You’ve travelled to Santorini, enjoyed the majestic seas, soaked up the sun and watched the one-of-a-kind Santorinian Sunset. What else is on? Plenty. From athletic events to classical concerts, in Santorini there is always something happening. Here are some great events to attend, from June until October.

For Art Lovers:

The Aegean Landscape

June 10-October 8

Santorini Arts Factory hosts “Beyond White,” a series by Greek photographer Eugenie Coumantaros. Drawing inspiration from the simple architecture of the island’s chapels and making the most of the Greek sunlight, the artist has captured the Aegean landscape in abstract: whitewashed flagstones, dry stone walls, branches of olive trees and the like are magnified, dominating her images and highlighting the beauty of the landscapes in which they are found.

new greek art

To October

The cultural activity platform #Rest@rt, which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, features visual artworks, sculptures, video-art projections and installations by distinguished Greek artists.

The aim of the platform, according to its artistic director, sculptor Kelly Athanasiadou, is to highlight the trends and vitality of the contemporary art world in Greece. 80 artists will present their work at exhibitions in Rhodes, Athens, and at two locations in Pyrgos, Santorini: the Aqua Gallery of the Art Hotel (part of the Aqua Vista Hotels group) and Voreina North Luxury Villas.

For Music Lovers:

a new take on the bouzouki

June 24 & August 26

The medieval village of Pyrgos, with its well-maintained mansions and wonderful churches, forms the perfect backdrop for the events being organized by Estia Pyrgou, the village’s cultural association.

One standout event in this year’s program is Optima, a performance by a group led by bouzouki master and composer Vaggelis Trigas. This renowned virtuoso innovatively arranges pieces from various music genres, pairing the bouzouki with classical instruments such as the piano, cello and mandolin. The first performance will take place at the association’s meeting house, and the second in the central square of the village.

musical journeys

July 25-August 28

Megaro Gyzi, the cultural center based in a historic 17th-c. mansion, together with St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cathedral, will host a range of free events during the Megaro Gyzi Festival.

The Choir of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), conducted by Dimitris Ktistakis, will take the audience on a journey through the Italian Renaissance, German romanticism and American

gospel. The Athens State Orchestra will present two of its exceptional musical ensembles. The program will also feature Syria-born oud player Haig Yazdjian, Greek singer Savina Yannatou, clarinet virtuoso Manos Achalinotopoulos and others.

summer festival

September 1-5

The Municipal Sports, Cultural and Environmental Organization of Santorini, together with the Municipality of Thira, will host the 4th Strongyli Festival, with noted singer-songwriters such as Alkinoos Ioannidis and Leonidas Balafas, together with groups like Kitrina Podilata (Yellow Bicycles) from the contemporary Greek music scene. The headliners will be fronted by local bands and performers.

perfect pairing

Until October 15

The melodies of Manos Hadjidakis mingle with jazz songs and latin beats in “Methexis,” a live music event with pieces chosen and performed by Marina Dimitriou. For the 5^th year running, the talented singer takes up residency at Santo Wines.

For Sports Lovers:

endurance sports

October 6-8

Now in its third year, the Santorini Experience is an exciting sports event which features open-water swimming and running. Swimmers will cover the distance from the volcano to the old port of Fira, while runners can choose between three routes of 5k, 10k or 15k, passing through the villages of Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. All routes start and finish at the Oia desalination plant.

defying gravity

October 7

Thousands of spectators will pack the alleys of Oia in the hope of securing a good spot to watch the final of the 7th Red Bull Art of Motion. Well-known freerunners, together with upand- coming athletes, will compete on one of the best natural freerunning courses in the world.

In order to qualify for the final, athletes must accumulate points based on the execution, creativity and flow of their movements, as well as being scored on their overall performances. The difficulty level of the maneuvers performed is also taken into account, as is the extent to which the course is utilized.

A Unique Festival:

the eruption

September 16

Every year, the “Ifestia” Festival recreates the volcanic eruptions that have sculpted the island’s dramatic landscape. A must-see event featuring sound, color and fireworks in a simulation of the earth’s convulsions, this show makes for an unforgettable and moving experience. For more information visit Thira’s official Site