Aegina
The workshop will take place on Aegina Island, Greece, a historic and vibrant destination in the Saronic Gulf, just a short journey from Athens.. With its rich cultural heritage, neoclassical architecture, and relaxed island atmosphere, Aegina offers an inspiring setting for scientific exchange and discussion.
Aegina holds a distinguished place in Greek history as one of the country's first independent states and briefly its capital. The island is home to several ancient Greek archaeological sites, and is renowned for its pistachio cultivation, charming harbour town with waterfront tavernas, and scenic beaches and hiking paths.
The Venue
The workshop will be held at the Old Prison of Aegina, one of the island's most distinctive historical landmarks. Originally built as an orphanage in the 19th century, the site later served as a prison for much of the 20th century. The complex is currently undergoing restoration, with a section already renovated and repurposed as a cultural and conference venue. The venue is centrally located in Aegina town, easily accessible on foot, with restaurants, cafés, and accommodation within walking distance.
Getting to Aegina
Aegina is exceptionally easy to reach from Athens. Regular ferries and high-speed boats depart daily from Piraeus Port from Gate E8:
- Highspeed boats (no vehicles available): ~40 minutes (~20 € one-way)
- Conventional ferry (vehicle boarding available): ~70 minutes (~12 € one-way)
Aegina has two ports: the main port in Aegina Town, which is closest to the venue, and Souvala, a small village approximately 10 km away. Most ferries arrive at the main port. Beyond Athens, Aegina is also connected by ferry to the nearby islands of Agistri and Poros, as well as to the Peloponnese mainland via Methana — offering opportunities for day trips or extended travel.
Tickets can be purchased/booked directly at the ferry companies' kiosks inside Gate E8 at Piraeus, or online through the operators' websites (Saronic Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, San Lorenzo ferries, Aegina ferries) or booking platforms such as Ferryhopper or Ferryscanner.
Note: While ferry schedules remain relatively stable year-round, we advise checking the websites or calling the operators closer to your departure date. Advance booking is not necessary for passengers, as ferries rarely fill up during the period of the workshop. However, if you are traveling with a vehicle, booking ahead is recommended. For advance reservations, booking directly through the ferry companies' websites is advised.
For more information on the schedules and other details please check the websites or call directly at the operators in Pireaus:
- Saronic Ferries: +30 210 4126528 / +30 210 4171190 / +30 210 4117341
- Aegean Flying Dolphins: +30 210 4221766 (high-speed)
- Hellenic Seaways: +30 210 4190200 (high-speed)
- SLF - Nissos Aegina: +30 210 4225625
- Aegina Ferries - Eleni: +30 210 4129757
- Magic Sea: +30 210 4610500
- Okyalos: +30 210 4441788
From Athens International Airport to Piraeus:
- Metro (Line M3 ): approximately 1 hour (9 € one-way )
- Bus (X96): direct connection to Piraeus port (~6 € one-way )
- Taxi (~60-70 € one-way)
- Information on public transports in Athens
Useful links:
Getting Around the Island
Car, scooter, and bike rentals are available in Aegina town for those who wish to explore the island or stay outside the main town. Local buses also operate daily routes to various parts of the island.
Accommodation
Aegina town offers a range of accommodation within walking distance of the venue, from boutique hotels to guesthouses and AirBnB. For those with their own transport, alternative options are available in the villages surrounding the main town, as well as in Perdika — a picturesque fishing village approximately 10 km south of Aegina town, also connected by bus service.
While the conference takes place outside peak tourist season, we still recommend arranging accommodation a few weeks in advance to secure your preferred option.
Practical Information
- Health center: +30 2297022222
- Police station: +30 2297022100
- Taxi: +30 2297022635 or +30 2297022010
- Useful phones in Aegina
- Time zone: EEST (UTC+3)
- Climate in June: The beginning of summer, usually ~ 30C.