60% of Achaia's prefecture is covered by three large mountain chains: Chelmos (2.138 m.), Panachaikos (1.924 m.) and Erymanthos (2.220 m.). Thus, visitors are offered the opportunity to go mountaineering, rock-climbing, skiing (for three months a year), trekking in the international long distance Trail (E4), cycling and mountain-biking.

Mount Panachaikos, which lies near the city of Patras, offers future climbers a lot of action. There are three ascents to the top (of medium difficulty level): a) From the village of Pournarokastro, one can reach the mountain shelter of Psarthi, that belongs to the Greek Mountain Club, then continue up, towards the mountain of Ai-Giorgis (1.806 m.) and finally return through the village of Ano Kastritsi, or b) continue climbing from Pournarokastro until Vodia and Prassoudi mountain shelters, and end up in Palavou Pyrgou location (1.926 m. above sea level) or c) from Ano Kastritsi, climb up until the location of Pigi Paschalianon, which ends at Dritselo, at the shelter of Prassoudi (1.594 m.).

On Mount Erymanthos, which borders on the prefecture of Ilia, climbers will be faced with several challenges. There are four ascents to the top (of medium to high difficulty level): starting from Miha village, climbers head for Muggila peak until the final stop, at the top of Olenos mountain (2.224m.). Another ascent starts from the historic village Kalentzi up to Profitis Ilias (2.214m.), and towards Mount Erymanthos. The third ascent to Mount Erymanthos is easier and starts from the village of Alepochori, where climbers follow the path parallel to Katarraktis until they reach the Monastery of Taxiarches (1.000m.). Finally, starting from Metochi Vlassias, we reach Kallifoni peak (1.996m.). The beautiful Mount Erymanthos can be discovered through other ascents, as well.

Whenever experienced climbers approach new members who wish to learn climbing, one of the first mountains they suggest is definitely Mount Chelmos. There are four main ascents to the top (of medium to high difficulty level): first, one can start climbing from the Kalavryta Ski Resort, in order to reach Idata Stigos (2.100m.). Then, he can follow the trail that starts from the Mountain Shelter-Neraidorachi-Psili Korifi-Mavrolimni or start climbing from Peristera or Solos and end up in Idata Stigos. Another ascent starts from the village of Fteri Aigiou and ends on the Klokos peak (1.777m.)

The most famous route, however, is known as the E4 trail, starts from the village of Diakopto (in Kalavryta area) and ends in Lykouria village, while it passes through the villages Zachlorou, Kalavryta, Kato Loussoi, Planitero, Arbouna, Ag. Nikolaos, Tourlada and Krinofyta. Apart from the above trails, Mount Chelmos has many other ascents to offer demanding climbers. Mount Afrodissio offers 3 ascents of medium difficulty: a) from the springs of Ladonas river and via Pagrati village, one can reach Klima Pafsania (860m.), or b) starting from Skepasto (700m.) and passing through Panagia Plataniotissa, we follow the route up to the Monastery of Makellaria. Thirdly, if we wish for the easiest route, we can start from Nassia (700m.), follow the trail to the end of Ladonas lake and pass through the forest of Barbo, Kokkinovryssi and Ksirokritena. Finally, on Klokos mountain, there is an ascent that starts from the village of Fteri Aigiou, passes through Panagia Kokloviotissa and ends on the peak of Pepeleniko (1.777m.)

Patras is well known for the wines produced by the Achaia Clauss wine factory and especially for a variety called Mavrodafni. Visitors should also taste the local liqueur called Tentoura which is usually served as a digestive.

Some of the best places to get a drink, especially is the warm summer months is on the beach road in Rio. This strip of land is lined with bars and cafeterias catering to mostly Greeks. The clubs can get pretty packed, and usually European style music is played rather than Greek. Enjoy the views of the ocean and the Rio-Antirrio Bridge which is magnificently lit up on the weekends.

Patras Carnival, “Patrino karnavali” in Greek is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. It has more than 160 years of history. The events begin on 17 January and last up to Clean Monday which is the firt day of Orthodox Sarakosti (40 days before Easter). The carnival, as most carnival events in the Mediterranean and the Balkans, is connected with ancient pagan rituals, as those to honour Dionysus who is God of wine and feast. The top of Carnival is in the last weekend of Carnival with the Saturday parade of carnival groups, the extravagant Sunday parade of floats and groups, and finally the ritual burning of king carnival at the St. Nikolaos Street at the harbour of Patras. The unique nature and the secret of success of the Patras Carnival are simple: it was never an imitative representation of lost customs and traditions, it has always evolved as a carnival feast with inspiration, enthousiasm and young people just love it. Actually people from all ages participate every year! Opening: It is customary for the Carnival of Patras on start on the day of St. Anthony (17 January).

The New Archaeological Museum of Patras is located in the city of Patras, Greece. It opened on July 24 2009. The construction plans for the museum was initially announced by the then Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri. However, the construction plans did not materialise until 2004.

Built on a 28,000 square meter plot of land, with 8,000 square meter of interior spaces, it is the second largest museum of Greece. The area surrounding the museum compromises of a 500 square meter pool, a shiny metallic dome and greenery. In the near future, the vacant land next to the museum will be turned into a cultural park.

It houses collections about the history of Patras and the surrounding area from prehistory to the end of Roman times. The museum was designed by the architect Mr. Theofanis Bobotis with an original cost of 21.5 million euros that ended up on a total of 25 million. It was originally planned to open in 2006, when Patras was the cultural capital of Europe, but despite the construction being ready, the structure remained empty, with the opening being delayed several times.

The museum has four thematic sections, three of which permanent and one periodic. From the three permanent, currently only two are open to the public with the third expected to be opened by the end of the year. The periodic section will be hosting various exhibitions around the year. According to the archaeologists of the 6th Antiquity Conservancy, the 70% of the items exhibited are seeing the light of the day for the first time in the past thirty years. The museum is open daily from 8 am till 3 pm, expect Monday; entrance is currently free of charge.