Santorini is back in business as it welcomed its first cruise ship of 2025 on Sunday, carrying 1,170 passengers—mostly Americans—eager to explore the island’s stunning vistas. After a tough stretch of seismic unrest, restrictions have lifted, and with a projected 10% rise in cruise traffic this year, locals are buzzing with optimism as they prepare for Easter visitors.
Tag: Seismic Activity
A barrage of earthquakes hit Amorgos on March 22, 2025, with the strongest reaching 4.0 on the Richter scale. Within an hour, multiple tremors ranging from 2.6 to 3.4 in magnitude rattled the region, centered near Arkesini, as reported by the Geodynamic Institute.
A 4.1 Richter earthquake rattled the island of Amorgos in the Cyclades early Friday morning, ending a long stretch of seismic calm. Striking at 05:47, the quake’s epicenter was 14 kilometers south-southwest of Arkesini, with a depth of 15 kilometers, according to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens. Minutes earlier, two smaller tremors of 3.3 and 2.9 Richter had also shaken the region.
Greece welcomed a record 8 million cruise passengers across 49 destinations in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to industry sources cited by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency. Santorini led as the top attraction despite temporary restrictions due to seismic activity, with authorities now working to safely resume cruise ship access near the island’s Athinio sea area in the coming days.
Eythymis Lekkas, a Professor of Natural Disasters, reassured that the risk of a significant earthquake in Santorini is decreasing due to the release of seismic energy through frequent minor quakes. Infrastructure reinforcement works are set to begin, aiming for completion before the tourist season, with complex projects planned for the following year. The current seismic activity has significantly reduced, suggesting a safer scenario for the island.
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck 7 km NNW of Zacháro, Greece, at 00:13 UTC today, shaking the Peloponnese region at a depth of 12 km. Reported by EMSC, the quake’s effects were felt over 200 km, with no immediate damage confirmed as monitoring continues.
Greece is set for a record-breaking tourism year in 2025, with Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni expressing optimism at the ITB Berlin exhibition. Early signs from the global travel market are overwhelmingly positive, with major industry players viewing Greece as a long-term investment. The country’s tourism strategy focuses on sustainability, extending the season, and promoting emerging destinations. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, Greece’s resilience as a safe and reliable destination remains a key strength, ensuring the country’s continued appeal to international travelers.
Santorini is set to welcome visitors this summer after a swarm of earthquakes shook the region, with schools reopening and seismic activity subsiding. Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni confirmed that Santorini will remain open to tourists, with safety measures in place. An international expedition is also underway to study the island’s volcanic activity.
A significant seismic event occurred in Ioannina at noon on Wednesday, March 5th, which was felt across a broad region. According to data from the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the earthquake registered at 4.1 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was pinpointed just 2 kilometers northwest of the city of Ioannina.
Schools on the Aegean islands of Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi are set to reopen on March 4 after being closed for several weeks due to a significant earthquake swarm. Despite ongoing minor tremors, experts are confident that seismic activity is subsiding, and life is returning to normal. The Greek government has also announced a support package for local businesses and workers affected by the earthquakes.
The Municipality of Thira will participate in ITB Berlin 2025 to enhance Santorini’s tourism profile, unveiling new promotional campaigns. This effort aims to support the local economy and community while promoting the island’s attractions, highlighting its unique geological and cultural heritage as it prepares for the upcoming travel season.
A 3.9-magnitude earthquake struck west of Kassos on Tuesday morning, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Geodynamic Institute of Greece. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Authorities have advised residents to follow official earthquake safety guidelines, including taking cover indoors, avoiding windows, and staying clear of unstable structures in open areas.
Schools in Santorini and nearby islands will reopen on March 4 after a month-long closure due to seismic activity. Authorities have determined that the risk has significantly declined, though precautionary measures remain in place. Residents and visitors are advised to follow safety guidelines, including avoiding abandoned buildings and landslide-prone areas.
Nearly two thousand years after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, destroying the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, scientists have uncovered a hauntingly rare phenomenon—a man’s brain turned into black glass.
Over 5,000 residents have returned to Santorini following a period of heightened seismic activity, a sign of cautious optimism for the popular tourist destination. The return comes after a decrease in the frequency and intensity of tremors. Local businesses are hopeful that this trend will continue, boosting the island’s tourism-dependent economy.
A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Rhodes late Monday night, with its epicenter 14 km west of Katavia, according to the Geodynamic Institute. The tremor, recorded at 23:46 local time, had a focal depth of 21.5 km. No damage or injuries have been reported, but authorities continue to monitor the situation in the seismically active Dodecanese region.
Scientists from the University of Athens report a “gradual decline” in the earthquake swarm near Santorini, offering hope to residents as thousands return to the island and surrounding areas.
Schools on the Greek islands of Santorini, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed until February 28, 2025, as authorities monitor seismic activity in the region. While tremors near Anydros have subsided, officials continue to assess risks, particularly within the Santorini caldera. A decline in ground deformation has been noted, but experts will review the situation before reopening schools.
The Greek government is evaluating a financial aid package for businesses on Santorini if seismic activity continues after Easter, following concerns about its impact on tourism. The proposed support would extend to businesses and employees, resembling the Covid-19 relief measures, while calls for expanded aid grow from trade unions.
Professor Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, warned that seismic activity in Santorini, which has already produced over 20,000 earthquakes, could persist for weeks or even months. While the risk of a 6.0-magnitude quake has lessened, a university team is on-site assessing potential landslide dangers using advanced technology….