Practical Information

a. Conference Venue

The Island & Coastal Tourism Futures 2026 conference will be held at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), School of Health Sciences, in Heraklion, Crete. The University is located a short distance from the centre of Heraklion and can be easily reached by taxi or local bus.

The facilities of the School of Health Sciences are located 500 m (approximately a 5–7-minute walk) from the main University entrance. After reaching the main entrance of the HMU campus, follow the signs for the School of Health Sciences on the left. Conference staff and signs will be available on site to assist participants and direct them to the registration desk and conference rooms..

The University is located a short distance from the centre of Heraklion and can be easily reached by taxi or local bus.

Useful Information

Venue: School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University
Address: Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece

We recommend allowing some extra time when travelling to the venue, particularly during the morning conference sessions.

For navigation, search for “HMU School of Health Sciences” in Google Maps or your preferred navigation application.

b.      Local Transportation

Getting around Heraklion is straightforward.  Visitors can use:

  • Taxi services throughout the city.  Easily retrieved online, English speaking operators.
  • Public buses operated by Heraklion Urban Bus Company & KTEL Heraklion.
  • Rental cars for exploring the island.
  • Walking in the historic centre.

Typical taxi fares:

  • Airport to Heraklion city centre: approximately €20–25, travel time 10-15 minutes.
  • Airport to Amoudara Beach: approximately €25-30, travel time 15-20 minutes.
  • Taxi fares may vary depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and luggage. Taxi ranks are located directly outside the airport arrivals area.

Public transportation:

  • The airport bus runs frequently between the airport and the city centre, the journey lasts 15-20 minutes, the cost is less than 2€.  Tickets can be bought at ticket machines or kiosks near bus stops, through the local bus mobile application and possibly on the bus.

c.      Useful Information

  • Country calling code: +30
  • Currency: Euro
  • Language: Greek, although English is widely spoken in tourism, hospitality and academic environment.
  • Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz (European standard plug types C and F)
  • Time Zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC/GMT +2 hours, and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC/GMT +3 hours during daylight saving time (including September).
  • Emergency numbers:
    • European emergency number: 112
    • Police: 100
    • Ambulance: 166
    • Fire service: 199

d.      Weather in September

September is one of the most pleasant months to visit Crete.  The weather is typically warm and sunny. 

Average conditions include:

  • Daytime temperatures: 25-30 °C
  • Evening temperatures: 20-24 °C
  • Sea temperature: 25 °C

Light summer clothing is recommended, along with comfortable shoes for walking, and perhaps a light jacket for the evenings.