‘Santorini Experience’: Great Names in Open Water Swimming

Santorini Experience: Swimming event. Photo by Babis Gkiritziotis

Early bird offer valid until May 31

Great names will attend the open water swimming activities of the 4th “Santorini Experience”, a leading sports tourism event in Greece, according to organizers. The “Santorini Experience” will take place on Santorini between October 5-7.

A co-organization of the Municipality of Santorini, DAPPOS and Active Media Group, the “Santorini Experience” includes running and swimming events along picturesque routes on one of Greece’s most popular islands.

Hungarian long distance swimmer Attila Manyoki Attila Manyoki. Photo by Vangelis Patsialos

For the second consecutive year Hungarian long distance swimmer Attila Manyoki, 45, will swim in the waters of Santorini. Known for his achievements in open water swimming and a member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF), Manyoki has completed hundreds of open water swimming marathons. His achievements include swimming the 90km distance twice.

“I am coming back at ‘Santorini Experience’ following my participation last year. My experience was amazing… On Santorini you can find everything, excellent hotels, restaurants, foods, friendships and the perfect view to the volcano,” Manyoki said about his participation, adding that he wishes much more people come to the event. “The organization was fantastic… You don’t need to think about anything but just enjoy your time on the weekend! I am really waiting for October to enjoy this fantastic place again!”

‘Santorini Experience’: Safety comes first in open water swimming

The organizers of the ‘Santorini Experience’ highlight that the event’s open water swimming race has the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, in accordance with FINA’s safety rules. The open water swimming race once again will take place with the support of Santorini Boatmen Union and the assistance of Lifeguard Patrol.

The swimming route is designed by the federal technical coach of the Olympic Games and World Championships, Nikos Gemelos, who also has distinctions in open water swimming races.

Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, Nikos Gemelos; Mayor of Santorini, Anastasios Nikolaos Zorzos; President of Santorini Boatmen Union, Gerasimos Kanakaris; President of D.A.P.P.O.S., Eleftherios Tzouros; and Chief Executive Officer of Active Media Group, Akis Tsolis. Photo by Vangelis Patsialos

“It is with great pleasure to welcome great names of Greek athletes, as well as to see the interest of foreign athletes with great performances. We have designed and organized age groups, depending on the final number of participants,” Gemelos said, adding that the event has a separate category for those who choose to wear a full-body swimming suit (wetsuit category). “We adapt to the needs of participants so that ‘Santorini Experience’ does not remain in the memories of those taking part as a swimming race, but as a lifetime experience.”

Early bird prices

Although five months away from the event, registrations for the “Santorini Experience” event are proceeding with a fast pace, while its special offers and discounts are continuing.

Santorini Experience: Running event. Photo by Loukas Hapsis

The event’s organizers invite those interested to take advantage of the early bird prices, valid until May 31. The cost for early bird registrations amounts to 20 euros per activity for those who register by the end of the month. As of June 1 the price will be set at 30 euros per activity. Registrations will end on August 31, 2018. To register, press here.

Also, Avance Rent A Car is giving participants the opportunity book any vehicle of their choice for their travel to the island with a 30 percent discount on the official list until June 30. From July 1 and until the event, reservations will have a 15 percent discount. To book, send an email to sales@avance.gr or call +30 2109011300.

Ryanair is the official airline partner of the event for a third year in a row. Once again, official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas, Alafouzos Sport and Athina Luxury Suites. Official supporters are Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Avance, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels and Boatmen Union Santorini.