Is it safe to travel to Crete? What you need to know after earthquake sparks tsunami warning for Greek island
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Crete on Thursday morning, as the tremors were felt across the Greek island and the Aegean Sea region.
Authorities have not reported any serious injuries or structural damage, aside from some minor landslides and debris, especially near Crete's capital, Heraklion.
While independent seismologists issued tsunami warnings, Greece's Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation says that tsunamis are unlikely due to its location out at sea and depth.
The island of Crete is known as one of Europe's most common zones for earthquakes. This recent tremor comes only a week after an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck off the eastern coast of Crete, which was felt as far away as Egypt.
The island is a beloved destination for tourists, many of whom would have started flocking to the Greek island as the summer season begins.
It is a popular holiday location due to its pristine beaches, thriving resort scene, rich history and unique natural landscapes often explored on hikes and trails. One such popular hiking trail, Imbros Gorge in Sfakia, has been temporarily closed for visitor safety after the earthquake hit.
Here is what we know about the earthquake so far.
Is it safe to travel to Crete, Greece?
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), an independent science organisation, issued a warning of potential tsunami activity, stating 15 minutes after the earthquake that people should 'move away from the coast and reach a higher place. Follow national authorities' directives.'
'Aftershocks may occur in the next hours/days. Unless it is necessary, stay away from damaged areas for your safety. Be careful and follow national authorities' information,' the organisation added.
The Greek fire brigade said in a press release that all civil protection forces were immediately mobilised, but so far the fire department has not received any calls for help, but has been placed on high alert.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently does not have any travel advice regarding Crete or Greece as a whole, meaning it should be safe to travel to the country and its islands.
Some minor landslides and debris were observed, especially near Heraklion, but authorities have not reported any serious injuries or structural damage.
Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that 'there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage' following initial examinations of the areas affected by the earthquake.
Where was the earthquake?
The earthquake struck north of the Greek island of Crete at 6.19am local time on Thursday 22 May.
The quake struck roughly 60 kilometres north-east off the Greek island, with various geoscientific surveys reporting its depth from between 37 and 87 kilometres deep.
Shaking was felt over 700km by approximately 13 million people in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt and Lebanon, the EMSC stated.
Residents in eastern Crete reported on the EMSC website that they felt the tremor, including some saying they woke up as their beds started to shake, but no evacuations were ordered.
Is a tsunami likely?
Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece's Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation, said the earthquake's location at sea and its significant depth have made a tsunami unlikely.
According to the Greek daily Ta Nea, Mr Lekkas explained that the earthquake occurred at a significant depth, making it less likely to cause severe surface damage.
He said the earthquake struck at the junction of the African and European tectonic plates.
Vasilis Karastathis, the director of the Geodynamic Institute, also told OPEN television: 'We were expecting a revised solution to come out, it is 60 kilometres deep and does not pose a danger at such a depth and so many kilometres away from Lasithi and the coast.'
'There is no problem. We will also look at the aftershock sequence, but I do not think it will be intense. With these characteristics of the earthquake, we do not expect any aftershock sequence. There is no need to be concerned,' he said.
'When it is large, the depth opens up the distance, which is why it was felt in Attica and was quite large,' he added.
Are other Greek Islands at risk?
None of the islands, the mainland, or other countries have reported injuries or serious property damage as of Thursday morning.
It has not been unheard of in the past for earthquakes to affect the country, which is prone to seismic activity. Just last week, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck off the eastern coast of Crete, hitting near the islands of Kasos and Karpathos, smaller islands near Crete's east coast in the Mediterranean Sea, at a depth of 35km.
Unprecedented levels of activity also shook the popular tourist island of Santorini for weeks earlier this year.
The island of Crete is known as one of Europe's most common zones for earthquakes. In October 2021, a 6.3 magnitude quake shook the island just weeks after a deadly tremor killed one person and injured dozens.
Greece sits at the line between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, so it is common for seismic activity to be felt there.
Greece has thousands of islands, with about 227 of them inhabited, the largest of which is Crete by population and area. The islands are traditionally grouped in different clusters, such as the Argo-Saronic Islands, the Cyclades, the North Aegean Islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and the Ionian Islands.
Heraklion International Airport on Crete also has no cancellations or disruptions to its flight schedule, data from FlightRadar shows.
Chania International Airport, also on the island, has not seen any significant disruptions to its flights.
Can I cancel my holiday?
As the Foreign Office has not warned against non-essential travel to Greece, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it's best to contact them if you're looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes.
In terms of travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The UK has reached a deal with the EU over Gibraltar's border with Spain that will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
Plus, one of the cheapest Greek islands that is set to be popular as TUI adds more hotels ISLE GO Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches AS parts of Spain become more crowded with tourists and prices are rising, Brits are ditching the country in favour of quieter Greek islands. Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations, like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, according to Greek travel experts Ionian Island Holidays. 9 Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations Credit: Alamy 9 Greek destinations like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri are becoming great alternatives Credit: Alamy 9 The islands are known for being great value for money Credit: Alamy And these destinations don't break the bank. Especially, when drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, for example. Like on islands such as Kalymnos and Agistri, visitors can often find 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house wine priced between €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30–£2.10). Meze dishes featuring grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood can be found for under €5 (£4.24). Places to eat and grab a drink are often family-run, which adds to their charm. A spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays said: "Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations," "They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit." Another reason why holidaymakers are heading to Greece over Spain, is for the peaceful coves and quiet beaches. For example, in Thassos, Marble Beach has white-pebble shores and clear water. Alternatively, in Lefkada, down cascading steps is Porto Katsiki - which is naturally calm. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach In Agistri, Aponisos Beach has shallow water, perfect for families. Whilst many of the beaches across Greece are only reachable via foot or local water taxis, this helps preserve their charm. "You won't need to claim a sunbed at 7 a.m.—there's space for everyone," said an Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Undeniably, when on holiday food is a top priority. And in Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost. Seafood dishes like sardines, grilled octopus or calamari can be found for €8–€12 (£7–£10). 9 In Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost Credit: Alamy 9 Drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, too Credit: Alamy Or hearty mains such as moussaka or souvlaki typically cost €6–€9 (£5–£8). If you wanted to share, plates (meze) of fava, dolmades, tzatziki or fried courgette often start at just €3 (£2.50). Most meals tend to be cooked from scratch using local ingredients. Tavernas will grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and cook with olive oil processed locally. Most meals are made from scratch using local ingredients—many tavernas grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and use olive oil pressed locally. "It's not just cheap—it's authentic. These aren't tourist menus; they're cooking for neighbours, too," added the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Typically, Greece also offers better value accommodation and daily costs remain the cheapest in Europe, during off-peak months. For example, double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night. 9 Double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night Credit: Alamy 9 Transport tends to be cheap too with short inter-island ferries costing under €10 (£8.47) Credit: Alamy Many properties have kitchenettes too, which is ideal for families wanting to cook their own food. For transport, short inter-island ferries are typically under €10 (£8.47). "Families and couples can enjoy an entire day out, meals included, for the price of a single tourist attraction in other destinations," said the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Unlike many parts of Spain, Greece has less overcrowding. Travellers often report being welcomed into village festivals, outdoor cinemas and local cafés, as well as feeling like part of the community by the end of their stay. "Visitors often say they feel like they're in a real community, not a tourist zone," commented the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. 9 The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well Credit: Alamy "That authenticity is priceless." When it comes to what Brits are actually looking for, natural beauty, value for money and meaningful local experiences repeatedly crop up. The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable with couples, solo travellers and families seeking calm and affordability. The Ionian Islands Holidays spokesperson said: "Our guests are looking for quality without excess… beautiful views, kind people and good food that doesn't cost a fortune." There is also a smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular. Plus, one of the cheapest Greek islands that is set to be popular as TUI adds more hotels.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Brits reveal most expensive holiday mistakes from £30 Coca-Cola to £80 t-shirts
HOLIDAMAKERS have revealed some of the most expensive things they've bought by accident - in another country. A poll of 2,000 travellers found one had mistakenly stumped up £30 for a single glass of Coca-Cola in Rome, while another bought a t-shirt for £80 that they thought was £10. Three in 10 felt they have often paid more for something on holiday because they were a tourist. Other shocking expenses accidentally incurred by respondents included a single shot of whiskey ending up at £48. While someone else forked out £25 for a taxi ride in Amsterdam – only to find themselves arriving at their destination after less than a mile. The research, carried out by Post Office, showed travellers often suffer with currency confusion, as a fifth (21 per cent) admitted to getting confused about how much money is worth 'in pounds' when they go away. Which leads to a quarter (26 per cent) paying more than expected for something. Six in 10 correctly knew £5 sterling would get them between $6-$7 in the US, the remaining 40 per cent were clueless, with a quarter (24 per cent) of them guessing they'd get less than $6. Probably the most common conversion for Brits – euros – also confused respondents, with almost a third (32 per cent) not knowing what £5 would get them. Instead of the correct answer of €5-€6, 17 per cent thought it would be less than €5 and 13 per cent thought it would be as high as €8. With nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) attempting to work out local currency rates in their own heads, it's no wonder things can go wrong. While just over one in 20 (six per cent) will ask somebody nearby and then take their word for it, according to the figures. Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, which commissioned the research to raise awareness of its Travel Money Card said: 'Our research reveals many travellers overestimate their ability to mentally convert currencies on the go, and that can lead to overspending. "We wanted to highlight how easily confusion around exchange rates can impact holiday budgets - no one wants to waste time abroad worrying about money. "It's surprising that only 19 per cent of travellers use a prepaid travel card for their spending abroad when it can allow travellers to lock in a good rate before travelling." The study found respondents are taking measures to stop them accidentally spending a fortune on holiday keepsakes – with 17 per cent relying on currency conversion apps. And when it comes to money safety, they are taking measures to keep their money more secure while travelling – with 49 per cent using a separate card which is not linked to their main bank account for spending abroad – keeping their 'main funds' safe from fraudsters or thieves. Laura Plunkett for Post Office, which has a Travel App which allows holidaymakers to check exchange rates and track spending in real time, added: 'Nothing disrupts a holiday like a financial mishap. Keeping your travel money separate from your main account is a smart move to give you greater control, clearer visibility of what you're spending, and an extra layer of protection – and something 96 per cent of respondents agreed was important. 'Whether you're budgeting carefully or just want to avoid mixing travel purchases with everyday costs, this small step can make a big difference to your trip.'
