Your Trip
Hotels and Tourism
IVEC 2025 will take place in the campus of Hellenic Meditteranean University (HMU) located at Heraklion city, Crete, Greece
Traveling
Traveling to Heraklion, the largest city on the island of Crete in Greece, from other parts of Europe is relatively straightforward, thanks to its accessibility via air and sea. Here are the main ways to travel to Heraklion:
By Air
1. Direct Flights: Heraklion International Airport, Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), is well-connected with many European cities, especially during the tourist season (April to October). Many airlines operate direct flights from European capitals and major cities to Heraklion.
2. Connecting Flights: If direct flights are not available from your location, you can fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) and then catch a domestic flight to Heraklion. The flight from Athens to Heraklion is approximately 50 minutes.
By Sea
1. Ferries: There are ferries from Piraeus (the port of Athens) to Heraklion. The journey can take anywhere from 6 to 9 hours depending on the service (night ferries are slower but allow for sleeping accommodations). This can be a more scenic and enjoyable way to travel if you have the time.
2. From Other Islands: If you’re already visiting other Greek islands, you may find direct ferries or boats to Heraklion, especially from Cyclades islands like Santorini during the high season.
Transportation
Public Transportation
For transportation to or from the airport to HMU (EL.ME.PA), you can use the local city buses (Heraklion City Bus). Please check the city bus routes and schedules here.
You can use the same buses for transportation from HMU to the city center.
From the airport to the city center, you can also use the KTEL buses. Similarly, if you wish to visit areas outside Heraklion or travel to other cities in Crete, you can use the KTEL bus service. You can check the bus schedules here.
Taxi
To go downtown, you may also consider taking a taxi. The approximate taxi fare from the airport to the city center is around 17 euros, and to HMU is approximately 22 euros. You can easy find websites in order to book your taxi online.
Car rental
Alternatively, you can rent a car. In October, you will find good availability and special offers.
Suggested accommodation
Heraklion is full of good hotel accommodations and nice restaurants. Some suggestions from an unlimited number of hotels that combine location (city center) and easy transfer (using taxi) to the venue (Hellenic Mediterranean University) are the following:
Payments
You can pay everywhere with your credit cards. However, in taxis, in the majority of cases, you will need to pay in cash, and also on the buses. The currency we use is Euros.
Finally, almost everyone in Cretes speaks English.
Weather
The weather is expected to be good (20 Celcius) during the event.
About Heraklion
Heraklion is the vibrant capital city of Crete, Greece’s largest island. Rich in history and culture, it offers travelers a unique blend of ancient ruins, bustling markets, and lively cafés. Must-visit attractions include the impressive Palace of Knossos, the fascinating Archaeological Museum, and the historic Venetian harbor with the iconic Koules Fortress. Additionally, nearby locations such as the charming village of Archanes, the scenic beaches of Ammoudara, and the beautiful wine region of Peza provide delightful day-trip options.
Take a look to the following links:
