HCI International 2014

Passports & Visas

In order to travel to Greece, a member state of the European Union, you may need, in some cases, a visa in addition to a valid passport. For detailed information about obtaining a visa, you can visit the following web site:

http://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/visas-for-foreigners-traveling-to-greece/

On this web page, you can also find contact details for Greek Embassies and Consulates around the world, where you can apply for a travel visa, and helpful information about procedures, required documentation and applicable fees for you to obtain such a visa

You should pay particular attention to visa requirements and plan your travel well in advance.

How to reach the island

Traveling to Crete, Greece is quite easy. Crete offers a lot of direct air connections with many international airports around Europe and connecting flights to the rest of the world through the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos".

The Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (airport code HER) is the airport closer to the convention center (26 kilometers, approximately 25 minute drive).

It is possible for international participants to fly to Crete with only one stop, if they select as layover point a major European city like Frankfurt, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Zurich, Geneva, Milan or London, from where they can get a direct connecting flight to Heraklion airport.

There are also direct flights from New York, Toronto, Montreal and Philadelphia to Athens airport and, from there, regular connections to Heraklion with a flight time of about 40 minutes.

A second airport is also available on the west side of Crete, the Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” (airport code CHQ) offering additional flights from/to European destinations. The airport is located 170 kilometres west from the convention centre, about 2 hours 30 minutes drive.

Alternatively, you can use the ferry-boat connecting Heraklion with the harbour of Piraeus (Athens). Connection is offered by Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines & Superfast Ferries and the sea journey takes about 6 to 7 hours.

How to get to Hersonissos and the Conference venue

From Heraklion Airport:

The taxi rank of Heraklion airport is located just outside the passengers’ terminal. The approximate fare from Heraklion Airport is 36€.

You can also use Public intercity Buses (green line) available every 15 minutes from the airport exit. The price of the ticket is 3€ and the journey time is about 30 minutes.

For detailed routes and pricing please visit:

http://www.ktelherlas.gr/index.php?lang=en

You can also hire a car from Heraklion airport. The hire car companies’ desks are easily found in the arrivals hall of the airport. Please visit the Creta Maris Beach Resort website for driving instructions to the conference venue.

From Heraklion harbour:

When you arrive at the Heraklion harbour, you may also use the Public Bus Services, departing to Hersonissos every 15 minutes or a taxi.

Additional information about transportation options in Crete can be found at:

http://www.incrediblecrete.gr/773/index.en.html

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR STAY

Climate

Crete has a privileged geographical position in the Mediterranean, which gives it a mild climate with moderate changes in weather. The winter, which usually starts in the middle of December, is mild. The colder months are January and February; however sunshine lasts almost all year long with greater intensity from April to October. The hottest months are July and August, but generally because of the sea breeze and the effect of the etesian winds, the summer is relatively cool. In June the average daytime temperature climbs up to 24 degrees °C with high peaks reaching up to 28 degrees °C and (rarely) lows at 18 degrees °C. Seawater temperature climbs to 22 degrees °C.

Time

Time in Greece is: GMT +2

Currency – Exchange

The currency in use is the Euro. Coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and of 1 and 2 euros are in circulation. The notes circulate in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Before your trip, it is a good idea to contact your bank regarding the cost of use of your credit card in the Euro zone or for the withdrawal of cash in Euro, in case you need it.

Electric current – electrical appliances

The electric current in use is 220 V (50Hz). In order for appliances from North America to function properly, and without problems, a transformer is necessary (schucko adaptors). For appliances from UK and Ireland a special adaptor is necessary. Make sure that the appliances you are going to use function at this voltage before use.

International Call code – Calls from and to Crete

The international call code for Greece is +30. If you wish to make a call from abroad, you should call +30, followed by the telephone number. If you wish to call another country from Crete, dial 00 and then the code of the country and the telephone number.