Is it safe to travel to Crete? Advice after Greece earthquake
An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck off the island of Crete in Greece — and was felt as far away as Egypt — in the early hours of Wednesday, May 14. No serious property damage was reported but the quake has prompted Greek authorities to issue a temporary tsunami warning.
The quake was at a depth of 35 km (22 miles) near the island of Karpathos in the Mediterranean Sea, the Athens Geodynamic Institute said.
Greece's Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection posted on X: ' … Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities.'
Greece is one of Europe's most earthquake-prone countries and an unprecedented level of seismic activity shook the popular tourist island of Santorini for weeks earlier this year.
If you have a trip planned, here's everything you need to know.
The earthquake struck off the island of Crete in Greece on the early hours of Wednesday, May 14, with tremors also felt on the island of Rhodes. Greek authorities subsequently issued a temporary tsunami warning.
Residents in Egypt also felt the quake, with the country's National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics reporting no casualties or property damage. Tremors were reportedly also felt in Cyprus, Israel, and Syria.
The institute said it recorded a quake of 6.4 magnitude 431 km off Egypt's northern coasts.
• Discover our full guide to Greece
Greece's Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection advised residents and visitors to act in accordance with information from local authorities and to move away from the coast, although they did not specify which part of the coastline.
While flights are still operating to Crete as usual, travellers should keep updated on the latest developments.
At the time of writing, the UK Foreign Office has not updated its travel advice for Greece in light of the earthquake.
In the absence of Foreign Office advice against non-essential travel, you are not automatically entitled to a refund under the Package Travel regulations. If you have booked with a travel agent or tour operator, you should call them to discuss your options. If you have booked directly, a refund is likely only if the flight is cancelled or your accommodation is closed.
The more you paid for your insurance, the more likely it is that the policy includes cover for cancellation and curtailment due to natural disasters. Check your documents for more details.
• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know
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