Santorini Experience 2026 will take place October 16–18, with a volcano-to-Fira swim, Caldera trail races, and a new 5K route in Kamari below Ancient Thera.
Now in its 12th year, the event combines open-water swimming and trail running on Santorini’s volcanic terrain. The 2026 edition includes the 2.4-kilometer swim through the Caldera, running routes from Oia, and the debut of the Ancient Thera Run 5K on the island’s eastern side.
The swimming race is scheduled for Saturday, October 17. Athletes will start from the Volcano and finish at the Old Port of Fira. The Santorini Boatmen Association will transport swimmers to the starting point, lifeguard boats will follow the race, and safety flotation buoys will be mandatory for all participants. Registered swimmers will also receive complimentary cable car access with race confirmation.
The trail races will take place on Sunday, October 18. The 15K Trail Run starts from the Desalination Plant in Oia and crosses volcanic slopes, cobblestone paths, narrow Caldera passages, and sections with elevation changes. It is the most demanding route of the weekend.
The 10K Trail Run will also start and finish at the Desalination Plant in Oia. The race is supported by SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group.
The 5K Trail Run “Aristides Alafouzos,” supported by Miele, remains part of the event and is open to both runners and dynamic walkers.
The new race for 2026 is the Ancient Thera Run 5K, powered by Sandblu Santorini. The route will take place in Kamari, between the sea and the mountain below Ancient Thera, one of Santorini’s major archaeological sites. Its addition brings the event to the eastern side of the island, away from the Caldera-facing routes in Oia and Fira.
Santorini Experience also enters 2026 after a strong awards year. The 2025 edition received seven Gold and three Silver honors at the Sports Marketing Awards 2026, as well as Gold and Silver distinctions at the Tourism Awards 2026.
The weekend will also include the second Santorini Experience Sunset Party on Saturday, October 17. DJ Vasilis Tsilichristos is scheduled to perform during sunset, with free admission for residents, athletes, and visitors.
Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Thira, the Department of Sports and Culture of the Municipality of Thira, and ActiveMedia Group. Registration for the running and swimming races is available through more.com.