ATHENS – Preparations for Santorini Experience continue as the great sport tourism event approaches its 6th year, on October 2-4. Santorini, which is recognized among the top destinations around the world, will attract professional and amateur athletes once again this year, offering them the unique combination of sports and tourism.

The trail running and open water swimming races that will be held October 3-4, will have an eco-friendly approach, through a strategy that incorporates plastic-free activities, always placing the safety of all participants as its main priority.

The History of the Volcano

The volcano of Santorini is one of the largest underwater active volcanoes in the world and perhaps the only volcano with a caldera flooded by the sea.

From the volcanic eruptions of ancient times, which even connected Santorini with the myth of the lost Atlantis, to the recent earthquakes, the history of Santorini is directly connected to its “restless” territory and its volcanoes. Parts of Santorini’s volcano are: Nea Kameni (1707-1711 AD), Palea Kameni (46-47 AD), the underwater volcano Columbus (active) (1650 AD) and Christiana Islands. The exciting swimming race of Santorini Experience will take place in the sea gap between Thira and Thirasia, which was formed during the Minoan eruption that took place in 1613 BC, featuring a depth of more than 1,000 meters.

Swim in the Deep Blue Waters of Stunning Santorini

On the morning of Sunday, October 4, participants in the Santorini Experience will have the opportunity to swim over the lost Atlantis, according to Plato, on the mesmerizing 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira. Swimmers will enjoy the imposing view of the island in the warm waters of the volcano, at the open water swimming race by Vikos. The event will look after all athletes by providing high-quality safety lifeguard buoys. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the captivating waters of Santorini, where the average water temperature in October, reaches 20-22 degrees Celsius. Lifeguard Patrol’s specialized lifeguards and rescue boats will contribute to the safety of the race again this year. Different categories will be formed depending on the final number of entries and a separate category for those wearing wetsuits will be added, too. The race will be held under the technical direction of Greek national swimming coach with Olympic and World Championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations and the event’s health protocol in accordance with the instructions of the special scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, based on the epidemiological data and the suggestions of the Health Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports.

All the technical details of the swimming route are available online: https://bit.ly/31gUQGW.

Registration Offers

The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until August 31. Register today for the “Aristides Alafouzos” 15km and 10km running routes, as well as the 1.5 miles swimming route at the following link: https://www.myrace.gr/en/event/2408/registrations.html.

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 is organized along with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region and approved by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS).

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, and it is worth noting, that the event’s Official Hashtag #SantoriniExperience, has created its own unique trend on social media.

Accommodation packages and special offers for participants may be viewed online: https://bit.ly/38QAvdw.

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

More info 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.