Earthquake on Santorini: Holidaymakers in danger – travel carefully now!

Earthquake on Santorini: Holidaymakers in danger – travel carefully now!

In a recent wave of seismic activity in Greece, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake was recorded on June 3, 2023, with the epicenter southeast of Crete. This earthquake was clearly felt on Crete, but fortunately there were no injuries and only minor damage to buildings. The series of earthquakes in the region have also attracted the attention of seismologists, who are warning of the possibility of a stronger quake or a volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini. Such a strong quake could potentially trigger a tsunami, which could endanger other Aegean islands. ADAC reports.

A particular focus is on the underwater volcano Kolumbos, which is located northeast of Santorini. This volcano is under intense observation as signs of a possible magma chamber were recently discovered at a depth of 5 to 10 kilometers. Columbos experienced its last eruption in the 17th century and is a key site of seismic activity in the region. In the past, more specifically in February 2025, increased seismic activity was recorded in Santorini, with up to 150 earthquakes per day, leading to the evacuation of most residents and the closure of schools and public facilities Greece Moments informed.

Warnings and travel consequences

The German authorities, in particular the Foreign Office, have adjusted the travel advice for the region. Travelers to Santorini and Crete are strongly recommended to keep themselves informed about current developments in the media, hotels or tour operators. In addition, emergency notifications should be activated on mobile phones so that you can be informed quickly in the event of an emergency. There is concern in the travel industry about the potential negative impact on visitor numbers next summer. Even before the earthquakes, a decline in bookings could be observed.

Another relevant issue is the daily fee for tourists in Santorini, which was set at 20 euros but has been postponed indefinitely due to the earthquakes. Package holidaymakers can cancel their trips free of charge if exceptional circumstances significantly affect the trip. Individual travelers, on the other hand, face greater challenges as cancellation is only possible under certain conditions, particularly if flights and accommodation remain available.

Seismic activity in Greece

Greece is considered one of the sunniest holiday destinations in Europe, but also a seismically active region. Thanks to the movement of the African plate beneath the Eurasian plate, Greece experiences more earthquakes per year than any other European country. However, most of these earthquakes are not felt and fall below magnitude 1 to 3. Major earthquakes, with a magnitude greater than 6, are a rarity; The last major earthquake occurred off Samos in 2020 with a magnitude of 7.0.

The lava activity, particularly on Santorini with the Kolumbo and the Thera volcanoes, makes this region not only geologically interesting but also prone to earthquakes. Historically, some significant earthquakes have been documented in Greece, including an October 2020 quake that claimed two lives and another major quake in 2017 off Kos that caused significant damage.

With a population of around 16,000, Santorini attracts up to three million tourists annually, underscoring the importance of travel advisories and safety recommendations in this active seismic region.