The Santorini Experience celebrated its tenth anniversary from October 9-13, 2025, firmly establishing its institutional role as one of the world’s premier sports tourism events.
The event took place against the island’s unique and stunning backdrop. Over 3,500 professional and amateur athletes, ranging in age from 10 to 74, traveled to Santorini from forty countries across four continents (America, Oceania, Asia, and Europe) for the event.
The immense interest, which included participants from the USA, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and across Europe, generated over two thousand overnight stays in over forty hotels, reinforcing the event’s status as a benchmark for international sports tourism.
Santorini Experience 2025: Key competitive events
The iconic landscapes of Santorini, including the Volcano and footpath connecting Oia with Fira, formed the focus of the event’s two main athletic competitions.
Open Water Swimming: Volcano to Fira
On Friday, October 10, the swimming challenge saw participants dive into the black volcanic waters for a spectacular open water course: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the Volcano to the Old Port of Fira.
The course, which takes place beneath the imposing cliff face of the Caldera, offers an unparalleled combination of challenging speed and strategy with breathtaking natural beauty.
Trail Running: Caldera View Races
The program featured three exciting trail running routes designed to immerse runners in Santorini’s picturesque narrow streets and unique volcanic terrain (a mix of dirt and volcanic stone):
- 5-kilometer “Aristides Alafouzos” (powered by Miele)
- 10-kilometer (powered by SIXT)
- 15-kilometer (powered by The North Face)
All routes started and finished in Oia, with sections that tested the athletes’ endurance while revealing the majestic Caldera, whitewashed houses, and unrivaled Aegean Sea views.
The Mayor of Thera, Nikos Zorzos, emphasized the strategic importance of the organization for the island:
“I am happy to see the Santorini Experience growing. Our goal is to continue this trajectory, promoting similar sporting events and extending the tourist season of Santorini. Our island possesses unique characteristics; it is naturally endowed with an exceptional geo-environment and distinct natural landscapes.
The Santorini Experience is an unparalleled experience for all participants, and we will continue to support athletic organizations to have sport flourish on the island.”
Parallel actions and special events
The 10th anniversary featured a robust parallel program focusing on education, heritage, and entertainment. The Los Angeles Chargers inaugurated a new era for American football in Greece by hosting the country’s first NFL Flag Football Event. This included a youth camp and a spectacular exhibition game featuring former and active NFL players, such as Greek-American former linebacker Niko Koutouvides.
Speeches on financial literacy, integrity in sports, and road safety were also held. Over 1,500 children were introduced to the joy of sports through the various youth programs. Events also included a Mobility Session powered by SIXT for athlete flexibility, a scenic hiking experience to Ancient Thera, and a collaboration with the Sandblu Resort.
A spectacular Sunset Party took place outside the Metropolitan Church in Fira, featuring internationally acclaimed DJ Vassili Tsili Christo during “the golden hour of Santorini’s sunset.”
