NMIOTC is located at the north-west of Crete, Greece at the Akrotiri peninsula, in the northern area of Souda Bay, near the city of Chania. Crete and particularly the city of Chania, is one of the main tourist destinations. Chania is a picturesque, medieval city with a population rising up to 100,000. The tourist period in Crete starts in April and lasts up to the end of October. Souda Bay is one of the largest and most important natural ports of eastern Mediterranean. The location of Crete possesses an important strategic value in conjunction with the other existing infrastructures dominating the sea and air lines of communication of Eastern Mediterranean sea. The already existing logistic reasons demanding vessels to be berthed at Souda Bay are augmented by the opportunity of realistic training provided by NMIOTC, due to the proximity of the surrounding Crete.

By the air: Chania is served by Chania International Airport (“Ioannis Daskalogiannis” Airport) (airport code: CHQ). Distance from the city of Chania to NMIOTC is 20 km and from the airport to NMIOTC is 9 km.

Public transportation from Chania Airport to the city center is available as follows:

Bus: The bus stop is located outside the terminal and the ticket cost is 2,50 €. For further information and detailed timetables, visit the following link: https://www.e-ktel.com/images/pdfs/easter/AIRPORT_FROM_02-05-2019.pdf

Taxi: Taxi service (24/7) directly from the airport to Chania city center, cost 25,00€ appx

By the sea: There is a daily ferry boat service from the port of Piraeus to the port of Souda. The trip lasts 8 hours.

The existing Naval Base provides a combination of infrastructure Recreational facilities, Naval Hospital, Officers Club and Personnel Accommodation. The facility is fully supported by the existing relevant infrastructure and manpower of the Naval Base.

• Medical service: Trainees are required to have a valid health insurance according to their respective national standards. Trainees from the EU Member States are required to possess a valid European Health Insurance Card. NMIOTC ensures first aid during training, providing emergency transportation to the Naval Hospital of Crete when needed. The Naval Hospital of Crete will provide diagnosis, first aid and treatment and when necessary, the military doctors may arrange with the Prefectural Hospital of Chania for further diagnosis or specialist treatment if required. NMIOTC is not covering trainees’ expenses for additional medical treatments and the settlement of medical bills is a patient/national responsibility.
• Schooling. There is a variety of public and private schools in the area of Chania. They cover all education levels starting from Elementary School all the way up to University level.
• Housing. There is a variety of many new-built houses in the area.  The NMIOTC Host Nation Support office could advice the newcomers for the available housing options, as well as the legal status, based on the local legislation.