Arrival in Chania
The city of Chania is the nearest port of entry to Kolympari.

By air
Chania can be reached by air from Athens International Airport. The Chania International Airport is served by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines, which have now merged into one airline. Moreover, some international air carriers, which provide direct flights to Chania or Heraklion (the capital of Crete) without connecting through Athens, may provide a more economical flight. Note, in particular, that Chania is currently a hub for Ryanair, which offers many (relatively) cheap, non-stop flights from several European cities. Additionally, see also the section below on “Arrival in Heraklion” for this option.

By sea
Chania has daily sea connection with Piraeus (the port of Athens) via ferry boats. Piraeus can be reached from the airport using the Athens metro system, public bus, or taxi. Here is an unofficial guide to getting around in Athens, including instructions on getting to the Ferry Boats. Here is Information about Greek Island Ferryboats. The journey may last from 5 to 11 hours (the faster ferries are more expensive).  The bay of Souda serves as the port of Chania. Taxis from the port of Souda to the Academy cost approximately 50.00-60.00 €, about the same as from the airport.

Transportation from Chania to Kolympari

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 Kolympari. For those arriving on Sunday (August 19) afternoon or evening, a bus may become available for transportation to the Academy. Please inform Dr. Kostas Iatrou by email <iatrou@bio.demokritos.gr> in advance about your arrival times so that arrangements can be made for transportation. Details will be provided as we come closer to the time of the conference.

Those arriving at other times should take a taxi to the Orthodox Academy in Kolympari from the Chania Airport, which costs approximately 50.00-60.00 €. 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 Kolympari. This, however, will bring you about 1 km from the Orthodox Academy.

Arrival in Heraklion
If you fly to Heraklion (the capital of Crete), 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 Kolympari. You can also rent a car and drive.

Useful Information about Traveling to Greece

Information about travel in Greece from the Greek National Tourism Organization (G.N.T.O.)

Passports – Visas
A valid passport is required for travel to Greece. Whether or not a Visa is required to enter Greece depends on your nationality, your proposed length of stay, the purpose of your visit and the type of passport or travel document you hold. Greece  along with certain other countries in the European Union now issue a uniform Visa called The Schengen Visa. The Schengen Agreement covers the following ten member-states of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.The Schengen Visa allows the holder to travel to, or through, all Schengen member countries, including Greece  or move freely within them.

All travelers should get in touch with the appropriate office, well in advance to their scheduled trip, as changes take place quite often and might not be posted on the site. 

For holders of regular passports of the following countries who wish to visit Greece and stay up to 3 months NO visa is required:

Please check VISA requirements that may apply to you with your travel agent before traveling!

Facts for the traveler