1st century AD (approx. 80-90 AD). It is assumed that the stadium was a gift from Emperor Domitian to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary as a Roman colony. The visible remains include substructures of the spectator stands (Cavea) on the southern long side. In addition to sporting competitions, it probably also served as an amphitheater for gladiator fights.

The church Agios Athanasios in Patras exhibits features typical for this region: Central building with dome: A characteristic element of Byzantine and Neo-Byzantine church architecture. Open narthex (Exonarthex): The striking round arches, supported by columns, form a covered entrance area. Freestanding bell tower: To the right in the picture, the bell tower can be seen, which is stylistically coordinated with the main building. Color scheme: The combination of sand-colored facades and red tiled roofs is widespread in Greek church construction.

The mural is titled "ERMES" (Hermes) and was created by the artist Chekos'art. It was created as part of ArtWalk 7, the 7th International Street Art Festival of Patras in 2022. It shows a modern interpretation of Hermes, a deity from Greek mythology, who is considered, among other things, the patron saint of travelers, merchants, and orators. The artist Chekos'art uses a technique reminiscent of pop art and collages, with the portrait composed of various colored fragments and dot patterns. The work is part of a larger initiative in Patras that has transformed the city into a kind of open-air gallery through large-scale murals.

The Old Port (North Port) is located directly in the city center, adjacent to the promenade. Today, it primarily serves the ferry connections to the Ionian Islands (such as Kefalonia and Ithaka). Large parts of the old port area have been opened to the public. Today, there are green spaces such as the South Park, cafés, and spaces for cultural events. Current developments (as of 2026) The port is currently being expanded into a "Smart Port," with modern technologies being used for traffic management and environmental protection. There are also new efforts to establish Patras as a destination for cruise ships and mega-yachts.

The Patras railway station (Greek: Σιδηροδρομικός Σταθμός Πατρών) is located directly at the city's port. Currently (as of March 2026), the situation is as follows: No direct train connection to Athens: The station is not yet connected to the modern rail network (standard gauge). The new high-speed line from Athens currently ends in Aigio. Rail replacement service: Passengers to Athens use Hellenic Train buses from this station to Kiato (or Aigio). There, they transfer to the suburban train (Proastiakos), which takes you to Athens or the airport. Local train service: The station continues to serve as a stop for the local narrow-gauge railway (Proastiakos Patras). These trains run on two lines.

This astronomical instrument stands in Psila Alonia Square (Πλατεία Ψηλά Αλώνια). The inscription on the front, "ΠΙΝΑΚΑΣ ΔΙΟΡΘΩΣΕΩΝ ΣΕ ΛΕΠΤΑ ΩΡΑΣ" (Correction Table in Minutes of Time), provides correction values for various months and days. Since sundials display true solar time, which deviates slightly from uniform mechanical time (equation of time) throughout the year, these tables help calculate the exact standard time. It is a horizontal sundial with a triangular metal gnomon whose shadow indicates the time on the top.

The famous steps of Agios Nikolaos (Greek: Σκάλες Αγίου Νικολάου) in the city center are a landmark and a popular viewpoint, connecting the lower town with the upper town (Ano Poli). The staircase comprises a total of 193 steps. It was built in 1934 replacing a winding dirt road to provide direct access to Patras Castle. From the top, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Patras, the port, and the Gulf of Patras, extending to the opposite coast of Aetolia-Acarnania.