Santorini Experience 2025: Over 3,500 entries from 40 countries and 4 continents
Source: Tornos News
Santorini, October 15, 2025 – The distinctive Cycladic architecture, the unique contrast of the blue Aegean with the reddish, black and white colors of the rocks and the white of the houses, the traditional villages of the Caldera, the refined gastronomy and the local wines, in combination with the sense of luxury and the famous sunset, composed once again this year the ideal setting for sports tourism in Santorini. Within this unique atmosphere, aided by the weather, the Santorini Experience celebrated ten years of presence, confirming its institutional role as one of the top international sports tourism events.
From October 9 to 13, Santorini welcomed professional and amateur athletes with more than 3,500 participants, aged from 10 to 74, from 40 countries and 4 continents — America, Oceania, Asia, and Europe — within the framework of Santorini Experience 2025, offering a program with more than 14 activities and gifting unforgettable moments and emotions.
Participants traveled to the island from every corner of the world — among others from the USA, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Austria, France, Germany, Georgia, Switzerland, Ireland, Spain, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Turkey, Czech Republic, Scotland, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Cyprus and Greece — highlighting once again the event as a point of reference for international sports tourism. Thousands of athletes, escorts, and visitors stayed on the volcanic island of the Aegean, enjoying every moment, with more than 2,000 overnight stays in over 40 hotels.
The emblematic landscapes of Santorini — such as the Volcano and the path connecting Oia to Fira — against the backdrop of the spectacular Caldera and the unique view over the Aegean, formed the focus of this year’s Santorini Experience activities.
Swimming from the Volcano to Fira
On Friday, October 10, participants of the Santorini Experience dove into the deep black waters of the Volcano heading toward the Old Port of Fira, traversing an open‐water route rarely encountered elsewhere in the world: adjacent to dramatic volcanic slopes and beneath the unmatched and imposing scenery of the Caldera, covering a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of magical swimming. World swimming stars were in Santorini, testing their endurance and technique in a route combining speed, strategy, and unparalleled natural beauty, offering an experience that remains unforgettable for every participant. In the race, first place was taken, for a second time in the history of the event, by Olympian Yasu Fukuoka from Japan, with Dimitris Negres finishing second, and Konstantinos Stamos of SIXT completing the podium in third place. Among women, first was Maria Zafeiratou, second Panagiota Giannakopoulou, and third Nora Drakou.
The swimming route was carried out with full safety in Santorini’s enchanting waters. The Santorini Boat Union contributed decisively both in the implementation of the race and in the transport of swimmers from the old port of Fira to the Volcano.
Participant safety was ensured by specialized lifeguards and the lifeguard vessels of Lifeguard Patrol, the Santorini Yacht Club, the Voluntary Rescue Body of Thira and Caldera Yachting, providing additional vessels and personnel for the smooth conduct of the race. The swimming event was also supported by the Port Authority of Thira, Geothira, DEYATH (Municipal Water & Sewage), municipal police, and the Loulas & Evangelos Nomikos Foundation.
The organization, in cooperation with SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMIKI Group, provided each athlete with a safety buoy (mandatory), further enhancing participant protection. The Technical Director of the swimming race was seasoned coach Nikos Gemelos, with distinctions in Olympic Games and world championships.
Running with Aegean views
The program of the organization included three exciting trail routes, offering runners a unique experience through the picturesque alleys of Santorini, in terrain combining earth with volcanic stone. The 5 km “Aristeidis Alafouzos” powered by Miele, the 10 km powered by SIXT (member of the MOTODYNAMIKI Group), as well as the more demanding 15 km route powered by The North Face, gave runners the opportunity to discover Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani, revealing the imposing Caldera, the whitewashed houses, and the incomparable view over the Aegean. All routes started from the desalination plant in Oia, with sections of dirt paths that tested athletes’ endurance, and finished again in Oia, offering a complete experience. In the 15 km race, first place was jointly taken by Giorgos Dimoulas and Alexandros Tzoumakas, athletes of The North Face, while in the 5 km and 10 km races, Polish athlete Sobczyk Patryk triumphed, winning both races and confirming his dominance in the shorter distances. Among women, in the 15 km the winner was the outstanding Nikoleta Tzavara (The North Face athlete), in the 10 km the remarkable Deva Spyridoula, and in the 5 km the distinctive Denisa Balla. Athlete warm-up was conducted by physical education instructor Manti Persaki.
See here all the race and swimming results: https://santorini-experience.com/apotelesmata-2025/
Within Santorini Experience 2025, the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, emphasized the significance of the event for the island:
“With joy I see the Santorini Experience growing. Our goal is to continue this trajectory, promoting similar sporting events and extending Santorini’s tourist season. Our island has unique characteristics; gifted by nature with an exceptional geolandscape and distinctive natural sights. The Santorini Experience is an unparalleled experience for all participants, and we will continue to support sports events, aiming for sport to flourish on the island.”
Flag Football makes its debut in Greece!
In parallel with Santorini Experience, the top NFL team — the Los Angeles Chargers — inaugurated a new era for American football in Greece, presenting the first NFL Flag Football Event. The program included camps for children aged 11–13 and teenagers aged 13+, through which young participants had the opportunity to learn the basic principles of flag football and test their skills alongside top athletes.
Also, the public watched a spectacular exhibition game featuring former and current NFL players such as former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, Greek-American former linebacker and Super Bowl XLII participant Niko Koutouvides, Greek-Swedish player and coach Melina Malaxos, members of the Greek team Aegean Elite, and Chargers coaches, offering unique experiences to both young and older fans.
The experience concluded with a special watch party, where guests watched live via COSMOTE TV — holder of exclusive NFL broadcasting rights in Greece — the Chargers’ victory over the Dolphins. This initiative was part of efforts to boost flag football internationally, ahead of its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics program.
The entry of American football into Greece was carried out with active support from Stoiximan, which — through its social initiatives — strengthened the event and the island as Silver Sponsor, promoting amateur sport, Santorini tourism, and healthy athletic standards.
During the flag football exhibition game, honorary awards were given to the LA Chargers owners Dean and Michael Spanos, the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, players Melvin Gordon, Niko Koutouvides, Antigoni Dribioti, Konstantinos Karnazi, and the winning team which received the MVP Stoiximan award.
The specially designed trophies were crafted by Spira Marble Art Gallery and marble sculptor Grigoris Kouskouris, working in Santorini, inspired by the volcanic nature of the island. The trophies, made from marble — a material deeply connected to ancient Greece and especially present in the Olympics — symbolize tradition and perfection, linking historical heritage with the modern age.
Mobility session powered by SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMIKI
In collaboration with JOINT Athens team, Angelos Yakoumidis and Giorgos Poulianitis, SIXT organized a complete mobility seminar for participants, specially designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The activity focused on techniques that enhance flexibility, improve body posture, and help prevent injuries, offering essential knowledge and practical skills for safe and effective training.
A unique hiking experience in Ancient Thira
Within the event and with the support of Sandblu Resort as Bronze sponsor, participants followed an impressive hiking route toward Ancient Thira. The path crossed natural landscapes and offered stunning views of the Aegean, combining the uniqueness of the region with the ruggedness and beauty of the natural environment — a true experience for those who experienced history and nature simultaneously.
Over 1,500 children experienced the joy of sport!
The Municipality of Thira, in an effort to bring new generations closer to sport and healthy models, enriched this year’s program with many parallel actions.
For the first time at Santorini Experience, two sports personalities — Olympian and EuroBasket MVP Evina Maltsi and legendary Joe Arlauckas, European champion with Real Madrid — came to Santorini to bring children closer to the world of basketball. On Sunday, October 12, at the Santorini Indoor Gym, the Basketball Clinic powered by Trace ‘n Chase took place, where young athletes from clubs Athletic Union of Santorini and Poseidon Santorini met international stars and learned techniques and strategies of basketball.
As part of youth education in the Municipality of Thira, Santorini Experience 2025 included talks and actions by distinguished 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 basketball champion, ambassador of the MOTODYNAMIKI Group, shared his knowledge and experiences about inclusion in sport. Thanasis Choundras, motorsport coach, with support of MOTODYNAMIKI Group, visited municipal schools to inform students about road safety.
Also, Kostas Xiradakis, Chief Commercial Officer of Snappi, and Ioanna Tsekoura, Head of Customer Experience at Snappi, assisted in the financial literacy education of young people, in cooperation with the Financial Literacy Institute through the talk “What The Finance.” With the valuable help of Snappi, which took charge of presenting special talks, participants had the opportunity to draw inspiration and useful knowledge for personal development and financial management, enhancing the value of the event for the new generation.
Panagiotis Panoutsos Talkovski, Founder and CEO of EAGLE Sports Integrity Services, presented topics of integrity in sport, promoting values of justice and ethics. Moreover, cooperation with EAGLE made Santorini Experience the first recreational sports event in Greece with a complete integrity supervision system, with an independent Disciplinary Committee for evaluation.
Sunset Party with legendary DJ VASSILI TSILI CHRISTO
The Santorini Experience “Sunset Party” hosted DJ Vassili Tsili Christo in an impressive musical moment against the island’s unique sunset. For the first time in the Caldera of the island, internationally acclaimed DJ Vassilis Tsilichristos enchanted with his energy and music, accompanied by a spectacular live performance by 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.” Entrance was free, offering locals and visitors an unforgettable experience. Supporters of the event included AESTIAN Philoxenia & Hospitality, the Municipal Community of Thira, Rizes Gastro Taverna and, of course, the event itself.
Meanwhile, the Sunday party on October 12 at Marilyn Bar was another special entertainment moment of Santorini Experience 2025, with DJ 2Noicy stirring up the crowd with strong music selections and rhythms that kept the mood high late into the night.
Unique gastronomic & sports experiences
Within Santorini Experience, gastronomy merged with sports, offering participants unique experiences of flavor and enjoyment. At Rizes Gastro Taverna, which is more than a restaurant and functions as a modern gastronomic destination, authentic Cycladic cuisine was passionately showcased. Each dish was a distinct adventure of tastes and memory, returning to roots, to the genuine tastes of tradition and the land that produces the most precious ingredients. Meanwhile, exquisite meals were organized at Esperisma Bar‑Restaurant, Nectar, Blu Restaurant and Mylos Champagne Bar‑Restaurant, while the event’s welcome cocktail at Esperisma Bar Restaurant gave participants the chance to enjoy refreshing cocktails and signature drinks, completing the experience with outstanding gastronomic pleasure and high-quality atmosphere.
A team effort for flawless organization
Stoiximan supported the event and amateur sports across all activities, encouraging participation and the development of healthy sport in all levels.
Participants enjoyed comfort and quality services provided by VIP Santorini Tours & Transfers, which organized their transport.
In the health coverage of Santorini Experience, the National Emergency Aid Center (EKAB) team contributed and was on heightened readiness in case needed.
Premium Mobility Partner of the event was SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMIKI Group.
Gold Sponsor of the event was AESTIAN Philoxenia & Hospitality.
Silver Sponsors were Stoiximan, Miele and Snappi.
Bronze Sponsors of the event were Sandblu Resort, NOŪS Santorini and Blue Star Ferries.
Official Airline Sponsor was SKY Express.
Official Water was Vikos Natural Mineral Water.
Official Trail Running Shoe was The North Face.
Official Sports Store of the event was Alafouzos Sport.
Official Technical T‑shirt was 42K.
Jewelry Partner was Spanou Jewelry.
Marble Sculpture Partner was Spira Marble Art Gallery.
Sports Memorabilia Partner was Trace ‘n Chase.
Official Optics Partner was Kois Optics.
Official Healthcare Partner was the Health Spot Diagnostic Center.
Partners of the event included the Santorini Boat Union, Geothira, Caldera Yachting, VIP Santorini Tours & Transfers, Messinian Spa, Rizes Gastro Taverna, Santorini Yacht Club, Anatomic Line, Voluntary Rescue Body of Thira, and Mylos Champagne – Bar Restaurant.
Lifeguard Partner was Lifeguard Patrol.
Integrity Services Provider was EAGLE Sports Integrity Services.
Supporters included University of Piraeus, Humanity Greece, Deree – The American College of Greece, Municipal Community of Thira.
Discount Partner was Marilyn Bar.
The Critical Contribution of Hotels to the Event
The event was realized with the precious aid of Hospitality Sponsors, who, with special rates, promoted the island and provided great support to the organization. The hotels that supported the Santorini Experience were: 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
By the side of the organization stood once again the many volunteer teams that participated. Santorini Experience 2025 was supported by University of Piraeus, Humanity Greece, Deree – The American College of Greece, and the Voluntary Rescue Body of Thira.
Economic Footprint Study
During the event a study was conducted in cooperation with Deree – The American College of Greece to measure the event’s economic footprint on the island of Santorini, the results of which will be announced in the coming months.
The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Santorini Experience was co‑organized by the Municipality of Thira, the Department of Sports & Culture of the Municipality of Thira, and ActiveMedia Group.
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Website: www.santorini-experience.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/
X Account: https://x.com/Sant_Experience
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@santoriniexperience2396
TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@santorini_experience
The original article: belongs to Tornos News .
