Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, is implementing emergency measures, including restrictions on certain areas, in response to ongoing seismic activity.
The Greek government has declared a two-month state of emergency on the island, with travel restrictions, accommodation bans, and controlled access to key areas.
The decision follows two months of continuous earthquakes that have shaken the island, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. With 12,000 out of 15,000 locals having already left, officials are now prioritizing public safety and infrastructure protection, leading to an unprecedented shutdown of Santorini’s tourism sector.
Update – 22 March: After visiting Santorini, Greece’s Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni announced that Santorini is safe for travel.
Restricted Access to Santorini’s Key Areas
As part of the emergency measures, the Greek government has imposed strict access rules for both residents and visitors:
- Limited access to certain areas in Santorini and Thira to reduce risks.
- Controlled transportation to Athinios and Fira ports to prevent congestion.
- Suspension of cable car operations and closure of popular walking trails, including the Ammoudi-Akrotiri Agios Nikolaos and Oia-Ammoudi paths.
Authorities have imposed a temporary suspension of accommodations, including hotels and short-term rentals, in restricted areas of Santorini.
Update: Initially, the Greek government declared a two-month state of emergency on the island, with travel restrictions, accommodation bans, and controlled access to key areas. However, officials have clarified that the emergency measures lasted only one month and ended on March 1, 2025.
During her visit to Santorini on March 18, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni reassured travelers that the island is fully prepared for the upcoming tourist season. Santorini is a safe, organized, and responsible destination, fully ready to welcome travelers from all over the world,
she stated. She also announced the launch of a Destination Management and Promotion Organization (DMMO) with a budget of 1 million euros to enhance Santorini’s visibility and infrastructure.
For now, travelers planning to visit Santorini can expect a gradual return to full operations, with local businesses and authorities working to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Visitors should stay informed about any remaining restrictions and check with local tourism offices for the latest updates.
Cruise Ship Cancellations and Maritime Restrictions
The state of emergency has also severely impacted maritime travel, as all boats and floating vessels must obtain special permission from the Thira Port Authority before setting sail.
Additionally, the 900 cruise ships scheduled to visit Santorini between now and June have been canceled, according to Sozcu, dealing a major blow to the island’s tourism-dependent economy. With the cruise industry playing a crucial role in Santorini’s visitor numbers, these cancellations are expected to significantly reduce tourist arrivals and local business revenues.
Update:
Several readers have contacted us, stating that the information above about 900 cruise ships is not accurate. Today (March 19), Santorini’s mayor, Anastasios Zorzos, spoke to local media, explaining that Santorini is preparing to welcome its visitors and there are some restrictions in the old port of Fira, in Armeni, in Ammoudi and in Korfos. These are small ports, but the old port of Fira still accepts cruise ships. During this two-month period, cruises with fewer passengers will be able to dock at the port of Athinios.
We still advise travelers that expect to arrive Santorini by a cruise ship, to confirm it with their travel agents or the cruise company.
Update 2 (March 20):
Cruise Ship Arrivals Continue With Adjustments
Earlier reports about the cancellation of 900 cruise ship arrivals have been corrected. While some adjustments have been made due to infrastructure concerns, the old port of Fira continues to accept cruise ships, and smaller cruise ships are permitted to dock at Athinios Port. Travelers arriving via cruise are still advised to confirm itineraries with their travel agents or cruise operators.
Celestyal to Resume Santorini Stops on March 23
One of the first cruise lines to officially confirm its return to Santorini is Celestyal, which announced that it will resume stops at Santorini starting March 23, 2025. Following the Greek government’s updated guidelines, Celestyal’s Iconic Aegean and Idyllic Aegean itineraries will include Santorini as planned.
The cruise line stated:
“We are returning to Santorini. Based on the latest recommendations from the Greek government, we can confirm that from March 23, 2025, we will resume our Santorini route. Until further notice, guests will disembark at Athinios Port, which is a short 20-minute drive from Fira.”
Celestyal’s return signals a positive step towards normalcy for Santorini’s tourism sector, as the cruise industry plays a major role in visitor arrivals. Celestyal Turkey’s Director, Özgü Alnıtemiz, noted that this move is expected to encourage other cruise companies to follow suit, reducing uncertainty in the sector.
The first Celestyal Discovery sailing of the season will depart from Athens on March 22, stopping in Kuşadası, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini before continuing to Athens and Mykonos. Celestyal’s 3- and 4-night Greek Islands itineraries will run through November 2025, with regular stops in Santorini and Turkish ports such as Kuşadası.
What’s Next for Santorini and Greek Tourism?
Despite the challenges posed by the recent seismic activity, Santorini is preparing for a strong tourist season. Minister Kefalogianni emphasized that Greece is committed to supporting Santorini’s recovery, launching a promotional campaign to restore traveler confidence.
Local officials, including Mayor Nikolaos Zorzos, have expressed optimism about the island’s recovery, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance infrastructure and tourism services. Discussions are also ongoing about redirecting cruise-related fees to the Municipality to further support local development.
For now, travelers planning to visit Santorini can expect a gradual return to full operations, with local businesses and authorities working to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Visitors should stay informed about any remaining restrictions and check with local tourism offices for the latest updates.
“900 Cruiseships cancelled’” Not true
“Locals evacuated”
Left on their own will and are back since early March.
“Travelers advise to go to different destinations” lmao advised by who?
The areas mentioned as restricted to access have actually 3-4 Airbnb, 10-15 shops, 5-6 restaurants and is less than 0,1% of land of the island.
Can write many more mistakes regarding this article so plz before sharing ask first a local.
Thanks for your comment.
There are already some reported cruise cancellations; just published a news article titled
Santorini Cruises Canceled as Seismic Activity Raises Concerns
We arrived at Santorini on Saturday 03/15/2025 from Athens on the Blue Star fairy. It has been AWESOME we have the island to ourselves and everything is fine. Some stores and restaurants closed but the best remain open.
The article is correct and true. Santorini “cruise ship banned rules” should apply for all ships and not selectively favor and allowed local ferry like Blue Star ferry to dock at Santorini. If you do not believe, please call Celestyal Cruise. Their ships are still banned from Santorini. To Greek Ministry Of Maritime, please provide explanations.
Please stop spreading misleading news and inaccurate information!
Celestyal Cruise will make its first cruise for the 2025 season this Sunday, 23/03. The misleading news I’ve been reading in this page is obvious proof that there is an agenda against our tourism destination. You should try and find an honourable way to attract tourists,without using lies.