Strong Earthquake Strikes Mount Athos: 5.3 Magnitude Tremor Felt Across Halkidiki and Northern Greece

Mount Athos, Greece – June 7, 2025 – A strong earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck near Mount Athos on Friday afternoon at 15:46 local time, sending tremors across the entire Halkidiki peninsula and as far as Thessaloniki, Kavala, and the island of Thassos.

According to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, the quake’s epicenter was located 9 kilometers northwest of Karyes, the administrative center of Mount Athos, with a focal depth of 12.5 kilometers. This is the strongest earthquake recorded in the area in recent months, surpassing a 4.8-magnitude quake registered on February 15, 2025.

Widespread Tremors Across Northern Greece

Residents in the surrounding areas — including Sithonia, Kassandra, and the coastal towns of Eastern Halkidiki — reported intense shaking that lasted several seconds. Many people evacuated their homes and buildings out of fear, although there were no immediate reports of severe injuries.

A second earthquake, measured at 3.8 magnitude, followed just minutes later at 15:53, also centered near the same location.

Series of Aftershocks and Ongoing Seismic Activity

Since the main tremor, seismologists have recorded more than 25 aftershocks, the strongest reaching 4.2 magnitude, suggesting ongoing seismic activity in the region. This sequence continues a pattern that began in mid-2024, with dozens of minor quakes and moderate tremors recorded in the Athos area.

Experts Remain Cautious

Leading Greek seismologists have expressed concern over the unusual seismic behavior in the region.

Gerassimos Papadopoulos, research seismologist and former director of the Geodynamic Institute, noted that the sequence might be ongoing since September 2024, and warned that larger quakes cannot be ruled out.

Kostas Papazachos, a professor of geophysics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, identified the event as a classic shallow-focus earthquake, noting that the local fault lines in Mount Athos remain active and are under close monitoring.

Damage Reports from Mount Athos

Preliminary reports indicate minor structural damage to some of the monasteries in Mount Athos, particularly the Simonopetra Monastery, where sections of chimneys and wall plaster fell during the tremor. A visiting pilgrim suffered a fractured wrist after a fall.

While no critical infrastructure damage was reported, civil protection forces were quickly dispatched to assess the region, including specialized units of the 2nd EMAK and 2nd EMODE.

Civil Protection Measures and Local Alerts

Authorities convened an emergency meeting shortly after the earthquake. Civil protection officials urged monks, residents, and visitors in the area to:

• Avoid old or structurally weak buildings.
• Stay alert for strong aftershocks.
• Remain in open and safe areas if possible.

The Mount Athos peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 20 Orthodox monasteries, many of which have structures that are centuries old and vulnerable to seismic activity.

What Visitors Should Know

While the quake caused alarm across the region, Sithonia and Kassandra remain safe and fully accessible for travelers. Local authorities have not issued any restrictions or evacuation orders for nearby tourist zones.

If you are visiting the area:

• Monitor local news and official updates.
• Follow safety instructions if staying in mountainous or older accommodations.
• Consider downloading a seismic alert app for real-time notifications.

For ongoing updates on seismic activity and travel conditions in Halkidiki and Mount Athos, follow our updates at VisitSithonia.com or subscribe to our Halkidiki Alerts Newsletter.