Earthquake on Santorin: Experts warn of new dangers for vacationers!

Earthquake on Santorin: Experts warn of new dangers for vacationers!

Santorin, Griechenland - The seismic location on the popular holiday island of Santorin has caused excitement in recent weeks. On May 15, 2025, the ADAC that the intensity of the earthquakes, which had increased in February 2025, has now subsided. Despite this positive development, experts continue to warn against the possibility of a strong strawbeven or a volcanic eruption.

The damage to Santorinin has so far been classified as low, but a strong earthquake that has a thickness of 6 or more could result in severe destruction and even a tsunami. In particular, the underwater volcano Colombos, which is 15 kilometers northeast of Santorin and has a larger magma chamber at a depth of 5 to 10 kilometers, remains the focus of the observations. The last eruption of this volcano dates from the 17th century.

effects on tourism

On May 15, 2025, the locks and restrictions expired to Santorini, and the Federal Foreign Office defused the travel instructions for the region. Travelers are advised to find out about the current situation and to activate emergency notifications. Nevertheless, there are concerns in the travel industry about possible burglaries in the number of visitors in summer, since there was already a decline in the bookings before the earthquakes.

In addition, the tax for day tourists in the amount of 20 euros per day was postponed indefinitely. Travel providers have made it clear that package holidaymakers can cancel free of charge if the trip is affected by exceptional circumstances. A travel warning of the Federal Foreign Office is not absolutely necessary for free cancellation, which presents individual travelers to larger challenges.

seismic activity and context

Greece is one of the sunnest holiday destinations in Europe, but also a seismic region. More earthquake activity is registered here than in any other European country. The earthquakes mainly result from plate tectonic phenomena, especially on the Hellenic subduction zone, where the African plate pushes under the Eurasian plate. These processes lead to the development of mountains and volcanoes, the Aegean being a central location for geological activities.

on Santorinin was recorded up to 150 earthquakes per day in February 2025, and the Columbo volcano is suspected as the main cause of increased seismic activity. The local population is alerted; Older residents in particular remember the devastating earthquake from 1956. The emergency was proclaimed on February 6, 2025, schools and public institutions remained closed, but seismic activity has calmed down since mid -February 2025

The history of Greece is characterized by earthquakes that have destroyed many ancient cities. In 2024, the balance was about 200 earthquakes with a minimum magnitude of 4.0. The strongest earthquakes of the past 150 years are reminiscent of the risks associated with the situation of Greece, but a good network of seismological measurement stations and general rules of conduct enable better preparation for the population and visitors. In the event of a coastal proximity to an earthquake to higher areas, to avoid tsunami.

Overall, Santorini with his 16,000 inhabitants and up to three million annual visitors are a popular destination, whereby the cultural and natural attractions will continue to attract numerous travelers, despite the challenges that nature brings. While the situation stabilizes, it remains important to keep an eye on developments and travel responsibly.