Crete in 2026: Island Resilience Tested by Seismic Activity and Wildfire Legacy

LONDON, 18 January 2026 – As the new year begins, the Greek island of Crete presents a complex picture for prospective visitors. Renowned for its ancient ruins and pristine beaches, the island continues to welcome tourists while managing the realities of its seismically active location and the lingering impact of a severe wildfire season in the summer of 2025. Current data shows ongoing earthquake activity, while authorities and the tourism sector emphasise preparedness and resilience.

Persistent Seismic Activity

Crete, situated on the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, experiences frequent seismic activity. The island was shaken by significant tremors in 2025, including a magnitude 6.1 quake northeast of Heraklion in May and a magnitude 5.1 event near Antikythera in July. While these caused alarm and minor damage, no fatalities were reported. Seismologists note that such activity is normal for the region, and building codes in Greece are designed to withstand tremors.

Earthquake tracking services show that this activity has continued into early 2026, with several minor tremors recorded near the island in recent days. The following table details the most significant seismic events from the past year.

Wildfire Legacy and Ongoing Summer Risk

The summer of 2025 proved challenging for Crete, particularly in its eastern regions. In early July, a fast-moving wildfire, fuelled by gale-force winds and a heatwave, broke out near Ierapetra. The blaze forced the evacuation of approximately 5,000 people, including tourists and residents, and destroyed homes and businesses in areas such as Agia Fotia, Achlia, and Ferma. Over 230 firefighters battled the flames, which stretched over 6 kilometres.

Greek tourism officials reported that all tourists were safely relocated and that the fire was brought under control. The Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, Andreas Fiorentinos, praised the “swift mobilisation of all relevant authorities” and the solidarity of local residents. While the immediate crisis has passed, the event underscored the high risk of wildfires in Greece between April and October, a risk reiterated in current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice.

For 2026, the National Observatory of Athens has warned that Attica, the Peloponnese, western Greece, Crete, and the southern Aegean face an “extreme fire risk” in August and September due to forecast hot, dry conditions. Authorities on Crete have implemented strict preventative measures, including bans on outdoor barbecues and movement in high-risk forest areas, with drones deployed to monitor for arson.

Tourism Impact and Economic Resilience

Despite these natural challenges, Crete remains one of the five pillars of Greek tourism. Data from the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE) for 2024 shows a mixed but resilient picture.

German visitors remained the largest market (1.59 million arrivals), though average expenditure dipped slightly. British tourists, while fewer in number, recorded the highest spend per journey at €851. The French and Italian markets also showed strong demand for quality, longer-stay holidays. However, arrivals from the Netherlands fell sharply by 28%.

Industry analysis suggests that while some visitors may be tightening their belts due to economic pressures, Crete’s appeal for longer, immersive holidays remains robust. The regional government is actively promoting a diversification strategy, encouraging travel to the island’s hinterland (*endochóra*) and outside the peak summer season to alleviate pressure on crowded coastal areas.

Official Travel Advice for 2026

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any specific warnings against travel to Crete. Its general advice for Greece highlights standard precautions:

• Wildfires: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.” Travellers should ensure their mobile phones are registered to receive emergency alerts.
• Earthquakes: “There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors in Greece.” Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and follow advice from local authorities.
• General Safety: Advice covers terrorism risks, crime, and transport safety. Full details are on the FCDO Greece page.

For those planning a summer 2026 visit, the key is to stay informed, have comprehensive travel insurance, and book with flexible arrangements where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel to Crete in January 2026?

Yes, Crete is safe to visit. The major natural events of concern—wildfires—are seasonal (peaking in summer). Current seismic activity is normal for the region and rarely causes significant disruption. Standard travel precautions apply, as they would in any destination with a risk of natural phenomena.

What should I do if there’s an earthquake while I’m on Crete?

If you feel shaking, drop, cover, and hold on. Protect yourself from falling objects. Once the shaking stops, move carefully outside, avoiding damaged buildings. Follow all instructions from local authorities and emergency alerts on your phone.

What are my rights if I want to cancel my holiday due to safety concerns?

If the FCDO has not advised against travel to an area, your ability to cancel for a full refund will depend on your tour operator’s terms. Generally, if you choose to cancel due to disinclination to travel rather than an official warning, you are unlikely to be entitled to compensation unless your travel provider cancels.