Santorini Shakes As Hundreds Of Quakes Hit Aegean Sea, Tourist Exodus Underway

The Aegean region has been hit by a seismic storm with over 500 earthquakes between Santorini & Amorgos, prompting mass evacuations in Greece.

ByEsha Dasgupta Published: Feb 06, 2025 10:00 AM ICT2 min read

Santorini Shakes As Hundreds Of Quakes Hit Aegean Sea, Tourist Exodus Underway — Santorini, Greece | Image credit: Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A recent spike in seismic activity in Santorini, Greece, has raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake hitting the island soon. Over 200 tremors were recorded in the Aegean region between Santorini and Amorgos on February 1 and 2, 2025. A 4.9-magnitude tremor struck northeast of Santorini on February 3, 2025. More than 500 tremors have been recorded since January 28, 2025. Concerned residents and tourists are preemptively evacuating the island as a safety measure.

Greece lies along several fault lines between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, rendering it susceptible to earthquakes and tremors. Speculations exist regarding whether the earthquakes are linked to volcanic activity.

Earthquake tremors in Santorini: Authorities issue travel alert

#Greece Greek authorities advice for Santorini (Thira) and Amorgos, following increased seismic activity. Schools closed on 3 Feb and advice to avoid large indoor gatherings and ports of Amoudi and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira. https://t.co/tyZ679oyCf pic.twitter.com/lEDJNgQ8kV

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) February 1, 2025

Greek officials have advised the public to remain vigilant in the coming days, drain swimming pools, avoid large indoor gatherings, and avoid old, abandoned buildings. Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has cautioned against remaining too close to ports such as Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfu, and the Old Port of Fira, where cruise ships dock. Due to persistent tremors, authorities have restricted access to some seaside regions, particularly near the cliffs of Santorini.

Travellers are advised to select routes that are safe from landslides. Aegean Airlines has introduced additional flights to assist those departing the island. Tents have been erected in an outdoor stadium, and emergency disaster teams are on standby. The US and UK have issued travel advisories, urging citizens to exercise caution when visiting Santorini.

(Feature image credit: Pedro Szekely, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.