Holidays in Santorini: what are the risks of earthquakes?

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Santorini is a true gem of the Cyclades, an island, or rather an archipelago, that captivates with its breathtaking panoramas, whitewashed villages, and legendary sunsets. Yet, behind this idyllic image lies a complex geological reality. Born from intense volcanic activity and crisscrossed by tectonic faults, the island is not immune to seismic risks. The numerous tremors felt at the beginning of 2025, which led to the evacuation of residents and tourists, served as a stark reminder. So, what are the earthquake risks in Santorini? In this article, we will explore the island’s geological context, the history of its tremors, and the measures implemented to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

An archipelago highly subject to seismic activity

Santorini’s uniqueness lies first and foremost in its volcanic formation. The island is part of the Greek volcanic arc, which stretches along the southeastern Aegean Sea. This volcanic landscape is the result of the subduction of the African Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, a phenomenon responsible for the seismic and volcanic activity in this part of the world.
The movements of these plates not only create the spectacular architecture of the caldera but also generate stresses that can be released in the form of earthquakes. In other words, Santorini’s beauty comes with an inherent natural risk linked to the dynamics of our planet. You can’t have it all…

Monitoring seismic activity in the region is therefore essential. Greek geological institutes, in collaboration with international organizations, continuously monitor the evolution of tectonic movements and any potential precursor signals of more intense activity.

Volcanoes and earthquakes: an explosive cocktail in Santorini

Santorini’s history is thus punctuated by events that testify to the power of nature. The most famous remains the volcanic eruption – which probably inspired the myth of Atlantis – and which profoundly marked the region around 1600 BC. However, beyond the major volcanic eruptions, the island also experiences regular seismic activity.

Throughout history, several notable earthquakes have been recorded in the region, although their intensity has varied. These events, while generally moderate, are closely monitored because they can signal changes in the underlying tectonic dynamics. For example, in 1956, a moderate earthquake—estimated at around 6.5 on the Richter scale according to some records, which is still quite significant—shook the island. It was one of the most powerful in the region’s history.

At this stage, it is important to point out that the frequency of earthquakes in Santorini is higher than in many other tourist destinations, but their impact is generally contained thanks to building standards and early warning systems.

🛎️ For a dream holiday, Santorini boasts some of the most beautiful hotels in Europe. Here is a selection of establishments with private pools.

What are the current seismic risks in Santorini?

Today, Santorini continues to experience regular seismic activity. Low-magnitude earthquakes, often imperceptible to humans, are a daily occurrence. However, the risk of stronger tremors always exists.

Recent studies indicate that the area around the caldera is subject to stresses that can occasionally release significant energy. This was the case at the beginning of 2025, when, in twelve days, more than 7,000 earthquakes of highly variable intensity were recorded in the maritime zone between Santorini and Amorgos, according to the seismology laboratory of the University of Athens.

Seismic sequences can last for several days, so it is important to stay constantly informed of announcements from the government or local authorities.

Earthquakes in Santorini: precautions to take

Faced with the long-documented seismic threat, local authorities have not remained inactive. Modern buildings adhere to strict earthquake-resistant standards. Historic buildings, meanwhile, undergo regular renovations and reinforcements to preserve their heritage while ensuring the safety of their users.

But in the face of particularly powerful storms, more concrete measures for visitors can sometimes be taken. This is the case with evacuations, for which reliable information from the authorities is crucial: for example, in early 2025, more than 11,000 residents and seasonal workers left Santorini, most being evacuated to mainland Greece by ferry and plane. Some tourists were nevertheless able to remain on the island… at their own risk.

In this case, ferry companies and airlines increase the number of flights and crossings to meet the increased demand.

To inform residents and tourists, the Greek government has launched an information website, My Safety Plan, which lists evacuation locations and provides updates on the threat level. Remember to check it frequently if you are travelling during an earthquake.

If the situation is likely to worsen, Athens can also declare a state of emergency on the archipelago. In that case, army, fire department, and police vehicles are deployed to Santorini. In early 2025, an emergency telecommunications station was also installed at the town hall, ready to be activated in the event of telecommunications problems related to a major earthquake.

Tourism remains one of Santorini’s economic pillars. Despite seismic risks, the island continues to attract millions of visitors each year, drawn by its unique charm and millennia-old history. However, the issue of safety is frequently raised by travellers.