Conference Guide

Welcome to Mytilene and the island of Lesvos!

On the occasion of your participation in the conference taking place in the city of Mytilene, we invite you to discover the charm and uniqueness of Lesvos an island where history, natural beauty, and culture blend harmoniously with a relaxing atmosphere and warm hospitality.

Mytilene

The capital of Lesvos welcomes you with its picturesque alleys, impressive neoclassical mansions, historic market, and imposing castle. Along the seafront, cafés, ouzeris, and restaurants come alive from morning until night, offering local flavors and traditional products.

The Castle of Mytilene

Dominating the city, it is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in the Mediterranean. From its walls, you can enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and the Aegean Sea.

Tsarsi Hammam

In the heart of the old market stands the Tsarsi Hammam (“market bath”), one of the most important Ottoman monuments in Mytilene. Built in the early 19th century, it once formed part of the religious complex of the nearby Yeni Mosque. The building follows the characteristic tripartite layout of Ottoman baths and was restored in 2000–2001.

Yeni Mosque

A few steps further, on Ermou Street, you will find the Yeni Mosque, built in 1826. A distinctive landmark thanks to its size and unique architectural style, it combines Byzantine and Ottoman elements. The complex once included the Tsarsi Hammam, a medrese, the mufti’s residence, and a cemetery.

Valide Mosque

Located in the Epano Skala district, the Valide Mosque dates back to the late 18th century. It stands out for its well-preserved minaret the only one in Mytilene that survives almost intact. Inside, you can admire an impressive mihrab decorated with rich plasterwork, while the courtyard once featured a marble fountain.

What to see and do during your stay:

The Petrified Forest and the Natural History Museum in Sigri

A must-see destination is the unique Petrified Forest of Lesvos, one of the largest and most significant in the world. The Natural History Museum of the Petrified Forest in Sigri (https://www.lesvosmuseum.gr/) takes you on a journey through the island’s geological past, explaining the volcanic activity that created this extraordinary landscape. Wander among fossilized tree trunks that are up to 20 million years old!

Thermal Waters and THERMA Spa Gera

Just a short distance from Mytilene, in the enchanting Gulf of Gera, you will find the renowned THERMA Spa Lesvos (https://thermaspalesvos.com/). Its therapeutic waters flow from a depth of 2,500 meters at a natural temperature of 39.3°C, offering deep relaxation and healing benefits. In the two pools, the water flows continuously and naturally, providing an authentic hydrotherapy experience.

The hot springs of the area have been known and used since antiquity, and today they remain a beloved destination for those seeking rejuvenation and well-being.

Stratis Eleftheriadis – Tériade Museum & Library

A cultural treasure of Mytilene, the Stratis Eleftheriadis – Tériade Museum & Library (https://www.museumteriade.gr/) celebrates the legacy of Tériade, one of the most influential art publishers of the 20th century. He collaborated with and supported major artists of modern art.

Opened in 1979, the museum houses rare editions and works by great creators such as Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, and others who worked with Tériade. It is a space where contemporary art meets the intellectual heritage of Lesvos, offering visitors an invaluable cultural experience.

Discover more!

Lesvos is filled with hidden treasures and unforgettable experiences. For more information on activities, attractions, and the island’s beautiful beaches, visit the official travel guide of Lesvos:

https://www.visitlesvos.gr/en

We wish you a productive and enjoyable stay in Mytilene and invite you to explore Lesvos through its landscapes, history, and rich cultural heritage!

The sessions will take place at the Department of Geography Building, located on the hill of the University of the Aegean.

Within the university premises, you will find posted signs with directions to the lecture rooms, as well as useful information regarding the program and the parallel activities.

The conference dinner will take place at Tsamakia Plaz, a beautiful seaside spot in Mytilene. With its relaxed atmosphere and lovely view of the sea, it’s the perfect place to enjoy good food and connect with other participants. It will be a nice evening, bringing everyone together.

The distance from the center of Mytilene to the University of the Aegean is approximately 2.5 km and can be covered on foot in about 25–30 minutes.

Alternatively, there are several transportation options:

Free University Shuttle Bus

For the convenience of conference participants, the University of the Aegean provides a free shuttle bus service. By presenting your conference badge, you may use the bus on its daily routes to and from the University (about a 10-minute ride from the city center).

Route|Departure|Return
University → City Center | 07:40 – 21:15 | 08:10 – 21:40

You can find the full timetable HERE. (https://astika-mitilinis.gr/en/itineraries/)

Private or Rental Vehicle

Participants choosing to travel with their own or a rental vehicle may park free of charge in the University’s parking area.

Electric Bicycles

Mytilene operates a shared electric bicycle system, available at six designated locations with charging and parking stations:

• Sappfo Square

• Mytilene Port

• City Hall (parking area)

• Milena Kontou Square

• Epano Skala Park

• Kallithea (opposite the schools and near the student residences)

• NEW station: University of the Aegean

Using an e-bike offers an easy, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to reach the conference venue.

Elysion Hotel ★★★★★

Located in Neapoli, Mytilene—close to the airport and just minutes from the city center—the Elysion Hotel is a five-star property offering luxury, sea views, a swimming pool, and an excellent breakfast buffet.

Special Conference Rates

• Deluxe Room (Single/Double Use): €160 per night

• Executive Room (Single/Double Use): €230 per night

Rates include a rich buffet breakfast and all taxes, except the resilience tax.
The resilience tax is charged at €15 per room, per night.

📍 Address: Neapoli, Mytilene, 81100
📧 Email: info@elysion.gr
📞 Phone: +30 22510 61531
🌐 Website: www.elysion.gr

Car Rental

Below you will find the special car rental offer available exclusively to participants, through our partner rental agency:

• 🚗 Category B: €25 per 24 hours

• 🚗 Category C: €28 per 24 hours

• 🚗 Category D: €35 per 24 hours

➡️ Rates include full insurance with an excess of €600 for Categories B & C and €700 for Category D.
➡️ Unlimited mileage and free private parking in the city center are also included.

For more information or reservations, please contact the Elysion Hotel reservations department directly. We will be happy to assist you!

Hotel Lesvion ★★★

Situated in the heart of Mytilene, next to the port and the seafront promenade, Hotel Lesvion offers comfortable accommodation with modern amenities and traditional hospitality.

Special Conference Rates

Breakfast and taxes included.

Room Type	Single	Double	Triple
Superior Sea View	€90 B/B	€130 B/B	€155 B/B
Standard with Balcony	€70 B/B	€85 B/B	€125 B/B
Standard with Window	€75 B/B	€95 B/B	—

A 10% discount applies to all the above rates for guests booking for the university conference. Please mention the conference when contacting the hotel.

📍 Address: 27A P. Kountouriotou St., 81100, Mytilene
📧 Email: info@lesvion.gr
📞 Phone: +30 22510 28177 / Mobile: +30 6979 228881
🌐 Website: www.lesvion.gr

Theofilos Paradise Boutique Hotel ★★★★

A luxurious boutique hotel located in the historic center of Mytilene, Theofilos Paradise blends neoclassical elegance with modern comfort. Just a few steps from the port and major city landmarks, it offers an ideal setting for a refined and relaxing stay.

You can use the code – Promo Code: AIR2026 on the website

theofilosparadise.book-onlinenow.net and get a 10% discount. The code will be activated from 15/12/25.

Accommodation for Early Career Participants – City+ Conference

We are pleased to announce that 44 single rooms have been secured at the Mytilene Student Residences (https://esties.aegean.gr/home-2-2-2-2/)for participants of the City+ Conference, specifically reserved for Early career researchers:

• Master’s students
• PhD candidates
• Young researchers up to two (2) years after completion of their PhD

Availability & Allocation

• Number of rooms: 44 single rooms
• Accommodation period: 02 July 2026 – 05 July 2026 (3 nights)
• Allocation policy: First come, first served
• Important: Only the first 44 eligible applicants who complete the accommodation form and proceed with payment will be allocated a room.

Cost

• €30 per room per night = €90 total per person (3 nights)
• Total includes VAT (9%), in accordance with island VAT regulations

How to Apply

Interested participants must:

1. Fill in the accommodation request form  https://forms.gle/BWeEY7jPbipy83vf7
2. Await confirmation and payment instructions.
3. Complete full prepayment by the deadline indicated below.

Once the rooms are filled, no additional accommodation can be offered through the conference.

Payment Deadline

• Full prepayment is required no later than 02 June 2026 (one month before arrival).
• Rooms will remain reserved until this date.
• If payment is not completed by the deadline, the reservation will be cancelled automatically and the room may be allocated to another participant.

Payment Methods

Payment can be made using one of the following methods:

A. IRIS Payment

• Using the VAT number of the University of the Aegean Property Management Company:
  094180448

B. Bank Transfer

• Bank: Alpha Bank
• IBAN: GR7301406010601002002010200
• Beneficiary: University of the Aegean Property Management Company

Payment reference (mandatory):
Surname – Student Residences – City+
(example: Chatzi Students Residences Mytilene City+)

Cancellation Policy

• Up to 30 days before arrival: 100% refund
• 15–30 days before arrival: 50% refund
• Less than 15 days before arrival: No refund

Additional Information

Participants whose accommodation is confirmed will be asked to provide:

• Full name
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Approximate arrival and departure times

This information is required to ensure smooth check-in and check-out arrangements.

The presentations will be organized into sessions based on the abstracts submitted by participants. Each presentation will have a duration of 10 minutes. A draft program outlining the sessions and presentation schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.