Visa Requirements

Visa requirements for traveling to Greece are available here.

In case you need help or support documents for acquiring Visa for Greece, please contact conference secretariat Mrs Spyridoula Kouna - s.kouna@esdalab.ece.uop.gr.

Venue city: Kalamata, Messinia - Greece

The City of Kalamata

Kalamata, located in the southern part of Greece on the Peloponnese peninsula, is a picturesque coastal city renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. The city is famous for its production of Kalamata olives, which are celebrated worldwide for their unique flavor and quality

Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Messenian Gulf and backed by the Taygetos mountain range, Kalamata boasts stunning landscapes that attract visitors seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventures. Its historic old town features narrow cobblestone streets, charming Byzantine churches, and traditional tavernas serving delicious Greek cuisine.

Visitors to Kalamata can explore ancient ruins, such as the impressive fortress of Kalamata Castle, or enjoy leisurely strolls along the scenic waterfront promenade. The city's vibrant cultural scene includes museums, art galleries, and frequent festivals celebrating music, dance, and local traditions.

With its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, Kalamata offers a delightful Mediterranean experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of Greece.

The City of Kalamata

Geography

Kalamata, nestled in the heart of the Messenian Gulf in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece, boasts a diverse and captivating geography. To the east, the city is embraced by the towering peaks of the Taygetos mountain range, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking and mountain biking. To the west lies the azure expanse of the Messenian Gulf, with its inviting beaches and sparkling waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. The fertile Messenian plain stretches to the north, blanketed with olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards, showcasing the region's agricultural richness. Kalamata's geography seamlessly blends rugged mountains, pristine coastline, and verdant valleys, creating a breathtaking backdrop for both residents and visitors alike.

Climate

Kalamata enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. During the summer months from June to August, temperatures typically soar, with highs averaging around 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F). The city basks in abundant sunshine, perfect for lazy days at the beach or exploring its historic sites. The summer evenings offer a pleasant respite from the heat, with cooler temperatures and gentle sea breezes providing relief. Winters, from December to February, are milder compared to northern Europe, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F). While rainfall is more common during this season, it tends to be moderate, and sunny days still prevail. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures, making them ideal seasons for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

How to reach Kalamata

Kalamata is situated approximately 240 kilometers (about 150 miles) southwest of Athens, the capital city of Greece. Traveling from Athens to Kalamata typically involves a scenic journey through the Greek countryside, passing by picturesque towns and villages along the way. Whether by car, bus, or plane, the trip offers travelers the opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of the Peloponnese peninsula before arriving in Kalamata, where they can immerse themselves in the city's rich history, stunning coastline, and renowned culinary delights.

By Air:

• Kalamata International Airport (KLX) acts as the main air gateway to Messenia and the Peloponnese, offering domestic flights to Athens and seasonal international routes. Despite its smaller size, KLX provides essential facilities and easy access to Kalamata's city center. 
• Athens International Airport (ATH) serves as Greece's primary aviation hub, boasting extensive domestic and international connections. Located east of Athens, ATH offers modern amenities and efficient transportation options, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers flying to and from the capital.

By Road:

• By car: The drive from Athens to Kalamata takes around 2.5 hours. It’s an easy drive, largely on modern toll highways, and very scenic most of the time. We recommend picking up a car at Athens airport where the freeway – Highway 8,  heads straight past downtown Athens  and on past the Gulf of Elefsina and over the Corinth Canal onto the Peloponnese. Make sure you stop at the canal for a photo and spend an hour or two at Acro-Corinth too, once a significant trading port and important archaeological site. Just before Corinth, you will turn onto highway E65 A/D Korinthou Tripoleos, which will take you past Tripoli and on into Kalamata via Highway 7 at Kalamata Airport.
• By Bus: If you prefer not to drive, you can take a bus from Athens to Kalamata. Head to one of Athens' main bus stations such as KTEL Kifissou or KTEL Peloponnese. Buses to Kalamata depart from both stations regularly throughout the day. Purchase your ticket at the station or online in advance if available. The journey by bus takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the route and stops along the way. Once you arrive at Kalamata's bus station, you can take a taxi or local transportation to reach your destination within the city.

You can contact IEEE ISVLSΙ 2025 travel advisors (info@fastravel.gr) to:

• Guide and help you with your trip to Kalamata, Greece.
• Book private transit from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Kalamata and back to Athens.
• Book for (optional) excursion in Messinia after the end of the conference. The cost of the excursion is not covered by the registration fee. More details are available here.

Conference hosting facilities & infrastructure

IEEE ISVLSI 2025 will be hosted in Elite City Resort. It has 5 conference room and conference facilities for supporting conferences with up to 5.000 participants.

Elite City Resort Kalamata

The Elite City Resort is at the heart of Messinian Bay at the foot of Mountain Taygetos, just a few minutes from the seaside. It includes a large swimming pool and a restaurant with a decked terrace. All rooms are decorated in a modern, minimal style. Guests can relax by the large swimming pool while enjoying a drink. Ef Zin Restaurant serves Greek and international dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The commercial center of Kalamata is only 2.5 miles away, with a variety of restaurants, cafeterias, bars and shops. The excellent location is ideal not only for tourists, but for business travelers as well.

To access special accommodation rates in Elite City for IEEE ISVLSI 2025, email info@elite.com.gr and mention ISVLSI 2025.

Elite City Resort

Conference Center and hosting facilities: