Arrival
The retreat location, Agia Paraskevi in southern Crete, is quite remote and travel in this region can be time-consuming. If you are not already attending the ASSC conference in Heraklion, we strongly recommend booking an extra night before and/or after the retreat in Heraklion or Chania to ensure a relaxed arrival and departure. Both cities are beautiful and well worth exploring while you're here.
If you are not attending the main ASSC conference, you should aim to arrive either at Heraklion or Chania Airport no later than 9:30 AM on the day of arrival.
There are a limited number of shuttle bus seats available for transportation from Heraklion directly to the venue. Some participants will be traveling by car, and we will aim to create driving communities for shared transportation. We will also organize groups for those using public transport buses. We ask that all participants make provisions to be at the Heraklion Main bus station by 11:00 AM on the day of arrival. Address: Leof. Ikarou 9, Iraklio 713 06, Greece.
Departure
On the departure day, we will provide shuttle services from the retreat to Spili. From there, participants will need to arrange their own transportation to their final destinations.
Buses from Spili with changes in Rethymno will get you to the airports at Heraklion or Chania Airport between 18:00 and 19:00 on July 14th, so please avoid booking outbound flights earlier than 20:00.
Please book your availability accordingly. We recommend either spending a night in Heraklion or Chania or taking the night ferry to Athens as outlined below.
For those seeking better or cheaper international connections, you can opt for the night ferry from Heraklion to Piraeus (Athens). These ferries depart from Heraklion in the evening (typically around 21:00) and arrive in Piraeus the following morning around 06:15-06:30. Ferry companies include ANEK Lines and Minoan Lines, with tickets ranging from €41-€52 depending on the service.
TAXI COMPANIES - HERAKLION
TAXI COMPANIES - CHANIA
Taxis can also be accessed via the FREENOW app, which is available in Greece. The app allows you to book a taxi, track your driver, and pay directly through your smartphone.