Santorini, the Greek island renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant tourism, has officially been declared safe for visitors following a recent surge of seismic activity. With understanding and management, the Greek government and local authorities have committed to ensuring the safety and sustainability of this pivotal travel destination as it prepares for the 2025 tourism season.
On March 21, 2025, Greece’s Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, conducted a visit to the island where she engaged in productive discussions with local officials. These discussions confirmed that no significant damage had been sustained by either the tourism infrastructure or essential services due to the reported earthquakes, which have numbered around 20,000 since late January 2025. “Santorini is a safe, well-organized, and responsible tourism destination,” asserted Kefalogianni post-meeting, reinforcing the readiness of the island to welcome visitors from around the globe.
The Mayor of Thira, Nikos Zorzos, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Santorini can now operate as a tourist destination just as in previous years. Santorini is ready to welcome tourism.” This confirmation is essential as it underscores the island’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its status as a top global vacation spot.
Despite the shake-up in its geological stability, interest in Santorini among potential tourists remains robust. Recent assessments at the ITB Berlin International Tourism Fair indicated that travelers continue to prioritize Santorini when planning their adventures. With sustainability at the forefront, the Greek government has assured ongoing monitoring by scientific committees to provide timely updates regarding seismic activity.
During her visit to London, Minister Kefalogianni further reassured international media outlets, including The Telegraph and BBC Radio 4, that Santorini is not only safe but also fully operational for the upcoming season. The minister highlighted, “Visitors should feel confident that they can visit [Santorini].” She emphasized that residents had returned to the island and that professionals across various sectors were actively preparing for tourists’ arrivals.
The heightened seismic activity that began in early February 2025 saw the government take immediate action to safeguard the population and visitors. Kefalogianni confirmed that, “Scientists have now given us the green light,” demonstrating confidence in the island's current safety protocols. She reflected on the state’s proactivity, stating that record numbers of visitors were noted in October and November 2024, suggesting that Santorini's tourism can thrive even beyond the traditional summer peak.
Sustainable tourism efforts continue to be a key focus, with Kefalogianni outlining the rigorous measures being implemented to manage high traffic periods and popular sites where overtourism could occur. “We are also winning the bet of expanding tourism outside the peak summer season,” she noted. These strategies aim not only to improve visitor experiences but also support long-term preservation of Santorini’s unique environment and culture.
Innovations in digital technology also play a pivotal role in enhancing the visitor experience, as pointed out by Kefalogianni. The introduction of the mobile application “mAiGreece” aims to facilitate personalized travel experiences through the integration of artificial intelligence, providing visitors with tailored recommendations. In conjunction, the official travel portal visitgreece.gr has been redesigned, showcasing various specialized tourism experiences, including marine, wellness, and agrotourism.
As the new tourism season approaches, various stakeholders continue to collaborate on providing a coherent response to challenges posed by natural events like earthquakes. The assurance of safety and the promotion of sustainable practices add a reassuring layer for potential visitors as they plan their journeys. With positive sentiments echoed from local authorities and the tourism minister, Santorini is poised to not only recover but also flourish.
In a concluding display of solidarity and resilience, Kefalogianni's pledges and the local government's readiness serve to affirm that Santorini, as a picturesque paradise, remains a favored choice for global travelers looking for safe, picturesque vacation experiences.
As preparations are made for the influx of tourists, Santorini’s charm remains intact, encouraging travelers worldwide to explore its beauty. With a commitment to responsible tourism practices, the island looks to a vibrant and prosperous season ahead.
