About this event
Every October, the stunning island of Santorini transforms into a haven for athletes and adventure seekers from around the world. The Santorini Experience 2026 invites participants to challenge themselves amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Greece's most famous volcanic island.From trail running to open-water swimming, this event is more than just a competition—it's an opportunity to experience Santorini's unique geography in a way that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing."Santorini Experience is not simply a race weekend. It is a chance to move through Santorini’s villages, admire the Aegean from the caldera edge and experience the volcanic environment in a way that ordinary sightseeing cannot match."The Story of Santorini ExperienceA Journey Through Time and TerrainNow in its 12th edition, the Santorini Experience combines competitive sports with the island’s extraordinary geography. Athletes from around the world gather to run across volcanic paths, coastal roads, and cliffside settlements, while swimmers cross the Caldera from the volcano to the Old Port of Fira.Organised in partnership with the Municipality of Thira, the event is a collaboration between the municipality’s Sports and Culture Department and ActiveMedia Group. With multiple island locations, participants can discover several sides of Santorini:Kamari, beneath Ancient TheraThe volcanic islet inside the CalderaOld Port of FiraOiaImerovigliFirostefaniThe caldera paths and volcanic trails of SantoriniThe 2026 ExperienceA Three-Day Sporting ExtravaganzaThe confirmed Santorini Experience 2026 programme runs for three days:Friday, 16 October 2026: Ancient Thera Run 5K in KamariSaturday, 17 October 2026: 2.4 km open-water swim from the volcano to the Old Port of FiraSunday, 18 October 2026: 5 km, 10 km and 15 km trail races starting and finishing in OiaThe event brings together professional runners, amateur athletes, open-water swimmers, triathletes, families, supporters, and destination travellers from Greece and beyond. Designed to be accessible to a broad range of participants, the event offers something for everyone, from seasoned athletes to newcomers.Into the WatersThe Open-Water Swim ChallengeThe Santorini Experience open-water swim takes place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 9:30 a.m. The route is one of the event’s defining experiences:Distance: 2.4 km, or 1.5 milesStart: Volcanic islet in Santorini’s CalderaFinish: Old Port of FiraCourse type: Open-water sea swimParticipants are transported by boat from the Old Port of Fira to the volcano, where the race begins in the water. The swim crosses deep caldera waters, offering a unique perspective of the island's steep cliffs, volcanic rock, and whitewashed settlements.Trail Running Through the CalderaSunday's Scenic RacesThe running programme takes place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, with races starting and finishing near the Desalination Plant in Oia.Participants can choose from:5 km trail run10 km trail run15 km trail runThe routes pass through some of Santorini’s most beautiful and demanding scenery, including volcanic terrain, village lanes, and caldera paths. The 15 km race, the most challenging option, is designed for experienced runners comfortable with elevation changes and uneven surfaces.Everything You Need Before October 16Practical Information and TipsRegistration and ticket sales for Santorini Experience 2026 are managed online through more.com. Athletes should review the official registration page for pricing, registration deadlines, and requirements.Before entering, check:Race entry feeRegistration deadlineMedical certificate requirementsAge restrictionsBib collection timesCancellation and transfer termsCourse mapsEquipment guidanceSafety rulesEvent insuranceShuttle or boat arrangementsThira Municipality residents can participate free of charge, subject to the organisers’ local registration process.Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Things People Always Want to KnowWhen is Santorini Experience 2026?Santorini Experience 2026 takes place from Friday, 16 October to Sunday, 18 October 2026.What races are included in Santorini Experience 2026?The event includes the Ancient Thera Run 5K, a 2.4 km open-water swim, and 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km trail races.Where does the Santorini Experience swim start and finish?The 2.4 km swim starts at the volcanic islet inside the Caldera and finishes at the Old Port of Fira.When is the Santorini Experience open-water swim?The swim takes place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 9:30 a.m.Where do Santorini Experience trail races take place?The 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km trail races take place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, starting and finishing in Oia.How much does Santorini Experience cost?Entry fees vary by event and registration period. Historical race fees have started from around €35 for selected shorter distances, but athletes should verify official 2026 prices before entering.Is Santorini Experience suitable for beginners?The Ancient Thera Run 5K and Oia 5K can suit newer runners who are prepared for uneven terrain. The 15 km trail run and 2.4 km open-water swim are better suited to experienced athletes.Verified Information at a GlanceEvent Name: Santorini Experience 2026Event Category: Trail running, open-water swimming, and sports tourismConfirmed Dates: Friday, 16 October to Sunday, 18 October 2026Friday Event: Ancient Thera Run 5KFriday Date and Time: 16 October 2026, 5:30 p.m.Friday Location: Kamari, near Ancient TheraSaturday Event: Open-water swimSaturday Date and Time: 17 October 2026, 9:30 a.m.Swim Distance: 2.4 km, or 1.5 milesSwim Route: Volcano in the Caldera to the Old Port of FiraSunday Events: 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km trail racesSunday Date: 18 October 2026Running Location: Oia, with routes through Santorini’s caldera landscapeRace Registration: Online through more.comResident Participation: Thira Municipality residents can participate free of charge through local registration proceduresPricing: Varies by race, availability, and registration periodBest For: Runners, open-water swimmers, triathletes, active travellers, couples, and endurance-sport supportersReserve 16 to 18 October 2026 for Santorini Experience, step onto volcanic trails or into the Caldera’s deep blue water, and discover how this remarkable island turns every stride and stroke into a journey through the Aegean.```