Is Travel to Greece Safe After 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Crete? Tsunami Warning Issued

A number of Greek Islands like Crete and Santorini have been struck by a severe 6.1 magnitude earthquake, leading to tsunami warnings .

The center of the earthquake was located 36 miles away from the shore of Elounda, Crete, and people experienced shaking throughout the area.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) has now released a tsunami alert for Greece. Turkey , Italy , France and Portugal .

So far, no injuries or significant damage have been reported. However, Greek officials have issued a nationwide order instructing both residents and visitors to move away from coastal areas and head for elevated locations.

Greece is one of Europe ’s most earthquake-prone countries. Just last week, the country issued another tsunami warning after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the island of Kasos.

The University of Athens’ seismology lab recorded more than 18,000 minor tremors between January and February alone.

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Where did the earthquake occur in Greece?

The tremor occurred off the eastern coast of Crete, near Elounda. Residents shared on the EMSC website that the tremor woke them up as their beds began to shake, though no evacuation orders were issued.

The quake had a depth of 43 miles, and as reported by the US Geological Survey, along withEfthymios Lekkas from the Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation, deeper seismic events generally result in lesser destruction at ground level.

A regional government officer named Giorgos Tsapakos stated, "There have been no reported injuries or significant damages following the earthquake which hit just before 9 am local time (6 am GMT) today; however, the Greek fire department mentioned that all their units on Crete are now at maximum readiness."

Tremors have been felt in Turkey and Egypt , and the Greek Institute of Geodynamics has recorded 19 smaller quakes ranging from 1.3 to 3.5 magnitude since then.

The institute has recorded 104 instances of seismic activity in the last 24 hours.

A cluster of them happened around the same location as the 6.1 magnitude quake, and some have also occurred in the sea around the islands of Fira and Amorgos and the Greek mainland.

Is it safe to travel to Greece?

Currently, there are no disruptions or cancellations affecting incoming flights to Greece.

Nevertheless, those planning to visit the island ought to verify with their airline providers prior to leaving for any recent developments.

The UK Foreign Office advises visitors to remain vigilant about potential natural disasters in Greece.

They say :The region surrounding the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos saw heightened seismic activity at the beginning of 2025.

'This rise has now decreased, and the tourism season is anticipated to proceed normally. Earthquakes and seismic activities remain a potential hazard in Greece.'

'In case of an earthquake, make sure you know the safety protocols, adhere to the guidelines provided by local officials, and dial Greece’s emergency number 112 if you face imminent peril.'

What is the significance of a tsunami alert?

Tsunamis do not necessarily occur after every earthquake; nonetheless, once a warning is released, it's crucial to remain vigilant.

Greece’s Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection recommends: 'Keep clear of coastal regions until authorized officials confirm that the risk has passed.'

'A tsunami consists of multiple waves arriving sequentially at the shoreline at varying intervals.'

'Never move closer to the shoreline to observe an approaching tsunami. By the time you spot it, avoiding it might already be impossible.'

Do earthquakes frequently occur in Greece?

Greece is among the most seismically active nations in Europe due to its location between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, which leads to frequent earthquakes.

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Greece last week, leading to a brief tsunami alert and concerns about the safety of visiting the islands of Crete and Rhodes.

Recently, the well-known island of Santorini – which is also struggling against the impacts of excessive tourism — witnessed an increase in unmatched seismic activity. In February, An earthquake hit with a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale. .

Many had to leave their homes.

In October 2021, Crete was rocked by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. A month before, an earlier quake devastated villages near the Cretan capital of Heraklion.

It destroyed numerous houses and forced many families out of their homes. The fatal earthquake claimed one life and resulted in injuries for scores of people.

In terms of Wednesday’s earthquake, Greek seismologist Efthymis Lekkas said it was an isolated event, unrelated to the Santorini activity and recent quake in Turkey .

He told state broadcaster ERT: ‘There is neither a notable foreshock sequence nor a significant series of aftershocks – these types of quakes typically occur as single events.

'There is definitely no correlation with the seismic activities in Santorini – the geological setting is completely distinct – and there is utterly no relation to the earthquake in Turkey.'

What should you do if you get trapped in an earthquake overseas?

If an earthquake occurs, the FCDO advises you to drop to the ground, protect your head, and grip onto something sturdy.

Remain indoors if you're within a structure, however avoid taking cover beneath doorframes. Similarly, if you're near the shoreline, move to an elevated area.

The FCDO advises heeding local evacuation or sheltering guidance, since aftershocks may frequently occur. In case of impact on British citizens, the FCDO will establish a particular crisis response effort. This could encompass setting up a specialized helpline or an online sign-up process through which individuals can request aid.

Travellers should visit the Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection To find out where their closest assembly points are situated in an emergency situation.

To keep up with events while in Greece, you may sign up for notifications provided by the Greek government’salerts system. Emergency Communication Service .

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