Santorini Experience: Run, Swim and Enjoy the View!

Open Water Swimming by Vikos @ Santorini Experience (photo by Babis Giritziotis)

This article is brought to you by Active Media Group

Preparations for the Santorini Experience continue as the sports tourism event approaches its 6^th year, during October 2-4, 2020. Santorini, which is recognized among the top destinations around the world, will attract professional and amateur athletes once again this year, offering them unique moments of sports and tourism combined.

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

Santorini, the ultimate destination for every traveler all year round @ Santorini Experience (photo by Elias Lefas)

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 whose Caldera reaches 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

Open Water Swimming by Vikos @ Santorini Experience (photo by Babis Giritziotis)

In the morning of Sunday October 4, 2020, participants of 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 for another 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.

You may find all technical details of the swimming route here and discover the exciting route in the following video:

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. Registrations can be made here.

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 programme 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.

Running @ Santorini Experience (Photo by Babis Giritziotis)

Accommodation packages at great prices and for all preferences

Up to this point and 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, Katikies Santorini, Andronis Arcadia, West East Suites, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Folia Bianca, Cocoon Suites, Marvarit Suites, Iriana Suites, Nefeles Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Memories Hotel, 270 Oia’s View, Cori Rigas Suites, Uma Ray Suites, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Monolithia, Fanouris Condo, Epavlis Hotel, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Esperas Santorini and Santorini Hospitality. Whether you wish to stay in the Caldera, Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, or in the beautiful Pyrgos, Monolithos, Akrotiri, Kamari, Messaria, Emporio, Megalochori or at the endless beach of Perissa and Perivolos, Santorini has everything. Participants may opt to stay in a room for two people, in a house for 4-6 people or in a villa with a pool for 4-10 people, amongst the many other options of Santorini.

Check the event’s specially designed page and discover the accommodation packages and special offers which are valid for the participants.

Open Water Swimming by Vikos @ Santorini Experience (photo by Danijela Bogdanovic)

Travel to Santorini Experience 2020 with safety

All those traveling to the island by ferry, 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.

Moreover, 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.

For more information on Blue Star Ferries ferry tickets’ offers and car rentals with Avance for Santorini Experience, press here.

Following is a video with statements by top swimmers and representatives of open water swimming from last year’s event:

Athina Luxury Suites, Vikos Natural Mineral Water and Blue Star Ferries are the event’s official sponsors.
Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier for another year.
Boatmen Union Santorini is the event’s official supporter.
Avance is the official car rental partner.
Messinian Spa is the event’s official beauty partner.
Premium TV partner: SKAI
Premium media partner: 24MEDIA
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros and Swimmingclub.gr are the athletic partners of Santorini Experience.
The event is assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club and Caldera Yachting.
Tangopapas.com is the event’s travel partner.

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

For more info on the Santorini Experience, press here.