Santorini Tourism Reopens: What Visitors Need to Know for 2025.
Santorini officially declared safe
Greece has announced that the stunning island of Santorini is safe for tourists, marking a positive turn for the region after a series of seismic events.
With the arrival of the first cruise ship of the season, carrying over 1,100 visitors, the island is poised to welcome guests once again.
The authorities have lifted previous restrictions, allowing local businesses to prepare for an influx of holidaymakers.
Following a period of seismic activity that affected Santorini and nearby islands, inspections confirmed that public structures remained intact and safe.
The Greek Tourism Minister, Olga Kefalogianni, reassured potential visitors that enhanced safety protocols are still in place.
With experts declaring the area secure, Santorini is ready to resume its status as a sought-after destination in the Greek islands, with expectations for significant tourist traffic in the coming months.
Santorini now safe following earthquakes
Recent seismic activity in Santorini has raised concerns, but the situation is now stabilised.
Between January 26 and February 22, over 20,000 minor earthquakes, each with a magnitude of 1 or greater, were documented.
These tremors resulted from natural tectonic shifts and magma movements beneath the sea.
Due to the intensity of these seismic sequences, authorities declared a state of emergency early in February.
This decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and tourists, leading to the evacuation of thousands.
The volcanic landscape of Santorini, part of a volcanic arc that includes underwater volcanoes like Nea Kameni and Kolumbo, had prompted this precautionary measure.
Despite the recent activity, Santorini’s volcanoes had been relatively inactive for nearly 400 years. The last significant eruption occurred in 1950.
Current monitoring efforts are ongoing, ensuring that the island can safely welcome visitors once more. The assessment indicates that the infrastructure is sound and tourism can resume without undue risk.
Santorini welcomes first cruise ship after quakes
Aerial views captured passengers from the cruise ship Celestyal Discovery, which marked the island’s first cruise arrival following a series of minor earthquakes over the previous month.
This seismic activity had raised significant concerns, leading to a state of emergency in Santorini.
On Sunday, the Celestyal Discovery arrived, bringing approximately 1,700 tourists, predominantly from the United States.
This voyage was particularly anticipated, as Celestyal Cruises had previously removed Santorini from its itinerary due to safety fears.
Many on board expressed their excitement about returning to the island.
Deborah Terry, a 67-year-old passenger, shared her joy in knowing the island was ready to welcome visitors once again.
Another traveller, Julie Eberly, conveyed her confidence in the island’s safety, stating that they trusted local authorities to ensure a secure visit.
Santorini, famous for its stunning vistas and whitewashed buildings, relies heavily on tourism, with approximately 2.5 million visitors annually.
The earthquakes in February had disrupted the typical bustling atmosphere as officials temporarily closed schools and halted construction projects while rescue teams monitored the situation.
Despite the turmoil, there was no significant damage reported on the island, which displayed resilience amid panic.
Local shopkeeper Tassos Kontos expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy, stating that the community longed for tourists to return.
He noted, “The cloud seems to be lifting,” indicating a sense of optimism for the upcoming season.
To further enhance safety, authorities plan to create an evacuation port as a precaution against potential future seismic events.
Such measures will help ensure that visitors can enjoy the island’s charm while maintaining a reliable evacuation route should it be necessary in the future.
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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)
