Tectonic Activity, History, and Tourist Safety Tips
Crete’s geological position
Crete is located at the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active areas in Europe. The African plate is slowly subducting under the Eurasian plate, generating frequent seismic activity due to built-up geological stress. This process occurs along the Hellenic Subduction Zone, just south of Crete.
What causes earthquakes in Crete?
Tectonic movement is the main cause. As the African plate moves approximately 2.5 cm northward each year, stress builds up and is released as earthquakes. These can be small and frequent or more powerful but rare. Most quakes are harmless and go unnoticed by the population.
Major historical earthquakes in Crete
- 365 AD – The most powerful known quake (estimated magnitude 8.0) caused a destructive tsunami throughout the eastern Mediterranean.
- 1856 – A strong earthquake in western Crete damaged much of Chania.
- 1953 – A tremor in southern Crete felt as far as the Peloponnese.
- 2021 – A 6.0-magnitude quake near Arkalochori caused one fatality and building damage.
How should tourists react during an earthquake?
If indoors (hotel/building):
- Stay calm.
- Take cover under a solid table or in a door frame.
- Avoid windows, mirrors, shelves, and light fixtures.
- Do not use elevators.
- Leave the building carefully after the shaking stops and follow emergency assembly points.
If outdoors:
- Move away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
- Watch out for falling objects.
- Seek open spaces like parking lots or fields.
Most hotels in Crete are built according to strict seismic regulations and are structurally safe.
Is Crete a dangerous earthquake region?
Crete is seismically active, but the risk of serious damage is low. Small quakes occur frequently but rarely pose a threat to tourists. The local infrastructure is well-prepared, and emergency responses are efficient.
Comparison to other travel destinations:
- Sicily (Italy): Higher volcanic risk due to Mount Etna; potentially stronger quakes near active volcanoes.
- Naples (Campania): Near Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields – active and unpredictable volcanic region.
How frequent are earthquakes in Crete really?
A look at the data from the Geodynamic Institute of Athens (GEIN) shows that earthquakes are not uncommon in Crete and the surrounding region. The institute monitors all seismic activity in Greece and regularly provides up-to-date measurements and analyses.
In 2024, a total of 1,554 earthquakes were recorded in the region around Crete alone. The zone covered by the data includes the approximate coordinates 34.5337° to 35.7822° north latitude and 23.1100° to 26.4331° east longitude, as well as tremors at a depth of 0 to 200 kilometres.
What is striking is that the majority of these quakes took place under the sea – mainly south of Crete, where the African plate dives under the Eurasian plate. For the island itself, this means only slight or barely noticeable tremors in most cases.
Despite this geological activity, Crete remains a safe and extremely popular travel destination – with beautiful beaches, wild natural landscapes and a fascinating connection to antiquity that captivates visitors from all over the world.
In comparison, Crete is considered a safe and well-managed destination, even in the face of seismic activity.