ATHENS – Santorini is the ultimate destination for travelers from around the world. Known for its iconic Cycladic architecture, unique sunsets and distinctive sandy beaches formed by volcanic activity, Santorini invites you to explore the island all year round. This October you have one more reason to discover all these features by combining your visit with the ultimate sporting experience of Santorini Experience.

The top sports tourism event returns for the 6th consecutive year from October 2-4. Through its exciting open water swimming and trail running activities, Santorini Experience, continues to attract global interest from professional and amateur athletes on a yearly basis.

The races will have an eco-friendly approach through a strategy that incorporates plastic-free actions, always with respect to the natural environment of the island.

Run along the Caldera with a View of the Volcano

The routes of Santorini Experience have been designed on the enchanting path that connects Oia with Fira, featuring breathtaking views. Runners will discover the totally white, majestic settlements built on the edge of the Caldera, with the picturesque cobbled streets and the impressive churches. Athletes will run at a maximum altitude of 334 meters above sea level, with a wonderful view of the clear blue waters of the Aegean and the islet of Nea Kameni while they will find themselves only a breath away from the sky.

The running races will be held on Saturday, October 3, with background scenery of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. The 10km route is addressed to the most experienced in distances, while the “Aristides Alafouzos” 15 km route is ideal for those who prefer strength, endurance, and adrenaline. All routes start and finish at the desalination plant in Oia and the terrain mainly includes parts with soil.

The exciting routes overlooking the volcano are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias.

Open Water Swimming at Santorini Experience by the unique landscape of the Cycladic island. (Photo by Babis Giritziotis)

Running routes’ details are available online: https://bit.ly/2OiSU9h

Enjoy the breathtaking view in the video available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6Ivv_lt20UM

Discounts Available

Register today for the “Aristides Alafouzos” 15km and 10km running routes, as well as the 1.5 miles swimming route and take advantage of the early bird prices with a 25% discount. The offer is valid until July 31. The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until August 31.

Registration link: https://www.myrace.gr/en/event/2408/registrations.html.

Open Water Swimming at Santorini Experience. (Photo by Loukas Hapsis)

 As every year, the event will be held in accordance with the strict standards set by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports, and all relevant sports Federations. Santorini Experience will be planned and delivered based on the protocol of races, which will ensure public health and safety of all parties involved. Moreover, the health and safety of all participants remains the event’s main priority. The 10km race will be organized along with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region and approved by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS). The 1.5 miles (2.4 km) open water swimming race will be held with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations.

Santorini Experience has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The award-winning Active Media Group is responsible for the event’s Sports Production, while the event’s Official Hashtag #SantoriniExperience, has created its own unique trend on social media.

Accommodation Packages at Great Prices

In these difficult times, this year’s event is supported with amazing offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Andronis Arcadia, West East Suites, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Marvarit Suites, Folia Bianca, Iriana Suites, Nefeles Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort, Memories Hotel, Uma Ray Suites, Santo Houses, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Epavlis Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Cori Rigas Suites, Esperas Santorini and Santorini Hospitality.

Check the event’s specially designed page and discover the accommodation packages and special offers which are valid for the participants: https://bit.ly/38QAvdw

Open Water Swimming at Santorini Experience. (Photo by Loukas Hapsis)

40% Discount on the Already Low Fares on Ferry Tickets

All those traveling to the island by ferry for the 6th Santorini Experience will be able to enjoy the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries once again this year. The top Greek shipping company offers 40% discount on the ferry tickets, from/to Santorini and 30% discount on vehicles to all those visiting the event and the island during that period. Each person who has completed his/her registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 more people, if these are his/her escorts, or for 4 people if these are family members.

More information: https://bit.ly/2Ct2vYA

15% Discount on Car Rentals

Trail Running at Santorini Experience. (Photo by Danijela Bogdanovic)

The top Greek rental company Avance, as the event’s official car rental partner provides participants of Santorini Experience with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to the island during the period of the event. In terms of bookings, participants need to send an email to reserv(at)avance.gr.

Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.

More information is available at: www.santorini-experience.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sant_Experience

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGconq7q45TYim8qFg71XlA