Coming to Greece in February

Airport welcome desk
Airport to hotels transfers are not provided.
There is a bus service operating 24 hours a day that links “Macedonia” Airport of Thessaloniki to City Center. Bus number is 78 and the time to reach city center is approximately 40minutes depending on traffic. The cost of the ticket is 1€ and can be bought at kiosks inside the Airport.
There is also taxi service outside “Macedonia” Airport of Thessaloniki upon arrival. Taxis take approximately 20 minutes to reach city centre depending on traffic. The tariff ranges from 15€– 20 €.

Transfers
From all the hotels listed on the registration form, bus transfer from and to CEDEFOP will be provided on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 February 2009, according to the conference programme and to all social events. If you are late you can always take a taxi, as there is no public transport to CEDEFOP

Time
Greece is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2) throughout the year.

Language
Greek is the official language but English is widely spoken as well as German and French.

Currency
The Greek currency is EURO. Credit cards are widely used in most establishments. Most currencies and traveller’s cheques can easily be changed either at banks, hotels or money-changers with some handling charges.

Weather in February
The climate in Thessaloniki is Mediterranean with a definite seasonal variation. Winters are mild and rainy, with temperatures sometimes dropping to freezing point. In February the weather is usually cold, with temperatures ranging between 4°C and 13°C. Winter clothes are recommended.

Power supply
The standard current in Greece is 220 volts. Plugs are European standard with two round pins.

People & Life
Thessaloniki is a popular destination. You will certainly enjoy a pleasant and interesting stay in the city. People are friendly and happy to help with any questions. The atmosphere is unique during the day in the commercial and shopping centre, but especially during the evening, in the wide variety of bars, restaurants and theatres for entertainment. Thessaloniki is renowned for its unique location, along the Thermaikos Gulf, its sunsets, its long history, its monuments and museums as well as its distinguished cuisine.

Useful phone numbers

*It refers to a local number and can be used only from a local phone.
**It refers to a European number. After a recorded message in English and Greek, an operator receives the call in English, French or Greek, puts the caller through to the necessary service, and assists with interpretation, if necessary.

A few links
> Information on Greece as a travel destination: www.gnto.gr
> Thessaloniki International Airport Macedonia (SKG): http://www.hcaa.gr/
> Hellenic Culture: http://www.culture.gr/
> Area information on the prefecture of Macedonia: www.ellada.net  
> Travel information on Halkidiki: www.halkidikinet.gr
> Weather in Thessaloniki: weather.yahoo.com