A swarm of mild earthquakes that saw thousands of residents and visitors leave Santorini, Greece, on flights and ferries appears to have petered off, according to experts. 

In late January and February, more than 20,000 temblors were recorded in the Aegean Sea between the volcanic islands of Santorini and Amorgos. 

But the sustained seismic activity didn’t faze wine writer Eleni Kefalopoulou, an Athens resident who visited Santorini to meet with wine producers at the start of March. 

“There was all this panic, particularly in the Greek media, about Santorini, yet people were skiing beside Mount Etna recently, as it was erupting,” she told Travel + Leisure. “There were some tremors which I didn’t even notice. I saw a quiet, calm island.”

Local families and seasonal employees returned to Santorini—one of the most visited islands in the world— following the lift of a state of emergency in early March. (The state emergency also affected Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios, all in the Cyclades island group.) Schools have also reopened, as hoteliers spruce up their properties, restaurateurs refine menus, and shopkeepers survey new stock in preparation for tourist season, which kicks off in April.

Seismology professor Costas Papazahos told local public broadcaster ERT on March 4 that the number of quakes had dropped significantly. “We haven’t seen strong ones in several days though inhabitants have felt some, such as one yesterday registering 3.7 and 3.2R … However, the [quake] sequence has concluded at this stage,” he said. 

Papazahos noted Santorini’s seismic detection and monitoring systems have been substantially upgraded and 120 seismographs are installed. He said quake experts will remain on the island for the coming months to continue their work. “But that doesn’t mean there is concern. We’re simply making the most of the opportunity to carry out studies that wouldn’t be possible during periods without seismic activity,” Papazahos said. 

Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos told T+L the quakes caused no damage and that life was returning to normal. Precautionary measures to mitigate landslides in certain areas will be undertaken, similar to that seen on slopes above roadsides throughout Greece, he noted. “People are now focused on how businesses will operate … so that we have a normal tourist season this year,” he said.

Most hoteliers remain optimistic that 2025 will be a successful year for the perennially popular destination. George Pitsinelis, general manager at Magma Resort Santorini on Vourvoulos, told T+L the island’s iconic landmarks, infrastructure, and popular tourist spots were unaffected. 

“Local authorities and hoteliers have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure visitor safety, including regular inspections, structural assessments, and enhanced safety protocols across all hotels and tourist areas,” he said. Vourvoulos’ property, for example, gives guests a 24-hour WhatsApp contact to communicate with reception at any time.

Some resorts have reported a slower pace in reservations. “Santorini is typically a last-minute destination, fluctuations are not uncommon,” Pitsinelis noted, adding that “Santorini remains a safe and welcoming destination.”

Travelers who may feel nervous about visiting Santorini but still want to go should consider travel insurance that includes a cancel for any reason (CFAR) benefit. Christina Tunnah, a general manager at insurance company World Nomads, recommends U.S. travelers to keep a close eye on reputable local news outlets and think about a plan that encompasses this benefit. 

“It would be almost like saying, ‘Well, I’m not going to go to California because there are earthquakes there.’ We have tremors every day here and we crack on,” she said.