Festum π is a rare interdisciplinary festival, bringing together world-class mathematicians, musicians, composers, musicologists and AI researchers. Across one week of concerts, public talks, conferences and artistic encounters, the festival opens advanced ideas and exceptional performances to a broad public, free of charge.
It takes place in Chania, Crete, Greece. Chania is a historic coastal city on the north-western side of Crete, combining the atmosphere of a Mediterranean city festival with the beauty of an island destination. Events take place in cultural venues in the city, including the Cultural Centre of Chania, the Venizeleio Conservatory and the KAM Center for Mediterranean Architecture. The conference is taking place in the CIHEAM MAICh institute’s premises.
The festival programme includes public discussions, mathematical and scientific lectures, musicology sessions, chamber music concerts, contemporary music, solo performances, poetry, and projects at the intersection of music and artificial intelligence. It presents internationally established artists and scientists alongside younger talents. The 2026 edition features, among others, Konstantinos Daskalakis, Cédric Villani, Katia & Marielle Labèque, Bruno Mantovani, François Pachet, the New Cretan Quartet and the Festum π Quartet. Musically, the programme moves between classical repertoire, contemporary composition, chamber music, Cretan musical heritage and experimental approaches to AI and music.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport (CHQ), located approximately 14 km from the city centre. Visitors can reach Chania by taxi, rental car or public bus. The airport bus stop is located outside the terminal, across the Departures area, with services to Chania and other destinations.
Another option is Heraklion International Airport (HER), on the eastern side of Crete, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from Chania by car or intercity bus.
There are no train services on Crete. Visitors travelling from mainland Greece may also arrive by ferry from Piraeus Port to Souda Port, which is close to Chania.
Chania offers a wide range of accommodation, including boutique hotels in the Old Town, seaside hotels, guesthouses, apartment rentals and larger resorts in the surrounding coastal areas.
As the festival takes place during the high summer season in Crete, visitors are strongly advised to book accommodation well in advance. Most attendees stay in hotels or apartment rentals within Chania or nearby coastal areas. The conference attendants and artists will stay in the CIHEAM MAICh institute’s premises.
There is no formal dress code. The atmosphere is cultured but relaxed. Many attendees dress smart casual for evening concerts, while daytime events are more informal.
Late July and early August in Chania are warm and sunny. Light summer clothing is recommended, along with comfortable shoes for walking in the old town.
Visitors should bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for daytime, and a light layer may be useful for air-conditioned indoor venues or late evenings by the sea.
Chania has an excellent food scene, with many restaurants, tavernas, cafés and bars in the Old Town, the Venetian Harbour and nearby neighbourhoods.
Attendees usually eat in the city before or after events rather than onsite.
During the high summer season, it is advisable to book popular restaurants in advance, especially for dinner.
The city is known for Cretan cuisine, fresh seafood, local cheeses, olive oil, wines and traditional dishes.
Chania is one of Crete’s most atmospheric cities, known for its Venetian Harbour, historic lighthouse, old town, Ottoman and Venetian architecture, and seafront walks.
Visitors can explore the Maritime Museum of Crete, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, the Municipal Art Gallery and the historic neighbourhoods of the Old Town.
The wider region is also famous for its beaches and landscapes, including Balos, Elafonisi and Falassarna, as well as the White Mountains and the Samaria Gorge.
