About the Event Location & Venue

Get to know Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki is a vibrant port city in northern Greece. Its scenic waterfront offers sweeping views across the gulf, with Mount Olympus rising majestically on the horizon on clear days.

Founded in 315 BC, Thessaloniki has been a crossroads of civilizations for over 2,300 years. Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences are deeply embedded in the city’s character, visible in its ancient forums, Byzantine churches, city walls, and iconic landmarks such as the White Tower. Much of its early Christian and Byzantine heritage is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Renowned for its youthful energy, warm hospitality, and Mediterranean climate, Thessaloniki invites you to wander through its lively neighborhoods, enjoy its celebrated food scene, and experience a city that effortlessly blends history with modern life. Join us in this dynamic seaside city for an unforgettable event where science, culture, creativity, and innovation come together.

Get to know Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki is a vibrant port city in northern Greece. Its scenic waterfront offers sweeping views across the gulf, with Mount Olympus rising majestically on the horizon on clear days.

Founded in 315 BC, Thessaloniki has been a crossroads of civilizations for over 2,300 years. Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences are deeply embedded in the city’s character, visible in its ancient forums, Byzantine churches, city walls, and iconic landmarks such as the White Tower. Much of its early Christian and Byzantine heritage is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Renowned for its youthful energy, warm hospitality, and Mediterranean climate, Thessaloniki invites you to wander through its lively neighborhoods, enjoy its celebrated food scene, and experience a city that effortlessly blends history with modern life. Join us in this dynamic seaside city for an unforgettable event where science, culture, creativity, and innovation come together.

Panorama of Thessaloniki

Our Venue

HELEXPO - Congress Center 'Ioannis Vellidis'

Congress Center ‘Ioannis Vellidis’ or Vellidio is a modern, centrally located venue in Thessaloniki, offering flexible conference spaces and state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities. Situated next to the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center, it is within walking distance of the city centre, the seafront promenade, the White Tower, and key cultural and historical landmarks.

The venue is well connected by public transportation, including the nearby Sintrivani (University) metro station, and is easily accessible from Thessaloniki International Airport. With hotels, restaurants, and amenities close by, it provides an ideal setting for NSG2026.

Congress Center Vellidis

Plan your trip

By Flight

Fly to Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” (SKG), which serves many European and international destinations.

Alternative Airports:

If  Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” does not have direct flights from your location, consider flying to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) and then take a connecting flight to Thessaloniki or travel by train or bus (details under “getting to the venue”).

By Train

A high-speed train connects Thessaloniki with the capital Athens (5hrs), as well as with other major cities.

Book tickets in advance for the best prices on the Hellenic Train website.

From Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia"

By Taxi:

Taxis and apps like Welcome Pickups or Uber are available for this route.

Taxis from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to the city center operate with a flat rate, typically costing around €25 during the day (05:00-00:00) and €35 at night. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are available 24/7 directly outside the terminal.

Ask the driver for your hotel name, or “Vellidio”,  HELEXPO Center if you are going to the venue.

Taxi Apps

We recommend booking your ride at least two days in advance with Welcome Pickups to benefit from a fixed price, a comfortable travel experience, and English-speaking drivers.

By Public Transport:

Take the public bus 01X(day) or 01N (night) from the airport to stop City Hall (5 minutes walk from the Congress Center).

Bus departs every 20-30 minutes and the journey takes 40-50 minutes, depending in traffic.

Tickets cost €1.80 and can be purchased at the airport kiosks, or onboard (using card/phone). Tickets must be validated upon boarding.

Driving (Car Rental):

Driving from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to the city center takes approximately 20-30 minutes for the ~15 km distance, depending on traffic. Follow signs for “Thessaloniki” onto the main road (EO16) westbound. 

From Rome Fiumicino Airport

By Train (Fastest Option):

Take the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini Station (30 minutes).
From Roma Termini, board a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) to Napoli Centrale (1 hour 10 minutes).
From Napoli Centrale, follow the instructions below for “From Napoli Garibaldi Train Station.”


By Bus (Cheaper Option):

Take a shuttle bus (e.g., FlixBus) directly to Napoli Piazza Garibaldi Station.
The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.
From Piazza Garibaldi, follow the instructions below for “From Napoli Garibaldi Train Station.

From Napoli Garibaldi Central Station

  • By Taxi:

    • Take a taxi from the station to the Maritime Station (approximately 10–15 minutes).
    • Approximate cost: €10–€15.
  • By Metro:

    • From Napoli Garibaldi Station, take Metro Line 1 (direction Piscinola) and get off at Municipio Station (2 stops).
    • From Municipio Station, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Maritime Station.
    • Ticket cost € 1,30
  • We strongly recommend avoiding using buses as main public transportation

Taxi

Taxis in Thessaloniki are distinctly coloured dark blue with a white roof. They are easily identifiable by this two-tone colour scheme and the mandatory “TAXI” sign on the roof. They are easily found at designated taxi stands (e.g., Aristotle Square, White Tower) or can be hailed on the street. 

Radio taxi numbers: +30 2310 218600, 18300

Ask the driver for “Vellidio” or HELEXPO Center.

You can book a taxi by phone through Radio Taxi Makedonia, at +30 2310 218600, 18300.

Public transportation, including buses and trams, is available at most major intersections.

Tip: Before starting your ride, be sure to ask if card payment is accepted, as some taxis only take cash (Euros). A receipt should always be available.

E-Bike and E-Scooter Rental

Renting a bike or e-scooter in Thessaloniki is a convenient way to get around the city. Several local providers offer bikes and electric scooters that can be rented via mobile apps or directly at rental points across the city. Simply download the provider’s app, locate a nearby vehicle, and start your ride. Dedicated bike lanes are available along parts of the waterfront, making cycling a pleasant option, especially for short distances.

Go to App Store/Google Play: Search for “ThessBike“, “Penny.rent”, “Voi”, or “EasyBike” to download the respective app.

Public Transport

Buses

Thessaloniki has a large and easy-to-use bus network that makes getting around the city convenient. Most destinations can be reached easily by bus, and through OASTH – the city’s public bus system – you can also travel beyond the city to nearby towns and beaches to the east. Some routes extend surprisingly far outside the city, all for the price of a standard local ticket.

Tickets cost €0.90 – €1.10 for buses, and can be purchased at kiosks or vending machines, with contactless payment options now available.

Metro

Getting around Thessaloniki is best achieved using the newly opened Metro for fast city-center travel, frequent OASTH public buses for broader coverage, and walking for the compact city center.

Tickets cost €0.60 for the metro and can be purchased on all stations from vending machines. 

The Metro operates roughly from 05:30 to 00:30 (and until 02:00 on Fri/Sat).

A curated list of things you cannot miss when in Thessaloniki

COMING SOON!

VISA & Travel Requirements

Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and has signed the Schengen Agreement. While traveling within the E.U., you only need your Identity card. However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc. Visas are not required by European citizens from countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Greece as a member of the Schengen Agreement, has abolished controls on common internal lands, at air and sea borders and allows Member-State citizens to travel around without a visa for a short stay period of up to three (3) months. However, keep in mind that airlines and other carriers require a valid passport and/or identity card. Citizens coming from countries that have not yet joined Schengen Area may require a visa to enter Greece. To acquire further information you may read the official government instructions for travel at the link below.

Accommodation

We have secured special accommodation rates for NSG2026 attendees at the hotels listed below.

These rates are available for the event duration, and in some occasions on some days before and after. The rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that booking at these hotels is optional, as Thessaloniki offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences.

Since September is high season in Thessaloniki, we strongly recommend booking early to ensure availability.

Porto Palace

Address: 26th Octovriou Avenue 65, 54628 Thessaloniki, Greece

The hotel offers fixed rates to all NSG2026 delegates.

Accommodation tax fee: Porto Palace Hotel is a hotel housed in a monumental building and thus, according to Greek law, climate sustainability tax does not apply.

The above quoted rates include all taxes, breakfast at the main restaurant, outdoor parking, WiFi, free use of Pulse Gym & Fitness Center (Pulse Gym in operation by appointment only).

Makedonia Palace

Address: M. Alexandrou Avenue 2, 54640 Thessaloniki, Greece

The hotel offers a 10% discount to all NSG2026 delegates.

Enter the code: EAGE NSG 2026 in the field VOUCHER. The discount is valid in all premium rooms (city view or sea view).

ONOMA Hotel

Address: Monastiriou 24, 54629 Thessaloniki, Greece

The hotel offers a 15% discount to all NSG2026 delegates.

Enter the code: EAGE2026 in the field VOUCHER.

Anatolia Hotel 

Address: Mikis Theodorakis Avenue 13 (formerly Lagkada Street), 54629 Thessaloniki, Greece

The hotel offers a 15% discount to all NSG2026 delegates.

Enter the code: EAGE2026 in the field VOUCHER.

Grand Hotel Oriente

Address: Via A. Diaz 44 Napoli NA, Italy

To get up to 15% discount on the best available rate online, reach out directly info@grandhoteloriente.it and mention EAGE NSG2025

Flight Discount

Turkish Airlines has offered special discounts for all Delegates attending NSG2025. To proceed with the online booking tool, please visit turkishairlines.com and use the event code 095TKM25 under the promotion code field at the payment page.

Exploring Thessaloniki and Beyond?

Discover More with the Campania ArteCard!

Unlock the treasures of Naples and the Campania region with the Campania ArteCard — your all-in-one pass to the most iconic museums and archaeological sites.

Choose from a variety of bundles that include priority access to must-see attractions like National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Madre Museum, Capodimonte Museum, Royal Palace of Caserta, archaeological sites, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Paestum. Plus, enjoy free public transportation across Naples and the Campania region with select passes.

Special Offer for NSG2025 Attendees:
Use promo code “Acquisto PASS” at checkout to receive an exclusive discount. You can get your card at www.campaniartecard.it. The discount is valid until 11 September 2025, while cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Accommodation

We have secured special accommodation rates for NSG2025 attendees at the hotels listed below.

These rates are available for stays from 7 to 11 September 2025 and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that booking at these hotels is optional, as Naples offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences.

Since September is high season in Naples, we strongly recommend booking early to ensure availability.

NH Panorama 

Address: Via Medina, 70, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy

Fixed rates for NSG2025 attendees are bookable via the link below. Valid until 15 June 2025, based on availability. 

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia

Address: Via Partenope, 46, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy

Rates starting from 265 Eur per room per night, single occupancy, including VAT and Breakfast.

Book  contacting directly reservations@santalucia.it and mention EAGE  7/11 SETTEMBRE  2025

Smart Hotel Napoli

Address: Stazione Marittima, Molo Angioino, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy

To get up to 30% discount, use the promo code “aziendaEAGE”

Star Hotel Terminus 

Address: P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi, 91, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy

Rates starting from 215 Eur per room per night, single occupancy, including VAT and Breakfast.

Book directly at reservations.terminus.na@starhotels.it and mention NSG2025

Ramada by Wyndham

Address: Via Galileo Ferraris, 40, 80146 Napoli NA, Italy

Royal Continental Hotel

Address: Via Partenope 38/44 – 80121 Napoli NA, Italy

Fixed rates for NSG2025 attendees bookable via book@royalcontinental.it  mentioning EAGE NSG 2025, based on availability.

Grand Hotel Oriente

Address: Via A. Diaz 44 Napoli NA, Italy

To get up to 15% discount on the best available rate online, reach out directly info@grandhoteloriente.it and mention EAGE NSG2025

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