September promises to be rich in events that connect sports, culture and gastronomy with the tourist experience. From Ioannina to Pylos and Mytilene, three different events are scheduled to take place, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to get to know the areas through a prism of extroversion.
5th MEGA FOUR Ioannina “Vassilis Pappas”
The adrenaline will rise in Ioannina with the organization of the 5th MEGA FOUR Ioannina “Vassilis Pappas”, which is scheduled to take place from September 19 to 21. These are motor sports competitions of the 4×4 Car Club of Ioannina and EL.ETA. Sport, with the support of the Municipality of Northern Tzoumerka.
The event is dedicated to the memory of an athlete who lost his life in a car accident, while this year approximately 500 participants are expected from all over Greece. The start will be given in the center of Ioannina, the special categories will be hosted in the Hellinikon, while the completion and awards will be held in Lazaina Aetorrachi. Beyond the competitive nature, this institution contributes significantly to the tourist promotion of the Tzoumerka area.
“Cycling Fair” in Pylos
On September 27, the sports event “Cycling Fair” 2025, dedicated to the memory of Olympic Champion Kostis Tsiklitiras, is scheduled to take place in Pylos, Messinia. The Peloponnese Region, the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, the Greek National Tourist Organization and the General Secretariat of Sports support the event, which highlights the value of the athletic ideal and its connection with local history.
The program includes 10,000 m, 5,000 m and 1,500 m races, as well as the “long jump without a run” – the event that earned Tsiklitiras the Olympic distinction. The start and finish are scheduled to take place in front of the Kostis Tsiklitiras House, in the center of Pylos.
Culture and flavors in Mytilene
On the same day, September 27, the Izmir-Mytilene Festival, entitled “Meeting of Culture and Gastronomy”, is scheduled to take place in Mytilene, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Municipality of Izmir.
The event includes a photography exhibition with works from the two cities, a music concert with local songs and dances, as well as a culinary workshop, Master Class, where professional chefs from Izmir and Mytilene will present traditional and modern versions of local dishes, with the possibility of tasting. The festival will be hosted in the open event space of Epano Skala, with free admission, and aspires to be established as an annual institution.
A month full of experiences
With competitive spectacles, sporting ideals and cultural exchanges, these three events are expected to give a boost to tourism in their regions and highlight the variety of experiences that Greece can offer in the first month of autumn.
