The idyllic Greek island of Santorini, renowned for its whitewashed villages and sun-drenched caldera views, is facing renewed seismic turmoil. A series of earthquakes that began in June 2024 escalated in early 2025, shaking homes, rattling nerves, and prompting tourists to flee—while locals, bound by history and resilience, remain steadfast2.
Echoes of 1956: A History of Survival
The current tremors evoke haunting memories of Santorini’s catastrophic 1956 earthquake, a 7.8-magnitude disaster that killed 53 people and reduced the island to rubble. Eirini Mindrinou, an 83-year-old survivor, recalls the terror: “The house split open before closing again. Through the crack in the roof, I could see the sky”2. The island, then a quiet fishing community, rebuilt itself into a global tourism hotspot, welcoming 3.4 million visitors in 2024 alone2.
2025 Tremors: Tourists Flee, Locals Hold Ground
The latest quakes have triggered a mass departure of tourists, with families scrambling for flights and ferries. Yet many residents refuse to leave. Margarita Karamolegkou, a local businesswoman, embodies this resolve: “I can’t leave my home, and I can’t leave the people who’ve stayed behind”2. Volunteers like Matthaios Fytros patrol the island, aiding vulnerable groups and guarding abandoned properties against looting. “We’re proud of our island. We’ll get through this,” he asserts2.
Tourism vs. Preservation: A Fragile Balance
Santorini’s economy relies heavily on tourism, contributing €5.9 billion (£4.9 billion) annually to Greece’s GDP2. However, rapid development has strained infrastructure and eroded the island’s natural environment. Margarita voices widespread frustration: “We’ve damaged the natural environment here. Now, with the earthquakes, there’s a risk we could lose the entire tourist season”2. Locals criticize years of government neglect, particularly the lack of a modernized port to manage tourist influx2.
Scientific Uncertainty and Human Resolve
Scientists remain unable to predict when the tremors will subside. Yet some residents, like Margarita, find solace in Santorini’s volcanic origins: “Everything we admire about Santorini—the beauty, the character—has been shaped by seismic forces. It feels like something is settling down there”2. This perspective reflects a community deeply attuned to the island’s geological identity.
Government Response and Lingering Grievances
While Greek authorities have mobilized swiftly to address the crisis, offering emergency aid and logistical support, bitterness lingers over long-standing issues. Residents argue that infrastructure investments prioritized tourism over disaster preparedness. “For years, we’ve asked for a better port,” Margarita laments2.
Conclusion: Santorini’s Uncertain Future
As recovery efforts continue, Santorini faces a dual challenge: safeguarding its economic lifeline while preserving its cultural and environmental integrity. The island’s story is one of resilience, but also a cautionary tale about balancing growth with sustainability. For now, its people remain united, echoing Matthaios’ hopeful refrain: “We are the most beloved island. We will get out of this stronger”
