Santorini, the world-renowned Greek island known for its breathtaking caldera views and iconic whitewashed architecture, has been rattled by a surge in seismic activity, with more than 200 tremors recorded between Friday and Sunday. The earthquakes, which experts attribute to tectonic rather than volcanic activity, have led Greek authorities to implement precautionary measures, including school closures, restricted access to certain ports, and heightened emergency preparedness.
According to Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry, tremors ranging from magnitudes of 2.8 to 4.8 have been detected between Santorini and the neighbouring island of Amorgos. While the activity does not currently indicate an impending volcanic eruption, seismologists remain on high alert.
BREAKING NEWS: 🇬🇷 Earthquakes in Santorini over 200 in 48 hours.
— News & Statistics (@News_Statistic) February 2, 2025
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“This does not necessarily mean that a major earthquake is imminent, but we must take precautions,” said Professor Costas Papazachos, a leading Greek seismologist, adding that, while it is possible for the activity to dissipate without further escalation, the worst-case scenario could involve a quake of magnitude 6.0 or greater.
Gerasimos Papadopoulos, another seismic expert, noted that the recent earthquake cluster could indicate further seismic events. “All scenarios remain open,” he wrote on social media, adding that the frequency and magnitude of tremors have increased.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened an emergency meeting in Athens to assess the situation, while officials on Santorini prepare for potential evacuations. Tents have been set up in outdoor stadiums and police, fire brigades and disaster response units are on high alert. In an effort to minimize public risk, schools have been temporarily closed on Santorini, as well as on the nearby islands of Amorgos, Ios and Anafi.
Πλήθος ανθρώπων, ταλαιπωρημένοι και φοβισμένοι βιάζονται να μπουν στο πρώτο πλοίο της ημέρας που έφτασε στο λιμάνι Αθηνιός της Σαντορίνης. Δείτε περισσότερα
— in.gr/news (@in_gr) February 3, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/Atk523COja#santorini #SantoriniVolcano #Σαντορινη #Σαντορινης #σεισμος #ηφαιστειο #ingr pic.twitter.com/FmY5e2dSDN
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid the ports of Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Fira’s main harbour, which serves cruise ships. Additionally, hotels have been instructed to drain their swimming pools to reduce structural damage risks in case of a stronger earthquake.
While earthquakes are common in Greece, Santorini sitting on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a region known for its seismic and volcanic history, the intensity and frequency of the recent tremors have left many residents and visitors unsettled. Local resident Michalis Gerontakis described the experience as unnerving, saying “[he has] never felt anything like this before—an earthquake every 10 or 20 minutes. Everyone is anxious.”
Santorini’de kayalar düşmeye başladı.#deprem #Yunanistan #greece pic.twitter.com/4B6k1LdGKT
— İzmir Hava Durumu (@izmirhavadurmu) February 3, 2025
Despite everyone’s anxiety, Santorini’s mayor, Nikos Zorzos, reassured the public, emphasizing that emergency measures are precautionary rather than indicative of an impending catastrophe. “Being prepared does not mean that something will happen,” he said.
While there is no immediate evacuation order, Greek authorities continue to evaluate the situation daily. Tourists and residents are advised to stay informed, follow official guidance, and remain cautious in high-risk areas.
The island has a long history of seismic and volcanic activity, its particular landscape being shaped by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, which occurred around 1600 BC. The explosion devastated the island, leaving behind its distinctive crescent-shaped caldera. The last significant volcanic activity in the area was recorded in 1950.
The most devastating earthquake in recent history struck Santorini on 9 July 1956, measuring 7.5 in magnitude. It triggered a 25-metre-high tsunami, resulting in the deaths of at least 53 people and the destruction of one-third of the island’s homes.
