Olympians & World Champions at Santorini Experience 2025

Santorini Experience, the top sports event that has now been established as a milestone in greek sports tourism, celebrates 10 years of life and success this year. From October 10 to 12, 2025, Santorini emerges as one of the most spectacular destinations for sports and wellness, hosting professional and amateur athletes, as well as sports enthusiasts from all around the globe.

With the imposing Caldera, the iconic Volcano, and the endless blue of the Aegean as a backdrop, participants will enjoy a unique experience combining the energy of sports with the authentic charm of Santorini. Santorini Experience is not just an event — it is a celebration of sports, culture and tourism that continues to inspire and attract international attention, proving its timeless value.

Santorini Experience returns with three distinctive routes: 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” powered by Miele, 10km powered by SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, and 15km powered by The North Face.

Starting and finishing in Oia, participants will experience the thrill of running along the Caldera, enjoying the unrivalled view of the Aegean Sea, while passing through the traditional settlements of Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani. The routes combine dirt trails, cobbled paths, and unforgettable scenery.

The event will be honored by the presence of: Periklis Iakovakis, Olympian, European Champion and national record holder in the 400m hurdles; Constantine “Dean” Karnazes, world-renowned ultramarathoner, one of the greatest ultra-distance runners globally, who has run 560km in just 80 hours and 44 minutes without sleep, completed 50 marathons in 50 U.S. states in 50 consecutive days, while being named by Time magazine among the “100 Most Influential People in the World”, and Jo Manta, elite Greek ultramarathon-runner and coach, 2nd place finisher (women) at the gruelling Badwater 135, and 1st place (women) at last year’s Spartathlon.

For the first time, the event will welcome Apostolos Siskos, European U23 backstroke champion and 5th-place finisher at the 2024 World Championships in Singapore, who also competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He will be joined by Konstantinos Stamou, one of Greece’s top swimmers who broke more than 20 national records between 2015–2021, earned numerous national and international titles, and made his Olympic debut in 2024.

Also joining the swimming lineup will be Nora Drakou and Yasu Hirai Fukuoka, further enriching the competition with experience and prestige.

The swimming events are supported by the Santorini Boatmen Union, Geothira, Lifeguard Patrol, Caldera Yachting, and the Nautical Club of Santorini.

SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, participates in Santorini Experience as Premium Mobility Partner, offering not only high-quality mobility services but also meaningful support for people, values and experiences that inspire. Its participation strategically reinforces the brand’s presence through initiatives based on MOTODYNAMICS Group values such as Sports, Education, and Road Safety. Specifically, SIXT proudly stands beside great Greek athletes such as Antigoni Drisbioti (Olympian and European Champion in Athletics) and Konstantinos Stamou (European Championship bronze medalist). In the field of youth education and inclusion, a special talk will be given by Dimitris Papanikolaou, Olympian and European basketball champion.

Meanwhile, Snappi will contribute with a dedicated talk highlighting how technology can empower our financial community. Through its “What The Finance” campaign in collaboration with the Hellenic Financial Literacy Institute, Snappi promotes innovative solutions that make financial management more accessible, while offering reliable tools for everyday needs and building the trust of the new generation.

The North Face, a leading outdoor equipment brand, proudly announces its participation in Santorini Experience 2025 as Official Trail Running Shoe Sponsor. Supporting the 15km race, the company will provide advanced trail running shoes designed for maximum performance and durability on demanding terrains. Participants will run in Santorini’s unique landscape, equipped with The North Face’s reliability and innovation. This presence further highlights the brand’s commitment to the outdoor community and to promoting an active, nature-loving lifestyle.

During Santorini Experience, local children and clubs will have the opportunity to join side activities alongside top athletes. Evina Maltsi, Olympian basketball player and one of the greatest Greek athletes of all time, will host training sessions for girls. Joe Arlauckas, European basketball champion with Real Madrid and EuroLeague legend, will share his experience. Together, they will offer lessons, guidance, and inspiration for all, young and old alike.

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Register for Santorini Experience 2025 and become part of a unique event.
Sign up HERE!

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Residents of Thira, local educators, and local security forces can participate free of charge, with registrations available at Alafouzos Sport in Fira. All races will take place with the presence and protection of the Hellenic Police, ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of the event.

This year’s awards are crafted by silversmith Konstantina Spanou and her brand Spanou Jewelry, continuing the tradition of fine jewelry-making from her workshop in Megalochori, Santorini. Combining traditional with modern techniques, as well as wearable forms, each piece is a unique creation made of silver, gold, and semi-precious stones, adding special value and brilliance to the awards. This year’s inspiration for the women’s awards includes: The Kore of Thira, symbol of grace, strength, and culture, celebrating harmony between the ancient spirit and human endeavour. For the men’s awards: The Wild Goat (Aigagros), embodying strength, endurance and the uncompromising spirit of nature — a source of inspiration for those who push their limits with respect for themselves and the environment.

Visitors traveling to Santorini for Santorini Experience can enjoy safe and comfortable travel with Blue Star Ferries, which offers: 30% discount on ferry tickets (all seats except cabins) from Piraeus, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to Santorini and return as well as 30% discount on vehicles, valid for travel between October 5–15, 2025. Each registered participant may extend this offer to three accompanying persons.

For reservations and ticketing, participants can contact:

Piraeus: GELASAKIS SHIPPING & TRAVEL CENTER, Tel. +30 210 4222440

Santorini: DAKOUTROS TRAVEL, Tel. +30 22860 22201

Santorini Experience participants will benefit from: 10% discount at Rizes restaurant, known for authentic Cycladic cuisine and its traditional atmosphere in Fira, as well as 10% discount at Marilyn Bar, the island’s popular new cocktail bar, perfect for refreshing drinks and relaxation with stunning Santorini views.

The event will be supported by its Hospitality Sponsors, who offer special rates exclusively for event participants, further promoting the island and providing invaluable support to the event. Confirmed hotels include:

Athina Luxury Suites, NOŪS Santorini, Sandblu Resort, Katikies Garden Santorini, Vedema (A Luxury Collection Resort – Empiria Group), Santo Collection Resort & Villas, Apeiron Blue, Canaves Collection, 270 Oia’s View, Lydia’s House, Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, Magma Resort Santorini, Aqua Vista Hotels, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Thimari Lodge, Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa, Meltemi Suites, Meltemi Village, Atlantis Beach, Santo Houses, En Plo Boutique Suites, Mon Signor, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), 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.

See all exclusive accommodation offers for Santorini Experience participants HERE!

The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Tourism Organization.

Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Thira, the Department of Sports & Culture of the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group.

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

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