Woman overlooking Santorini blue dome. Credit: mbbirdy from Getty Images Signature
Santorini’s blue domes and cliffside views make it one of Europe’s most sought-after summer escapes. But beneath the sun-kissed beauty lies a geological hotbed, and lately it has been rumbling. In early 2025, a series of small to moderate earthquakes struck near the island, although they did not cause damage, the frequency was enough to raise eyebrows in the scientific community. So what’s actually going on beneath Santorini? Are you safe visiting the romantic destination of Europe this summer?
What’s happening?
Between February and April, Santorini experienced around 100 relatively small earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.7. So researchers confirm that this is weak and not strong enough to cause damage. But the frequencies of the earthquakes have attracted the attention of scientists. The volcano in question is called “Kolumbo” that is currently active.
The likelihood of it erupting is relatively low, given that its last eruption occurred over 3,000 years ago. And scientists today are closely monitoring the volcano, and with the help of AI and machine learning, scientists can recognise any unusual patterns faster than the human eye.
The area is prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes in return. The island’s last major eruption was 3,000 years ago, so rest assured the likelihood is relatively low, given that the scientists are closely monitoring today. Thanks to AI and machine learning, which are trained to recognise unusual patterns faster than people. It helps researchers with tools to track changes in real-time and alert authorities if anything unusual occurs.
What the data reveals
The data from Santorini reveals no imminent signs of eruption, which is great news. In simple terms, Santorini is neither erupting nor sleeping. The island’s volcano is closely monitored and studied for any patterns that may indicate unusual activity. Signs have been placed in key areas around the island to guide people in the case of an evacuation, just in case. The tour operators and hotel staff have been briefed so they know how to respond if needed. Therefore, clear communication and avoiding panic are the primary goals.
So, should you go?
Yes, Santorini is safe, and summer plans don’t need to change. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, and local authorities are prepared. If you’re heading to the romantic island, enjoy the sunsets, the food, and the views, but stay aware. Paradise might rumble now and then, but for now, it is still paradise.
