Ahead of the 2025 tourism season, Greek authorities have introduced updated safety guidelines for Santorini, to ensure the smooth operation of hospitality services, transportation, and ports.
The initiative follows earlier seismic activity and aims to support well-coordinated tourism operations and ensure peace of mind for residents and visitors throughout the summer season.
A recent joint ministerial decision – issued by the ministries of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Economy, Interior, Citizen Protection, Development, Social Cohesion, Maritime Affairs, and Tourism – sets out new operating guidelines for the island, effective until November 15.
The measures are based on recommendations from the Scientific Committee for Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc.
The focus is on reassessing access and overnight stays in specific parts of Santorini’s volcanic complex, with adjustments depending on risk level.
Measures for settlements
– Armeni Oia: In Area B (eastern section), access and all activity – including residential use, hospitality services, short-term rentals and health services – are temporarily suspended. In Area A, access, overnight stays, and sea transport to the port are permitted.
Map of the Armeni settlement outlining designated Areas A and B.
– Ammoudi Settlement: Vehicle access from the Oia ring road to the port is restricted, with exceptions for catering vehicles (5:00–10:00am) and up to 15 private passenger vehicles (maximum 15 seats) to support visitor mobility. Transport to and from Thirassia is allowed. Hiking trails between Ammoudi and Cape Agios Nikolaos and between Ammoudi and Oia are closed up to 50 meters before entering the residential area. Area A within Ammoudi remains open; Area B is closed. Sea access to the port remains available.
Map highlighting the Ammoudi area of Santorini, including: (I) the municipal road to Ammoudi, (II) the walking path from Ammoudi to Cape Agios Nikolaos, (III) the walking trail connecting Oia to Ammoudi, and (IV) the Ammoudi settlement itself.
– Gulf of Thirassia: Access and overnight stays are permitted.
Port operations
According to the joint ministerial decision, the number of individuals in the port areas must not exceed 350, with additional measures including:
– Athinios Port (New Port of Fira): Crowd control measures are in place to manage disembarkation and road traffic. Priority will be given to High Importance Category vehicles, followed by buses and trucks, to reduce congestion during ship arrivals and departures. Parking is prohibited in designated emergency zones (Positions A and B), which must remain clear.
Map of Athinios Port outlining designated Areas A and B
– Old Port of Fira: Access is permitted to the port, cable car facilities, and the footpath. However, access is restricted in specific Areas A and B surrounding the port.
Map of Old Port of Fira outlining designated Areas A and B
The joint ministerial decision includes fines for non-compliance, regardless of any criminal or civil implications. In the event of seismic activity or other natural phenomena, the measures will be reviewed and potentially revised based on guidance from the relevant scientific committees.
The joint ministerial decision can be seen here.
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