Earthquakes in Santorini: what to know if you have a trip planned

A series of tremors has been recorded on the Greek island of Santorini, prompting emergency measures. Authorities have deployed rescue services, including search dogs and drones, and temporarily closed schools on four islands. Residents and tourists are advised to take heightened precautions, avoid indoor mass gatherings, and stay away from potentially hazardous areas.

Following more than 200 undersea earthquakes recorded over the past three days, similar precautionary measures have also been introduced on other Aegean islands popular with tourists.

"All measures are precautionary, but the situation is being closely monitored," said Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias following an emergency government meeting in Athens. He urged residents and visitors to strictly follow safety guidance.

Thousands of residents, seasonal workers, and tourists have already left the islands of the Cycladic archipelago. In response to increased passenger numbers, transport companies have added extra ferry and air services.

School closures and safety measures

Despite experts stating that the current seismic activity is not linked to the Santorini volcano, the frequency and strength of the tremors are causing concern.

"I've never felt anything like it: earthquakes are happening every 10–20 minutes," said local resident and conductor of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, Michalis Gerontakis. According to him, everyone feels anxious, even if they don't show it.

Over the weekend and into the start of the week, the government discussed the situation with experts. Authorities decided to close schools not only on Santorini, but also on the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios.

Additional precautions for tourists and hotels

Visitors and residents of Santorini are advised to avoid old buildings, crowded indoor spaces, and areas prone to landslides. In addition, hotels have been instructed to drain their pools to prevent structural damage to buildings in the event of strong tremors.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Santorini and Amorgos, stressing the need to follow guidance from Greek authorities. In particular, tourists are advised to avoid the ports of Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfos, and the Old Port in the Fira area, and to choose safe routes when moving around.

In the event of a strong tremor, people should immediately leave coastal areas and follow instructions from local services.

Possible refunds for cancelled trips

Whether tour payments can be refunded depends on the reason for cancellation and the terms of the booking.

"Tourists planning a trip to Santorini in the coming days should contact their airline or tour operator to clarify the situation," explains Ernesto Suarez, CEO of insurance company Gigasure.

If a flight or tour is cancelled by the airline or operator due to a safety risk, a refund may be possible. However, since earthquakes are classified as natural disasters, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for cancelled flights.

Holders of insurance that includes force majeure coverage may be entitled to reimbursement for costs in the event of a delay, trip cancellation, or a forced extension of their stay.

If a tourist decides on their own to cancel the trip without waiting for an official cancellation, compensation is generally not available. It's advisable to review the terms of your insurance policy for details.

Seismologists' forecast and risk level

Prominent Greek seismologist Gerassimos Papadopoulos warned that the current series of earthquakes, recorded between the islands of Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, could be a precursor to a stronger tremor.

"The situation remains uncertain. We're seeing an increase in the number of earthquakes, a rise in their magnitude, and a shift in epicentres. Even though these tremors are tectonic rather than volcanic in nature, the risk level is rising," the expert noted.

Santorini authorities have set up assembly points for residents in case of a possible evacuation. However, the island's mayor, Nikos Zorzos, stressed that such measures are purely precautionary: "We have to be prepared for anything, but that doesn't mean the worst-case scenario will necessarily happen." He also urged residents and tourists to remain calm and rely on official sources of information.