Santorini full of tourists again as travel picks up in 2025 – but significant drop in bookings and more earthquakes in the region.
Tourism is a huge part of Greece’s economy, drawing millions every year to its ancient ruins, islands, and sparkling beaches.
The sector props up local communities and creates jobs all across the country.
Santorini stands out as one of Greece’s most beloved destinations, famous for its dramatic scenery and lively culture.
Even after recent natural events, the island’s tourism industry is finding its feet again, adapting to new challenges and keeping its spot in the wider Greek tourism scene.
Santorini’s Tourist Activity Increases Again
Santorini’s charming streets are alive with visitors again.
After a lull from seismic activity, the island’s picking up its usual rhythm.
Key points:
- Cruise ships are back, docking at the port.
- Hotels and local shops are seeing more tourists.
- Visitor numbers are expected to keep climbing as Easter approaches.
Santorini’s not alone—destinations like Mykonos and Corfu are also welcoming travelers back.
This uptick is a big deal for the local economy, especially for businesses tied to travel and hospitality.
Nevertheless, significant drop in bookings for Santorini
Recent numbers show a sharp drop in tourism bookings across the Cyclades.
Santorini’s taken the biggest hit, with reservations down 27%, and Mykonos isn’t far behind at 23% down. Paros has slipped by 11% too.
Island |
Booking Decrease (%) |
---|---|
Santorini |
27 |
Mykonos |
23 |
Paros |
11 |
This slump is mostly blamed on ongoing seismic activity around Santorini, which has made travelers a bit jumpy.
The uncertainty is spreading, hitting other popular Greek spots too.
Bookings have dropped in mainland and coastal regions:
- Athens: 9% decrease
- Peloponnese: 15% decrease
- Saronic Islands: 6% decrease
Other islands outside the Cyclades aren’t immune either:
- Kefalonia: 8% decrease
- Zakynthos: 9% decrease
There’s a clear sense of hesitation among would-be visitors about safety in the region.
Early-year bookings fell by 15% in the first quarter.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope—second-quarter bookings are up about 1%, so maybe things are turning around, slowly.
Further earthquakes near Santorini also on Easter Sunday
On Sunday, 20 April 2025, at 11:32 local time, a moderate earthquake hit the Aegean Sea, about 21 kilometers southwest of Amorgos, Greece.
The quake registered at 4.3 magnitude and was centered just 13.6 kilometers beneath the seabed.
Different monitoring agencies picked up the event, with some reporting it as low as 4.1 and others at 4.3.
The epicenter was close to Amorgos in the southern Cyclades.
The energy released was roughly equal to 42.5 tonnes of TNT—not small, but not catastrophic either.
Seismic and Geographic Details
Parameter |
Detail |
---|---|
Date and Time (UTC) |
20 April 2025, 08:32:28 |
Local Time (Athens) |
20 April 2025, 11:32 |
Magnitude |
4.3 |
Depth |
13.6 km |
Latitude |
36.6911° N |
Longitude |
25.7689° E |
Region |
Aegean Sea, near Amorgos |
Nearby Volcano |
Kolumbo (31 km away) |
Weather at epicentre |
Clear sky, 18.1°C, Humidity 73% |
Wind |
3 m/s from NNW |
Over 360 seismic stations, tracked by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), recorded the quake and confirmed its location and strength.
The National Observatory of Athens, Greece’s main seismic authority, also confirmed the event, as did several other nearby institutions.
Intensity and Felt Reports
The shaking intensity was mostly moderate near the epicenter—classified as intensity IV, which means it was felt by plenty of people indoors, maybe even a few outside.
Here’s how it played out in different spots:
- Kalotaritissa (11 km from epicentre) – Moderate shaking, though it’s a tiny village with just 20 residents.
- Amorgos (19 km away) – Moderate shaking in a small local community.
- Oia (43 km) – Weak shaking, experienced by around 3,400 people.
- Fira, Messaria, Ios, Filotion, Emporeio (43-47 km) – Weak shaking reported across these towns, with populations from 1,200 to 2,000.
- Naxos (58 km) – Very weak vibrations for over 7,100 residents.
- Paros (70 km) – Very weak movement noticed in a town of about 5,300 people.
- Athens (231 km from epicentre) – Honestly, the quake was probably too faint to be felt in the capital.
Impact and Observations
No damage or injuries have been reported after this earthquake.
The shallow depth made the shaking noticeable over a pretty broad area, honestly more than you’d expect for a quake of this size.
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)