Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KylliniΚυλλήνη
The port of Kyllini (kih-
lee
-nih), 78km southwest of Patra, warrants a mention merely as
the jumping-off point for ferries to Kefallonia and Zakynthos. Most people arrive on
buses from Patra to board the ferries.
There are boats to Zakynthos (per person/car €6.50/29.90, 1¼ hours, up to four daily
in summer) and to Poros (per person/car €11.50/61, 1½ hours, up to four daily in sum-
mer) and Argostoli (two hours, one daily summer only) on Kefallonia. See
www.ionianferries.gr
as schedules change regularly.
From Pyrgos (€6, one hour) there are two daily buses to Kyllini, and three to four
buses daily from the KTEL Zakynthos bus station in Patra (€8, 1¼ hours). Some connect
with ferries to Zakynthos (bus and ferry €15.90). Note, however, doing the reverse trip
that there are no buses from Kyllini to Patra. A
taxi
(
6973535678)
to Patra costs
around €60.
ACHAÏA ΑΧΑΪ́Α
Foreign visitors are slowly discovering the delights of Achaïa. The spectacular region
hides a string of coastal resorts, some high and skiable mountain country (reached on a
fantastic rack-and-pinion railway) and a bustling capital, Patra.
Achaïa owes its name to the Achaeans, an Indo-European branch of migrants who
settled on mainland Greece and established what is more commonly known as the My-
cenaean civilisation. When the Dorians arrived, the Achaeans were pushed into this
northwestern corner of the Peloponnese, displacing the original Ionians.
Legend has it that the Achaeans founded 12 cities, which later developed into the
powerful Achaean Federation that survived until Roman times. Principal among these
cities were the ports of Patra and Egio (on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Patra (Patras)Πάτρα
POP 168,000
The largest city in the Peloponnese, and Achaïa's capital, Patra is named after King
Patreas, who ruled Achaïa around 1100 BC. Despite an eventful 3000 years of history,
Patra is often dismissed by travellers. Many pass straight through, boarding or disem-
barking from boats that sail between here, Italy and some Ionian Islands.
