The earthquake swarm which centered around Santorini seems to have dampened down now. The Greek authorities have reopened schools, and the pre-positioned emergency teams have all been returned to their bases around the country.
Now that the ongoing earthquakes have decreased, the island is preparing to welcome tourists for the upcoming season. All this doesn’t mean there are no earthquakes, at the time of this post they are in the range of 1.0 to 2.5. If you were wondering if it is safe to travel to Santorini this summer this information could help you decide.
Is it safe to travel to Santorini?
Is it safe to travel to Santorini this summer? The Greek authorities think that it is. They continue to monitor the situation closely. While some tremors were felt in early March, experts have assured that there is no immediate threat to residents and visitors, and the island remains stable. Santorini is also back on the cruise route, allowing cruise ship arrivals.
Experts and the government are confident
‘Santorini is steadily returning to normal despite recent seismic activity and preparing for a dynamic tourism season’, according to Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni.
It is safe to travel to Santorini. Santorini is an organized, and responsible destination, fully prepared to welcome travelers from around the world according the Greek Minister of Tourism.
Experts have assured that there is no immediate threat to residents and visitors. The Hellenic Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), recently stated that the chances of an earthquake occurring are now similar to those before the onset of activity in February. “The difficult period is over, and we have returned to normality,” he said.
Fake news
Antonis Pagonis, president of the Santorini Hoteliers Association, addressed false claims in an interview with GTP Headlines, urging the public, tour operators, and travel agents to rely on trustworthy sources. “Santorini has been mercilessly hit with targeted fake news for many days. This is truly outrageous,” Pagonis said. He highlighted that certain videos circulating online were outdated, with one old CNN video being misleadingly presented as if it were current (it originally aired February 5th).
“There are websites that are claiming Santorini is closed for the next two or three months. All of this is perjury,” he said, adding that the association has already sent extrajudicial notices to the websites. Pagonis explained that these false reports are damaging the island’s reputation, but he made it clear that Santorini is safe, open, and thriving.
Santorini is back to 100 percent normality,” he confirmed. “Everything is open, and all the swimming pools are full!
“There are no hotels in these areas with measures,” he said. Furthermore, he reassured tourists that Santorini remains one of the safest destinations, noting that the U.S. Embassy has placed the island at the lowest risk level (Level 1), compared to other popular cities like Rome and Paris, which are classified at higher levels.
Precautionary measures for visitor safety
Following seismic activity, authorities have introduced precautionary measures to protect both residents and tourists. These measures, set to remain in effect for two months, include structural evaluations and additional safeguards to reduce potential risks.
Although restrictions have been lifted, travelers should stay informed about the current situation and adhere to any guidelines or advisories issued by local authorities. If you want to know if it is safe to travel to Santorini this summer, stay tuned to this blog, I will keep you updated and add any new information available.
Are earthquakes common in Santorini?
Overall, earthquakes are a normal part of life in Greece. They are relatively common due to its location in a seismically active zone. Greece sits at the convergence of several tectonic plates. The movement of these plates causes frequent seismic activity.
While small earthquakes are common and generally not a cause for concern, Santorini has experienced significant eruptions and larger tremors in its history, the most famous being the eruption around 1600 BCE that reshaped the island. Today, Santorini remains an active volcanic region, and while it’s not unusual to feel tremors, major destructive earthquakes are relatively rare.
And what makes Santorini unique in Greece, is that it sits atop a volcanic caldera, which is a type of crater formed by a volcanic eruption, and volcanic activity often leads to earthquakes. These quakes are typically caused by movements in the Earth’s crust, volcanic pressure, or magma movement beneath the surface.
Other Greek islands for families
Santorini is a unique island, unmatched in its beauty and landscape. However, the other Cycladic islands are equally breathtaking, each offering its own distinct appeal. Among them, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos stand out as my personal favorites for families, combining white-washed picturesque houses with incredible sandy beaches.
But there are plenty of options beyond the Cyclades in Greece for families seeking a relaxed and kid-friendly destination. Islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu provide beautiful beaches, shallow waters, and a variety of family activities perfect for all ages. Here are a few ideas for an unforgettable family getaway in Greece with young kids:
