Santorini Experience 2025 Concludes With Over 3,500 Participations From 40 Countries & 4 Continents
- by XpatAthens
- Friday, 17 October 2025
In this breathtaking atmosphere, and with ideal weather conditions, Santorini Experience celebrated its 10th anniversary, reaffirming its status as one of the top international sports tourism events worldwide.
World-class swimmers gathered in Santorini to test their endurance and technique on a course that combined speed, strategy, and breathtaking natural beauty. Each athlete experienced an unforgettable challenge that showcased both the competitive and emotional spirit of open water swimming.
In the race, Olympian Yasu Fukuoka from Japan claimed first place for the second time in the event’s history, followed by Dimitris Negris in second place, and Konstantinos Stamou (swimmer of SIXT) securing third place. Among the women, Maria Zafeiratou took first place, with Panagiota Giannakopoulou in second and Nora Drakou in third.
The swimming event was held in full safety in Santorini’s mesmerizing waters. The Santorini Boatmen Union played a vital role, assisting both in the execution of the race and the transport of swimmers from the Old Port of Fira to the Volcano starting point.
Participant safety was ensured by specialized lifeguards and rescue boats from the Lifeguard Patrol, Santorini Nautical Club, the Volunteer Rescue Team of Thira, and Caldera Yachting, which provided additional boats and staff to ensure the smooth and safe running of the event. The swimming activity was further supported by the Thira Port Fund, GeoThira, DEYATH (Municipal Water and Sewerage Authority of Thira), the Municipal Police, and the Loula and Evangelos Nomikos Foundation.
In collaboration with SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, each athlete was provided with a mandatory safety buoy, further strengthening participant protection throughout the race. The Technical Director of the swimming event was Nikos Gemelos, an experienced coach with distinctions in the Olympic Games and World Championships.
Running with a View of the Aegean
The schedule featured three exciting trail races that gave runners a unique experience through Santorini’s picturesque alleyways and volcanic terrain — a route that blends dirt tracks with volcanic stone and offers constant, dramatic views of the Caldera. All courses started from the desalination plant in Oia, included challenging off-road sections, and finished back in Oia, allowing participants to discover Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani along the way.
The three race distances were: the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” powered by Miele, the 10 km powered by SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group, and the most demanding 15 km powered by The North Face — each route revealing the island’s whitewashed houses, dramatic cliffs and unparalleled Aegean vistas.
In the 15 km race, George Dimoulas and Alexandros Tzoumakas (The North Face athletes) crossed the line together to share first place, demonstrating outstanding endurance and teamwork. In the shorter distances, Patryk Sobczyk from Poland dominated the day by winning both the 5 km and 10 km races, underlining his superiority over the shorter courses.
Women’s podiums were equally impressive: in the 15 km, Nikoleta Tzavara, athlete of The North Face claimed first place, in the 10 km, Deva Spyridoula took first place, and in the 5 km, Denisa Balla finished first, each athlete delivering excellent performances on the island’s demanding terrain.
Runners were energized before the starts by a warm-up session led by physical education instructor Mandy Persaki, which helped prepare athletes for the technical and scenic courses.
CLICK HERE to view all running & swimming results.
Within the framework of Santorini Experience 2025, the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, emphasized the event’s importance for the island:
“It is a pleasure to see Santorini Experience continue to grow. Our goal is to maintain this course by promoting similar sporting events and extending the island’s tourism season. Santorini possesses unique characteristics — it is blessed by nature with an exceptional geological environment and distinctive landscapes. Santorini Experience offers an unforgettable experience for all participants, and we will continue to support sporting events so that sport can flourish on our island”.
Flag Football Makes Its Debut in Greece!
In parallel with the Santorini Experience, the NFL team Los Angeles Chargers inaugurated a new era for American football in Greece, presenting the first-ever NFL Flag Football Event.
The schedule included training camps for children aged 11–13 and teenagers aged 13 and above, through which young participants had the opportunity to learn the basic principles of flag football and test their skills alongside top athletes.
Spectators also enjoyed a spectacular exhibition game featuring former and active NFL players, such as: Melvin Gordon, former running back of the Los Angeles Chargers, Niko Koutouvides, Greek-American former linebacker and Super Bowl XLII participant, Melina Malaxos, Greek-Swedish player and coach, Members of the Greek Aegean Elite team, and Coaches of the Los Angeles Chargers. The event offered unforgettable moments for both young fans and adults alike.
The experience concluded with a special Watch Party, where guests watched the Chargers’ victory over the Dolphins live on COSMOTE TV, which holds the exclusive NFL broadcasting rights in Greece.
This initiative formed part of the broader effort to promote flag football internationally, ahead of its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The introduction of American football to Greece was made possible through the active support of Stoiximan, which, as a Silver Sponsor, enhanced both the event and the island through its social initiatives. Stoiximan’s involvement promoted amateur sport, Santorini’s sports tourism, and the advancement of healthy athletic values.
During the flag football exhibition game, honorary awards were presented to:
- Dean and Michael Spanos, owners of the Los Angeles Chargers
- Mrs. Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism of Greece
- Athletes Melvin Gordon, Niko Koutouvides, Antigoni Ntrisbioti, and Constantine Karnazes, as well as
- The winning team, which received the MVP Stoiximan Award
The specially designed trophies were created by Spira Marble Art Gallery and sculptor Grigoris Kouskouris, based in Santorini, inspired by the island’s volcanic essence. The awards, crafted from marble—a material deeply linked to ancient Greece and prominent in the Olympic Games—symbolized tradition and perfection, bridging historical heritage with the modern era.
Mobility Session Powered by SIXT
In collaboration with JOINT Athens, Angelos Giakoumidis, and Giorgos Poulianitis, SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, organized a comprehensive mobility seminar for participants, specifically designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The session focused on techniques to enhance flexibility, improve posture, and prevent injuries, providing practical knowledge and skills for safe and effective training.
A Unique Hiking Experience to Ancient Thira
As part of the event, and with the support of Sandblu Resort as a Bronze Sponsor, participants followed a stunning hiking route to Ancient Thira. The trail crossed natural landscapes and offered breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, combining the region’s uniqueness with the wild beauty of the natural environment — a truly immersive experience for those exploring both history and nature.
Over 1,500 Children Experienced the Joy of Sport
The Municipality of Thira enriched this year’s schedule with numerous side activities aimed at introducing young people to sport and healthy athletic role models.
For the first time at Santorini Experience, two sports icons visited the island to inspire children and bring them closer to the world of basketball: Evina Maltsi, Olympian and EuroBasket MVP, and Joe Arlauckas, legendary European champion with Real Madrid. On Sunday, October 12, at the Santorini Indoor Gymnasium, the Basketball Clinic powered by Trace ‘n Chase took place. Young athletes from the clubs Athlitiki Enosi Santorini and Poseidon Santorini met the international stars and learned professional techniques and strategies of basketball.
As part of youth education in Thira, Santorini Experience 2025 included lectures and activities by renowned athletes and professionals:
- Kostas Katsouranis, European Champion and Euro 2004 Legend, visited local football clubs Thyella Kamariou, A.O. Pyrgos, and Panthiraikos, inspiring young athletes with his experiences and values.
- Dimitris Papanikolaou, Olympian and European champion in basketball, and ambassador of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, shared insights on inclusivity in sports.
- Thanasis Chountras, motorsports coach, supported by the MOTODYNAMICS Group, visited schools in the municipality to educate students on road safety.
- Kostas Xiradakis, Chief Commercial Officer of Snappi, and Ioanna Tsekoura, Head of Customer Experience at Snappi, contributed to financial literacy for youth in cooperation with the Financial Literacy Institute, through the talk “What The Finance”. With Snappi’s support, participants gained inspiration, knowledge, and skills for personal development and financial management, enhancing the value of the event for the younger generation.
- Panagiotis Panoutsos Talkowski, Founder and CEO of EAGLE Sports Integrity Services, presented topics on sports integrity, promoting justice and ethical values. In addition, the collaboration with EAGLE made Santorini Experience the first recreational sporting event in Greece with a full integrity oversight system, including an independent Disciplinary Committee.
Sunset Party with Legendary DJ Vassili Tsili Christo
The Santorini Experience “Sunset Party” hosted DJ VASSILI TSILI CHRISTO in a thrilling musical session against the backdrop of Santorini’s unique sunset. For the first time on the island’s Caldera, the internationally acclaimed DJ Vassilis Tsilichristos captivated the audience with his energy and music, accompanied by the spectacular live performance of Angela ‘S’.
The event took place outside the Metropolitan Cathedral in Fira during the island’s most magical hour — “The golden hour of Santorini’s sunset”. Admission was free, offering both locals and visitors an unforgettable experience. Event supporters included: AESTIAN Philoxenia & Hospitality, Municipal Community of Thira, Rizes Gastro Taverna and Santorini Experience.
Additionally, the Sunday party on October 12 at Marilyn Bar provided another distinctive entertainment moment, with DJ 2Noicy energizing the crowd with dynamic music and rhythms, keeping the atmosphere lively well into the night.
Unique Gastronomy & Sports Experiences
As part of Santorini Experience, gastronomy merged with sports, offering participants unique culinary experiences.
- At Rizes Gastro Taverna, a modern gastronomic destination, the authentic Cycladic cuisine was passionately highlighted. Each dish offered a distinct adventure of flavors, returning to the roots of tradition and the local produce.
- Exquisite meals were also served at Esperisma Bar-Restaurant, Nectar, Blu Restaurant, and Mylos Champagne Bar – Restaurant.
- The welcome cocktail at Esperisma Bar Restaurant allowed participants to enjoy refreshing cocktails and signature drinks, completing the experience with high-quality culinary enjoyment and atmosphere.
Collective Effort for a Flawless Event
Stoiximan supported the event and amateur sports across all activities, promoting participation and development of healthy sports at all levels.
Participants enjoyed comfort and quality services provided by VIP Santorini Tours & Transfers, which organized their transportation.
Emergency medical coverage was provided by the National Emergency Aid Center (EKAV), ready to respond if needed.
Official Partners & Sponsors:
Premium Mobility Partner: SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group
Gold Sponsor: AESTIAN Philoxenia & Hospitality
Silver Sponsors: Stoiximan, Miele, Snappi
Bronze Sponsors: Sandblu Resort, NOŪS Santorini, Blue Star Ferries
Official Airline Sponsor: SKY Express
Official Water: Vikos Natural Mineral Water
Official Trail Running Shoe: The North Face
Official Sports Store: Alafouzos Sport
Official Technical T-shirt: 42K
Jewelry Partner: Spanou Jewelry
Marble Sculpture Partner: Spira Marble Art Gallery
Sports Memorabilia Partner: Trace ‘n Chase
Official Optics Partner: Kois Optics
Official Healthcare Partner: Health Spot Diagnostic Center
Partners: Santorini Boatmen Association, Geothira, Caldera Yachting, VIP Santorini Tours & Transfers, Messinian Spa, Rizes Gastro Taverna, Nautical Club of Santorini, Anatomic Line, Voluntary Rescue Corps of Thira, Mylos Champagne – Bar Restaurant
Lifeguard Partner: Lifeguard Patrol
Integrity Services Provider: EAGLE Sports Integrity Services
Supporters: University of Piraeus, Humanity Greece, Deree – The American College of Greece, Municipal Community of Thira
Discount Partner: Marilyn Bar
Decisive Contribution of Hotels to the Event
The event was made possible thanks to the Hospitality Sponsors, who offered special rates and provided extensive support. Participating hotels included:
Athina Luxury Suites, NOŪS Santorini, Sandblu Resort, Katikies Garden Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (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, Caldera Collection, 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.
The Power of Volunteers
Once again, numerous volunteer teams supported the event. Santorini Experience 2025 received support from: University of Piraeus, Humanity Greece, Deree – The American College of Greece, Voluntary Rescue Corps of Thira.
Economic Footprint Study
During the event, a study was conducted in collaboration with Deree – The American College of Greece to measure the economic impact of the event on Santorini. The results will be announced in the coming months.
The event took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Santorini Experience was co-organized by: Municipality of Thira, Department of Sports & Culture of the Municipality of Thira, and ActiveMedia Group.
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
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