ISVLSI 2025 - Venue & VISA

Visa Requirements

Participants who require a visa to travel to Greece are strongly advised to begin the application process well in advance, as processing times may vary depending on the country of application and the time of year.

Detailed and up-to-date information on visa requirements for entering Greece can be accessed here.

If you need assistance with your visa application, such as an official invitation letter or other supporting documentation, please contact the conference secretariat. We are committed to supporting all participants through this process and ensuring timely preparation for your travel.

For visa support, please reach out to:
Mrs. Spyridoula Kouna
Conference Secretariat
Email: s.kouna@esdalab.ece.uop.gr

When contacting the secretariat, kindly include the following information to expedite your request:

Full name (as in passport)
Affiliation and address
Passport number
Dates of travel
Title of your accepted paper or reason for attending
A copy of your conference registration receipt

Please note that the conference organizers cannot influence the decision of the consular authorities, nor guarantee the issuance of a visa. It is the responsibility of the participant to apply for a visa in a timely manner and provide all required documentation to the relevant embassy or consulate.

Please also review the conference's cancellation policy for visa applicants.

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.

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:

Travel Guide: How to Reach the Conference Venue – Elite City Resort, Kalamata

(Including transport from Athens International Airport “El. Venizelos” and Kalamata Airport)

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.

To reach the Elite City Resort in Kalamata, the official venue of IEEE ISVLSI 2025, participants may travel either via Kalamata International Airport (KLX) or Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH). Below you will find detailed options for both routes.

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.

1. From Kalamata Airport (KLX) → ~12 km (~13 min drive)

Options:

KTEL Messinias bus → Kalamata city centre + local taxi to resort
- KLX → Kalamata Bus Station: ~20–25 min, €2–3
- Then taxi (~3 km): ~€5–7, ~10 min
Taxi direct

~16min, ~€14–17

Private hire (town car)

Similar timing, slightly higher cost (~€17–20)

Car rental
- Self-drive: ~16 min, approx. €3–4/day (excluding fuel)

2. From Athens Airport (ATH) → ~240 km to Kalamata

A. By air (direct flight)

Aegean Airlines operates flights Tue, Thu, Sat

~55 min flight + transit times
Fare: ~€55–270

B. By KTEL Bus (via Athens bus station)

Airport → Kifissos Bus Terminal (athens)

Bus X93: ~1 hr, €6–9

Kifissos → Kalamata (KTEL Messinias)

~3 h15 min, €22–35, ~every 3 hrs

Kalamata Bus Station → Elite City Resort

Taxi: ~€5–7, ~10 min

Total travel time: ~4–5 hrs
Indicative cost: €33–51

C. By private car/shuttle

Self-drive: ~2 h 45 min (267 km), tolls/fuel ~€30–50
Private transfer (door-to-door): ~3hrs, ~€150–300

Comparison Table: Transport Options to Elite City Resort

Route	Duration	Cost (€) total est.	Pros	Cons
KLX → Bus + Taxi	~30–40min	~€7–10	Cheap, frequent KLX–Kalamata bus	Requires 1 transfer at city bus station
KLX → Taxi	~16min	€14–17	Fast, direct	Higher cost
KLX → Rental Car	~16min	€3–4+ fuel	Flexible, low rental same-day	Navigation required
ATH → Flight + taxi	≥1h25min +	€80–€300	Quick air segment if flight times match schedule	Limited days, flight delays, higher cost
ATH → Bus via Athens	~4–5hrs	€33–51	Budget-friendly, fixed schedule	Long travel, multiple transfers
ATH → Self-drive	~2h45min	€30–50 + tolls/fuel	Fastest land option, flexible	Driving on unfamiliar roads, tolls/fuel extra
ATH → Private transfer	~3hrs	€150–300	Door-to-door convenience	Expensive

3. Quick Tips

From KLX? Choose local bus + taxi for budget travel or taxi for speed.
From ATH?

Prefer flight + taxi on Tue/Thu/Sat (more expensive but fastest).
Otherwise, bus via Kifissos for best value.

Renting a car from KLX or ATH gives maximum flexibility for side trips and conference commuting.
Book KTEL tickets in advance online: https://ktelbus.gr/mes/ticketweb/
Athens bus to Kifissos: approx. €6–9, X93 bus from terminal

4. Summary of Best Options

Fastest (from KLX): taxi, ~16 min, €14–17
Cheapest (from KLX): bus + taxi, ~30–40 min, ~€7–10
Fastest (from ATH): flight + taxi, ~1 h 25 min min overall, €80+
Cheapest (from ATH): bus via Athens, ~4–5 hrs, €33–51

Venue & VISA

Visa Requirements