An undersea earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck near the Greek island of Crete early in the morning on Thursday, May 22. The tremors were felt across various islands throughout the Aegean Sea, though officials reported no immediate injuries or substantial damage.

This seismic event follows a 5.9-magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of Crete on Wednesday, May 14, which led to a tsunami warning in Greece.

Greece ranks among Europe’s most seismically active nations, with significant earthquake activity previously shaking the popular tourist destination of Santorini for several weeks earlier this year.

If you have plans to visit Crete, here’s what you need to know.

The latest earthquake hit off Crete’s coast early on Thursday, May 22, occurring 79 km (49 miles) beneath the seabed near Heraklion at 6:19 AM (04:19 BST).

The tremors startled both locals and tourists in the region, coinciding with the beginning of the summer tourist season, as reported by Reuters.

The previous earthquake on May 14 also affected the island of Rhodes, prompting Greek authorities to issue a temporary tsunami alert. Residents as far as Egypt felt this quake, though the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics reported no injuries or property damage. Tremors were also felt in Cyprus, Israel, and Syria, with the institute noting a quake of 6.4 magnitude recorded 431 km off Egypt’s northern coast.

Is Traveling to the Greek Islands Safe?

The Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has advised travelers and residents to heed local authority guidelines and to vacate coastal areas. However, specific areas of concern along the coastline were not indicated.

Flights to Crete continue to operate normally, but travelers are encouraged to stay informed on the latest updates.

What is the Current Foreign Office Guidance?

As of now, the UK Foreign Office has not revised its travel advice for Greece in response to the recent earthquake.

Will I Receive a Refund if I Decide to Cancel My Trip to Crete?

If there is no updated Foreign Office advisory against non-essential travel, you are not automatically entitled to a refund under the Package Travel regulations. It is advisable to contact your travel agent or tour operator to discuss options. For direct bookings, refunds are generally only available if flights are canceled or accommodations are closed.

Am I Covered by My Travel Insurance?

Higher-priced insurance policies are more likely to include cancellation and curtailment coverage for natural disasters. Review your insurance documentation to understand your coverage.