Achaia Prefecture is located in the northwestern Peloponnese. It covers an area of 3271 square kilometres, has a population of 327.316 inhabitants (2001) and it is the main gateway connecting Greece with rest EU countries through the Port of Patras.
Prefecture of Achaia administratively belongs to the Western Greece Region along with the prefectures of Ilia and Aitoloakarnania. It is the geographical center of gravity of the region, and holds 29% of the total area and 43% of the total population. It consists of the provinces of Patras, Aigialeia and Kalavrita and it is currently divided into 21 municipalities and two communities. The capital of the prefecture is the city of Patras, which is the third largest city in the country. Achaia combines natural beauty and cultural development and it is a piece of Greek land that reveals both the historic heritage and modern culture.
City of Patras emerged from the ancient city of legendary Patreas, is the port that connects Greece to Western Europe and it is characterised by its impressive architecture and street layout. The rich historical and cultural heritage of Patras, along with the lively pace of modern life, gives it a unique character. The Carnival every spring, the International Festival every summer, and the Municipal Theatre with its’ active presence, are a few remarkable examples of the artistic traditions of the city of Patras.
The prefecture of Achaia is the west gateway to Europe, offering easy access to some of the most important archaeological sites in the country: Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus Temple of Apollo, Mycenae, Athens. The travel time from Patras to the aforementioned archeological sites, varies from one to two and a half hours, via the national highway road, which allows return within the same day.
The mild climate of the county, the alternation of landscapes, mountains, seas, lakes, rivers, canyons, caves, waterfalls, natural reserves, forests, etc. provides the visitor with numerous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the year.
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