CLIMATE
AND CLOTHING: Crete has a mild Mediterranean
climate. In October the weather in Crete is still warm and sunny some days and some other is
rainy.
The
average daytime temperature in Heraklion in October is about 15-20°C.
Hellenic
National Meteorological Service: www.hnms.gr
SOCIAL
EVENTS: The conference participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the
famous Cretan hospitality and to taste one of the oldest and most tasty gastronomic
traditions in the world. A tradition of tastes, aromas, ingredients and skills
which begin from the prehistoric years, such as cheese, extra virgin olive oil,
herbs as of thyme, oregano and marjoram, honey and local drinks as “raki” or
“tsikoudia”.
VOLTAGE: Voltage
in Greece
is 220 V, at a frequency of 50 Hz. Plugs are continental style, two-pin. A plug
adaptor should be taken along incompatible electric / electronic gadgets to be
used.
INTERNET:
There will be a WiFi Internet connection available in the conference rooms.
MOBILE
TELEPHONES: There is excellent coverage for mobile telephones in Greece. The
local mobile telephone providers have roaming arrangements with worldwide
mobile telephone providers. Please note that in Greece speaking on a mobile
telephone, whilst driving is not allowed and if caught it may lead to
prosecution. Mobile telephones MUST be
switched
off when inside the scientific sessions.
EMERGENCIES: Whilst in Greece, European
Union citizens may seek any help they might need (police, ambulance, fire
brigade, coast guard) by ringing from anywhere in Greece the number "112".
The number is answered by English-speaking staff, and may be dialled from
public telephones or mobile telephones.
There is a
University Medical School
Hospital in Heraklion.
Recommended Hotels:
(Hotels in the City Centre)
Hotel Astoria Capsis
Reaching Heraklion by air:
The closest airport is that of the city of Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport. Seneral airline companies fly regularly to Heraklion from Athens and Thessaloniki (Salonica). From April to October there are also numerous direct charter flights from many places in Europe.
From the airport you can reach the city centre(~5 Kms) :
-By public transport:
-By taxi:
The closest airport is that of the city of Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport. Seneral airline companies fly regularly to Heraklion from Athens and Thessaloniki (Salonica). From April to October there are also numerous direct charter flights from many places in Europe.
From the airport you can reach the city centre(~5 Kms) :
-By public transport:
Public bus lines No 12,6,8,11,31,10
connect Heraklion
Airport with the city Centre
(you will get off the bus at station Elefterias Square-Astoria).
A trip between the initial and
the final destination lasts approximately 20 minutes. This costs 1.10 € and
tickets can be bought at the bus station of the airport which is at your left side when you get off the
arrivals’ department. More info about busses at http://astiko-irakleiou.gr/en
-By taxi:
Τaxi stand is in front of the airport at your left side when you get off the arrivals’ department.
The price to Heraklion downtown is around
15 € and it takes between 10 and 15 minutes. More info about taxis and fares at
http://www.herakliontaxi.com/, http://www.taxi-her.gr/en.html, http://www.candiataxi.gr/index_en.html
Reaching Heraklion by sea :
There are three major shipping companies that serve Heraklion out of the Piraeus port of Athens.
The Heraklion Port
is very close to the center of town (~1 Km)
Rent a car : Sometimes it is convenient to rent
a car. We have been using the follow company: http://www.motorclub.gr/ that is providing
reasonably priced mostly small cars with air-conditioning and full insurance.
Passports and Visas
EU
citizens are not required to carry a passport, as long as they carry the proper
Identification Card. Only UK
citizens are required to carry a passport, although all other entry conditions
for EU nationals are applicable.
Citizens
of countries such as the U.S.A., Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Israel,
Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and several South American nations, need only a
valid passport to stay in Greece for up to 90 days without a visa. On the other
hand, citizens of the majority of the countries that are not Member-States of
the Schengen Agreement require a visa to enter Greece, issued by the consular
authority of the place of residence of the applicant. Visas are distinguished
into short-term residence ("Schengen" visa) and long-term residence
(national visa). It is illegal to stay in Greece with an expired visa and
individuals that do so are subject to prosecution.
Note: During their stay in Greece,
visitors with a visa must also have suitable insurance coverage for emergency
medical or other needs.
Getting
Euros
The official currency of Greece is the Euro and its
denominations. It is very easy to exchange currencies in Greece, as there is a large number of exchange
booths in Athens
and all major Greek cites. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in
every bank that accepts currency exchange, while debit card holders may acquire
money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. ATMs have English menus as
well, and in some cases other languages too. Greek banks are open for the
public from 8:00 to 14:30 Mondays to Thursdays and from 8:00 to 13:30 on
Fridays. They are closed on weekends and Public Holidays. Euros can also be
exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are
situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well
as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging
currencies.
Credit cards are not very common in everyday
transactions in the Greek society, but this varies with the sector. You can pay
by credit card in most hotels and upscale restaurants and shops. you may not be
able to do so in simple tavernas etc. Make sure that you carry enough cash with
you.
Money can also be changed at the airport.
Sightseeing:
History and Museums, a brief history of Crete:
The Archeological Museum of Heraklion
The Historical Museum of Heraklion
The Natural History Museum of Crete
Greek Ministry of Culture whose website contains useful info on several museums in Greece including Crete