Santorini Experience 2025

Santorini Experience 2025 returns Friday to Sunday, October 10–12, 2025, uniting open-water swimming and caldera‑edge trail running in one of the world’s most dramatic island settings. Official channels confirm the 10th‑anniversary edition with a signature 2.4 km swim from the volcano to Fira’s Old Port and three cliff‑line runs of 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km starting and finishing in Oia, threading Imerovigli and Firostefani for uninterrupted views above the Aegean. Registration is open, travel partner offers are live, and the program blends athlete services with family‑friendly activities so the entire weekend feels as welcoming as it is unforgettable.

Dates, disciplines, and setting

• Dates: October 10–12, 2025, with activities and bib pickup across three days, anchored by Saturday and Sunday race windows on Santorini.
• Events: 2.4 km open‑water swim from the volcano to the Old Port of Fira, plus 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos,” 10 km, and 15 km trail runs on the caldera rim between Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani.
• Terrain: Deep‑blue caldera waters, stair‑stitched villages, and volcanic single‑track above the sea deliver the island’s defining vistas on both swim and run courses.

The iconic swim: volcano to Fira

• Course: A single 1.5‑mile (2.4 km) line that starts at the Santorini volcano and finishes at the Old Port of Fira, crossing caldera waters that plunge hundreds of meters deep at mid‑channel.
• Safety and direction: Designed by national‑team coach Nikos Gemelos with mandatory tow buoys, full lifeguard coverage, rescue boats, and coordination with the Santorini Boatmen’s Association; swimmers ride the cable car for free on presentation of their race registration.
• Who’s coming: 2025 highlights include elite and Olympian names such as Nora Drakou, Yasu Hirai Fukuoka, and Paralympian Efthymia Gouli, showcasing a field that mixes champions with first‑timers in the same waters.

The caldera runs: Oia to Imerovigli and back

• Distances and routes: 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km options start and finish at Oia’s desalination plant, climbing and rolling across volcanic paths and village promenades through Imerovigli and Firostefani, with sections suited to both power‑walking (5 km) and endurance pacing (15 km).
• Experience: Expect rugged terrain, stair sections, and balcony‑like track segments with constant exposure to the caldera’s cliffs and the volcano beyond — a route profile built more for rhythm and views than raw speed.
• Community feel: Villagers and visitors line narrow lanes to cheer, blurring race and festival as runners crest steps and viewpoints above Ammoudi and the caldera.

Registration, pricing, and what’s included

• Registration status: Open now through official portals; the event marks its 10th anniversary with limited slots per discipline to preserve safety and course flow.
• Athlete pack: Technical T‑shirt, swim cap for swimmers, bib/timing chip, commemorative bag, finisher medal, baggage services, on‑course hydration, medical support, and sponsor gifts — picked up at Alafouzos Sport (official sports store) in Fira or race‑day desks.
• Resident access: Free participation for Santorini residents via local registration through Alafouzos Sport; details and windows are posted by organizers for each discipline.

Travel offers and supporters

• Travel perks: 30% discount on Blue Star Ferries tickets and vehicles; preferred rates from SIXT’s premium vehicle fleet; hotel partners across the island with event rates.
• Key partners: Co‑organized with the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group; partners include SIXT (Premium Mobility), Blue Star Ferries, Vikos (Official Water), Lifeguard Patrol (Lifeguard Partner), Caldera Yachting, Santorini Nautical Club, and Humanity Greece.

Schedule snapshot

• Friday: Athlete check‑in, expo moments, and shake‑out walks along Oia’s lanes or Fira’s promenade to preview the run and swim finish zones.
• Saturday: Caldera run races from Oia with rolling starts by distance; afternoon recovery and sunset viewpoints across Imerovigli and Firostefani.
• Sunday: 2.4 km swim from the volcano to the Old Port of Fira; cable car access supports swift transfers from port to town after the finish.

How to prepare

• Open‑water readiness: Practice sighting, drafting, and pacing on steady 1.5–2 km efforts; caldera chop and cross‑currents can require stronger line choice than lake swims. Mandatory tow buoy increases visibility and calm.
• Caldera running: Train stair repeats and rolling trail efforts; invest in grippy trail shoes that handle volcanic grit and short paved connectors through towns.
• Heat and hydration: Mid‑October is milder than summer but still sunny; carry light electrolytes for the 10 km and 15 km routes and plan shaded cooldowns post‑finish.

Spectator and family guide

• Best viewpoints: Oia’s castle ridge and Imerovigli balconies for runners; the Old Port of Fira pier and switchbacks above the finish for swimmers. The cable car links the port with Fira for smooth spectator movement on swim day.
• Ammoudi Bay tips: For cliff‑edge scenery and post‑race dining, descend Oia’s 200+ steps to Ammoudi for seafood and golden‑hour photos; allow time for a steady climb back up or arrange a ride from the bay.
• Family activities: Afternoon boat tours of the caldera, hot‑spring swims, and winery visits pair well with race mornings; many hotels offer shuttle guidance for event logistics.

Culture and course context

• Why Santorini: The island’s amphitheater‑shaped caldera, whitewashed villages, and volcanic geology make every kilometer cinematic — a spirit the event embraces by routing runners along cliff paths and swimmers across the caldera line from the volcano itself.
• Designed by experts: The swim course is set by coach Nikos Gemelos and backed by local maritime partners who know the caldera’s winds, currents, and safe escort lines.
• Inclusive by design: From free local entries to 5 km routes suited for power walkers and families, the weekend prioritizes participation and shared memories along with elite performance.

Practical planning

• Where to stay: Oia for run starts and iconic sunsets; Fira for cable‑car access to the Old Port swim finish and central transport; Imerovigli for quieter nights within easy reach of both hubs.
• Getting around: Book vehicles early with partner rates; use the cable car on swim day for quick ascents; expect narrow lanes and limited parking at Ammoudi and port areas — plan extra time.
• Packing list: Tow buoy (provided/required for swimmers), trail shoes with grip, sunglasses and cap, light layers for breezy ridges and boat transfers, and a compact dry bag for the Old Port.

Verified details at a glance

• Dates: October 10–12, 2025; 10th‑anniversary edition.
• Swim: 2.4 km from the volcano to the Old Port of Fira; free cable‑car use for registered swimmers.
• Runs: 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos,” 10 km, 15 km; start/finish in Oia; routes via Imerovigli and Firostefani.
• Registration: Open with athlete pack inclusions; free entries for Santorini residents via Alafouzos Sport in Fira.
• Travel offers: 30% Blue Star Ferries discount; SIXT vehicle deals; hotel partner rates islandwide.
• Safety: Technical direction by coach Nikos Gemelos; lifeguards, rescue boats, and Boatmen’s Association support on swim day.

Mark the calendar, secure a bib, and start building confidence on stairs, trails, and steady swims. Plan a stay that splits time between Oia’s start lines and Fira’s finish pier, then let the caldera frame every effort, photo, and toast. Santorini Experience 2025 is built for athletes, families, and dreamers — a long weekend where sport, sea, and volcanic light come together on the edge of the Aegean.