Registrations for Santorini Experience 2025 Are Now Open!

The unparalleled natural beauty of Santorini, its volcanic caldera, Cycladic architecture, and enchanting sunsets compose the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable sporting and tourism event. Santorini Experience returns from 10–12 October 2025, welcoming both professional and amateur athletes from around the globe.

Against the backdrop of scenic alleys, the Caldera, and volcanic landscapes, Santorini Experience 2025 offers a unique sports tourism experience through running races, open-water swimming, and parallel events. The running events include three trail races of 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” powered by Miele, 10 km powered by SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group, and 15 km—ideal for participants of all skill levels—featuring breathtaking views and passing through Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. A highlight of the schedule is the open-water swim of 1.5 miles (2.4 km), starting from the Volcano and finishing at Old Port of Fira, organized in cooperation with the Santorini Boatmen’s Association.

In 2025, Santorini Experience celebrates its 10th anniversary, having evolved into one of the most recognized and awarded sports tourism events in Greece and internationally. Launched in 2015 with the aim of putting Santorini on the global sports map, it attracts athletes and visitors year after year. Over the past decade, thousands have raced and swum against the island’s unique volcanic scenery, in routes combining natural beauty, history, and culture. The Caldera trail has been acclaimed as one of the most spectacular running routes in Greece, while the swim from the volcano to Old Port of Fira is often described as “the most beautiful in the world,” leaving participants awestruck. Through this event, Santorini has assumed a new role in global sports tourism—supporting sports on the island, attracting elite athletes, Olympians, and world champions, and becoming more than a race—it is a festival of values. The anniversary year marks the continuation of this journey with new side events, surprises, and guests to be announced soon. Santorini Experience remains true to its vision: to deliver a unique moment that unites sports, nature, and culture in one of the world’s most distinctive and authentic landscapes.

The Municipality of Thira ensures each year the event's impeccable organization and sustainable growth, promoting Santorini as a top international sports tourism destination. Notably, registrations for Thira residents are free, showing respect and support for the local community. The event is complemented each year by local activities and citizen-oriented events.

The event becomes even more exciting with the participation of two distinguished athletes who have achieved international recognition and are expected to make a strong appearance. This year, Japanese Olympic open water swimmer Yasu Hirai Fukuoka will take part. With significant accolades in major international competitions, Yasu Hirai Fukuoka brings international prestige and high-level competition to the demanding discipline of open water swimming, raising the standard of the event and inspiring all participants. It is worth noting that he is the first Japanese male athlete to compete in open water swimming at the Olympic Games, having participated twice in the world’s biggest sporting event.

For the first time in the event's history, Nora Drakou will also participate — a 30-time Greek swimming champion, holder of 31 national records, and four-time Olympian. She brings her invaluable expertise and elite competitive level to the island of Santorini, having won more medals than any other female Greek swimmer. Undeniably, she is a role model for many young athletes, and her presence enhances the quality and prestige of the event.

These are the first major athlete names to be announced for this year's anniversary edition of the event — and interest is mounting, as more important announcements featuring distinguished participants from Greece and abroad will follow.

Reserve your spot in Santorini Experience 2025, combining sport, nature, and beauty on one of the world’s most iconic islands. Sign up for running and swimming now HERE!

This event is not just for athletes—it welcomes families and visitors with side activities for all ages. Emphasizing community participation and festive spirit, the event blends sports, culture, and entertainment, offering something special for everyone.

All athletes will receive a generous pack including a technical T-shirt, collectable bag, timing chip, medal for finishers, bib number, swim cap, and more. Additional services include baggage storage, on-route refreshments, medical support, and exclusive sponsor gifts. The race packs will be available for pickup during the days of the event at the Alafouzos Sport store in Fira, which is the Official Sports Store of the event, as well as at the race registration desks on the days the races take place.

Santorini residents can participate at no cost. Free registrations for locals will open soon and will be exclusively available at Alafouzos Sport store.

SIXT, a member of MOTODYNAMICS Group, returns to Santorini Experience 2025 as Premium Mobility Partner, offering top-tier transportation solutions with comfort, safety, and style. SIXT’s fully renewed fleet is waiting for you to enjoy every ride — whether you're heading to the starting line or exploring the island after the finish. Book the vehicle that suits you through SIXT’s dedicated page HERE and benefit from exclusive rates with a 15% discount. The discount is applied automatically and exclusively through the above link — no code required. This offer is valid for bookings made up to October 15, for rental periods from October 1 to 15, and applies to all SIXT locations during the event period.

Experience Santorini with comfort, confidence, and premium service!

SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group is the event’s Premium Mobility Partner.

Athina Luxury Suites is the Silver Sponsor.

Miele, Snappi, NOŪS Santorini are the Bronze Sponsors.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.

Alafouzos Sport Official is the Official Sports Store.

Santorini Boatmen’s Association, VIP Santorini, Messinian Spa, Rizes Gastro Taverna are the event’s Partners.

Lifeguard Patrol is the Lifeguard Partner. 

The event will be carried out with the valuable support of the Hospitality Sponsors, that promote the island and offer tremendous support to the event through special rates. The confirmed hotels so far are the following: Athina Luxury Suites, NOŪS Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Santo Collection Resort & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Lydia’s House, Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, Magma Resort Santorini, Aqua Vista Hotels, The Majestic Hotel Santorini, Meltemi Suites, Meltemi Village, Atlantis Beach, Mon Signor, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel, Eteoro Suites Santorini, Sea Breeze Beach Resort Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Aja Retreat, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.

The event is organized by the Municipality of Thira, Thira Department of Sports & Culture, and ActiveMedia Group.

Further details on special accommodation rates and transport discounts to and from Santorini will be announced in the coming weeks.

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience