XpatAthens
Wednesday, 10 April 2024 15:48
Santorini Experience Returns October 3-6, 2024 For Its 7th year
Santorini, April 9, 2024 - The prestigious sports event of Santorini, Santorini Experience, which praises through sports activities one of the top tourist destinations in the world, will be held for the 7th year from October 3 to October 6, 2024.
Santorini, with its breathtaking views, the dominating volcano as well as the captivating beaches, creates a unique puzzle that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It will once again welcome professional and amateur runners and open-water swimmers. Full of contrasts, yet with unparalleled style, with beautiful settlements, beaches, and famous restaurants, the Cycladic island has much more to offer besides its sunset.
Running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy three stunning trail running routes, overlooking the Caldera and the magnificent views of the volcano, having as background the settlements of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. The 5km route is designed for both running and dynamic walking, while the 10km route caters to those with more experience in longer distances. The 15km distance is tailored for individuals who thrive on strength and endurance. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, with sections of dirt road, and finish again in Oia.
The established open-water swimming will also have a special place in this year’s schedule. Specifically, participants will swim from the volcano and finish at the old port of Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them, in the 1.5-miles race (2.4 km). The organization will provide safety for all athletes with the addition of safety buoys. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the enchanting waters of Santorini (average water temperature at 20-22 degrees Celsius). The route has been designed by the technical director of the race with Olympic and world distinctions in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. Specialized lifeguards and rescue boats will contribute to the safety of the race for another year. Participants in the swimming race have the right to use the cable car for free (descent/ascent) by demonstrating proof of their paid participation.
Santorini, with its breathtaking views, the dominating volcano as well as the captivating beaches, creates a unique puzzle that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It will once again welcome professional and amateur runners and open-water swimmers. Full of contrasts, yet with unparalleled style, with beautiful settlements, beaches, and famous restaurants, the Cycladic island has much more to offer besides its sunset.
Running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy three stunning trail running routes, overlooking the Caldera and the magnificent views of the volcano, having as background the settlements of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. The 5km route is designed for both running and dynamic walking, while the 10km route caters to those with more experience in longer distances. The 15km distance is tailored for individuals who thrive on strength and endurance. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, with sections of dirt road, and finish again in Oia.
The established open-water swimming will also have a special place in this year’s schedule. Specifically, participants will swim from the volcano and finish at the old port of Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them, in the 1.5-miles race (2.4 km). The organization will provide safety for all athletes with the addition of safety buoys. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the enchanting waters of Santorini (average water temperature at 20-22 degrees Celsius). The route has been designed by the technical director of the race with Olympic and world distinctions in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. Specialized lifeguards and rescue boats will contribute to the safety of the race for another year. Participants in the swimming race have the right to use the cable car for free (descent/ascent) by demonstrating proof of their paid participation.
Free Participation for Thira Municipality Citizens.
The citizens of Thira Municipality can participate for free.
There will be a relevant announcement from the organization regarding the registration point for the Citizens of Thira.
Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos stated: “We are especially pleased that the event we started in 2015 has laid strong foundations and continues dynamically, as an institution, to strengthen the sports tourism of our island. The global interest of professional and amateur athletes will turn once again to Santorini in October and will be the beginning of other major events. Santorini Experience will attract quality tourists who will be able to combine sports with the unparalleled beauty of our destination, get to know the local culture of the island, and of course, boost the local economy. We are proud that this unique path used in the event’s running routes is available to our visitors, and they can walk it all year round”.
In addition, the Deputy Mayor of Culture and Sports of the Municipality of Thira, Mr. Eleftherios Tzouros, stated: “Santorini Experience is an initiative of the Municipality of Thira that proves that sports can be a strong incentive for a tourist to travel, to obtain new and unique experiences, to create excellent memories, and to return to a destination that can offer them everything. We begin our sports activities with running and swimming, aiming to include many more side events in our schedule that will appeal to the residents of Santorini and the young people living on the island, and which will be attended by major personalities of global and Greek sports. After all, residents of Thira will be able to participate in the event for free. We are already working on offering special prices to visitors, facilitating their trip to Santorini”.
Gold Sponsor of the event is SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. At SIXT, every getaway becomes a unique premium experience, with top-tier service and the quality of its offerings. Unveil Santorini alongside SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, and indulge in an unforgettable adventure and holiday experience!
Miele, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances, is the event’s Bronze Sponsor.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.
Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.
Alafouzos Sport is the event’s Official Sports Store.
Kois Optics are the Official Optics Partner.
PHEE is the event’s Partner.
π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention is the Sustainability Partner.
The event will be realized with the valuable assistance of the Hospitality Sponsors, who promote the island with special prices and offer enormous support to the event. The confirmed hotels so far are the following: Athina Luxury Suites, Nobu Hotel Santorini, NOUS Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Katikies Garden Santorini, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, Lydia’s House, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, Blue Dolphins, En Plo Boutique Suites, Epavlis Grace, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.
Santorini Experience is organized by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
For more information visit: www.santorini-experience.com
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Website: www.santorini-experience.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/
Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/Sant_Experience
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGconq7q45TYim8qFg71XlA
TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@santorini_experience
The citizens of Thira Municipality can participate for free.
There will be a relevant announcement from the organization regarding the registration point for the Citizens of Thira.
Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos stated: “We are especially pleased that the event we started in 2015 has laid strong foundations and continues dynamically, as an institution, to strengthen the sports tourism of our island. The global interest of professional and amateur athletes will turn once again to Santorini in October and will be the beginning of other major events. Santorini Experience will attract quality tourists who will be able to combine sports with the unparalleled beauty of our destination, get to know the local culture of the island, and of course, boost the local economy. We are proud that this unique path used in the event’s running routes is available to our visitors, and they can walk it all year round”.
In addition, the Deputy Mayor of Culture and Sports of the Municipality of Thira, Mr. Eleftherios Tzouros, stated: “Santorini Experience is an initiative of the Municipality of Thira that proves that sports can be a strong incentive for a tourist to travel, to obtain new and unique experiences, to create excellent memories, and to return to a destination that can offer them everything. We begin our sports activities with running and swimming, aiming to include many more side events in our schedule that will appeal to the residents of Santorini and the young people living on the island, and which will be attended by major personalities of global and Greek sports. After all, residents of Thira will be able to participate in the event for free. We are already working on offering special prices to visitors, facilitating their trip to Santorini”.
Gold Sponsor of the event is SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. At SIXT, every getaway becomes a unique premium experience, with top-tier service and the quality of its offerings. Unveil Santorini alongside SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, and indulge in an unforgettable adventure and holiday experience!
Miele, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances, is the event’s Bronze Sponsor.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.
Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.
Alafouzos Sport is the event’s Official Sports Store.
Kois Optics are the Official Optics Partner.
PHEE is the event’s Partner.
π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention is the Sustainability Partner.
The event will be realized with the valuable assistance of the Hospitality Sponsors, who promote the island with special prices and offer enormous support to the event. The confirmed hotels so far are the following: Athina Luxury Suites, Nobu Hotel Santorini, NOUS Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Katikies Garden Santorini, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, Lydia’s House, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, Blue Dolphins, En Plo Boutique Suites, Epavlis Grace, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.
Santorini Experience is organized by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
For more information visit: www.santorini-experience.com
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Website: www.santorini-experience.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/
Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/Sant_Experience
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGconq7q45TYim8qFg71XlA
TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@santorini_experience
Published in
Local News
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Monday, 09 December 2024 12:50
Christmas At The Maria Callas Museum
The Maria Callas Museum presents a program of unique Christmas activities for all ages: a festive listening club, a jazz concert accompanied by hot chocolate, free guided tours, and family-friendly educational programs.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Christmas Listening Club with Giorgos Florakis
Sunday, December 15th
Sunday, December 15th
Why gather to talk about books when you can do the same for music?
Join Giorgos Florakis, radio producer of the 3rd Program of ERT and KOSMOS 93.6, at the Maria Callas Museum for a Christmas-themed Listening Club. Explore festive songs, from Lennon to Sinatra, Pogues to Bach, and enjoy discussions about melodies, lyrics, and the festive atmosphere they create.
Special guest Alkyone, a bright and ethereal presence in the Greek music scene, will discuss her latest work with Florakis and perform live on the piano, sharing her holiday memories and songs with attendees.
Details:
- Date: Sunday, December 15th
- Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Admission: Free (Limited seating; priority will be given on a first-come, first-served basis)
Hot Chocolate Jazz Session
Sunday, December 15th
Hot Chocolate Jazz Session
Sunday, December 15th
Spend a warm, festive evening filled with jazz melodies and the aroma of delectable hot chocolate on the 3rd floor of the Maria Callas Museum.
This unique live jazz concert will feature:
- Niki Kokkoli (Saxophone)
- Theodoros Ziarkas (Double Bass)
- Phoebe Pechlivanidi (Piano)
Enjoy jazz standards, beloved Christmas songs, and compositions by female jazz musicians while sipping on hot chocolate from the museum café in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Details:
- Date: Sunday, December 15th
- Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free (Limited seating; priority will be given on a first-come, first-served basis)
Free Guided Tours & Piano Performances on the 3rd Floor
Saturday, December 28th
Saturday, December 28th
The Maria Callas Museum offers two free guided tours for adults, inviting them to explore the life of the great soprano and the art of opera.
Additionally, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, pianist Dimitra Kokkinopoulou will perform classic Christmas repertoire on the 3rd floor, creating a festive atmosphere for all visitors.
Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 28th
- Tour Times: 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM (Limited seating; priority will be given on a first-come, first-served basis), Piano Performance: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursdays, December 12th & 19th
On these Thursdays, visitors aged 65+ can enjoy free guided tours included in their admission ticket. Explore the museum, learn about the life of Maria Callas, and discover the art of opera through an immersive experience enriched with audiovisual content, texts, historical artifacts, and modern technology.
Details:
- Dates: December 5th, 12th & 19th
- Time: 12:00 PM (December 5th & 12th), 12:30 PM (December 19th)
- Tour Duration: 50 minutes
- Admission Fee: €7 (for visitors aged 65+), guided tour included
- Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204
A Night at the Museum
Sunday, December 27th
Sunday, December 27th
Just before midnight, preparations for a Christmas reception at the museum’s 3rd floor are in full swing. But mischievous elves and Maria Callas’ musical notes turn everything upside down in a theatrical game filled with laughter, creativity, and festive spirit.
Details:
- Date: Sunday, December 27th
- Time: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
- Ages: 4-8 years
- Cost: Free
- Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-18:00)
MCM BABIES: Colors, Baubles & Garlands
Sunday, December 15th
Sunday, December 15th
Explore how infants perceive Christmas and express their emotions through sensory stimuli. Parents and babies will create their own festive world in a workshop filled with sounds, materials, and holiday scents.
Details:
- Date: Sunday, December 15th
- Time: 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
- Ages: 8 months - 2.5 years
- Cost: €10 (for one infant and one guardian)
- Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday - Friday: 10:00-18:00)
MCM BABIES: Music, Mischief & Decorations
Sunday, December 22nd
Sunday, December 22nd
Elves inspired by Maria Callas’ voice embark on a creative adventure filled with crafts, colors, and festive tunes.
Details:
-
Date: Sunday, December 22nd
-
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
-
Ages: 1-3 years
-
Cost: Free
-
Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-18:00)
Published in
Local News
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:45
Papigo Village, Zagoria
The village of Papigo is situated on Astraka, one of the highest peaks of Mt Tymfi, alias Gamila. It is 62 km far from the city of Ioannina, and is thought to be one of the most beautiful villages of Zagoria. It is on the North side of the Vikos gorge and can be accessed by crossing the Voidomatis River bridge. Then you must take the road up in order to arrive to one of the two districts Papigo village is divided into, Megalo and Mikro.
The road leading to the village of Papigo is a feast for the senses.
The feature of this road, crossed by the Voidomatis River, is picturesque, creating great natural scenery that attracts the visitor’s eye. The view of the Vikos gorge is also stunning. However, if you drive, it is important to pay attention on the road, because it is narrow and very zigzagging. Once in Papigo, great strolls around its stone-alleys can be held, as its two-stored mansions have been declared a national historical monument. Their construction materials are mainly stones. In fact, this is the main material on the village and is used almost for everything. These constructions are also unusual because they do not have a balcony.
Another interesting point is the natural fountains –also made of stone, located close to the village. They are ideal for refreshing in the hot days. Another interesting activity that can be held in Papigo, more specifically in Megalo Papigo, is to visit the personal library of Micheal Anagnostopoulos. It includes around 1250 volumes of books –most of them in foreign languages, published between 1750 and 1906.On the other hand, Mikro Papigo is 3 km further up after Megalo Papigo. It is amphitheatrically built on the steep slopes of the mountain and leads to the popular Dragon Lake, placed on the edge of a great limestone cliff overlooking the Aoos Valley.
To read more, please visit greeka.com
Published in
Travel Greece
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Thursday, 19 February 2015 14:04
Greece Intends To Reject Bailout Extension
Despite pressure from eurozone officials to agree to a further extension to the existing bailout, the Greek government insisted Friday that it would not accept its partners’ offer but would instead propose the terms of a bridging agreement to see it through the next few months. An extra Eurogroup meeting is due on Wednesday, when Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis will set out to Greece’s partners how the government envisages covering its funding needs over the next few months until a more comprehensive agreement between all parties is reached.
Government sources were adamant Friday that Greece would not accept the outstanding 7.2-billion-euro bailout tranche, which would require the SYRIZA-led coalition to complete a set of structural reforms.
Athens’s plan is based around being given permission to issue more treasury bills after reaching the 15-billion-euro limit it had agreed with the troika. It also wants to receive 1.9 billion euros from profits the European Central Bank made as part of its SMP program, which involved purchasing Greek bonds on the secondary market. This 1.9 billion is included in the 7.2-billion-euro installment.
The indications from Brussels Friday were that eurozone officials would not accept these proposals. It is thought that Varoufakis will present a commitment by the new Greek government not to take any unilateral action while the bridging deal is in place, to commit to fiscal targets and structural reforms proposed by Athens.
Varoufakis held a lengthy meeting Friday with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Deputy Prime Minister Yiannis Dragasakis.
To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com
Published in
Local News
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Tuesday, 28 April 2015 20:09
Tudor Hall Receives ‘Golden Chef’s Hat’ Award For Greek Cuisine
Tudor Hall Restaurant, located on the 7th floor of the King George hotel, has received two important gastronomic awards, a ‘Golden Chef’s Hat’ and the award of Greek Cuisine.
Tudor Hall with a grade 15.5/20 was awarded for the second year in a row with a ‘Golden Chef’s Hat’. According to ‘Athinorama’ magazine, which is the organizer of this institution, the dishes curated by Executive Chef of Hotel Grande Bretagne & King George Sotiris Evangelou and the Chef de Cuisine of the Tudor Hall restaurant Alexandros Koskinas, lend harmony in flavor, symmetry in appearance and an emotionally loden Greekness that is distinct and expressive. With other words, it’s a benchmark for modern creative cuisine.
The restaurant’s philosophy is to offer authentic Greek seasonal dishes with a modern twist, while a key element of differentiation is the use of fresh seasonal vegetables and raw materials.
Its commitment is to provide excellent hospitality and customer service by offering authentic exceptional experiences. This award is an important recognition of all this effort.
Published in
Restaurants In Athens
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Friday, 02 October 2015 07:20
Greek Crisis Turned Into A Board Game
Nikolai Diekerts, 28, and Julian Schärdel, 29, are friends and they share a common passion: board games. However, they are interested in finding new games that escape the mainstream board game market rules and promote their own ideas.
It appears that the economic crisis which struck Europe and particularly the southern countries, such as Greece in 2009, was a source of inspiration for the two German nationals. €uro crisis is a satirical board game about the economic and political developments in Europe over the last years.
According to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, the two young men, along with three other friends, started participating in national board game championships four years ago, and they decided to create their own game, €urocrisis.
The game was first presented two years ago at a trade show in Essen, however, it has changed a lot since then, thanks to the advice and help that the creators received from several people. €uro Crisis is a tactical as well as a satirical game for 3-4 players who take on the roles of banks with the goal of enriching themselves at the expense of the struggling states.
To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 07 June 2016 07:00
Yannis Behrakis - 2016 Pulitzer Prize Winning Photojournalist
Meet Yannis Behrakis, a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist from Athens. Bekrakis, along with his team from Thomson Reuters, won the esteemed prize in 2016 for Breaking News Photography for the coverage of the European refugee crisis.
Behrakis studied photography at the School of the Arts and Technology and received his BA from Middlesex University. While in Athens, he started working as a studio photographer and then as a contractor for Reuters. Behrakis was offered a staff position in 1988 and has worked there ever since, documenting many cultural and historic events.
In this exclusive interview with Greek Reporter, Behrakis discusses his experience documenting the refugees and how important it was to him to be able to share their stories.
For more information on Yannis Behrakis, please visit: Greek Reporter
For more information on Yannis Behrakis, please visit: Greek Reporter
Published in
People
Tagged under
Tuesday, 07 February 2017 07:00
Blogtrotters 2017 Will Showcase Greece As Sustainable Travel Destination
Marketing Greece’s digital platform Blogtrotters, whose concept this year is ‘Travel in Balance’, has dedicated 2017 to the promotion of sustainable tourism development, with the aim of highlighting real-life examples.
This year, the Blogtrotters will tell stories of successful sustainable tourism practices in Greece, in support of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) designation of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
The digital influencers will communicate their stories through blog posts, vlogs and social media posts across the web. The impact of the influencers’ content on their followers will be measured via a unique digital Sustainability Footprint that comprises the storytelling, resultant coverage and sharing of the content among the general public.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
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Thursday, 13 April 2017 07:00
Greek Blue Flag Beaches In World’s Top 3
Just in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Blue Flag project, Greek beaches have consecutively been listed in the top three spots of the highly coveted program, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) said.
According to EEPF, which has been responsible for the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) Blue Flag program in Greece since 1992, its aim is to achieve the first place for Greek beaches and coasts. Of the 3,568 beaches awarded today, 430 are in Greece.
The Blue Flag Program labels beaches and marinas as well as sustainable boating tourism operators appropriate for swimming based on cleanness, water quality, organization, safety and services, environmental management and protection and certifies the best every year ahead of summer.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
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Tuesday, 23 May 2017 22:20
April 25 - Getting Ready For Summer
Learn about the beaches in Greece that have been listed in the top three spots of the blue flag project, which destinations are ideal for family getaways, and tips to consider before buying Greek property!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Published in
Newsletters
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