Vacation Packages to Achaea

General Information of Achaia

Achaea, or Achaia, is a peripheral unit of Greece that is located on the northern coast of the Peloponnese and borders the Gulf of Corinth. Its capital is Patras, which is also the third largest city in Greece.

It has a population of approximately 300,000 inhabitants and the majority reside in the capital of the peripheral unit. Its climate is Mediterranean with hot summers and calm winters.

Geographically, Achaea stands out for having a varied landscape, which consists of mountains and mountains in the center of the region and paradisiacal beaches towards the coast of the place.

The Interesting History of Achaea

Like most Greek cities, Achaea carries a long history on its shoulders. It began under the control of Sparta with an oligarchic government, but when Sparta declined, democracy was considered an option among its inhabitants.

It was combined with Macedonia after the reign of Augustus. In the year 67 Greece was declared politically free of the Roman Empire, but Roman control was reestablished shortly after, making Achaea fall back under its authority.

It remained a Roman province until Rome fell in the 5th century. It was invaded by the Ottomans in the 15th century and by the Republic of Venice in the 18th century and later fell back into the hands of the Ottoman Empire.

It was not until 1821 that it once again became part of Greece, being Agio, one of its cities, and was the first to be liberated during the Greek war of independence. An interesting fact is that it is said that the apostle Saint Andrew was crucified here.

Cultural Aspects of Achaea

Wine Culture of Achaea

If Greece stands out for something, it is for having many vineyards distributed throughout a large part of its territory. Achaea is a region that is not far behind in terms of the production and cultivation of grapes.

Achaea is internationally known for the sweet wine it produces, the famous Moscato de Patras. It is produced in the west of the prefecture and is made from a special grape that is only grown in Achaea and Kefalonia.

This wine is deep ruby red and delights with its fragrance. It is usually drunk before dinner as a form of appetizer and is also accompanied when eating sweet dishes such as desserts.

Festivals in Achaea

They say that since ancient times the Greeks are a civilization that enjoys parties and carnivals, so Achaea could not be left behind in terms of festivities.

In Patras, the capital of Achaea, the largest carnival in Greece has been celebrated: the Patras carnival, and it is also one of the largest in Europe. It begins on January 17 and ends on a clean Monday, so its completion usually varies by day according to the year.

It is a carnival full of colors, music, and a party. There are activities for adults, teenagers, and children, such as a treasure hunt around the city.

It is a parade in which around 40,000 masked people participate, and its most important presentation takes place on the last Sunday of the carnival. This presentation consists of a great parade with the largest floats in Europe while dancers and musicians play around them.

The celebrations culminate on the Patras pier where the Carnival King is burned with fireworks displayed over the water. A party not to be missed.

Places of Interest in Achaea

Achaea stands out for having varieties of landscapes to see and enjoy, from beaches, mountains, rivers, and cultural and archaeological monuments.

If you are a nature and mountain enthusiast, Achaea presents you with the opportunity to spend a day in it. The most outstanding and chosen by tourists is Panahaiko since its highest peak is 2220 meters and offers activities such as climbing, hiking, and skiing.

On the other hand, there are its wonderful silvers that extend along all the coasts that surround the prefecture. These beaches attract attention for their crystalline water that is dyed a deep emerald color and for the activities they offer such as diving or water sports.

If the tourist attractions that interest you lean towards cultural monuments, you must visit Aigio, a city within the region where one of the best neoclassical buildings in Greece is located: the Town Hall, this city also has a variety of religious sanctuaries such as the Holy Monastery of the Archangels.

How to Get Around Achaea

There are different options to move around the different destinations offered by the Achaea region, we recommend some:

1. By bus: you can find different lines of this transport that will take you from one part of Achaea to another in a matter of hours, many leave frequently and it is easy to get a seat.
2. By ferry: Achaea has one of the largest ports in Greece, this being Patras. The port of the capital connects with other ports in the region, making it a good option to get to know the beaches.
3. Renting a car: this option is not the cheapest, but it works if you need your own time, you can tour the Achaea region with a car and reach those towns that are so hidden but full of history.

What to See and Do in Achaea

Achaea is a place of interest for travelers from all over the world since it is a region with a great diversity of landscapes that fit all tastes and for its striking history embodied in architectural monuments.

It is thanks to its proximity to Greek cities such as Delphi and Athens that our tourists choose to combine their trip to Achaea with these destinations.

Would you be interested in knowing one of the regions with the most landscapes in Greece? Would you like to dance to their music at festivals? Are you looking to be fascinated by its beaches and mountains? Would you visit those important historical monuments?

If the answer is "yes", in Greca we have a variety of tour packages to the beautiful region of Achaea. There are packages for any taste. The best? You can adapt them to your needs and times.

Do not miss this opportunity and book your trip to Achaea!