Crete Earthquake: Is It Safe To Travel To The Greek Island Following Second Tremor In A Month?

Published on Updated

ADVERTISEMENT

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Greek island of Crete early this morning, Thursday 22 May.

The tremor was felt across several Aegean islands, areas of mainland Greece, Turkey and Israel.

There have been no reports of major damage, and authorities have said there is very little risk of further surface impact, including a tsunami.

It is the second time this month that Crete has been hit by seismic activity, but the latest earthquake was stronger than the first, eight days ago.

Here is the latest travel information from the local government.

Earthquake shakes Crete island for second time in a month

The earthquake's epicentre was 56 kilometres northeast of the Cretan capital Heraklion, and the tremor was felt in the cities of Chania and Rethymno on the island, too, as well as in Athens.

According to reports, the earthquake caused landslides on the provincial road network and damage to buildings in Heraklion.

Mayor of Agios Nikolaos, Manolis Menegakis, confirmed to local media that despite the powerful tremors, there have been no other reports of major damage or injuries.

Authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely. "We are vigilant," Menegakis added.

Unlike the most recent quake eight days ago, officials say post-seismic activity is not expected.

Athanassios Ganas, research director at the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, said: "It is a classic intermediate-depth earthquake, as often occurs in the southern Aegean. There are no expected impacts on structures, nor is it expected to cause a tsunami or affect areas such as Santorini."

Crete earthquake: Is it safe to travel and am I entitled to compensation?

Foreign governments have not issued travel advisories as yet, so it is currently still considered safe to visit Greece and its islands.

This also means that, should you choose not to go ahead with your trip, you are unlikely to receive compensation.

Depending on your travel insurance policy, you may be able to receive a refund for some or all of your trip if it includes compensation for cancellations due to natural disasters. Check with your provider and read your terms and conditions carefully. 

If you are on holiday in or about to travel to Crete, Kasos or Karpathos, make sure you stay up to date with the latest information.

Crete and its surrounding region are considered one of Europe’s most seismically active zones.

In October 2021, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook the island just weeks after another tremor killed one person and injured several others.

RECENT NEWS

Upper Age Limits For Clubs Are Common In South Korea. Now Japan Is Following Suit

The chain claims it merely wants its patrons’ preferences to match its boisterous atmosphere, but the move has sparked... Read more

From Berlin To Tenerife: All The Destinations Ryanair Wont Fly To Anymore In 2026

Ryanair has added another French airport to its list of route cuts for 2026, citing aviation taxes. Read more

Want To Book A Bargain Holiday? Try Skyscanners New Cheapest Destination Planner

Travellers can select the month of travel and the new tool will show the best-value destinations by average flight price... Read more

Residents Have Reached Breaking Point: Italian Valley Restricts Access To Famed Photo Spot

It comes after residents expressed frustration over traffic and tourists clogging up the town’s parking places and tre... Read more

Fitur 2026: Innovation, Sustainability And A Tribute To The Adamuz Accident Victims

Fitur 2026 brought together more than 10,000 travel companies from 161 countries in Madrid. Read more

Whirling Dervishes, Sand-covered Elephants And Sukhothai At Dawn: 2025s Best Travel Photos Revealed

After more than 20,000 entries, a panel of international experts has selected the best images in the world of travel pho... Read more