Mount Athos, Greece – September 22, 2025 — A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Mount Athos in the early hours of Monday, sending tremors across Chalkidiki and parts of Thessaloniki. No injuries or damage have been reported yet, but seismologists are closely monitoring the situation.
Where & When
- The quake occurred at 04:20 local time (Eastern European Summer Time).
- Its epicenter was located roughly 9–11 kilometres west‐northwest of Karyes, the administrative centre of Mount Athos.
- The focal depth was relatively shallow, estimated at 8 to 11.8 kilometres below the surface.
What Was Felt
Residents in various parts of Mount Athos, as well as in the wider Chalkidiki region and in Thessaloniki, reported feeling the quake.
There are no confirmed reports of damage to buildings, infrastructure, or any casualties at this time.
Scientific Context & Response
Seismologists say the quake is part of a continuing sequence of seismic activity in the region:
- Since early 2024, more than 1,000 tremors have been recorded around Mount Athos.
- Of those, ten have exceeded magnitude 4.0. The largest so far – magnitude 5.2 – occurred approximately three months ago.
- According to Efthymios (“Efthymis”) Lekkas, president of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), the fault responsible is relatively new in terms of recorded activity. He noted that this fault had not shown significant activity before 2024, and much of it lies undersea (submarine), although parts may extend toward the land at depth.
Scientific Viewpoint
- “We are not worried, but from a scientific perspective we are concerned,” Lekkas said. He described the phenomenon as “rather strange” given its persistence.
- He believes the fault still contains energy, though he does not expect future quakes to be significantly stronger than magnitude 5.2.
What This Means for Visitors & Locals
For tourists in Mount Athos or nearby regions, the quake appears to have caused more of a disturbance than any real danger. Ancient monasteries, paths, and visitor routes in the area were built in a region long familiar with seismic activity. However, infrastructure in remote or older parts of the monastic community can be more sensitive to tremors.
Although no damage has yet been reported, visitors with plans to travel to Mount Athos or stay in nearby Chalkidiki may want to monitor local news and advisories, especially if staying in older buildings or undertaking hiking / outdoor activities.
A Beacon for Awareness
This event underscores how Mount Athos and the surrounding areas lie in an active seismic zone. While moderate tremors aren’t uncommon, the recent clustering of earthquakes above magnitude 4, and the confirmation of a submarine fault line with ongoing activity suggest that scientists and civil protection agencies are keeping a vigilant eye on developments.
