Rio, a historic, cosmopolitan and strategically important town in Achaia, is one of the liveliest suburbs of Patras, built at the narrowest point of the Gulf of Corinth, where the Peloponnese meets Central Greece. The area's global landmark is the emblematic Rio - Antirrio Bridge "Charilaos Trikoupis", a marvel of modern engineering that dominates the landscape, while right next to it, at the tip of the peninsula, stands the imposing, medieval Castle of Rio (Castle of Morea), built in 1499. Today, Rio is an extremely dynamic center, as it hosts the campus of the University of Patras and the University General Hospital, while at the same time it is a top tourist attraction, offering an endless, organized beach with clear waters and a lively seaside promenade filled with elegant cafes, beach bars, sophisticated restaurants and luxurious hotels, perfectly combining student energy, history and seaside recreation.
