The intense seismic activity that has been shaking the island of Santorini since the end of January appears to have shifted to lower-magnitude earthquakes, encouraging residents to return to their homes and prepare for the 2025 tourist season.
Since late January, Santorini has experienced tens of thousands of earthquakes of varying magnitudes, with some exceeding 5.0, prompting many islanders to flee in fear to Athens.
A cat walks in the village of Oia, as the increased seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 8, 2025. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas
Santorini, one of the world’s most famous islands, is typically bustling with tourists and preparations for the summer season at this time of year. However, fears of a large and deadly earthquake—or even volcanic activity—have turned its streets into a ghost town since the seismic activity began.
Constant Earthquakes of Smaller Magnitudes
According to renowned Greek seismologist Akis Tselentis, there has been a decline in larger-magnitude earthquakes. However, smaller tremors continue to shake the area persistently.
Islanders and tourists flee Santorini for fear of even stronger quake. Photo: Kostas Tzoumas/Eurokinissi
Tselentis emphasizes that “the phenomenon is ongoing” and urges residents and visitors to follow the safety measures recommended by the committees.
Residents Returning Despite Risks
At the height of the seismic activity, over 10,000 residents fled Santorini, seeking refuge with friends and family or at hotels in Athens and other parts of Greece, waiting to see how the situation would evolve.
At the time, seismologists had not ruled out the possibility of an earthquake exceeding 6.0 in magnitude and even warned that the formation of a new volcano was a potential risk.
Firemen patrol in the village of Fira as the increased seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 7, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
While the threat of a major earthquake remains, residents appear determined to adapt to the “new normal” of continuous small tremors.
A Critical Period for Santorini’s Economy
According to official data from Greece’s Department of Civil Protection of the Municipality of Thira, around 5,500 residents returned to the island between February 12 and February 26.
This time of year is critical for Santorini’s economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism. Islanders typically spend the spring preparing for the summer season, but ongoing seismic activity has disrupted these preparations.
As residents return, Greek civil protection authorities have assured the public that they remain vigilant and prepared for all scenarios—including potential evacuations.
