4.5 magnitude earthquake hits Aegean Sea near Greece’s Santorini island

Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced that a 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Aegean Sea at 8:51 p.m. at a depth of 7 kilometers (4.35 miles). The map shows the tremor took place near Greece’s Santorini island.

According to AFAD’s map, the tremor occurred near the inactive Santorini volcano, which has been at the center of attention due to frequent earthquakes.

According to Greece-based Kathimerini, holiday reservations in Santorini are down 23% in early March compared to the same period in 2024, while airline seat bookings to the island are about 9% lower year over year.

Türkiye sees increase in early bookings

Turkish tourism professionals remarked on a significant increase in early bookings for Türkiye’s Aegean coast, as tourists who previously opted for Greece are now shifting their holiday plans toward Turkish resorts such as Antalya and Marmaris due to seismic activity in Santorini.

According to Türkiye Daily, recent seismic disturbances in the Aegean Sea have heavily impacted tourism in a region typically visited by millions annually. Early reservation cancellations in Santorini and the Yamurgi islands, both heavily dependent on tourism, have redirected travelers toward Türkiye.