Venue

Athens

Athens is the historic and vibrant capital of Greece, where ancient wonders meet modern delights. Steeped in rich history and mythology, Athens is a city that beckons visitors with its timeless allure.

Explore iconic landmarks such as the majestic Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands proudly, offering breathtaking views of the city. Immerse yourself in the city's ancient past at the National Archaeological Museum, housing a vast collection of artifacts from Greece's ancient civilizations. Stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, lined with picturesque streets, traditional tavernas, and quaint shops. Experience the lively atmosphere of Monastiraki Square, bustling with vibrant markets and enticing street food.

For art enthusiasts, the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art showcase magnificent Greek art spanning centuries. Athens also boasts a vibrant contemporary art scene, with numerous galleries and exhibitions.

Indulge in Greek cuisine at the city's renowned restaurants, savoring traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, accompanied by locally produced wines and spirits.

Athens' warm Mediterranean climate offers the perfect backdrop for wandering through the city, from the ancient Agora to the beautifully landscaped National Gardens. As you explore this captivating city, you'll find that Athens seamlessly blends its glorious past with its dynamic present.

The University of West Attica - Ancient Olive Grove Campus (re-check when confirmed)

I3S 2027 will take place at the University of West Attica (UNIWA), one of Greece's largest and fastest-growing public universities. Established in 2018 through the merger of the former Technological Educational Institute of Athens and the Piraeus University of Applied Sciences, UNIWA combines a strong academic tradition with a modern, multidisciplinary approach to higher education and research. The symposium will be held in the Ancient Olive Grove Conference and Cultural Center, located in the municipality of Egaleo within the historic Ancient Olive Grove of Athens. Closely associated with the philosophical tradition of classical Greece and Plato's "Walking School", the campus combines a unique historical setting with modern academic infrastructure and a strong emphasis on applied research, digital transformation, sustainability, and collaboration with industry, making it an inspiring setting to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge discoveries, and foster new international collaborations in the field of sensor science and technology. Address: 250 Thivon & P. Ralli Str, Egaleo, 12241, Athens, Greece			Raphael, The School of Athens, 1509–1511, Vatican Museums, Vatican City

Travel

By plane:

Athens is easily accessible by air, with the Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (ATH) serving as the primary gateway to the city. Located just 35 kilometers east of the city center, it offers excellent connectivity to major destinations worldwide. Numerous international airlines operate direct flights to Athens from various cities across the globe, making it convenient for conference attendees to reach the vibrant capital.

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, attendees can easily access the city center through the following transportation options:

To the city center:

• By metro: The airport provides a direct metro connection, with the M3 (Blue Line), departing towards Nikaia twice an hour, offering a quick and efficient journey to central Athens.
• By taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, providing a comfortable and convenient way to reach your accommodation. The ride will take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxis heading to the city center operate on a standard fare: EUR 35 during the daytime (from 5:00 am to midnight) and EUR 49 at night. Additional charges may apply. You will find the taxis directly opposite the arrivals hall at Exit 3, but you can also book this transfer in advance. Some VTC apps that work in Athens are Uber, FREE NOW, Bolt, and Beat, and might offer cheaper rates.

To the venue: re-check when conference center confirmed

• By metro and bus: Take the M3 (Blue Line, Airport – Ag. Marina) from Syntagma Metro Station to get to Egaleo Station (~ 8 minutes). You can catch the bus 829 from there, which will get you inside the UNIWA Campus in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, buses 703 and 852 stop near the campus on Thivon Avenue, just a short walk from the venue.
• By taxi: Taxis are always available throughout central Athens. The journey from Syntagma Square or Omonia Square typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day, with a fare of approximately EUR 12–20.

Accommodation

We want your stay in Athens during the conference to be as comfortable as possible. With that in mind, we have suggestions for some hotels to offer you accommodation choices in the heart of Athens. There are no discounts or pre-bookings associated with these hotels. Please contact the hotels directly with any issues or requests related to your booking.

*Insert table/descriptions of the hotels*

To ensure availability, we encourage you to book your accommodation as soon as possible.

Beware of Unauthorized Registration and Hotel Solicitations

Note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform to register for I3S 2027, and that we are not associated with any hotel or travel agencies. While other hotel resellers and travel agencies may contact you with offers for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with I3S 2027 or Sciforum. Beware that entering into financial agreements with non-endorsed companies can have costly consequences.

Please note that, in the case of not needing a traditional visa, visa-exempt travelers are required to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization prior to traveling to Greece.

• You must apply online and pay for an ETIAS before you travel to Greece.
• The ETIAS is planned to begin operations in the last quarter of 2026 (between September and December 2026).
• Apply for an ETIAS only through the official EU website once the system is launched.

If your home country is not on the list of visa-exempt nations, you must apply for a short-term Schengen Visa before your trip.

Useful Information on ETIAS and Short-Term Schengen Visa Applications:

• European Travel Information and Authorizations System (ETIAS)
• Who Should Apply
• Schengen Visa Information

Please note that, while you must apply for your own visa and MDPI is not responsible for any part of the visa application process, the Conference Secretariat can provide a Visa Support Letter. To be eligible for such a document, the criteria below must be fulfilled.

Visa Support Letter

• Applicant must have paid for registration and submitted an abstract in order to receive a letter of support.
• Applicant must provide us with a scan of their valid, in-date passport that contains a photo of them.
• Applicant must provide us with a letter of support from their institution to confirm that it supports the delegate attending the meeting.
• This must be carried out in good time before the meeting; "last-minute" requests will not be processed.