Santorini Port Authority Announces Preventive Measures Due to Earthquakes

• Santorini’s seismic activity prompts preventive measures across key ports.
• Restrictions include limited port access and banning vessel docking in specific areas.
• Local authorities implement traffic and vehicle restrictions in certain zones.
• Boat owners are required to ensure secure anchoring and preparedness.
• Non-compliance carries penalties under Greek law.
• Measures take effect starting February 13, 2025.

When Earthquakes Shake and Rules Tighten: What’s Changing in Santorini

With ongoing seismic activity making Santorini’s volcano feel a little feisty, the Port Authority decided enough was enough. Armed with caution and, likely, a considerable safety binder, they rolled out a list of preventive measures to keep everyone—residents, tourists, ferry passengers, and anyone visiting the island—out of harm’s way.

If you’re heading to Santorini (or happen to live there), brace yourself. Things got stricter along the island’s coastline. Multiple ports and their surrounding areas are now under new restrictions. These steps aren’t optional, even for those with an impressive sense of entitlement.

Breaking Down the New Rules

Let’s make this as clear as an Aegean summer day. Here’s what they’re enforcing:

1. Athinios Port: No hanging out here unless boarding or leaving a ship. Lingerers, take note.
2. Other Ports and Bays (Amoudi, Fira, Armeni): Access is restricted until further notice—do not tempt fate in areas prone to landslides or worse.
3. Docking Ban: Ships, boats, and anything else that floats are forbidden from docking at the above locations. Exceptions? Only for emergencies, and even then, it must get a green light from the Port Authority.
4. Ridiculous Vehicle Sizes: Skip driving 45-ton monsters or anything over 12 meters in length. The provincial road Ormos Athinios – Fira – Perissa cannot—and will not—tolerate the stress. If one sneaks in on a boat, it’ll need special approval to go anywhere inland.
5. Boat Security: Skippers and boat owners need to secure their vessels like their lives depend on it—because they just might.
6. Stay Ready: The Municipal Port Fund and boat operators must be on high alert to assist if things go south. Safety gear, readiness drills, and constant weather updates are the order of the day.
7. Enforcement (Or Else): Ignore these rules, and you’ll wish you hadn’t. Non-compliance doesn’t just bring fines—it’s illegal under Article 157 of Law 187/1973 (Gazette A’ 261).

Why Is This Happening?

Because safety matters more than your Instagram story of a sunset at Amoudi—seismic shifts, unstable terrain, and unpredictable weather have made these precautions unavoidable. Authorities aren’t doing this to irritate residents or tourists. Instead, the goal is simple: avoid disasters before they happen.

These new rules take effect on February 13, 2025. If Santorini is on your travel list, adjust your plans—or risk angering local authorities. Spoiler: local rules are less forgiving than the last airline you argued with.

Απόφαση του Λιμεναρχείου Θήρας για τη λήψη προληπτικών μέτρων λόγω της τρέχουσας σεισμικής δραστηριότητας