Venue

Conference venue

The conference venue is the Naxos Beach Resort, at Giardini Naxos, with comfortable rooms, good conference facilities, as well as many entertainment possibilities (including swimming pools and tennis courts) and direct access to a private beach (www.atahotels.it/default.htm). It will provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment to the FOA9 participants and allow for a productive and worthwhile conference.

Giardini Naxos, Sicily

FOA9 will be held at Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy. Giardini Naxos is a village beautifully located on the eastern coast of Sicily, with a breath-taking view on Mount Etna to the south and on the rock of Taormina to the north (6 km away). Giardini Naxos is situated at 50 km from the Catania Fontanarossa airport, which is easily reachable from Paris, Berlin, Zurich, Munich, Milan, Rome, Amsterdam, Brussels, and at 30 min from Mount Etna.

The weather on the eastern coast of Sicily in the May is usually mild. The average temperatures are max 27°C and min 18°C. The seawater temperature is about 19°C.

Sicily is one of the two main Italian islands. It has long been known as a melting pot of ancient cultures and peoples, and is full of history, arts and natural marvels (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicily). The traditional excursion will take FOA9 participants to Siracusa to visit historical and artistic sites such as the Greek and the Roman theaters and the Ortigia island. Taormina (10 minutes by bus from the FOA9 venue) is one of the most attractive destination for tourists. Those fond of hiking and geology should not miss the opportunity to climb Mount Etna, i.e. the highest and the most active volcano in Europe (a one day excursion with a guide can be organized on site; mountain boots are mandatory). Additional days before or after FOA9 can be devoted to visit breath-taking sites such as the Greek temples in Agrigento, the Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, the palaces and churches of Palermo, the beaches of the Aeolian islands.