The unique natural beauty of Santorini, the volcano with its imposing caldera, the Cycladic architecture, and the enchanting sunset create the ideal setting for an unforgettable sports and tourism event.
Santorini Experience returns from October 10 to 12, 2025, welcoming professional and amateur athletes from around the world.
Set against the backdrop of picturesque alleyways, the Caldera, and Santorini’s volcanic landscape, Santorini Experience 2025 offers unique moments of sports tourism through running races, open water swimming, and other parallel activities. The running races include three trail routes:
The 5 km “Aristeidis Alafouzos” powered by Miele
The 10 km route powered by SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group
The 15 km route
These are ideal for participants of all levels, offering breathtaking views and passing through the settlements of Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani.
A highlight of the event is the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) open water swimming course, starting from the Volcano and finishing at the old port of Fira, always with the assistance of the Santorini Boatmen’s Union.
In 2025, Santorini Experience celebrates 10 years of life and continuous development, now recognized as one of the most acclaimed and award-winning sports tourism events in Greece and internationally.
Launched in 2015, its goal has been to place Santorini on the global sports map, attracting athletes and visitors from all over the world every year.
Over the past decade, thousands of participants have run and swum against the backdrop of the island’s unique volcanic landscape, on routes that combine natural beauty, history, and culture.
The Caldera trail has emerged as one of the most impressive running routes in Greece, while the swim from the volcano to the old port of Fira is now considered by many as the most beautiful in the world, leaving those who have experienced it speechless and in awe.
Through the event, Santorini has gained a new role on the global sports tourism map: supporting athletics on the island, attracting internationally renowned athletes, Olympians, and world champions, and creating an event that goes beyond a simple race — it has become a celebration of values.
The anniversary year marks the continuation of this journey, with new parallel activities, surprises, and special guests to be announced soon. Santorini Experience remains true to its vision: to offer a unique moment that brings together sport, nature, and culture in one of the most distinctive and authentic landscapes in the world.
The Municipality of Thira ensures the excellent organization and sustainable development of the event every year, as Santorini is promoted as a top international sports tourism destination. Equally important is the fact that registration for Thira residents is provided free of charge, as a sign of respect and support for the local community that has actively supported the event over the years.
Each year, the event is accompanied by activities and events aimed at the local community.
First guests from Japan and Greece
This year’s event becomes even more exciting with the participation of two distinguished athletes of international recognition.
Participating in 2025 will be Japanese Olympic open water swimmer Yasu Hirai Fukuoka.
With impressive achievements in major international competitions, Yasu Hirai Fukuoka brings international prestige and high-level competition to the demanding open water race, raising the standard and inspiring all participants.
Notably, he was the first Japanese man to compete in open water swimming at the Olympic Games and has taken part twice in the world’s biggest sporting event.
For the first time in the event’s history, Nora Drakou, 30-time Greek swimming champion, with 31 national records and four Olympic appearances, will take part.
She brings her valuable experience and high competitive level to the island of Santorini, having won more medals than any other Greek female swimmer. Undoubtedly a role model for many young athletes, her presence enhances the quality and prestige of the event.
These are the first big names announced for this year’s anniversary edition — and anticipation builds, as more prominent participants from Greece and abroad will be announced soon.
Register now!
Secure your spot at Santorini Experience 2025 and be part of a unique event that combines action, nature, and beauty on one of the world’s most iconic islands.
Secure your participation in running and swimming! You can register here:
https://www.more.com/gr-el/tickets/sports/santorini-experience-2025/
The event is not just for athletes but also for the whole family and island visitors. Santorini Experience is becoming a different kind of experience for young and old alike, with parallel actions and activities soon to be announced.
With strong local community participation and a goal to create a festive atmosphere, the event blends sports, culture, and entertainment, offering something special for everyone.
Valuable gifts for every participant
All athletes will receive a rich participation package that includes:
Technical T-shirt
Collectible bag
Timing chip
Finisher medal
Bib number
Swim cap
And many more perks
Additionally, there will be bag storage services, refreshment stations during the routes, medical support, and exclusive gifts from sponsors that make your experience even more special.
Participation packages can be collected during the event days at Alafouzos Sport in Fira, the official sports store of the event, as well as at the race secretariats on the days of the competitions.
Free Participation for Thira Residents
Thira residents can participate free of charge. Free registrations for residents of Thira will begin in the coming days and will be available exclusively at Alafouzos Sport.
Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Thira, the Sports and Culture Department of the Municipality of Thira, and ActiveMedia Group.
