7 October 2025

5th Press Release Santorini Experience 2025

PRESS RELEASE

NFL Flag Football lands in Santorini with the Los Angeles Chargers

The full schedule of Santorini Experience 2025

Santorini, October 7, 2025 – Santorini Experience celebrates 10 years of dynamic growth this year, having become an established institution in sports tourism both in Greece and around the world. As the countdown begins, the event returns from October 9 to 12, 2025, with the island already embracing the rhythm of sports and wellness. Over these four days, athletes from every corner of the globe will gather on the island to share the joy of participation, test their limits, and experience the unique energy that defines Santorini Experience.

The Olympic sport of Flag Football makes its debut in Greece

Los Angeles Chargers are ushering in a new era for American football in Greece, presenting their first NFL Flag Football event alongside the Santorini Experience. The three-day program includes a camp for children aged 11–13 and teenagers aged 13+, offering young participants the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of flag football and test their skills.

At the same time, spectators will enjoy a spectacular exhibition game featuring former and active NFL players such as former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, Greek-American former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl XLII participant Niko Koutouvides, Greek-Swedish-American player and coach Melina Malaxos, members of Aegean Elite — Greece’s American football team — as well as members of the Los Angeles Chargers’ coaching staff, offering a unique experience for fans of all ages.

The experience will culminate with a special watch party, where guests will gather to watch the Chargers take on the Dolphins live.

This initiative is part of a global effort to promote flag football, aiming for its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The introduction of American football in Greece is supported by Stoiximan, which, through its social initiatives, contributes to the event and the island as a Silver Sponsor, promoting amateur sports, Santorini’s tourism, and the values of healthy role models in sports.

With the support of the Municipality of Thira, the event not only promotes sports but also fosters friendships between Greece and the United States, enhancing cultural exchange and international cooperation.

Santorini Experience “Sunset Party” will feature DJ Vassili Tsili Christos and promises an exciting musical experience set against the island’s unique sunset. For the first time in Santorini’s Caldera, the legendary and internationally acclaimed DJ Vassili Tsilihristos will captivate us with his energy and music, accompanied by the stunning live performance of Angela ‘S’.

The event will take place outside the Metropolitan Church in Fira on Saturday, October 11th, at 18:00, during the island’s most enchanting hour – the golden hour of Santorini’s sunset. Admission is free, offering both locals and visitors an unforgettable experience. The event is supported by AESTIAN Philoxenia & Hospitality, the Municipal Community of Thira, Rizes Gastro Taverna, and, of course, the event organizers themselves.

Feel the Caldera, Run and Swim Like Never Before!

The event program includes three spectacular trail routes: the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” powered by Miele, the 10 km powered by SIXT, a member MOTODYNAMICS Group, and the 15 km powered by The North Face, with routes passing through Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani.

Top athletes from The North Face are expected to participate, including Giorgos Dimoulas, the first Greek to finish this year’s Spartathlon, and ultramarathoners Alexandros Tzoumakas and Nikoleta Tzavara.

A special highlight is the iconic 1.5-mile (2.4 km) open water swim, from the Volcano to the Old Port of Fira, designed with high safety standards. Participants enjoy unique perks, such as free cable car use, while residents of Thira participate for free, in an event that strengthens the local community and is complemented by parallel activities and experiences for everyone.

All competitions of Santorini Experience 2025 are conducted with medical coverage and specialized care from Health Spot, ensuring the absolute safety and support of every participant.

Participation Kits and Bib numbers Pickup

On Thursday, October 9th, participants can collect their participation kits from Alafouzos Sport in Fira, between 10:00 and 20:00.

On Friday, October 10th, the race office at the Old Port of Fira will be open from 08:30 to 09:30 for the collection of swim numbers and packs, while from 10:00 to 20:00, race packs for running participants will be available at Alafouzos Sport.

On Saturday, October 11th, the race office at the Desalination Plant in Oia will open from 07:30 for the collection of running numbers and packs.

There’s still time to register here: https://www.more.com/gr-en/tickets/sports/santorini-experience-1/

Basketball Lessons with Evina Maltsi and Joe Arlauckas

For the first time at the Santorini Experience, two outstanding sports personalities – Olympian and EuroBasket MVP Evina Maltsi and EuroLeague legend, European champion with Real Madrid, Joe Arlauckas – will be in Santorini with the aim of bringing young people closer to the world of basketball. On Sunday, October 12th, at the Santorini Indoor Gymnasium, the Basketball Clinic powered by Trace ‘n Chase will take place, where young athletes from local clubs, the Santorini Athletic Association (A.E.S.), and Poseidon Santorini will have the opportunity to meet the international stars in person and learn the “secrets” of basketball.

Hiking in Ancient Thira

As part of the Santorini Experience, and with the support of Sandblu Resort as a Bronze Sponsor of the event, participants will have the opportunity to follow a beautiful hiking trail leading to Ancient Thira, through paths that embrace nature and offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. A journey through time, where history meets the wild beauty of the landscape.

Katsouranis, Papanikolaou, and Chountras Speak and Inspire the New Generation

As part of youth education in the Municipality of Thira, Santorini Experience 2025 includes in its program important talks by renowned athletes and professionals. Kostas Katsouranis, European Champion and European Legend 2004, will visit Santorini’s football clubs – Thyella Kamari, A.O. Pyrgos, and Panthiraikos – inspiring the younger generation through his speeches. Dimitris Papanikolaou, Olympian, European basketball champion, and ambassador of MOTODYNAMICS Group, will share his experiences and the values of sports, addressing topics related to inclusion. Thanasis Chountras, motorsports coach, with the support of MOTODYNAMICS Group, will visit schools in the Municipality of Thira to educate students on road safety issues. Kostas Xiradakis, Chief Commercial Officer at Snappi, and Ioanna Tsekoura, Head of Customer Experience at Snappi, will assist in financial education for young people in collaboration with the Financial Literacy Institute through the campaign “What The Finance”. Finally, Panagiotis Panoutsos Talkowski, Founder and CEO of EAGLE Sports Integrity Services, will present the topic of sports integrity, promoting values of fairness and ethics in sports.

At the same time, the collaboration of the event with EAGLE Sports Integrity Services makes Santorini Experience the first recreational sports event in Greece to feature a full integrity system. The company will assume overall responsibility for overseeing sports integrity, while in cases of violations, an independent Disciplinary Committee will operate with the authority to evaluate incidents and impose any necessary sanctions.

Check out the full event schedule and experience the ultimate magic: https://santorini-experience.com/en/schedule-2025/

Check out the bus schedule here to make your transportation easier during the event days: https://santorini-experience.com/en/bus-schedule/

Awards with a Santorini Touch by Spira Marble Art Gallery

Spira Marble Art Gallery and the sculptor Grigoris Kouskouris, who works in Santorini, will create honorary marble awards inspired by the island’s volcanic element. These awards will be presented to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting sports, tourism, culture, and the local community as part of Santorini Experience 2025. Through this initiative, the event aims to highlight examples of dedication and service, honoring people whose work and vision inspire others and leave a positive impact. These awards represent a special moment for the event, further enhancing its character as a celebration of values and collaboration.

Refreshment and Hydration for Everyone

Official water of Santorini Experience 2025 is Vikos Natural Mineral Water, providing participants with refreshment and hydration at every moment of the event. An ideal ally for supporting athletes’ performance and well-being, it helps maintain energy and focus, while offering valuable rejuvenation to everyone, whether actively participating or enjoying the unique sporting experiences as spectators.

Exclusive Discounts on SIXT’s Premium Fleet

SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group, participates in Santorini Experience 2025 as the Premium Mobility Partner, offering special discounts on its fully updated premium fleet. Take advantage of preferential rates for bookings made until October 15, with rental periods between October 1–15, at all SIXT locations.

Book your vehicle easily through the dedicated page: https://www.sixt.gr/campaign/santorini-experience-promo/ and explore the island in comfort and style!

SKY express, Official Airline Sponsor for the Second Consecutive Year

The company holds a leading position domestically, maintaining the largest network of 33 destinations in Greece while also offering a continuously expanding international network. SKY express actively supports Santorini Experience, one of the biggest sporting events of the year, while contributing to the local community through initiatives that promote development, sports, and tourism in Santorini.

With nine (9) daily flights to and from Athens and a fleet of brand-new aircraft, SKY express offers passengers comfort, reliability, and a high-quality travel experience.

30% Discount with Blue Star Ferries

Those traveling to the island for Santorini Experience will have the opportunity to enjoy a safe and comfortable journey with Blue Star Ferries, the event’s Silver Sponsor. Greece’s top passenger ferry company offers a 30% discount on ferry tickets (all seat categories except cabins) from Piraeus, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese to Santorini and back, as well as a 30% discount on vehicles for those visiting the island between October 5 and 15, 2025.

Each registered participant is entitled to the same discount for up to three additional accompanying persons. Participants who have successfully completed their registration can arrange their ferry bookings and ticket issuance by contacting the following port agencies:

-Piraeus: Gelasakis Shipping & Travel Center, Tel. +30 210 4222440

-Santorini: Dakoutros Travel, Tel. +30 22860 2220

Enjoy Authentic Flavors with Exclusive Discounts

Participants of Santorini Experience can also enjoy a 10% discount at Rizes Restaurant, known for its authentic Cycladic cuisine and unique atmosphere among traditional buildings in Fira, as well as a 10% discount at Marilyn Bar, the island’s new and popular cocktail bar. Savor refreshing cocktails and moments of relaxation while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Santorini.

Premium Mobility Partner is SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group.

Gold Sponsor is AESTIAN Philoxenia & Hospitality

Silver Sponsors are Stoiximan, Miele andSnappi.

Bronze Sponsors of the event are Sandblu Resort, NOŪS Santorini and Blue Star Ferries.

Official Airline Sponsor is SKY Express.

Official Water isVikos Natural Mineral Water.

Official Trail Running Shoe is The North Face.

Official Sports Store is Alafouzos Sport.

Official Technical T-shirt is 42K.

Jewelry Partner is Spanou Jewelry.

Marble Sculpture Partner is Spira Marble Art Gallery.

Sports Memorabilia Partner is Trace ‘n Chase.

Official Optics Partner is Kois Optics.

Official Healthcare Partner is the Diagnostic Center Health Spot.

Partners of the event are Santorini Boatmen’s Association, Caldera Yachting, VIP Santorini, Messinian Spa, Rizes Gastro Taverna, Santorini Nautical Club and Anatomic Line and Volunteer Rescue Corps of Thira.

Lifeguard Partner is Lifeguard Patrol.

Integrity Services Provider is EAGLE Sports Integrity Services.

Supporters are University of Piraeus, Humanity Greece, Deree – The American College of Greece, Municipal Community of Thira.

Discount Partner is Marilyn Bar.

Special accommodation rates

The event will be supported by its Hospitality Sponsors, who offer special rates exclusively for event participants, further promoting the island and providing invaluable support to the event. Confirmed hotels include: Athina Luxury Suites, NOŪS Santorini, Sandblu Resort, Katikies Garden Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Santo Collection Resort & Villas, Apeiron Blue, Canaves Collection, 270 Oia’s View, Lydia’s House, Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, Magma Resort Santorini, Aqua Vista Hotels, Caldera Collection, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Thimari Lodge, Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa, Meltemi Suites, Meltemi Village, Atlantis Beach, Santo Houses, En Plo Boutique Suites, Mon Signor, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), Eteoro Suites Santorini, Sea Breeze Beach Resort Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Aja Retreat, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.

The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Tourism Organization.

Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Thira, the Department of Sports & Culture of the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group.

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

Website: www.santorini-experience.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/

XAccount: https://x.com/Sant_Experience

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@santoriniexperience2396

TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@santorini_experience

Media Contact:

Press Office:

Tel: +30 210 9312881

Email: [email protected]