Patras International Guitar Festival Competition

Patras International Guitar Festival Competition takes place in Patras, Greece. It is held every year, usually in April.

Repertoire requirements

Check website

• Competition Round · 15 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://www.igfpatras.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Patras

As Greece's third-largest city and a vital western gateway, Patras, nestled at the foot of Mount Panachaikon overlooking the Gulf of Patras, is a city with a history spanning four millennia. Each year, it hosts the Patras International Guitar Festival Competition, drawing talent to this historic port known for its vibrant cultural scene and connections to Italy and the rest of Western Europe. Come for the competition, and discover a city rich in antiquity and modern life.

Getting there

For international flights, Athens International Airport (ATH), located 250 km east, is the primary hub. From Athens, take the suburban railway to Kiato, then switch to the rail replacement bus service to Patras. This route is comfortable and efficient, bypassing the need for an intercity bus station far from the Athens city center. Alternatively, Patras Araxos Airport (GPA), 40 km south, receives seasonal charter flights. Patras is also a significant ferry port, with numerous daily sailings to Italian cities like Brindisi, Bari, Ancona, and Venice, as well as local services to the Ionian Islands. By road, Patras is connected to Athens via Corinth on the 8a National Road (E65 and E94) and to Central Greece and Epirus via the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge (E55). Intercity KTEL buses also offer connections from Athens and other towns, with their station conveniently located near the port and main train station.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Patras on Omio →

Greece runs on Type F sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.

These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

Patras is divided into an older, more picturesque upper section (Ano Poli) and a lower section (Kato Poli) laid out with squares and neoclassical architecture. For convenience, consider basing yourself in the lower section near the city center, which offers easy access to the port, main squares like Georgiou I Square, and potentially the festival venues. You will find a range of hotels and accommodations, allowing you to walk to many sights and amenities. The city is well-served by local buses and a suburban railway, connecting various parts of the wider Patras region, including the university and hospital areas.

What you'll hear

The Patras International Guitar Festival Competition is an annual event that showcases emerging guitar talent across various categories. First prizes include guitars donated by the Papagregoriou-Nakas Music House (panasmusic) and Nicholas Ioannou, with one category winner also receiving an invitation to a recital at the 34th Patras Festival. The competition offers a chance to hear a wide range of repertoire performed by promising young musicians, making it a focal point for classical guitar enthusiasts.

Beyond the competition, Patras, as a former European Capital of Culture in 2006, maintains a lively cultural pulse. The city is known for its indigenous cultural scene, particularly active in the performing arts and modern urban literature. This provides a rich backdrop for the festival, allowing visitors to experience a city that actively supports artistic expression and innovation, blending its deep historical roots with contemporary cultural dynamism.

The local table

As a major port city on the Gulf of Patras, fresh seafood is a local specialty, often served simply grilled with olive oil and herbs or incorporated into more elaborate dishes. Beyond the catch of the day, traditional Greek dishes abound, drawing on the rich agricultural produce of the Peloponnese. Look for tavernas and restaurants in the city center or along the waterfront, where you can savor authentic local flavors alongside international cuisine. Expect fresh ingredients, local wines, and the warm hospitality characteristic of Greek dining.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Patras →

While you're there

Between competition events, Patras offers a wealth of sights. Walk across the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge, which links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. On the Patras side of the bridge, a popular strip of clubs and cafes lines the water. Explore the Archaeological Museum, housed in a strikingly modern building, which exhibits finds from the Mycenaean to the Late Roman era of Patras and Achaea. Wander through the upper section (Ano Poli) for its older, picturesque charm, or discover the Roman Odeon and the city's ancient fortress. For a day trip, the ancient site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, lies to the south, reachable by road. The fortress of Rio also offers historical insights, while the Mycenaean cemetery of Voudeni, 8 km from the city center, provides a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Patras →

Also in April: Anna-Amalia Competition for Young Guitarists · Concorso Riviera Etrusca · Long Island Guitar Festival · Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition · Sarajevo International Guitar Festival · SGM Next Generation Competition

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

← All competitions & festivals