28th Congress of the European Association for Cranio Maxillo Facial Surgery

  2. Meeting Information
  3. Welcome Athens

Welcome to Athens, the Historical Capital of Europe

Welcome to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilization. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus.  Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. It’s recorded history spanning around 3.400 years and it is being inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C.  Today, under the shadow of Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi- cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities.
 
The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary Greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year round city break destination. The city of Parthenon is an openair museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. It leads to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape. Either on foot or by bike, the ‘’Grande Promenade’’ around Acropolis is an unforgettable journey through history.
 


GASTRONOMY:

The Greek Cuisine holds a significant place in the global culinary scene, with its diversity and quality of raw materials, the flavourful combinations and the millennia-old cooking traditions. It is based on a couple of simple principles, such as the use of fresh materials, locally produced herbs and greens, and the world-renowned Greek olive oil.
 

FUN FACT:

Archestratos wrote the first cookbook in history (330 B.C.).
 

 

ACCESSIBILITY:

Athens International Airport (AIA) “Eleftherios Venizelos” since its opening in 2001, has seen constant annual growths and has been placed on the list of the fastest growing airports in the world. Year by year, the airport enriches its network with new carriers and destinations.
 
Currently AIA has direct connections to about 75 international destinations, including all major cities around the world. AIA has customer satisfaction as its top priority and provides high security standards and top quality services to all users.
 
It is located 33 km southeast of Athens and is easily accessible via a six-lane motorway (the Athens City Ring Road). Access to Athens and the Port of Piraeus is provided by express airport bus connections on a 24-hour basis, while a direct Metro line connects the airport with the city center (Syntagma square) in 40 minutes.
 

TRANSPORTATION:

Athens's metro is a 158 km network serving 57 stations. The relatively new Athens metro system has four lines offering fast and safe transportation.
During rush hour the trains run every 3 minutes and every 10 minutes the rest of the day.
 
 
WHAT TO DO IN ATHENS:
 
Acropolis, Museum & Mythology Tour
The complete ancient Athens experience! Dive into the marvelous world of Ancient Athens with a full day tour at all the must-visit sights. Uncover stories from the Greek mythology throughout the visit of the magical Acropolis and 2 more landmarks in the city. Continue with a unique Acropolis museum tour that explores the private and public lives of ancient Athenians by decoding the hidden messages within the artifacts they left behind!
 
Best Of Ancient & Modern Athens
Take this tour to get the most of what there is to see in Athens in just one day - and we don’t mean ancient ruins only! Visit the most important ancient monuments such as the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, explore ottoman and contemporary neighborhoods such as trendy Psiri, the “Soho” of Athens, Plaka, the old Athens area, Monastiraki, the flea market. Enjoy bustling markets, taste mouth-watering Greek delicacies, see some impressive street art, go to places where the Athenians eat, drink and shop in their everyday life, walk in old and new quarters off the beaten track. Enjoy Athens at its best!
 
Cape Sounio & The Athens Riviera Sunset Panorama
A gorgeous coast and a stunning Greek temple! Don’t let the sea escape you, because Athens is all about the sea! Tour the celebrated Athens Riviera shoreline all the way to the stunning Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean sea, and end your day admiring the dramatic sunset over Cape Sounion.
 
A Dazzling Day Cruise to Hydra Island
A great cosmopolitan island escape, with pristine beaches, stunning architecture and international cultural allure! Less than two hours from Piraeus, the island of Hydra is an ideal day-trip destination. Completely traffic-free (no cars or scooters), the port town is positively charming, thanks to the magnificent 18th-century mansions lining the steep streets that rise up from the harbor’s edge. The stunning beaches are tranquil, laid-back locations and the island is full of history and cultural charm.
 
Enchanting Day Cruise to Aegina Island
A surprisingly unspoilt island escape! This beautiful island, beloved of Zeus and blessed with a rich history, gives a great taste of all other Greek islands. Unspoilt landscapes, 19th century charm, lovely beaches and an outstanding cultural tradition in fine arts and handicrafts is what makes Aegina a favorite getaway just a short ferry ride from Athens!