About Athens
About the City
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city where ancient history meets modern life. With more than 3,000 years of continuous human presence, it is regarded as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and Western civilisation.
Surrounded by beautiful seas and mountains, Athens is a safe and welcoming destination filled with world-famous archaeological sites, museums, galleries, restaurants, cafés, shopping districts, open-air cinemas, nearby beaches and easy access to the Greek islands. With around 300 days of sunshine each year, it offers an ideal setting for both business and leisure.
From the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon to elegant neoclassical architecture and vibrant cultural venues, Athens tells a story of resilience, creativity and transformation. Its lively streets, historic squares and welcoming atmosphere invite visitors to explore every corner of the city.
Public Transport
Athens has an extensive public transport network including the metro, suburban railway, buses, trolleybuses and trams.
Airport Metro: Approximately 40 minutes to the city centre (€9).
Metro: Fast, modern and reliable, connecting all major destinations across the city. Many stations also display archaeological discoveries uncovered during construction.
Tram: A scenic route linking Piraeus with the southern coastal suburbs, including Voula.
For transport information, tickets and fares:
Conference Shuttle Bus
A complimentary shuttle bus will run between Rizari 2 bus stop (near Evangelismos metro station) and the main conference venue throughout the conference. The timetable is approximate and may change slightly due to traffic conditions.
Wednesday, 26 August
at 09:00 and at 10:00
11:00–16:30: approximately every 20 minutes
Thursday, 27 August
07:00–08:30: approximately every 10 minutes
08:30–18:00: approximately every 30 minutes
18:00–19:00: approximately every 10 minutes
Friday, 28 August
07:00–08:30: approximately every 10 minutes
08:30–18:00: approximately every 30 minutes
18:00–19:00: approximately every 10 minutes
19:00–21:00: approximately every 30 minutes
Saturday, 29 August
07:00–08:30: approximately every 10 minutes
08:30–18:00: approximately every 30 minutes
18:00–19:00: approximately every 10 minutes
Practical Information
Climate
Athens has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. During August, average daytime temperatures reach around 35°C, with approximately 11–12 hours of sunshine each day. Rainfall is minimal and sea temperatures average 25–28°C.
Currency
Euro (€).
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Greece. American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted. Contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are widely available, including in taxis.
Driving Licence
Driving licences issued by EU countries are valid in Greece, provided the relevant licence conditions are met.
Tap Water
Tap water in Athens is safe to drink and is regularly tested to meet international quality standards.
Toilets
In many buildings throughout Greece, including some university facilities, toilet paper should be placed in the waste bin provided rather than flushed down the toilet. This is normal local practice.
Opening Hours
Most shops are open between approximately 09:00 and 20:00 on weekdays, while larger supermarkets and shopping centres may remain open until 22:00 or later.
Mobile Roaming
Roaming charges depend on your mobile provider. Travellers within the EU can usually use their mobile phone without additional roaming charges. Several Greek operators also offer eSIM services.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Greece, but it is appreciated for good service.
International Dialling Code
+30
Time Zone
Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), UTC+3.
Power Supply
Type C and Type F plugs
220V / 50Hz