A rockfall on Sunday in the cliffside village of Imerovigli on Santorini, alarmed tourists and residents but was later downplayed by local authorities as a common occurrence linked to the island’s geology.

The Municipality of Thera, in a statement issued Wednesday, stressed there was “no reason for concern”, describing landslides along the slopes of the caldera as a usual phenomenon caused by the island’s volcanic terrain. Authorities added that the incident “posed no danger” and emphasized that safety measures are in place to protect residents and infrastructure.

The municipality also rejected media reports claiming construction work triggered the rockfall, clarifying that all forms of building are prohibited during the peak tourist season.

However, geologists and other experts noted that the location is particularly vulnerable, citing years of excessive development on the island’s fragile caldera slopes. In response, officials said existing protections, such as fencing, shielding networks, and other reinforcements, are being maintained, with further interventions planned under a Joint Ministerial Decision issued after February’s earthquakes.

“Such incidents, while alarming, rarely present immediate danger,” the municipality said, underlining that its top priority is ensuring the safety of residents and visitors as well as safeguarding Santorini’s reputation as a premier global destination.

Santorini faced challenges again earlier this year, after weeks of tremors and earthquakes rattled the island, raising more concerns about the resilience of its terrain.