Santorini: Two-Day Lionfish Event Targets Guinness Record with Famous Chefs

A two-day educational and culinary event dedicated to the lionfish will take place in Santorini on October 21 and 22, 2026. The initiative is organized by the Department of Oceanography and Marine Biosciences of the University of the Aegean under the European project GuardIAS of the Horizon Europe program. The action aims to inform residents, fishers, and professionals about the impact of this invasive species on marine ecosystems and highlight its potential for consumption.

The program starts on Wednesday, October 21, at 11:00 at the De Sol Hotel on the Fira-Pyrgos road, featuring presentations on the biology, origin, and impact of the species. On Thursday, October 22, from 16:00 to 21:00, the events move to Vlychada, at the Santo 1911 wine tourism venue of Santo Wines. There, culinary presentations of lionfish recipes will be delivered by acclaimed chefs, including Lefteris Lazarou, Yiannis Baxevanis, Christoforos Peskias, Ettore Botrini, Yiannis Lucacos, Michalis Chasikos, Nikos Roussos, and Alexandros Tsiotinis, along with guest chefs from the Cyclades and Crete.

The culinary showcase also features Andrea Karapanos from Monaco's Le Louis XV and Francesco Brutti from Venice's Michelin-starred Ristorante Venissa. Concurrently, an attempt will be made to break the Guinness World Record for the largest lionfish tasting, requiring at least 250 participants. The program also includes an educational game for children and will conclude with a music night dedicated to Santorini's tradition.