The island of Santorini, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant tourism, is once again grappling with the devastating impact of earthquakes. For 83-year-old Eirini Mindrinou, the tremors evoke painful memories of the 1956 earthquake that destroyed much of the island. “I remember our dog and bird acting strangely. Then, the earthquake struck,” she recalls. “The house split open before closing again. Through the crack in the roof, I could see the sky.”
That 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, killed 53 people and forced many residents to flee. Today, Santorini has been rebuilt into one of Greece’s most coveted tourist destinations, attracting 3.4 million visitors last year. However, this week, the island faced another crisis as a new wave of earthquakes shook homes and unsettled residents, prompting a mass exodus.
Since June 2024, subtle tremors have escalated into full-fledged quakes, leaving families desperate to leave by air and sea. Yet, not everyone is fleeing. Many residents, bound by courage, necessity, and a deep connection to their homeland, have chosen to stay.
“The noise from the earthquake… it’s unbearable. Even in my house, it’s become overwhelming,” says Margarita Karamolegkou, a local businesswoman. “I’ve felt tired, day after day, with no end in sight… But I haven’t felt fear. I can’t leave my home, and I can’t leave the people who’ve stayed behind.”
This resilience is a hallmark of Santorini’s community. Residents have endured both social changes and seismic shifts, coming together in solidarity during times of crisis. Local volunteer Matthaios Fytros is among those patrolling the island, ensuring abandoned properties aren’t looted and assisting vulnerable residents. “We’re doing our best to support the elderly and people with disabilities,” he says. “If a major earthquake hits, I know exactly where they live, and I’ll get to them as fast as I can, alongside the firefighters.”
While the Greek government has responded swiftly to the crisis, some residents express frustration over years of neglect. “For years, we’ve been asking for a better port and infrastructure to manage the growing number of tourists,” Margarita says. “We need help preserving the island’s identity—its unique environment and the seismic forces that shape it. We’re grateful for the tourists, but we also need to protect what makes Santorini special.”
Tourism is the lifeblood of Santorini’s economy, contributing around 2.5% to Greece’s GDP—approximately €5.9 billion annually. However, the ongoing tremors threaten to disrupt the island’s prosperity. “I regret how haphazard the island’s development has been with the rise in tourism,” says Eirini, who is temporarily in Athens for medical tests. “We’ve damaged the natural environment. Now, with the earthquakes continuing, there’s a real risk we could lose the entire tourist season.”
Despite the uncertainty, some residents find solace in understanding the seismic activity. “I try to think of what’s happening with kindness,” Margarita reflects. “It feels like something is settling down there. Everything we admire about Santorini today—the beauty, the character—has been shaped by the volcano and its seismic forces.”
Matthaios remains hopeful, declaring, “We are the most beloved island, and I believe we’re the most beautiful of all the islands in Greece. We will get out of this stronger.”
As Santorini faces this new challenge, its people’s resilience and determination to protect their home offer a glimmer of hope amid the shaking ground.
