SSbD in Practice

Athens

Athens is the historic and vibrant capital of Greece, where ancient wonders meet modern delights. Steeped in rich history and mythology, Athens is a city that beckons visitors with its timeless allure.

Explore iconic landmarks such as the majestic Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands proudly, offering breathtaking views of the city. Immerse yourself in the city’s ancient past at the National Archaeological Museum, housing a vast collection of artifacts from Greece’s ancient civilizations. Stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, lined with picturesque streets, traditional tavernas, and quaint shops. Experience the lively atmosphere of Monastiraki Square, bustling with vibrant markets and enticing street food.

For art enthusiasts, the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art showcase magnificent Greek art spanning centuries. Athens also boasts a vibrant contemporary art scene, with numerous galleries and exhibitions.

Indulge in Greek cuisine at the city’s renowned restaurants, savoring traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, accompanied by locally produced wines and spirits.

Athens’ warm Mediterranean climate offers the perfect backdrop for wandering through the city, from the ancient Agora to the beautifully landscaped National Gardens. As you explore this captivating city, you’ll find that Athens seamlessly blends its glorious past with its dynamic present.

1. By plane:

   Athens is easily accessible by air, with the Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos‘ (ATH) serving as the primary gateway to the city. Located just 35 kilometers east of the city center, it offers excellent connectivity to major destinations worldwide. Numerous international airlines operate direct flights to Athens from various cities across the globe, making it convenient for conference attendees to reach the vibrant capital.

   Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, attendees can easily access the city center through the following transportation options:

   To the city center:

   • By metro: The airport provides a direct metro connection, with the M3 (Blue Line), departing towards Nikaia twice an hour, offering a quick and efficient journey to central Athens. Depending on the location of your hotel, after a 40-minute ride, you can get off at the stop ‘Syntagma‘ or the stop ‘Monastiraki‘. For the conference venue, get off at the ‘Evangelismos‘ stop. A one-way ticket costs EUR 9 and can be purchased at the airport metro station. The last metro from the airport leaves around 11:30 pm.
   • By taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, providing a comfortable and convenient way to reach your accommodation. The ride will take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxis heading to the city center operate on a standard fare: EUR 35 during the daytime (from 5:00 am to midnight) and EUR 49 at night. Additional charges may apply. You will find the taxis directly opposite the arrivals hall at Exit 3, but you can also book this transfer in advance. Some VTC apps that work in Athens are Uber, FREE NOW, Bolt, and Beat, and might offer cheaper rates.

Please note that you must apply for your own visa. MDPI is not responsible for any part of the visa application process for attendees. However, MDPI can provide a Visa Support Letter. To be eligible for such a document, the criteria below must be fulfilled.

Visa Support Letter

• Applicant must have paid for registration and submitted an abstract in order to receive a letter of support.
• Applicant must provide us with a scan of their valid, in-date passport that contains a photo of them.
• Applicant must provide us with a letter of support from their institution to confirm that it supports the delegate attending the meeting.
• This must be carried out in good time before the meeting; “last-minute” requests will not be processed.

More useful information on visa application

• Application process for entry into Greece
• Schengen Visa Information

 

Hotel	Description	Booking Page
	Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel Megalou Alexandrou 2, 104 37 The conference takes place here!
	Royal Olympic Hotel Athanasiou Diakou 28, 4-minute walk from Acropolis line (Red Line)
	Amazon Hotel Athens 19 Mitropoleos & Pentelis Street, 7-minute walk from Syntagma Station (Red Line)
	The Modernist Athens 4 I.Gennadiou, 106 76, 2-minute walk from ‘Evangelismos’ metro (M3/Blue Line) — change for Red Line, 3.1 km away from the conference venue
	President Hotel 43 Kifisias Ave. 115 23. 6-minute walk to Ampelokipi station (Blue Line) — change for Red Line
	Acron Athens Hotel 11 Prytaneiou, 7-minute walk from Acropolis line (Red Line)

 

Beware of Unauthorized Registration and Hotel Solicitations

Note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform to register for Coatings 2026, and that we are not associated with any hotel agencies. While other hotel resellers and travel agencies may contact you with offers for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with Coatings 2026 or Sciforum. Beware that entering into financial agreements with non-endorsed companies can have costly consequences.