ARRIVAL IN CHANIA
The city of Chania is the nearest port of entry to Kolymbari on Crete.
By air
Chania is the closest airport to Kolymbari (39 km). Located in Akrotiri (14 km east of the town), it offers several daily flights from/to Athens as well as some charter flights from all over Europe. Athens is served by the new "Eleftherios Venizelos" International Airport, which is located 27 km northeast of the city of Athens (the airport is accessible via Attiki Odos, a six-lane motorway which makes up the City Ring Road) All flights - both domestic and international - arrive and depart from this airport, serving Greece's national carrier Olympic Airways and all other airlines, including the new Greek carriers, Cronus Airlines and Aegean Airlines which also fly from Athens to Chania.
Alternatively, see the section below on "Arrival in Heraklion". Some air carriers provide direct flights to Heraklion without connecting through Athens, which may provide a more direct flight to Crete.
By sea
Crete has two of the most important ports of the East Mediterranean Sea: Heraklion and Chania (Souda). Chania has daily sea connection with the port of Piraeus (10 km from Athens centre) via ferryboats (about 11 hours). Links to Greek Island Ferry Schedule can be found here (http://www.greekislands.gr/ & http://www.greekferries.gr/). A guide to getting around in Athens, including instructions on getting to the Ferry Boats can be found here. The bay of Souda serves as the port of Chania. Taxis from the port of Souda to the Academy cost about the same as from the airport (approximately 24-30 €).
Transportation from Chania to Kolymbari
Most overseas visitors will arrive at the Chania International Airport, which is located approximately 15 km from the city of Chania and 39 km from Kolymbari. A taxi to the Orthodox Academy in Kolymbari from the Chania Airport, costs approximately 24-30 €. Alternatively airport buses can transfer passengers to Chania center where they can get a taxi to the academy, or a local bus. The cheapest - but also the most inconvenient - way to reach the conference center is to take the bus from the airport to Chania city and then to Kolymbari. This, however, will bring you about 1 km from the Orthodox Academy. A link with information on the local bus services (KTEL) can be found here http://www.bus-service-crete-ktel.com/
Arrival in Heraklion
If you fly to the capital of Crete, Heraklion there is a bus connection (departure every hour) between Heraklion and Chania. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. You may then take either the bus or a taxi to reach Kolymbari. You can also rent a car and drive. A taxi from Heraklion airport to the conference centre costs about 90 €.
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING TO GREECE
Information about travel in Greece from the Greek National Tourism Organization (G.N.T.O.).
For E. U. Citizens
Travel documents:
A passport is not required for E.U. citizens traveling from or to Schengen countries. (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal).
Currency:
No limit.
Customs Formalities:
None.
Forbidden substances:
Drugs, explosives etc. Travelers in possession of codeine-based medication are subject to severe penalties, unless they declare their possession.
Health:
Vaccines are not required for E.U. citizens.
For Non E.U. Citizens
Normally, for all non E.U. citizens wanting to travel to Greece, a valid passport is required. Visa formalities are required for visitors from certain countries.
Please check VISA requirements that may apply to you with your travel agent before traveling!
If you have any questions, regarding currency, custom formalities etc., all visitors, are advised to contact the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate (relevant list in the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website). See also the G.N.T.O. web site for more information.
FACTS FOR THE TRAVELER
Electricity supply
220v, 50 Hz AC
Time
Greek time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, an hour ahead of Central European Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time
Weights & measures
Metric
Currency
Since January 1st, 2002, official Greek currency is the EURO (€). (currency converter)