Heraklion AETE '23
As the nightmare of the COVID era gradually becomes a faint memory, we can look forward to meeting again in person. This year we will move from the cloudy- but wonderful- Utrecht to the far south of Europe, to magnificent Crete and its capital city Heraklion. At this time of the year, many air carriers offer direct flights to Heraklion from many European cities. However, Crete is in the heart of the high tourist season, hence, it is advisable to arrange your travel as soon as possible.
September is ideal for traveling around the island, swimming, and enjoying city life. Heraklion itself and the surrounding area are worth exploring. Apart from the vibrant nightlife, many museums, archeological sites (such as the Knossos and Phaistos Minoan palaces), and picturesque beaches can be found within a minute’s drive from the city center.
During our on-site inspection, the board members and the local organizing committee decided that Hotel Galaxy, located next to the city center, with comfortable and spacious rooms, a nice restaurant and coffee area, and a beautiful pool, would be the ideal venue for our meeting. Galaxy Hotel combines all requirements for delegates to enjoy a great scientific program and to relax at the on-site amenities.
The Conference Registration & Welcome Reception will take place at the hotel, where we will enjoy our drink next to the pool, or we could continue our chats on rambling city center streets ending in one of the hundred pubs. The Sponsors’ Area is close to the conference room and the restaurant where our lunch and coffee will be served.
For our Conference Dinner, we will visit the Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village, located 12km from Heraklion on the slopes of Psiloritis Mountain. The Arolithos complex was built in the late 1980s as a recreation of a traditional Cretan village and occupies a cluster of buildings. We will walk in the village’s narrow streets on a short journey back to the past. Our dinner will be the finest combination of local products that gave the unique identity of the famous Cretan cousin; we will taste traditional recipes cooked with care and love and eat and drink as locals. Local musicians and a group of dancers will create the atmosphere of a Cretan fest, while those believing they are good dancers will have the chance to test their dancing abilities under the vibrating Cretan rhythms.
As nice things end soon, we will have our Farewell Party in a club downtown the following evening. Here we will shift from traditional to modern -for youngsters- or classical -for the elderly- music and style. Be prepared and fit…; no club in Crete closes before sunrise.
And for those willing to explore Crete, before and after our Meeting, we have pre-arranged half and full-day excursions around the island!
On the 6th of September, you will have the opportunity to visit Archanes village and Knossos Palace with a professional tour guide. On the 9th of September, those lucky enough to extend their accommodation will have the opportunity to choose between our two full-day excursions. The first option is to visit and stroll around Chania & Rethymno cities, and the second is to visit Elounda resort & Spinaloga Peninsula. Further details about our excursions are available in the online accommodation form.
Dear friends and colleagues, we look forward to meeting you in Crete to enjoy a special scientific event and an unforgettable social program together!