Santorini, the iconic Greek island known for its whitewashed buildings and breathtaking sunsets, has long been a magnet for tourists seeking the perfect vacation. However, beneath its picturesque surface lies a geological reality that has recently come to the forefront. In early 2025, the island experienced a series of minor earthquakes, a reminder of its volcanic origins and the seismic forces that shaped its beauty. This natural phenomenon has not only raised concerns among residents and tourists but also posed challenges for the island's thriving tourism industry.

The Seismic Awakening

Between January 26 and February 22, 2025, more than 20,000 minor earthquakes, with magnitudes of 1 or higher, were recorded off the coast of Santorini. The most significant of these quakes registered 5.3 on the Richter scale. This seismic activity prompted a state of emergency, leading to the evacuation of local families with young children and seasonal workers. Construction projects were halted, and the island's usually bustling streets fell eerily quiet.

Santorini sits on the caldera of an ancient volcano, and its existence is intrinsically linked to seismic forces. The recent quakes served as a stark reminder of the island's proximity to geological fault lines. Fortunately, the seismic activity subsided by early March, and the state of emergency was lifted. Evacuees returned, schools reopened, and construction resumed. However, the lingering question remains: How will these events impact the island's peak tourism season?

The Impact on Tourism

Santorini's tourism industry is a vital economic lifeline, with hotels typically filled to capacity during the summer months. The arrival of ferries and cruise ships often brings crowds to the island's narrow streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere. However, the recent earthquakes have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the upcoming season.

Filaretos Dimoglou, a Santorini resident and business owner, remained on the island during the seismic activity. He noted that many seasonal workers left due to the halt in construction projects. "You realize everything is fine if the schools are open," he said. "If something goes wrong, the first thing the state does is close schools." As a father of two, Dimoglou emphasized that he would not risk his children's safety if he believed the situation was unsafe. He now advocates for a state-funded tourism promotion campaign to reassure visitors that Santorini is safe and welcoming.

Petros Zissimos, managing director of New York City-based Hellenic Holidays, reported that while inquiries about Santorini had increased, bookings were not significantly affected. "People have held off on purchasing experiences in Santorini, like sightseeing, wine-tasting, and sailing trips," he said. "Santorini needs to polish up its image again. Every business owner, restaurant, sailing company, cooking class operator, everyone has to make a contribution towards creating an environment that demonstrates that Santorini is fantastic again."

Hoteliers on the island have responded to the initial drop in demand with attractive rates and flexible booking policies. Markos Chaidemenos, whose family owns the Canaves Collection of hotels, noted that while bookings slowed during the height of the seismic activity, confidence was rebounding quickly. "For a long time, there was a lot of fake news... Obviously, people were holding off and not very confident in booking," he said. "Now that confidence is rebounding quickly, especially for a destination as beloved as Santorini, we’re seeing more bookings coming in."

Chaidemenos emphasized that his hotels would permit cancellations even a week in advance and had made non-refundable bookings refundable for certain periods "as a precautionary measure, to show confidence." He added, "If I was a traveler, I would want to be able to decide two or three weeks prior, or even last-minute, if I really want to go, based on the facts. I can’t stress enough that everything is back to normal."

The Role of the Travel Industry

While yacht charters are not typically associated with flexibility, companies like Kensington Tours have found ways to accommodate their affluent clientele. Edita Sgovio, vice-president of yachts and villas at the Toronto-based company, reported no impact on bookings. "Consumer confidence, especially on the charter side, is quite high... Santorini is a bucket list destination. If you’re going to Greece, it’s one of those spots you want to see," she said. "We’re working with yacht captains and yacht owners. Should there be any impact when they’re traveling, of course, there is great flexibility to postpone or move dates around."

Philip Dragoumis, a London-based wealth manager whose wife hails from Santorini, owns Serapias Suites in the village of Exo Gonia. He noted that while demand had decreased, prices had also dropped, creating better opportunities for travelers. "It is probably a good time to book [a vacation] now. The prices have come down a bit, there is less demand, so there should be some better opportunities," he said. Dragoumis acknowledged that the tourism industry might not see record-breaking numbers this year, but he remained optimistic about a late booking surge in the spring and early summer.

Visitor Confidence and Safety Measures

Despite the seismic activity, many tourists remain undeterred. Diane Mick-Feldman and her husband Henry, both retirees from New York, are excited about their upcoming trip to Santorini. "I guess we’re typical New Yorkers. Henry said ‘why worry about that now? We’re going to be there in June,’” Mick-Feldman said. "We haven’t given it much thought." Friends who recently returned from cruises that called on Santorini described it as a "must-see island," further fueling their excitement.

Mick-Feldman noted that while they were concerned for the well-being of Santorini's inhabitants, they understood that seismic activity was a natural occurrence in the region. "We heard many visitors and locals left the island because the tremors were significant and frightening," she said. "We’re optimists. We thought that if anything catastrophic were to happen, it would happen sooner rather than later. Then we heard [the seismic activity] was lessening and people were returning."

Greece's Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni conveyed a message of optimism during a meeting with local authorities and business representatives in March. "Santorini is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. A land of unique beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional hospitality," she said. Kefalogianni emphasized that despite the recent quakes, the island was gradually returning to normalcy. She noted that the state had implemented a plan to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, with scientific committees closely monitoring the situation and implementing preventive and security measures.

The Geology Behind the Quakes

The recent seismic activity has also drawn the attention of geologists and oceanographers. Evi Nomikou, an oceanographer and geologist with roots in Santorini, expressed frustration over misinformation and unfounded claims about the potential for a volcanic eruption. "When the quake sequence began, many believed Santorini’s undersea volcano Kolumbo would erupt," she said. Nomikou explained that the seismic activity was tectonic, originating from faults in the Anydros basin, where the volcano is located.

Nomikou emphasized that while the volcano is active and requires monitoring, there is no immediate risk of an eruption. "We don’t believe the volcano will erupt, let me say that in capital letters. But this is a very active volcano that needs to be monitored," she said. Locals felt reassured knowing that scientists were actively studying the volcano and keeping them informed.

A Romantic Perspective

For some, the seismic activity adds a layer of romance to the island's allure. Athens-based wine writer Eleni Kefalopoulou expressed a more poetic view after a visit to Santorini in March. "If it’s my time to go, I’d much rather it happen in Santorini, where I might be discovered thousands of years later, Pompeii-style, rather than be run over by a car in Athens," she said.

Looking Ahead

As Santorini prepares for the summer season, the island's residents and business owners are working together to rebuild confidence and welcome visitors. Hoteliers, tour operators, and local authorities are collaborating to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. While the seismic activity has undoubtedly caused some initial hesitation, the island's enduring beauty and world-class hospitality continue to attract travelers from around the globe.

In conclusion, Santorini's recent seismic events have highlighted the delicate balance between natural forces and human activity. While the quakes have posed challenges for the island's tourism industry, they have also reinforced the importance of scientific monitoring and community resilience. As summer approaches, Santorini remains a captivating destination, ready to welcome visitors with open arms.