Earthquake alarm on Crete: vacationers are concerned-what to do now!

Earthquake alarm on Crete: vacationers are concerned-what to do now!

Kreta, Griechenland - In the past few months, travelers around Crete have been shaken by a series of earthquakes. The strongest quake occurred on May 22, 2025 with a thickness of 6.1 on the Richter scale, and was noticeable to Athens as well as the Kykladen and Cyprus. Seismologists have seen that this quake occurred above the diving part of the fixed record Crete, and nine aftershock followed, the intensity of which was between 2.5 and 3.5. As a result of the earthquakes, damage to property occurred, for example, part of a building in Heraklion collapsed, while products fell in supermarkets from shelves. According to reports, some vacationers were awakened by the shocks in the early morning.

The repeated earthquakes in the region lead to an increased worry factor among travelers. Despite the unsettling situation, travelers are often unsuspecting about their legal possibilities in the event of such natural events. According to the ADAC, earthquakes are considered "extraordinary circumstances". This means that neither tour operators nor airlines are obliged to make compensation.

Travel conditions and claims

Vacationers should know that fears due to earthquakes usually do not justify a free cancellation of a booked trip. Travelers who are affected by an earthquake are usually not entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses. On the other hand, the situation is different for package tours: tour operators have to offer their customers replacement accommodations if their safety is at risk. In extreme cases, if there is panic at the destination and the situation is unclear, free cancellation can be possible under special conditions.

For individually booked flights and accommodations, travelers are responsible for the organization of replacement accommodations and flights. Support should be requested directly from the German Consulate or the German Embassy. Especially when traveling closer to closer trips, it is advisable to contact your own tour operator in order to discuss the current danger situation.

Helpful information for travelers

Although Greece is one of the most earthiest countries in Europe, stricter building regulations have ensured that there have been hardly any fatalities in recent years. Travel warnings of the Federal Foreign Office must be taken seriously, but not absolutely binding for tour operators. Affected travelers should be aware that they cannot expect a refund for prices that have already been paid for benefits.

The current earthquake series and the associated tsunami warning were classified as unlikely by disaster protection, but the danger situation remains an important topic for travelers. Particularly endangered areas in Greece include Crete, Lesbos, Chios and Samos. A comprehensive understanding of the current situation is of great importance for vacationers who are traveling in these areas to ensure their security and those of their companions.