Another earthquake off Crete: Holidaymakers on Santorini on alert!

Another earthquake off Crete: Holidaymakers on Santorini on alert!

On May 22, 2025, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the regions off Crete and Santorini. The epicenter was about 82 kilometers northeast of Heraklion on Crete at a depth of 68 kilometers. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were initially reported. The earthquake was not the first in recent memory; A similar earthquake occurred on May 14th, unsettling travelers and residents in this seismically active region.

The tremors were felt in various parts of the Greek islands, including the island of Kasos, and were felt as far away as Kos, Rhodes and Santorini. Greek authorities issued a precautionary tsunami warning after the first earthquake on May 14th. Since the end of January 2025, numerous earthquakes have been recorded around Santorini, making the current seismic activity comparable to that of 1964. In the last seven days, over 1,700 earthquakes were recorded, many of them with magnitudes between 2 and 3.

Travel advice and safety measures

The Federal Foreign Office updated the travel advice for Greece on May 15, 2025. There is currently no travel warning, just a travel advisory. Holidaymakers are obliged to take booked trips, as concern alone is not enough for free cancellations. Package travelers only have the option of free cancellation if the impact is serious, such as uninhabitable accommodation.

However, the situation is precarious. Individual travelers face cancellation challenges, especially when flights and accommodations are available. Travel cancellation insurance generally does not cover natural events. Experts are also warning of the possibility of a strong quake or even a volcanic eruption, adding to concerns in the travel industry. There has already been a decline in bookings and many are concerned about a possible dip in visitor numbers over the summer.

Current situation on Santorini

On Santorini itself, the intensity of the earthquakes has decreased, but there has not yet been a final all-clear. However, damage has so far been minimal. Experts warn that a strong quake (magnitude 6 or greater) could cause significant destruction and possibly a tsunami. The underwater volcano Kolumbos, 15 kilometers northeast of Santorini, poses an additional risk because there is a larger magma chamber at a depth of 5-10 kilometers. The last eruption of Columbo dates back to the 17th century.

Travelers should inform themselves about the current situation and activate emergency notifications. The Greek platform mysafetyplan.gov.gr shows emergency accommodation in real time, and the German Research Center for Geosciences advises not to choose accommodation in narrow streets or poorly secured high-rise buildings.

With its 16,000 inhabitants, Santorini is a popular holiday destination that attracts up to three million visitors every year. Despite the current situation, previous earthquakes have already affected the travel plans of many, and it remains to be seen how package tour operators will react if seismic activity occurs again. The planned tax on day-trippers has also been postponed indefinitely as tour operators and travelers continue to adapt to ongoing uncertainty.