Travel Information

Direct transportation to Delphi: Complimentary direct bus transportation from downtown Athens to the conference site will be provided for the 2nd PLS participants on Monday, July 12.

Departure time and location:

16:00, Vas. Alexandrou Avenue, at the bus stop on the southern side of the Hilton Hotel.
16:20, Omonoia Square, at the kiosk in front of the main entrance of the department store Hondos Center (shopping mall).

Passengers are kindly requested to be there on time.

Return transportation from Delphi to downtown Athens will be provided on July 17, in the afternoon.

1. Arrival in Greece

1.1 Arrival at Athens Airport

The Athens "Hellinikon" International Airport is located in the south east of Athens, approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre, and very close to the seaside. Daily flights connect Hellinikon airport with all important national airports, as well as with all European capitals and many other major cities all over the world. Three passenger terminals exist, one on the east, one on the north and one on the west of the runways. The West terminal is used exclusively by Olympic Airways for international and domestic flights, the East terminal serves all other airline companies, and the third one is used by charter flights during high season.

If you wish to go from the airport to downtown Athens, you have two choices:

Bus service to the city centre: Buses No 091 and 092 connect West and East terminals to the city centre. Buses run every 20 minutes between 05:00 and 23:00, and every hour between 23:00 and 05:00. Bus tickets can be purchased before boarding the bus, at the special kiosks outside the airport, or on the bus (fare: GRD 250 between 05:00 and 23:00, GRD 500 between 23:00 and 5:00, 1USD = ~314 GRD). The City terminal is located in Omonia square, but there are intermediate stops at Syntagma (see map of Athens). Keep in mind however that it can be quite difficult to find a taxi, in downtown Athens, especially during rush hours. For public transportation in Athens see Living in Athens.
Transportation by taxi: Taxi (yellow cab) ranks are located at both airports. A taxi fare to the city centre costs approximately GRD 2500-3000 during the day.

1.2 Arrival by train or bus

There are two railway stations in Athens: The "Larissa Railway Station", which serves national and international trains coming from the north of Greece, and the "Peloponissos Railway Station", which serves only national trains coming from the south of Greece. They are located very near to each other, not far from Omonia square (see map). The stations are served by trolley bus No 001 and many buses.

Bus terminals for buses arriving from various Europeans cities (Belgrade, Prague, Sofia, Budapest, etc.) are located at different places in Athens, depending on the city of departure. Information about the exact time and place of arrival of your bus may obtained from your travel agent.

1.3 Arrival by ferry boat to Patras

The city of Patras, which is connected by ferry-boat to Brindisi, Ancona and Venice, is located at about 120 km from Delphi. Public transport from Patras to Delphi is rather complicated and is not recommended. If you will be travelling on your own car though, getting to Delphi is very easy, and the road, although not a highway, presents no difficulties and is very picturesque.

Ferry-boats connecting the port of Rio (9 km from Patras) to the port of Antirio (about 20 min. of crossing time) run continuously between 05.30 and 23.00, and every 30 min during the night. From Antirio (or Andirio), follow the road along the coast to the east, passing through the historical town of Nafpactos, the picturesque town of Galaxidi and the harbour of Itea (see map). The distance from Antirio to Delphi is 111 km and the drive will take about two hours.

Alternatively, you can drive to Egio (40 km from Patras) and then take the ferry boat to Agios Nikolaos (about 45 min of crossing time), keeping in mind that ferries from Egio run only at 08.30, 12.00, 15.30 and 20.00; moreover, this timetable is subject to alteration (tel: 0266-71231). The distance from Agios Nikolaos to Delphi is 64 km.

Participants who will not be able to use the complimentary bus transportation to Delphi, may:

Use the public transport: Buses to Delphi leave from the "Long Distance Bus (KTEL) Terminal B", 260 Liossion str., tel: 01 8317096, at 07.30, 10.30, 13.00, 15.30, 17.30 and 20.00 and from Delphi at 05.30 (except Sunday), 07.30 (only Sunday), 09.00 (except Sunday), 11.00, 13.30, 16.00 and 18.00. One-way ticket costs 2,900 GDR. The distance from Athens to Delphi is 180 km, and the time needed for this drive is about 3 hours
Rent a car: To get to Delphi take the highway to Lamia (Northern Greece), get off the 2nd exit to Thiva (85 km), and continue on the national road to Levadia, Arachova and Delphi (see map ).
Take a taxi to Delphi: approximate fare for the Athens-Delphi drive: 30,000 GDR

Interesting Links for the region of Levadia, Arachova, and Delphi:

www.dilos.com/region/centgr/viotia.html

www.dilos.com/region/centgr/delphi01.html

Map of Viotia

Interesting Links for Phokis:
http://www.dilos.com/region/centgr/fokida.html
Map of Fokis

2. Living in Athens

2.1 Tourist Information

The Greek National Tourists Information Service (GNTO, EOT in Greek) has offices in major cities around the world, which will provide you with information about Athens and Greece in general. Information is also readily available world-wide through in most travel agents and bookstores. For any further questions you will find the staff at the GNTO offices in Athens and in many major tourist resorts throughout Greece very helpful.

GNTO addresses in Athens are:

Head Administrative office

2 Amerikis Str., Syntagma sq., Tel. (301) 3223111-9

Information bureaux in Athens

2 Amerikis Str., Syntagma sq., Tel. (301) 3310561-2, Fax: (301) 3252895

Athens Festival Office

4 Stadiou Str., Syntagma, Tel. 3221459 & 3223111-9

2.2 Transport in Athens

Public transportation

The public transportation network includes trolley-buses, a large number of buses connecting different areas of Athens and Athens suburbs, and an underground electric railway. Tickets for buses and trolley buses are sold at newspaper kiosks (periptera), at special booths or stands found in the main squares of the city and at several bus stops. They may be used on all local buses. A monthly personal transport card that permits unlimited travel on all public transport can also be issued (photograph required). At the time of printing (November 1998) one ticket costs 120 GRD, reduced student price 60 GRD, and the normal price of the transport card is 4.500 GRD (1 EURO = ~324 GRD).

Maps of the bus routes may be obtained from special ticket kiosks at the city centre (Akadimias str.). Bus hours of operation: 05:00-00:30 every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and the traffic conditions. Some special routes (night buses) also operate after midnight approximately every hour.

The electric railway is, by far, the quickest means of transportation. Presently, there is only line in operation, namely the line connecting Piraeus to Kifissia via Omonia square. Two underground (metro) lines are under construction and will start operating by the end of 1999. Operating hours: 05:00 - 00:15 every 5-10 minutes

Taxis

Compared to the cost of commuting by bus, getting around by taxi (yellow cab) is rather inexpensive in Greece. Taxis can be hailed from the street and the fare is displayed on a meter; however, it can be sometimes quite difficult to find a taxi, especially during rush hour. Taxis can also be hired from various local offices, both in central Athens and in the suburbs.

2.3 Currency

Greece's monetary unit is the Greek drachma (GRD). There are 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 5000 GRD banknotes, and coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 GRD. At the time of printing (June 1999) 1 EURO equals approximately 324 GRD.

2.4 Banking

All major Credit Cards (VISA, DINERS, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, EUROCARD, JCB) are welcome in Greece. Most of the shops accept payment by credit card. Traveller's cheques or Eurocheques issued by all major companies are also widely recognised. You can cash the travellers' cheques at all Greek and foreign banks and big hotels. A means of identification is necessary for the transaction. Banking hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 14:00, Friday 08:00 to 13:30 (closed on official holidays). Certain banks in the centre of Athens are also open in the morning during weekends. An automatic teller (ATM) accepting all major credit cards is located at the basement of the Administration Building in N.T.U.A.

2.5 Business hours in Athens

Shops: On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday stores are generally open from 9:00 till 14:00 and from 17:30 till 20:30 p.m. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays stores are only open from 9:00 till 15:00 p.m. and do not open again in the afternoon. Some big department stores and supermarkets remain open during weekdays from 9.00 to 20.00 and on Saturdays from 9.00 to 18.00.

Pharmacies: Pharmacies follow in general the same hours as shops, except that they are closed on Saturday mornings. Most medicines are available only by doctor's prescription, except for simple remedies, such as aspirin, which is available not only in the drug stores but also at the little kiosks which exist everywhere in the city.

Restaurants and Tavernas: Open for lunch from 12 or 12:30 to 16:00. In the evening, restaurants open at about 21:00 and close between midnight and 1:00 am. Fast food and kebab ("souvlaki") shops usually serve food all day long, and some of them stay open till late at night

Coffee shops and bars: Open all day from about 8:00 a.m. until late in the night.

Cinema & Theatre sessions: All cinemas in Greece show original versions of movies, subtitled in Greek, and usually have shows starting at approximately 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. In winter some cinemas also offer earlier performances (starting between 17.00 and 18.00). Theatres have one performance per day during the week at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m, and are closed on Mondays. On weekends there are usually two performances, the first one starting at 6:30 p.m. and the second at 9:30 p.m.

Music, Art Exhibitions, Lectures: Central newspaper kiosks (at Syntagma, Kolonaki and Omonia square) sell the weekly entertainment guide (Athenscope) in English and French. The guide lists restaurants and bars, cinemas, theatres, musical events (classical, jazz, rock, ethnic, folk, etc.), art exhibits and other activities occurring during the week in Athens and its suburbs. A wide variety of foreign newspapers and magazines is also available.

Museums: Unless otherwise indicated all state museums are closed on Monday. Opening hours are generally between 9:00 a.m. and 14:30 or 15:00 p.m. The following archaeological sites, museums and art galleries are strongly recommended:

Acropolis Archaeological site and Acropolis museum. Tel. 321 0219, Opening hours: Summertime Mon.-Fri. 08:00-18:30, Sat. Sun. & Holidays 08:30-14:30 Wintertime Mon.-Fri. 08:00-16:30 Sat, Sun & Holidays 08:30-16:30
The National Archaeological museum. 44 Patission Str., Tel. 821 7717, Opening hours: Summertime Mon. 12:30-19:00, Tues.-Fri. 08:00-19:00, Sat,Sun & Holidays 08:30-15:00. Wintertime: Mon 11:00-19:00 Tues.-Fri. 08:00-17:00 Sat, Sun & holidays 08:30-15:00
The Byzantine museum. 22 V. Sofias Ave., Tel. 7211027, Opening hours Tue-Sun & holidays 08.30-14.45
Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Art. 4 Neophytou Douka str., Tel. 722 8321-3, Opening hours: Mon. Wed. Thus. Fri. 10.00-16.00, Sat. (free entrance) 10.00-15.00
The Historical & Ethnological museum. 13 Stadiou Str. Palaia Vouli 323 7617 Opening hours: Tue-Fri 09:00-14:00 Sat, Sun & holidays 09.00-12.30
The Goulandris museum of Natural History. 13 Levidou str. Kifissia, Tel. 801 5870, Opening hours: Sat. and Sun. 09:00-14:00
The National Gallery. 50 V. Konstantinou Ave., Tel. 7235937-8, Opening hours: Mon. Wed. Thus. Fri. and Sat. 9.00-15.00, Sun. 10.00-14.00. Closed on Tues.

2.6 Walks, day trips and excursions

The guide "ATHENS - General Information", published by Documento Editions for the Greek National Tourist Organization, will help you find your way around the city. It contains very useful and detailed information concerning ancient and Byzantine monuments and museums, city walks and shopping, as well as day trips and excursions to the Athens surroundings.

2.7 Telecommunications

The Public Telecommunications Corporation (OTE in Greek) is responsible for operating the telecommunication services in Greece, which include telephone, telex and data transmission.

To make an international telephone call from Greece,

first dial …	then …	followed by …	and finally …
00	Country Code	Area (City) Code	Local Number

Card operating public telephones, or "cardphones", can be found in central points within the cities, airports, rail and bus stations, public buildings, and in all N.T.U.A. buildings and cafeterias. 100-unit phonecards cost 1000 drachmas and can be purchased at kiosks, shops, N.T.U.A. cafeterias, post and telephone offices (OTE sign). Late evening phone calls may save you up to 45% off the normal cost.

Useful OTE Services:

All OTE Services	134
Domestic Telephone Directory	131
Domestic Calls Information	151
Domestic Telegrams	155
Information on International Calls	161
International Dialling Codes Information (English, French, German)	169
International Telegrams	165
Time	141

2.8 Postal service

Signs denoting post offices are usually bright yellow, as are post-boxes. All post offices in Athens are open Monday to Friday from 07.30 to 14:00, except for four central offices (in Syntagma, Omonia, Mitropoleos square and East Terminal) which stay open until 20:00 and are also open on Saturday mornings.

2.9 Electricity

Electric current in Greece follows the European standards: AC 220 Volts at a frequency of 50 Hz. Most electric outlets adhere to the continental standard (Schuko).

2.10 Television

Greek Television (ET in Greek), which is the public broadcasting corporation of the country, offers three channels, namely ET1, NET and ET3, which are transmitted all over the country. Moreover, numerous private national (Mega, Antenna, Sky TV, New, Star), as well as some international (Euronews, CNN, TV5,) channels are also available in Athens.

2.11 Time

Greek time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and an hour ahead of Central European Time. As in the rest of Europe, the time is advanced one hour for the summer in March and is set back one hour in October.

2.12 The Climate

Athens has a rather mild climate. Sometimes it can get very hot, between June and August (35-37 ^oC), but fortunately the air is rather dry. Normal summer temperatures hover around 25 - 35 ^oC and winter temperatures are around 5 - 15 ^oC. Between January and early March it can get chilly and windy, and snow may be expected for a few days. The rainfall is mostly in the form of short showers in winter and tends to decrease from January to July, increasing again during the second half of the year.

2.13 Public Holidays

National Holiday	October 28
Polytechnion Commemoration Day	November 17
Christmas Holidays	December 25-26
New Year's Day	January 1
Epiphany	January 6
Religious School Holiday	January 30
"Clean" Monday* (end of Carnival)	February or March (7 weeks before Easter)
National Holiday (Independence Day)	March 25
Easter Holidays*	Holly Friday & Easter Monday
Labour Day	May 1
Holy Spirit Day*	50 days after Easter
Assumption of Virgin Mary	August 15

*The dates are according to the Orthodox Church Calendar

2.14 Personal Safety

Athens is a relatively safe city for its size. However, normal precautions regarding personal safety should be taken.

Emergency Services	Telephone number
First Aid Centre	166
Fire Brigade	199
Blood Bank	8219391
Poisoning First Aid	7793777
Doctors on Duty	1602
Duty Pharmacies	107 &102
Duty Hospitals and Clinics	106
Open Line for Drug Addiction	3617089
AIDS Help line	7222222
Police	100
Tourist Police	171

Back to Main Page