Moderate earthquake near the island of Oia in the Cyclades and restrictions during the tourist season on Santorini.

Earthquake of magnitude 4.6 near Santorini

A moderate earthquake measuring 4.6 in magnitude struck near the southern Aegean region of Greece. The event occurred at a shallow depth, just a few kilometres beneath the surface—so, yeah, people nearby definitely noticed.

The epicentre was close to the island of Oia in the Kyklades, right in a zone that’s no stranger to seismic activity.

The shaking reached several nearby communities, from tiny villages to towns with thousands. Thankfully, no major damage—just the usual: a few cracks, maybe a vase or two on the floor.

Investigators are still working to nail down the specifics of the quake.

Earthquake Details

The earthquake hit on 13 May 2025 at 01:30 local time in Greece. Magnitude: 4.6. Depth: 7.7 km.

Coordinates? 36.7067°N and 25.7094°E—pretty precise. The event was picked up by 838 seismic stations and confirmed by the National Observatory of Athens.

Energy-wise, it released about 120 tonnes of TNT (yep, that’s roughly 139 megawatt hours for the number crunchers). Intensity near the epicentre was moderate, rated at level V.

Fifty-eight people took the time to report what they felt. Weather at the epicentre? Broken clouds, 17.6°C, humidity at 78%, and a light north wind at 4 m/s.

The Kolumbo volcano sits about 26 km from where the quake hit.

What Are Shaking Intensity and the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale?

Shaking intensity is about how strongly people feel a quake, and it’s not the same as magnitude. Intensity depends on distance, ground type, and even what kind of buildings are around.

The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale breaks it down into 12 levels, from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction). For this quake, most reports landed between II and VI—so, very weak to moderate shaking.

• Very weak shaking (MMI II): Only a few people feel it, usually those sitting quietly or lying down.
• Weak shaking (MMI III): Felt indoors by many, but it’s not doing any damage.
• Light shaking (MMI IV): Most folks indoors notice it, maybe some rattling.
• Moderate shaking (MMI V): Almost everyone feels it, and you might see a picture frame tilt.

People described sideways swaying, rattling objects, or a rolling motion. Some said it lasted just a few seconds, others guessed 30 seconds—time gets weird when things shake.

Two Aftershocks Recorded for This Earthquake So Far

What Are Aftershocks?

Aftershocks are smaller quakes that hit near where a bigger earthquake just happened. They tend to follow quakes with a magnitude of 4 or above, and honestly, they can drag on for days, weeks, or even longer.

Details About This Earthquake

This one likely ruptured a fault about 4 square kilometres in size. The rupture zone stretches around 3 kilometres. Given the scale, aftershocks are expected as the crust shifts and settles.

Recorded Aftershocks, Most Recent First (2 Events)

The strongest aftershock so far was a 1.7, popping up about 36 minutes after the main quake and 1.8 km away. The latest one, a 1.6, struck nearly eight hours later near Arkesini, Amorgos.

Earthquake Statistics

Average Number of Earthquakes

Within 100 km of the epicentre, seismic activity is pretty high. Every year, you’ll get about 2,800 earthquakes of magnitude 1 or more. Smaller tremors are almost a daily thing, with around 4.5 quakes of magnitude 2+ each day.

Moderate earthquakes (magnitude 4+) hit roughly 41 times a year, so about three or four a month. Strong ones (magnitude 5+) are a lot less frequent—maybe one every 2.5 years. The really big ones (magnitude 6 and above) are rare, showing up only once every 30 to 35 years. Since 1900, there have been at least four major quakes in this area.

Yearly Tremor Counts

Seismic activity here swings a lot from year to year, both in strength and how often it happens. The huge number of tiny quakes means there’s almost always some movement underground.

Bigger quakes are much less common, but they’re a big deal for risk planning. Keeping tabs on all this data helps spot trends and gives local authorities a fighting chance to prepare for what’s next.

Previous Earthquakes in This Area

Several significant earthquakes have rattled areas near the recent epicentre over the past few years. Within just 12 weeks before this latest event, a magnitude 5.1 quake struck only 11 km southwest.

Not long before that, a magnitude 5.3 tremor was recorded 13 weeks earlier in the nearby Aegean Sea region.

The strongest known earthquake in this broader area since 1900 hit a magnitude of 7.8. That one happened all the way back, 122 years ago, near Attica, Greece—a real outlier.

Below, you’ll find a selection of notable earthquakes that have shaken places within about 100 km of the current epicentre—or, for the really big ones (magnitude 7+), within 300 km. These are pulled from earthquake archives and give a sense of just how active this region can be:

There’s a clear pattern of moderate quakes in this vicinity, especially between magnitudes 4 and 5. Every so often, there’s a bigger shake—some over 7.0—recorded further out in the broader Aegean Sea region or parts of western Turkey.

The quakes listed above vary in depth and location, but most cluster around the eastern Aegean Sea islands and nearby areas of the Greek mainland. It’s all part of the ongoing tectonic activity you’d expect near plate boundaries.

Source: Volcano Discovery

Seismic activity and restrictions on Santorini during the tourist season

Santorini’s been buzzing with seismic activity lately. Thousands of small earthquakes have rattled the area, making both locals and tourists a bit uneasy.

The island’s volcanic landscape adds a layer of risk that’s hard to ignore. People are definitely talking about it, and you can feel the tension in the air sometimes.

Bookings for hotels and rooms have dropped by about 20% compared to last year. That’s a real hit, especially for businesses that depend on the summer rush.

Cruise ship arrivals have slowed, and fewer folks are showing up at the old port. Shops and rental places are feeling the sting, too.

Authorities are watching the situation closely. Emergency teams are basically on standby in case a stronger earthquake hits, though nothing above 6.5 on the Richter scale has shaken things up yet.

Experts say the tremors seem to be losing steam, but nobody’s letting their guard down. It’s a bit of a waiting game, honestly.

Tourism hasn’t come to a standstill, but there’s a careful balance between keeping things open and staying safe. The regional government is pushing out ads to get travelers interested again, especially overseas where the news has spooked some folks.

New safety rules are in the pipeline. The plan is to update access to certain spots around the caldera and volcanic zones, like Nea Kameni and areas near Athinios port.

Some zones will be off-limits, at least temporarily. It’s all about keeping people out of harm’s way without completely shutting down the island’s main attractions.

Government officials and scientists are meeting up on the island pretty regularly. They’re hashing out strategies and looking for ways to boost emergency infrastructure and communication.

The tourism sector—hotels, rentals, cruise operators, shops—has had a rough patch with all these cancellations. But there’s a real push to keep Santorini vibrant, even with the island’s unpredictable side.

Key points:

• About 25,000 small earthquakes recorded recently
• Reservations down by roughly 20%
• Cruise ship visits and old port activity reduced
• Safety rules to be updated soon
• High alert maintained by authorities and emergency services
• Regional promotion campaigns aimed at restoring visitor numbers
• Focus on managing tourism alongside geological risks

Source: Hania News

Frequently Asked Questions

Earthquakes Updates in the Aegean

Recent earthquakes in the Aegean

Advice for Tourists During an Earthquake in Santorini

Tourists are advised to stay calm and seek open spaces if outside, or take cover under sturdy furniture indoors during an earthquake.

Following instructions from local authorities and emergency services is crucial for safety.

Information from the Greek Civil Protection for earthquakes (in English)

What safety steps are taken for visitors in Santorini during earthquakes?

Authorities keep emergency services on alert throughout the tourist season. They’ve got response teams ready and communication lines open to help tourists fast if a quake happens.

Visitors are usually told to follow safety guidelines and check for updates from official sources. It’s not a bad idea to pay attention to local advice, honestly.

How frequent are earthquakes in Santorini during the busy travel season?

Santorini gets its fair share of small earthquakes. Most are barely noticeable, but every so often there’s a stronger one that grabs everyone’s attention.

Monitoring systems keep a close watch and send out updates as needed. Locals have learned to live with it, but it can be unsettling for first-timers.

What actions do local officials take to protect residents and tourists during tremors?

When things get shaky, officials can declare emergency states and shift resources to safety. They’ll set up checkpoints and block access to risky areas, just to be safe.

Public announcements are made with instructions on what to do during and after a quake. Most people seem to take these warnings seriously.

Are there any limits on tourist activities due to earthquake dangers?

Yes, sometimes areas are closed off when seismic activity picks up. Tours to unstable spots might get paused or canceled, which can be disappointing but makes sense.

Visitors are asked to respect these limits for their own safety. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s just part of being on a volcanic island.

Which parts of Santorini face the highest earthquake risk, and how are visitors warned?

Northern and north-eastern parts of the island tend to get the strongest shakes. Tourists get info from signs, hotel staff, and official advisories.

Maps and notices are posted to highlight which areas to avoid. It’s worth checking before heading out for the day.

How do earthquakes influence accommodation and travel plans in Santorini?

Seismic events can trigger cancellations or sudden changes in bookings. Hotels and travel agencies sometimes roll out more flexible policies during emergencies.

When tremors pick up, some visitors hesitate or shift their plans, which can throw a wrench into the local tourism market.

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