Thessaloniki, 21-22 September 2017 ESSnet Big Data Project Practical arrangements for face to face meeting of WP-1: Webscraping / Job vacancies Thessaloniki, 21-22 September 2017

Meeting Venue The meeting will take place at: Prefecture of Thessaloniki, Leof. Vasillissis Olgas 198, Thessaloniki, Greece The meeting will take place in 1st floor meeting room.

THESSALONIKI Thessaloniki (520 km. north of Athens) is the second largest city of Greece and the most important centre of the area. Built near the sea (at the back of the Thermaïkos Gulf), it is a modern metropolis bearing the marks of its stormy history and its cosmopolitan character, which give it a special beauty and charm. Take a tour in the centre of Thessaloniki and plan to visit its nearby destinations. Also, while being in Thessaloniki it is worth going up to Halkidiki.

STAYING IN THESSALONIKI Thessaloniki offers a range of pricing choices, with many hotels in the city and in the surrounding area. After having done some research, I would like to recommend the following 4 hotels. However, more information about Thessaloniki hotels: Thessaloniki hotels association www.tha.gr Greek National Tourism Organization www.gnto.gr Tip: September is high season due to Thessaloniki International Fair exhibition (9-17/9/2017), please book as early as possible! The climate of Thessaloniki is Mediterranean. September is a pleasant month without sudden weather changes and with very pleasant temperatures.

Centrally located in Thessaloniki, just a 5-minute walk from Aristotelous square provides late breakfast, free parking and stylish rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Hotel Olympia’s elegant rooms are soundproof and feature oak parquet floors, earthy colors and marble bathroom. Tasteful details include furnishings designed by Philippe Starck and Artemide lights. Tasteful and elegant, the in-house restaurant serves a wide variety of Greek and European delicacies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegetarian and low-calorie options are also available. Easy access to the Byzantine church of Agios Dimitrios and the shopping center and the port. Restaurants and bars can be found within a short walk. Private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 8 per day.

El Greco is centrally located in Thessaloniki, just a 5-minute walk from Aristotelous Square and a 20-minute walk from the White Tower. It offers accommodation with free high-speed WiFi, and excellent public transport links. Opening to a balcony with city views, all rooms at Hotel El Greco are air-conditioned and have a flat-screen, satellite TV and a mini fridge. They also have a bathroom with a bath and hairdryer, while an i-pad comes standard. Breakfast is daily served at the property's dining area. Guests of Hotel El Greco can enjoy modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which also includes a wide wine collection. All the main tourist attractions of Thessaloniki, as well as shopping opportunities are within walking distance of El Greco. The International Exhibition Centre is just a 5-minute drive away. VIP taxi transfer to and from the airport is available upon request and at extra charge. Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 10 per day.

Centrally located and just a few meters from Helexpo Exhibition Centre and several museums, the Abc Hotel features a bar-restaurant and modern rooms. Wi-Fi is available in all areas. All rooms at Abc have air conditioning, a TV and minibar, a safe and a bathroom with free toiletries. Start your day with the breakfast buffet which is served in the property's dining area. Private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 20 per day.

The recently renovated Capsis Hotel is in the heart of Thessaloniki, half a kilometer from the central square of the city. It has rooms with free Wi-Fi, free use of the gym and meeting facilities. The Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki has a variety of rooms, all with minibar, and private bathroom with hairdryer. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Drinks are served at the All Day Bar in the main building and at the poolside bar in the roof garden. A Greek Breakfast with local products and an buffet breakfast are also daily available. The city’s seashore with its cafes and restaurants is \within walking distance of the Capsis Hotel. The International Exhibition Centre is located a 10-minute drive and the airport a 25-minute drive away. Private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is needed) and costs EUR 8 per day.

Getting from the airport to the city The international Airport “Macedonia” (Thessaloniki Airport) is located 14 km of the city center. Bus nr 78 to Thessaloniki runs every 45 minutes. - Single fare €1. - Duration: 45 minutes. However, it costs € 1.10 if it is issued by ticket machines on-board buses. Taxi fare from the airport to the city center is at around 20 – 25 euro. In the web page of Organization of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki (http://oasth.gr/#en/ ) there is a tool for specific information about timetables, bus stops and travel time. I n the next 3 slides there are useful information for the lines that are suggested to be used during the meeting.

Bus line 78: AIRPORT - INTERCITY BUS TERMINAL (VIA CITY CENTRE) From city centre to airport From airport to city centre

On the way to the meeting (Prefecture of Thessalonikis) Bus line Number 03: A.S.IKEA-N.S.STATHMOS

On the way to the city center Bus line Number 03: A.S.IKEA-N.S.STATHMOS

Additional Information about the city: https://thessaloniki. gr/ There is a special "Cultural Route" (Bus No 50) to make the historical and cultural heritage of Thessaloniki more accessible to visitors. Informations about Line No 50 Point of departure: The White Tower Duration 50 minutes

Thank you very much for your attention! c.pierrakou@statistics.gr