Venue, Transportation, Accommodation - Annual International Conference of Applied Economics and Financial Issues

Venue – Travel – Accommodation

The International Conference of Applied Economics and Finance will take place at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, August 28 – 29, 2025, which is located in Thessaloniki – Greece.

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the second oldest tertiary education institution in Greece. Named after the philosopher Aristotle, who was born in Stageira, about 55 kilometres (34 mi) east of Thessaloniki, it is the largest university in Greece. The main campus is located in the center of the city of Thessaloniki and covers an area of about 33.4 hectares. It comprises 10 faculties which consist of 40 schools and 1 single-School Faculty.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is a unique blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy, making it an ideal destination for a city break or a memorable stopover. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the city seamlessly combines its rich past with a cutting-edge, avant-garde spirit. Its streets are infused with remnants of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Jewish influences, creating a diverse cultural tapestry unlike any other in the country.

A thriving urban hub, Thessaloniki has gained a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting city break destinations. The city's international airport ensures year-round accessibility, attracting visitors eager to explore its renowned culinary scene, lively nightlife, and flourishing arts and culture sector. Museums, galleries, international film and arts festivals, traditional tavernas, gourmet restaurants, and street food stalls coexist with modern conference and exhibition centers. Above all, Thessaloniki is known for the warmth and hospitality of its residents, adding to the city’s charm.

A City Rich in Multicultural Heritage

Thessaloniki is a city best explored on foot, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in its layered history. Walking through its streets offers an opportunity to trace the influences of the many civilizations that have shaped its identity. Among the city's most significant Roman-era landmarks are the Palace, the Triumphal Arch, and the Rotunda, which served as the administrative and religious hub during the reign of Emperor Galerius Maximilianos in the early 4th century AD.
Equally fascinating is Thessaloniki’s Jewish heritage, beautifully preserved in the Jewish Museum, which showcases the life of the once-thriving Jewish community before World War II. Another historical highlight is the former residence of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, serving as an architectural reminder of the city’s Ottoman past.

A visit to the iconic White Tower, one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable landmarks along the waterfront, offers a dynamic museum experience. Each floor presents a different aspect of the city’s identity—cultural, commercial, culinary, and intellectual. At the top, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Thermaic Gulf and the city skyline. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki further enriches the experience, displaying treasures from Macedonia’s illustrious past, including the famous gold wreaths and the Petralona Hoard, a collection of ancient bronze tools dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.

The Upper Town: A Journey Through Time

A short walk or ride from Aristotelous Square leads to Ano Poli (the Upper Town), one of Thessaloniki’s oldest and most well-preserved districts. Characterized by its narrow, winding streets and traditional houses, this area offers an escape into the city’s medieval past. Here, visitors can explore Venetian fortifications such as the Trigoniou Tower and the Eptapyrgio fortress, which have stood for centuries as silent witnesses to the city’s evolution.

Ano Poli is also home to significant religious landmarks, including Ottoman-era monuments, the Vlatades Monastery, and the Byzantine churches of Osios David and Agios Nikolaos Orfanos. These historical gems, set against a stunning backdrop of sweeping sea views, provide an unforgettable experience. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the legendary Mount Olympus in the distance.

Beyond the City: Day Trips from Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring northern Greece. Whether visiting the ancient archaeological sites of Vergina and Pella, the pristine beaches of Halkidiki, or the awe-inspiring landscapes of Mount Olympus, the city offers easy access to some of Greece’s most breathtaking destinations.

In essence, Thessaloniki is a city that captures the heart of every traveler, offering a compelling mix of historical depth, cultural richness, and contemporary energy. Whether wandering through its ancient streets, indulging in its world-renowned cuisine, or enjoying its vibrant nightlife, every moment spent in Thessaloniki is a journey through time and tradition.

Information about Thessaloniki
https://www.discovergreece.com/macedonia/thessaloniki

https://www.thessalonikitourism.gr/index.php/en/

https://www.greeka.com/macedonia/thessaloniki/history/

https://www.turnipseedtravel.com/blog/thessaloniki

Travel

Flights

The International Airport of Thessaloniki is located about 20 km away from the city center and receives domestic and international flights all year round, while the flight time from Athens International Airport is around 55 minutes.

The international airport of Thessaloniki receives flights from several European cities throughout the year, while additional itineraries are available during the high season. Thus, flying directly to the town of Thessaloniki is the most time-efficient way of getting there from abroad.

If no direct flight is available, you can fly to Athens first and then proceed by bus, car, or train.

Ferry routes are also available from Athens, but the crossing is quite long.

At the airport entrance, you will find taxis and city buses.

Buses

You can travel to Thessaloniki via KTEL buses from various locations around Greece. KTEL buses from Athens depart from the Kifissos bus terminal and the bus ride takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes.

You can get further information about routes and timetables at www.ktelthes.gr

From Thessaloniki Airport to City Center

Bus public transport: Two buses connect the airport with the city centre. Bus 01X and Bus 01N (night bus). The bus stop is located at the departures area, in front of entrance 3 of Terminal 1. The ticket costs 1.8 euros.

Taxi: A taxi service is also available at the airport on a 24-hour basis. More information and special rates for AMEF participants will be announced here soon.

Accommodation

Participants are responsible for arranging their accommodation. More Suggestions and special rates for AEFI participants will be announced later.

Main places in Thessaloniki are: Aristotelous Square, Ladadika and White Tower of Thessaloniki

Aristotelous Square is 2.6 Km from Aristotle University

Ladadika is 2.7 Km from Aristotle University

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is 0.6 km from Aristotle University

How can you reach Aristotle University from the City Center ?

You can reach Aristotle University either by metro or by bus:

Metro

The closest metro station to Aristotle University is “Sintrivani”

The closest metro station to Aristotelous Square is “Agia Sofia”, which is approximately 0.5 km from the square.

Buses

The following transit lines have routes that pass near Aristotelous Square:

Buses: 58, 10, 14^Α, 28^Α, 31

Aristotelous Square (Greek: Πλατεία Αριστοτέλους, IPA: [plaˈtia aristoˈtelus]), is the main city square of Thessaloniki, Greece and is located on Nikis avenue (on the city's waterfront), in the city center. It was designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard in 1918, but most of the square was built in the 1950s. Many buildings surrounding the central square have since been renovated and its northern parts were largely restored in the 2000s.

Ladadika (Greek: Λαδάδικα) is the name of a historic district and a landmark area οf the city of Thessaloniki, Greece.

It is located near the Port of Thessaloniki and for centuries was one of the most important marketplaces of the city. Its name came about from the many olive oil shops in the area. Many Jews of the city were living there, while the so-called "Frankish district" (Frankomahala [bg]), with the French/Italian merchants and residents, was located beside.

The White Tower of Thessaloniki (Greek: Λευκός Πύργος Lefkós Pýrgos; Turkish: Beyaz
Kule; Ladino: Kuli Blanka) is a monument and museum on the waterfront of the city of Thessaloniki, capital of the region of Macedonia in northern Greece. The present tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification, known to have been mentioned around the 12th century, that the Ottoman Empire reconstructed to fortify the city's fortress some time after Sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki in 1430. During the period of Ottoman rule, the tower became a notorious prison and the scene of numerous mass executions, most famously of the Janissaries who revolted during the reign of Mahmud II.