Challenging design paths

ICTVC 7 · Patras, Greece · 19 — 21 June 2019

About Patras

General

Patras (pronunciation: [ˈpatra], Latin: Patrae (pl.)) is Greece’s third largest urban area and the regional capital of Western Greece, in northern Peloponnese, 215 km west of Athens. The city is built at the foothills of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras. The Patras City Area is a conurbation of 160.400 inhabitants, while its wider urban area, in the new Patras municipality, has a population of 213,984 (in 2011). Patras’ core settlement has a history spanning four millennia, in the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan center of the eastern Mediterranean.

Dubbed as Greece’s Gate to the West, Patras is a commercial hub, while its busy port is a nodal point for trade and communication with Italy and the rest of Western Europe. The city has two public universities and one Technological Institute, hosting a large student population and rendering Patras a major scientific centre with a field of excellence in technological education. The Rio-Antirio bridge connects Patras’ easternmost suburb of Rio to the town of Antirrio, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece.

Every year, in February, the city hosts one of Europe’s largest and most colourful carnivals; notable features of the Patras Carnival include its mammoth-sized satirical floats and extravagant balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Patras is also famous for supporting an indigenous cultural scene active mainly in the performing arts and modern urban literature. It was European Capital of Culture 2006. One can find more information about Patras on Lonely Planet.

Travelling to Patras

Greece is a member of the Schengen Agreement. This means that there are no requirements for official travel documents other than national ID cards and/or passports.

By airplane

Araxos (GPA) is the closest airport serving Patras. It is a small airport located 35 Km Western of Patras, which is regularly an Hellenic Airforce airport, but it now serves civil aviation through charter and low-cost flights. There is strong connection with Germany via TUIfly (Stuttgart, Munich, Frankfurt, Hannover, Düsseldorf), Austria via Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Belgium, France, Poland, Russia, and Belarus. Travel from Araxos to city centre is feasible through taxi with a fare of 40-50 Euros per trip and total travel time 30 minutes. Car rental services are provided also in the premises of the airport.

Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos“ (ATH) is the biggest airport of the country. The airport serves just under 13 million passengers annually making it, as of 2013, the 35th busiest airport in Europe. AIA offers excellent connection to all European countries as it combines both regular airlines as well as low-cost ones. The Airport is connected to Patras by Train and by Coach (please see subsections By Train and By Coach).

By ship

One of the most common ways to travel between Italy and Greece is by ferry. This option also serves participants from central European countries, such as Austria or Slovenia, that can easily access one of the Northern Italy ports and enjoy a summer trip to Patras by ferry. Brindisi, Bari, Ancona and Venice are the cities with the most frequent ferry connections, that are served by some high quality operators, such as Minoan Lines (Ancona, Trieste, Ravenna), SuperFast Ferries (Ancona, Bari), and Anek (Ancona, Venice). The prices and the timetables vary on the numerous travel options, from deck to luxurious cabins. It is of course advisable to check the ferry availability through dedicated sites, such as Direct Ferries, a UK booking site, and GreeceFerries.com. The travel duration ranges from 15 hours from Bari to 30 hours from Venice.

By train

AIA is the starting point for Athens Suburban Railway. Now, and due to on-going infrastructure works on the railway line between these two stations, the Suburban Railway stops at the town of Kiato and continues with a bus service to Patras. The fare is 27 Euros for the entire trip and the total travel time is a little less than four hours. The travel duration is expected to drop to three hours with the renovation of the railway network, which is under progress. A detailed timetable will be announced closer to the conference dates.

By coach

Patras is connected with Athens by a very frequent coach service, which is KTEL Achaias. Coaches depart every 30′ and the trip lasts about three hours. There are also express routes that lower the travel time to two and a half hours. The main coach station in Athens is Kifissos Coach Station, at 100 Kifissou Str. (telephone: +30 210 5124910). Kifissos Coach Station is connected to the AIA through the bus line X93 with a fare of five Euros and travel time 50 minutes. The Coach Station in Patras is located at the centre of the city, at 2 Zaimi Str. and Othonos Amalias Str. (telephone: +30 2610 623886-8). Departure times from Athens to Patras can be found on this webpage, while from Patras to Athens can be found on this webpage. Due to the interface being only in Greek, you can find the day by the label of the first column which is Monday.

Moving around the city

By bus

Bus number 6 for Rion departs from Patras’ center, runs every ten to fifteen minutes and connects the University with the city. Since some buses go directly to the town of Rion, bypassing the Campus, it is advisable to ask before boarding if the specific bus goes to the University (Panepistimio). Tickets cost 1.70 €, one way. Tickets should be purchased in advance and you are advised to ask from your hotel reception for selling points. More details at http://www.astikopatras.gr/bus.php.

By train

Patras Suburban Railway starts from the Central Train Station every hour and reaches the station of Kastellokampos 20 minutes later. From there, one can use the bus connection for the University with the same ticket. Tickets cost 1.40 € and can be purchased from the main stations.

  • Departure from Patras Central Station to University: XX:23, every hour from 6 am to 22 pm.
  • Departure from University to Patras Central Station: XX:56, every hour from 6 am to 22 pm.

By taxi

There are about one thousand taxis available in the city of Patras. Many taxis work on a 24-hour basis. One can hire a taxi at a taxi stand. Main taxi stands are located at the George B’ Square, as well as at the Bus and Central Train Stations. Taxis can also be requested by telephone using one of the following numbers 1300, +30 2610 346700, +30 2610 450000. The average cost for one way ride is about eight Euros.

During your stay

No matter what your personal preferences are, Patras offers a variety of places where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink, have a snack or a traditional meal, drink ouzo by the seaside or a beer enjoying the sunset from the Upper Town (Ano Poli), go for a run or work in a modern café.

There are several areas that cover different tastes; the pedestrian zone at Riga Feraiou and Pantanassis streets is full of cafes and bistros – even some restaurants and breweries. For a more traditional “meze” you can go to Ifaistou street, near the Gerokostopoulou stairs and next to the Roman Stadium. Those areas are very popular and hip, flooded with locals and students during summertime. If you are looking for something more “alternative”, then you should head to the Upper Town, next to the Old Hospital where the conference reception will be held, to enjoy your beer listening to rock music. Do not forget to go there by the long stairs of Agiou Nikolaou and see the city from above. Another option is Trion Navarchon (stands for the Three Admirals), where there are many grill houses to taste the traditional souvlaki. If you prefer to be by the sea, there are several cafés and bars on the eastern side of the port, at the Marina, or you can go a bit further, closer to the University and the Rion Bridge for a little more “posh” stroll.

Here are also some suggestions from our librarians, off the regular path, we hope you can find something that suits you! There are links mainly to their official Facebook pages, for more info.

Culture

During summertime, several cultural events take place. There are theatrical performances, such as ancient tragedy plays in the Roman Odeon (unfortunately in Greek, with no hyper-titles), open air concerts and exhibitions. More information about cultural opportunities during the conference week will be available on due time.

The Archaeological Museum of Patras is located in between the city center and the University. It opened on 2009 and has 8,000 square meters of interior spaces, making it the second-largest museum of Greece. The museum has four thematic sections, three of which permanent and one periodic. The three permanent ones are dedicated to public and private life, while the third one refers to the necropolis. Items of the museum come from the Mycenaean, Ancient, Hellenistic and Roman Greece, with the oldest one is of the 17th century BC.

Religious sites

According to the Christian tradition, Patras was the place of Saint Andrew’s martyrdom. The Church of Saint Andrews is the largest in Greece and one of the largest in Europe, a typical example of Greek Orthodox basilica church of approximately 1,800 square meters are. A five meter long gold-plated cross stands over the central dome, while over the other domes there are 12 smaller crosses, symbolizing Jesus Christ and His apostles. The interior of the St. Andrews is decorated with Byzantine-style paintings and mosaics.

Restaurants

Except for the numerous grills -a fast and inexpensive choice, but mainly inappropriate for vegetarians/vegans-, we suggest Salumeria, Carousello, Bodegas, Tomo’s Open Kitchen Bar, Rokfor, Ampariza and Jamon (Spanish cuisine), all located in the city center within walking distance from our recommended hotels. You can also go at Talks and Alambra, which are all on the Psilalonia square.

If you want to feel the vibe of student life and enjoy Greek ‘meze’ dinner and traditional distilled drinks, you should head towards the pedestrian street Ifaistou. One of our suggestions in this area, located in the heart of the Roman Stadium of Patras, is Skaribas. A little bit more formal, but still casual, located in the Upper Town in a neoclassical building of architectural interest, is Fagioum.

For those staying at the Rion area, Naftiko and Distinto are equivalent restaurants, next to the sea and the picturesque Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge.

Other suggestions synonymous of low budget, yet serving tasty cuisine, are Koukoutsis, near the Rion train station, and Fasoloi and Agkinara (the last two in walking distance from the Conference venue). Fasoloi can be found also in the city center, while you should also visit Katsarola tis Toulas, also in the city center.

If you want fresh seafood, then Amalia in the city center is a balanced option for sea ‘meze’, while Ichthioskala and Istioploikos at the both ends of the seaside are two great options for those who want to taste really fresh fish.

Cafes and bars

Tag is considered one of the best book cafés of the town, located at the bottom end of Pantanassis Street. Around this area you can also visit the artistic SiDoux and Makina for a delicious snack.

At Akrovatis and Ypovrychio Vanillia you can taste a Greek coffee, under the plane trees, in the Markato Square.

To combine coffee and/or drinks (sometimes even food) you can head to Kellari 151, a bar that serves and sells exclusively local products, the alternative Pop Horn, where you will travel back in time or Syndetiras, situated at a lovely terrace by Gerokostopoulou stairs, with music aired from its own studio (sinradio). Mare Mare combines a stunning sunset view with drinks and beverages. Evi Evan is closer to the University, just ten feet away from the Rion train station; if you are lucky you will enjoy some live music as well.

More “after” suggestions include the balcony of Bocas for a classy combination of cocktail and jazz music, the always elegant Pedonale in Riga Feraiou, Cafe del Bar at the pedestrian street of Trion Nauarchon, Abbey Kitchen Bar at Psilalonia square, and Tam Toom at Rion.

Hint: Wine lovers should taste a glass of Malvasia Aromatica by Orfanos or Sideritis-Apostagma Oinou by Parparousis. For beers, the local Dione and Mamos are your natural choices and Local Traditional Drinks: Tentura and Maurodafni.

Sports and recreation

If you want to stay fit and exercise, the Southern Park, starting from Faros (the Lighthouse), opposite to St. Andrews cathedral, is a place where you can run, cycle and walk. Cross the shoreline to the East and you will reach the Plaz (Beach), where you can also enjoy a swim. For the photographers and the romantics, a walk at the jetty of Agiou Nikolaou before sunset will not let you down.

Hotels

Moxy offers a new way of traveling in which ‘smaller’ is concentration, not reduction. In which affordability is not a sacrifice of style, nor a loss of comfort. We offer bath amenities, in room safes, mini bar and electronic locks. When we say ‘less is  more’, we accentuate more. Not less. When it’s time to get away from it all, the Moxy guest retreats to private quarters designed for luxurious downtime. Here, comfort meets style with natural, organic materials in rich, neutral tones, high-thread-count bedding, upscale bath amenities, flat-screen televisions and convenient USB ports. A vibrant, signature ‘artwall’ makes a surprising statement in each room. Recharged and refreshed with their moxy once again intact, guests are grateful for the small oasis of The Quarters and ready to face the world anew.

Kallirroe is situated on Old National Athinon-Patras 67 A at Rio. In a very close distance to Kallirroe Hotel, the University of Patras is situated. Within 5-10 minutes with a mean of transport you can also reach Patras city centre, famous for its shops. With explicitly chosen fabrics and interior design, all Kallirroe Hotel´s rooms set the example of a friendly and cozy space. The rooms make the guest immediately feel comfortable by providing him/her the luxury and elegance that he/she needs.

Astir, located in the centre of Patras, is just a short walk from the old harbour and provides guests with luxurious accommodation in one of Greece’s largest cities.Right next to the train and bus station, the Astir is the ideal base for both holiday makers and those seeking the perfect meeting venue. Park your car in the underground garage before treating yourself to a refreshing drink at the lounge bar.

Byzantino Hotel Built in the late 19th-century, this luxurious hotel is located on the Riga Feraiou pedestrian street near Patras’ City Hall and its shopping district, offering stylish accommodation with free internet access. Each of Hotel Byzantino’s guest rooms is well-appointed with modern comforts and tastefully decorated. Byzantino has retained its historic features, adding to its unique charm and elegance. Guests can still admire the original pillars and features, combined with modern décor and antique furnishings.

The Konstantinos Palaiologos hotel is in a neoclassical building, with luxurious twenty-first century amenities. It is located in the intersection of two central yet quiet streets of Patras. From Gerokostopoulou Street, it looks out to the ancient port of Patras and, on the other side, to V. Georgiou Square, the heart of the town, with its fountains since 1874 and the Venetian theatre since 1872. Riga Feraiou Street ends at the majestic Cathedral Temple of St. Andrew, the patron saint of the city since the Roman period. The comfort and the tranquility of the rooms take you on a journey into the history and culture of Patras. The decor brings together the purple of Byzantine Patras and the sea of Patraikos bay with the urban culture of the 19th century raisin traders. Konstantinos Palaiologos, the last emperor of Byzantium, lived and was married in Patras.

Patra Palace is conveniently located in the centre of Patras Town, within a walking distance from the port. It features a bar, and accommodation with free WiFi and a balcony overlooking the Gulf of Patras or the mountain. The air-conditioned rooms of Patra Palace are tastefully decorated with classical furnishings and soft colours. Featuring wooden or carpeted floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, each unit includes a seating area. A satellite TV, a hairdryer and a mini bar are also available. Guests can enjoy a rich buffet breakfast at the hotel’s dining area. The on-site bar offers a relaxing setting for a night drink. A building of contemporary design and innovative materials were used for completing the modern look of the spaces. An impressive bar construction serves for both relaxation and breakfast area. An up-to-date business center and the always hospitable staff are some of the features that justify the special character of Patras Smart. The Hotel is located only 500 m. from the city center. It offers 51 rooms, 3 of which are built for people with disabilities. The new “green” member of the Airotel family is equipped with solar heaters and a thermal frontage which regulates the building’s temperature. The grass planted on the roof is another green stroke of brush on Patras urban scenery.

Castello City Hotel In the heart of Patras brand new Castello City offers a comfortable stay in excellently decorated spaces. Guests at the Castello City can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the specially designed room. Each room is tastefully designed to meet the personal needs and has high quality equipment. Shopping and café of the city are just steps away and is ideal for professionals. The Castello City Hotel is very close to the judicial Patras palace.

Galaxy City Center Hotel, in Patras at 9, Ag. Nikolaou Street is fully renovated, though “hides” a long history, since it first operated in 1970. It soon became a reference point for the city’s high society, while well-known personalities would choose it as the place to stay. The look is magnetized by the impressive wall, covered with tessera, by the known Bisazza company, as well as the oak wood that warms up the atmosphere in the most luxurious and at the same time minimal way. The hotel’s personnel are always polite and willing to help you and they will welcome you, show you around and make sure you feel… like home.

Castello Hotel Hotel Castello is located at Rio, 5km away from the center of Patras, really close to the University Hospital and the Conference and Cultural Center, and only 1km from the Ch. Trikoupis Bridge. All areas are stylish and well-appointed to meet all personal needs and include high technology equipment. Right next to the hotel you can find all kinds of shops that cover all needs of our guests. The cafeteria is open 24/ 7 and offers drinks, beverages, snacks etc.

Maison Greque In a historical building of city, that was completed in 1890, residence of old bourgeois family of city, we created maison grecque Patras. The characterized as preservable work of art, building, was renovated according to the initial drawings, restoring deteriorations and discomforts of one and henceforth century and was equipped with all the modern systems and infrastructures. Have been observed with conformity and social responsibility all the specifications of environmental care, making him maison grecque absolutely friendly with the environment.

Tzaki Hotel Tzaki Hotel is a bearer of a long tradition the origin of which dates back to the 70s. This lasting tradition calls for our commitment to high quality and perfection regarding the provision of accommodation services. Tzaki Hotel is located at Proastio, in the suburb of Patras, located in a quiet location, near the sea with breathtaking views and fresh air, one kilometer from the Rio and just four from the city center. In 2003 we moved to a complete renovation of rooms, restaurant and various conference rooms, adjusting them to modern needs and requirements. The hotel rooms are spacious with modern decoration. All our rooms have a balcony with a view to the sea and many of them to the gorgeous Rio – Antirrio Bridge.

Mediterranee Mediterranee is a warm and friendly hotel, offering affordable accommodation in the centre of Patra. Free WiFi is available in all areas. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a hairdryer, and a bath or shower. Start your day with a healthy breakfast and relax by the bar with cool drinks or a tasty cup of coffee. The hotel’s ideal location offers easy access to all means of transportation. The port is very close as well as numerous attractions, in and around Patra. This property is also rated for the best value in Patra! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

Cityloft Patras Cityloft has an eco-friendly concept. Asian teak, granite, wood in natural color, Coco Mat (sleep on Nature) products, baboo are some of the materials that we have used in order to bring the calm of nature into the city. New technologies, organic architectural elements, modern alternative materials have been used in order to create a structure which would be respective of the environment.

Airotel Achaia Beach Ideally located, 4km from the city of Patras, with free parking Achaia Beach Bauhaus building on the beach front, offers amazing view the sea of Rion Bridge and the mountains.The hotel, reinvents in a unique way the concept of business through pleasure. For our guests, there is a fitness center and also video games are available for our little guests.

Porto Rio Hotel 4* spreads in a vast and picturesque area overlooking the sea. Only just 15 minutes away from the city of Patra, it is your ideal choice for your business meetings or your holidays and relaxation time!

Marie Palace Since 1976 we know the art of hospitality well. We still offer excellent services, a warm and clean environment, at affordable prices. Our hotel is located in the center of Patras, close to shopping stores, cafes and restaurants. You can also easily take a taxi from the taxi station just outside of our hotel to the KTEL or the Port Stations.

Map

Useful information on an ICTVC 2019 map!