Spyros Gianniotis and the Elite of Open Water Swimming Get Ready for ‘Santorini Experience 2016’

Greek silver Olympic medalist and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis will take part in “Santorini Experience” once again. (Photo credit: Elias Lefas)

Complete your registration for “Santorini Experience” and receive a 50% discount on ferry tickets with Blue Star Ferries!

“Santorini Experience” stands by Maria Sampanidou.

“Santorini Experience 2016” is only two weeks away and the interest expressed for the exciting sports tourism event is showing no sign of slowing down. The event will take place on the island of Santorini on October 7-9.

The Silver Olympic medalist and World Champion in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis, will live out the “Santorini Experience” for the second year. He will be accompanied by top names of the Greek national open water swimming team such as World Champions Kelly Araouzou and Antonis Fokaidis, the European Champion Giorgos Arniakos and the Champion Dimitris Negris.

According to the organizers, the sports tourism event is already counting a record in participations from Greece and abroad. The event’s hospitality sponsors have also recorded a record number of bookings for stay on the island during the event and also throughout the second weekend of October.

Running & Swimming: The highlights of “Santorini Experience”

Running in “Santorini Experience”. (Photo credit: Babis Giritziotis)

On Saturday, October 8, professional and amateur runners will run and feel the adrenaline rush of the Caldera. The starting time for both 10 km and 15 km routes is at 8:15 am and the starting time of the 5km route is 11am. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia.

Swimming in “Santorini Experience”. (credit: Elias Lefas)

On Sunday, October 9, professional and amateur swimmers will dive into the “eruptive” atmosphere of the volcano with the impressive view of the island right in front of them. The starting time of the unique swimming route of 1.5 mile (2.4 km) is at 10am from the volcano to the old port in Fira.

Swimming clubs and athletes from all over Greece will attend the event with the support of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the presence of its president, Dimitris Diathesopoulos.

Registration for the swimming and running events continue until September 30 through the official website of the event or at Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini), which is lending its support as an official sponsor of the event for the second consecutive year.

From Thursday, October 6, to Saturday, October 8, all participants will be able to receive their numbers from Alafouzos Sport store (from 9am until 9pm) or else one hour before the start of their route on Saturday, October 8, from the desalination plant in Oia. Swimming participants can also receive their numbers one hour before their start from the old port in Fira.

Special cause: “Santorini Experience” stands by “Iron Samba”

Maria Sampanidou or “Iron Samba”, as she is referred to by her friends in the sports world, needs our support after suffering a severe stroke. From a young age, the athlete has been suffering the autoimmune syndrome known as Hughes, which causes blood clots. A change in her drug treatment caused a clot in her blood and she is now paralyzed on one side and in partial aphasia. Maria participated last year in “Santorini Experience” and had signed up to participate for this year as well. The event’s organizers are standing by her side during this difficult time of her life and are donating part of the “Santorini Experience” proceeds to the Give&Fund, created to support Maria’s rehabilitation. To support Maria Sampanidou press here.

50% discount on ferry tickets to Santorini

Photo credit: Elias Lefas

Travelling to the volcanic island of the Cyclades is now even easier with the support of Blue Star Ferries which is offering a 50% discount on ferry tickets (also for the transfer of vehicles) for travel during the days of the event.

The 50% discount is ONLY valid if registration for the Santorini Experience event has been completed. Interested parties should then contact the GELASAKIS STC agency in Piraeus (210 4222440). Persons who have completed registration are entitled to the same discount for 3 more people (escorts) or for 4 people (family members). Ferry tickets should be delivered at least two days before departure. It is noted that the discount depends on availability (based on occupancy and available tickets).

Information on flights from Athens to Santorini, added by the event’s official airline partner, Ryanair, as well as other offers and benefits from sponsors can be found here.

Accommodation

Hotels are already running high occupancy and those who want to take advantage of the special prices offered by the hospitality sponsors of the event are advised to act fast! The most recent hotels to enter as the event’s hospitality sponsors include Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Sunday Suites Santorini and Maistros Village Hotel. For more information, requests should be addressed to the event’s official supporter Aqua Vista Hotels and hospitality sponsors Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia’s View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas and Sienna Residencies, available here. New supporters are added to the page on a daily basis.

“Santorini Experience” is a collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group. The sports tourism event will held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

The event’s official sponsors include the Santorini Boatmen Union. Official supporters include Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Saucony, Arena, Village Cinemas, Santorini Yachting Club and Passagio Santorini.

“Santorini Experience” will receive the international promotion of FOX Sports TV network of FOX Networks Group, participating in this year’s event as the Official Broadcaster.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a Strategic Communication Partner of the “Santorini Experience” event.