ATHENS, Greece -- Increased volcanic activity has been detected on Greece’s renowned tourist destination, Santorini, prompting the country’s civil protection minister to convene local and disaster response officials for discussions on potential risks. The Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry announced Wednesday evening, January 28, 2025, that monitoring sensors have observed mild seismic-volcanic activity within the caldera of Santorini.
This recent uptick follows similar volcanic activity recorded from 2011 to 2012, which persisted for 14 months but concluded without causing significant issues. Experts have been closely monitoring the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, which extends from the Peloponnese through the Cycladic islands, and have identified increased seismic activity along the northern section of Santorini’s caldera, particularly near the Kameni fault.
According to the ministry's announcement, "Based on currently available data, scientists report there is no immediate cause for concern." This reassurance came as officials gathered to evaluate safety measures and responses to the geological activity.
The crescent-shaped island of Santorini is particularly famous for its picturesque whitewashed buildings and breathtaking caldera views. Historically, the island sits atop one of the largest volcanic craters formed by one of the most powerful eruptions around 1620 BC, which significantly altered its topography and is believed to have contributed to the decline of the Minoan civilization.
Despite being classified as still active, the last significant eruption occurred back in 1950, leading scientists to state, "What we must realize is the Santorini volcano produces very large explosions every 20,000 years. It’s been 3,000 years since the last explosion, so we have plenty of time before we face another major eruption," said Efthymios Lekkas, the head of the scientific monitoring committee.
Echoing these sentiments, Nikos Zorzos, the Mayor of Santorini, stated, “I have been informed from the very beginning. This is normal activity. From time to time we have recessions and upsurges. There are no indications of anything imminent.” Kostas Papazachos, Professor of Seismology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, reinforced this by clarifying, "It is a phenomenon we are monitoring closely. The seismicity is similar to past events. There is no reason for concern at this stage; we must remain prepared nonetheless.”
Tourism on Santorini, characterized by its stunning sunsets and iconic views, is largely unaffected for now. Visitors can still enjoy the local cafes and shops, with officials emphasizing the importance of the monitoring efforts to safeguard both locals and tourists alike. Plans are being updated to accommodate the geological, geomorphological, and socio-economic characteristics of the island.
“The aim is to prepare the civil protection mechanism in Santorini, taking special geological circumstances and the local economy's reliance on tourism seriously,” stated the Minister during the meeting.
This isn't the first time Santorini has faced such geological activity. The residents and authorities recall the events from 2011-2012 when mild volcanic activity persisted for over 14 months. Scientists at the time utilized monitoring equipment which revealed no imminent volcanic threat. This historical perspective provides some comfort to those concerned about the current situation as officials work diligently to analyze data and prepare responses.
Overall, the current state of mild volcanic activity on Santorini has the scientific community active but it has not escalated to panic. With experts continuously analyzing seismic activities, the public's reassurance remains at the forefront. Visitors planning to travel to Santorini this year can continue to explore its rich history and stunning landscapes, knowing they are being watched over by professionals committed to ensuring their safety.
For now, authorities focus on maintaining preparedness and vigilance, keeping the faint rumblings of the volcano at bay, as residents and visitors alike enjoy one of Greece’s most cherished islands.