Is it safe to travel to the Cyclades, Greece, and Santorini in 2025?
The Cyclades, a picturesque group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, has been a major tourist destination over the past years. However, they have experienced heightened seismic activity lately, particularly in January and February 2025.
During that time, there was a surge in earthquakes near Santorini and Amorgos, which has raised concerns among visitors about whether it is still safe to travel to the Cyclades and Santorini in 2025.
Living on the Greek island of Syros during this time, we exactly know what happened, how the locals and government reacted, and whether or not the Cyclades are still safe to travel to in 2025.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know for your upcoming travels to the Cycladic Greek islands.
Causes of frequent earthquakes in Greece
Greece experiences frequent earthquakes because it sits at the convergence of two major tectonic plates: the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Greece is one of the most seismically active areas in Europe due to the continuous movement and interaction of these plates.
The African Plate is slowly moving northward and subducting (sliding under) the Eurasian Plate. This subduction process creates intense seismic activity and a network of active fault lines. When these fault lines accumulate stress, they release it as earthquakes.
These faults are spread across the mainland and the islands, leading to frequent earthquakes along what they call the Hellenic Arc, which includes Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Cyclades.
Why are there so many earthquakes in the Cyclades?
The Cyclades, including Santorini, Amorgos, and Naxos, are located within the Hellenic Arc, where subduction causes frequent earthquakes.
The Aegean Microplate (a smaller plate within the Eurasian Plate) is being pulled apart in different directions. This stretching creates additional fault lines, increasing seismic activity.
Especially around Santorini and Amorgos, there is a long history of significant earthquakes. The Santorini Caldera, part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, is a result of past massive volcanic eruptions.
While recent earthquakes are not linked to volcanic activity, the presence of magma chambers beneath Santorini also influences local seismic movements. One of the strongest in modern history was the 1956 Amorgos Earthquake (M7.5), which also triggered a tsunami.
Recent seismic activity in the Cyclades
Since late January 2025, the Cyclades have been subjected to a significant increase in seismic events. For example, between January 26 and February 8, the Seismology Laboratory of the University of Athens recorded approximately 12,800 earthquakes in the Santorini-Amorgos zone, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.3.
The epicenters of these quakes have primarily been located between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos, but some of the stronger earthquakes have been felt all over the Cyclades, even in Athens.
The current seismic activity is primarily attributed to tectonic movements and is not linked to volcanic activity. While Santorini is home to an active volcano, experts have clarified that there is no direct correlation between the ongoing seismic events and volcanic unrest. Consequently, the likelihood of a volcanic eruption is minimal.
Map of the Cyclades with the earthquakes happening between Santorini and Amorgos in the Cyclades (source: Earthquakes Greece)
Impact of the earthquakes on Santorini
Santorini, known for its stunning caldera and sunsets, has been notably affected by the recent seismic events during that time. In response to the increased activity, authorities have implemented several precautionary measures such as traffic restrictions (certain areas prone to rockslides have been closed), school closures, and emergency preparedness (evacuation routes are being established).
Despite these measures, the island has experienced minimal structural damage so far. However, there has been a noticeable departure of residents, tourists, and workers due to safety concerns.
Impact of the earthquakes on the other Cycladic Islands
Besides the Cycladic Islands located directly around the epicenter (Santorini, Amorgos, Ios, and Anafi), the effects on the other Cyclades have been minimal.
We have been living on Syros during the winter months when the seismic storm happened, and have only felt a couple of the stronger earthquakes, but very mildly, without causing any damage or distress. Only during the first two weeks, schools have been closed as a precaution, but after that, everything resumed as normal.
Read more: How to get from Athens to Syros by ferry
What to do if you are in the Cyclades and a major earthquake hits?
First of all, we would like to point out that the chances of a major earthquake in the Cyclades are small, so there is no need to be anxious about it. However, scientists can’t rule out that it could happen.
By knowing what to do during and after an earthquake, you can stay safe while visiting or living in the Cyclades. Follow these guidelines:
- During the earthquake: drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck (under a table), avoid glass windows, mirrors, shelves, and heavy furniture, and do not run outside (this is when most injuries happen). If you are outdoors, protect your head, move to an open area, and if you are driving, stay in your vehicle.
- After the earthquake: move to a safe area (as aftershocks may follow), and provide first aid if necessary.
If the shaking is strong and lasts over 20 seconds, assume there could be a tsunami risk. Move at least 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level or 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) inland as fast as possible.
Safety of traveling to Santorini and the Cyclades in 2025
As the tourist season of 2025 is approaching, many people wonder whether it is safe to travel to the Greek Islands, the Cyclades, and Santorini. And our general answer is yes, you can travel to the Cyclades in 2025.
The chances of a major earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic eruption are extremely low. That being said, they can never be completely ruled out but authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. A volcanic eruption can usually be predicted, and if a major earthquake or tsunami happens, check the previous paragraph on what to do.
Always make sure to follow the safety guidelines and stay informed. On the site Earthquakes Greece, you can follow all the recent earthquakes or you could also download an earthquake app to continuously be updated on your smartphone.
Just so you know, even during the intensive seismic activity, the Foreign Office has not issued any travel restrictions and that is not likely to happen soon. It’s essential for travelers, however, to always review their insurance policies to understand coverage related to earthquake disruptions.
Which other Cycladic islands to go to if you want to avoid Santorini?
As mentioned above, unless the government declares otherwise, it’s completely safe to travel to the Cyclades in 2025. But, since Santorini lies in the epicenter, some people might want to avoid it for now (although maybe 2025 is the time to come to Santorini as prices might be lower and it could be less crowded).
That doesn’t mean you should avoid all Cycladic islands in 2025 though! There are many more fantastic Cycladic islands to visit besides Santorini, which are far enough from the epicenter to have major consequences if something happens. Consider going to Syros, Milos, Mykonos, Paros, Sifnos, etc. and you’ll have a fantastic time as well!
Read more: Best Cycladic islands to visit in 2025, besides Santorini and Mykonos