Europe’s most popular island, Santorini in Greece, has been rocked by hundreds of tremors and a 5.4 magnitude earthquake this week leading to thousands fleeing – but is the island still safe to travel to?
Santorini: Aerial footage shows beautiful Greek island
Santorini, in Greece, has been rocked by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake this week, which is the biggest yet to hit the holiday hotspot.
In total, more than 200 tremors have been detected in recent days making many question whether it is currently safe to travel to the island. Santorini is known for being one of Europe’s most popular islands. attracting a record-breaking 3.5 million tourists in 2024. The island is crescent-shaped, formed by volcanic activity around 3,500 years ago.
Over the past 72 hours, Santorini has experienced more than 300 undersea tremors, with many reaching above 4.5 on the Richter Scale. Schools across the island have been evacuated and around 6,000 residents have left.
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The Foreign Office is issuing this advice: “The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has issued advice for Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, following increased seismic activity in the area. People are advised not to attend large indoors gatherings and to avoid old or abandoned buildings.
“The Greek Ministry advises people to avoid the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira and to choose safe routes when travelling, particularly in areas where the landslide risk is high. In case of a strong tremor, people should immediately depart coastal areas.
“If you are in the affected areas, you should follow the advice of the local authorities. For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, please visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English).”
Whilst holidaymakers are rare in Santorini in the winter, tourists should follow the advice of the local authorities of the area you are in.
Additional flights are currently being implemented by Aegean Airlines and Sky Express between Santorini and Athens, with the cheapest one-way ticket costing around €75 (£62).
If caught during a tremor or earthquake, the Greek Civil Protection is advising individuals to move away from buildings, electric or telephone cables and to cover their head with a briefcase or purse if available. If in a vehicle, individuals should drive to an open space and stop the car carefully, avoid tunnels, bridges or pedestrian overpasses.
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If indoors, then individuals should take cover under sturdy furniture such as a table or desk and then kneel and hold the furniture legs with their hands. If there is no sturdy furniture around, kneel in the middle of the room, lowering your height as much as possible while protecting your head and nape.
For holidaymakers due to travel to Santorini in the coming months, but no longer wanting to travel – it is unlikely that you will be covered by your travel insurance as it would be categorised as “disinclination to travel”. However, if there is damage to the place you are due to stay and your trip cannot go ahead, then your holiday company will usually allow you to choose between a full refund or a different holiday.
