Santorini Experience returns for its 8th year from 10-12 October 2025

• 9 awards for the top sports event in the Aegean

Santorini’s favorite sports tourism event, the Santorini Experience, is making a strong return for its 8th year and will take place from 10 to 12 October 2025 on the most enchanting island of the Cyclades and one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The event is expected to attract athletes from every corner of the world this year, combining unique sports experiences with the breathtaking landscape of Santorini.

Set against the backdrop of picturesque alleys, the imposing Caldera, and the unique volcanic landscape, Santorini will host running and open water swimming races, offering an exciting experience to participants. The running races include three unique trail running routes, ideal for all levels of participation. Runners will have the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience running with views of the Caldera and the volcano, passing through the beautiful villages of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. The distances include 5km for dynamic walking and running, 10km for more experienced runners, and 15km for those who love endurance. The start and finish of all routes is from the desalination plant in Oia, with parts of the route crossing dirt paths.

The program highlights the iconic 1.5-mile (2.4 km) open water swimming race, where athletes will start from the Volcano and finish at the old port of Fira, crossing the waters of the Aegean Sea with a depth of up to 400 meters, especially in the middle of the Caldera, with the impressive landscape of Santorini as a backdrop. The design of the route bears the signature of Nikos Gemelos, a leading technical director with Olympic and world distinctions in swimming, while the safety of the participants is ensured by a specialized team of lifeguards and lifeboats, and all swimmers will wear a safety life jacket. In addition, participants are entitled to free use of the cable car (ascent and descent) upon presentation of their paid participation.

Santorini became a meeting point for athletes from 35 countries

Last year, the Santorini Experience gathered participants from 35 different countries, confirming its international character and its potential on the global map of sports tourism. The event is aimed at both professional and amateur athletes, offering a high-level experience, with impeccable organization, absolute safety, and authentic moments of sports, within the magical setting of Santorini.

The multi-award-winning Santorini Experience raises the bar even higher

The Santorini Experience received 8 important distinctions at this year’s Sports Marketing Awards, highlighting its continuous progress as a leading event in sports tourism. Specifically, it won 1 Platinum, 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze, in the following categories:

Gold award in the “Individual Sports” category

• Through its collaboration with its sponsors MOTODYNAMIC Group and Miele, it won:
• Platinum & Gold awards in the “Best Sports Culinary Sponsorship” category with Miele Hellas
• Gold award in the “Most Innovative Use of Content Creators & Influencers for a Sports Related Activity” category with MOTODYNAMIC Group
• Gold award in the “Best Real-Time Response / Occasion-based Marketing” category with MOTODYNAMIC Group
• Gold award in the “Best Experiential Marketing - Best in Sports Culinary Marketing” category with Miele Hellas
• Silver award in the Best NEW Sponsorship category with MOTODYNAMIC Group
• Bronze award in the “Best Sports-Related CSR Campaign /Activity” category with MOTODYNAMIC Group

The event was also honored with a Gold award in the “Sports Events” category at the Tourism Awards 2025, confirming its exceptional contribution to the enhancement of Greek tourism through sports.

Santorini is unique in the world for its impressive volcanic landscape, the imposing caldera with white houses hanging from the cliffs and the famous sunset that enchants every visitor. It combines rare natural beauty with deep history, as revealed by the prehistoric settlement in Akrotiri, while its volcanic soil offers unique flavors such as Assyrtiko wine and fava beans. It is an island that cannot be copied—a living monument of natural splendor and cultural memory.

The Premium Mobility Partner of the event is SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMIC Group.

Bronze Sponsors of the event are Miele, Snappi.

Official Water is Vikos Natural Mineral Water.

Partners of the event are the Santorini Boat Owners' Association and Lifeguard Patrol.

The Santorini Experience is a co-organization of the Municipality of Thira, the Department of Sports and Culture of the Municipality of Thira, and the ActiveMedia Group.

This event is not only for athletes, but also for families, children, and all visitors to the island. The parallel actions, which will include activities for young and old, will be announced soon, as the event embraces Santorini and the local community, creating a unique atmosphere of celebration, sport,s and culture for everyone.

More information on the opening of registrations and special prices on accommodations will be announced at: www.santorini-experience.com

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