Santorini earthquake updates: travel tips & safety guidelines
Updates and useful tips
Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous islands, has recently experienced some seismic activity that raised concerns about a volcanic eruption. Local authorities have kept a close eye on the situation to ensure the safety of locals and visitors alike.
At the moment, Greek authorities and experts indicate that life is returning to normal on the island.
Here’s what you need to know about the current conditions in Santorini:
Ferry availability from/to Santorini
Given the recent seismic activity, ferry services have resumed normal operations. For the time being, ferries run to Santorini regularly from Athens, Crete, and other islands in the Cyclades. Check out our dedicated page for more information about Santorini ferries.
The most popular ferry route to Santorini connects the island with the port of Piraeus in Athens. For more details on schedules and ticket bookings, visit our Athens (Piraeus) - Santorini and Santorini - Athens (Piraeus) pages.
What is the current situation in Santorini following the recent seismic activity?
As of April 1, 2025, seismic activity has significantly decreased, and the situation has stabilized.
The recent seismic activity in Santorini began on January 31, 2025, and continued for a few weeks. Τhe Greek government declared a state of emergency on February 6, 2025, which remained in effect until March 3, 2025. During this period, small earthquakes were recorded near Santorini, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4.9 northeast of the island. There have also been reports of other 4.3 and 3.9 tremors in the surrounding area.
According to Greek authorities and seismologists, these tremors were due to tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic activity. The Santorini caldera, the volcanic basin around which the island is formed, is stable, and there are no signs of increased volcanic activity.
Has Santorini experienced similar seismic activity in the past?
Yes, Santorini’s volcano has gone through similar periods of seismic activity before without leading to an eruption. Between 2011 and 2012, geological movements beneath the surface indicated magma activity, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's Global Volcanism Program.
The last volcanic eruption on the island was in 1950 and it was relatively small, creating a lava dome and sending ash clouds a few hundred meters into the sky. While past activity doesn’t necessarily predict future events, experts continue to monitor the region closely.
Are there any precautionary measures or travel restrictions in Santorini?
As of April 1, 2025, the Greek government has declared the island safe for visitors, and tourism operations have resumed.
However, certain precautionary measures remain in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. On March 14, 2025, a Joint Ministerial Decision introduced temporary restrictions scheduled to be in effect until mid-May, including:
- Controlled traffic flow at Athinios Port. The goal is to reduce congestion on the port's road network.
- Restricted access to specific areas, such as the Old Port of Fira, the Cable Car facilities, Korfos Thirasia, the eastern part of the Armeni Oia settlement, and certain paths in Ammoudi.
What are the experts saying about the seismic activity in Santorini?
During an emergency meeting led by the Prime Minister on February 2, 2025, Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OSAP) and the Ministry of Civil Protection confirmed that there are no signs of an imminent volcanic eruption.
However, they acknowledged that while the risk remains low, it cannot be entirely ruled out. Monitoring efforts continue by the University of Athens’ Seismological Laboratory.
View of Nea Kameni, the volcanic island at the heart of Santorini's caldera
Safety tips for traveling to Santorini during seismic activity
If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, here are some simple precautions to keep in mind:
- Follow updates from official sources such as the Greek Civil Protection Agency and local authorities.
- Respect any local safety guidelines, especially if certain ports or public areas are temporarily restricted.
- In the event of a tremor, stay calm and follow recommended earthquake safety procedures (e.g., moving away from glass windows and heavy furniture).
- For visitors staying in hotels or rental accommodations, it’s a good idea to become familiar with emergency procedures and designated safe zones in case of further tremors.
- If you want to feel safer during your visit, pack comfortable shoes and an emergency kit with essentials like water, snacks, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger, in case of unexpected situations.
- Νote that Seajets, Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries are the main companies operating routes to Santorini. You can always check the operators' websites and Ferryhopper for updates on ferry schedules, cancellations, or any changes due to seismic activity.
