Halkidiki, Greece โ March 25, 2026
A moderate but widely felt earthquake measuring approximately 4.9โ5.1 on the Richter scale struck the Mount Athos area in Halkidiki on Wednesday evening, causing concern across Northern Greece.
The seismic event occurred at 21:08 local time, with its epicenter located near Karyes, the administrative center of Mount Athos. According to initial data from the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, the earthquake was relatively shallow, with a focal depth estimated atย 5-10.6 kilometers, which explains why it was strongly felt over a wide area.
Earthquake Felt Across Northern Greece
The tremor was reported in multiple regions, including:
- Thessaloniki
- Serres
- Kavala
- Xanthi
- Komotini
- The entire Halkidiki peninsula
Residents described sharp, intense shaking, typical of shallow earthquakes, although the duration was relatively short.
Situation at Mount Athos
The earthquake caused temporary concern among monks and residents in the monastic community of Mount Athos.
The monastery of Xenophontos, located closest to the epicenter, carried out immediate checks for structural damage.
- No serious damage has been reported so far
- No injuries have been confirmed
- Inspections are ongoing
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Seismologists: โShallow Earthquake, No Immediate Concernโ
Greek seismologists, including OASP President Efthymios Lekkas, confirmed that the earthquake was shallow and expected to be widely felt, but emphasized that:
- There are no reports of a significant impact
- The event occurred in a known seismically active zone
- Similar activity has been recorded in the same area in recent years
Experts are advising the public to remain calm while monitoring the evolution of the phenomenon.
Aftershock Sequence Already Underway
Within minutes of the main earthquake, a series of aftershocks was recorded in the same area:
- 3.3 magnitude at 21:21
- 3.3 magnitude at 21:20
- 2.6 magnitude at 21:20
- 2.8 magnitude at 21:16
All aftershocks occurred at similar depths, indicating activation of the same fault line.
Seismologists expect continued aftershock activity in the coming hours or days, which is considered normal following an event of this magnitude.
Region with Recent Seismic Activity
The Mount Athos and wider Halkidiki region have experienced increased seismic activity over the past year.
Notably:
- A 5.3 magnitude earthquake in June 2025 struck near Karyes
- That event caused minor damage to monasteries
- It was followed by dozens of smaller aftershocks
According to experts, the current earthquake appears to be part of this broader seismic pattern, rather than an isolated event.
No Immediate Risk, Monitoring Continues
At this stage:
- No major structural damage has been reported
- No injuries have been confirmed
- Authorities and scientists are continuing real-time monitoring
While the earthquake caused understandable concern, current data suggests no immediate escalation risk.
What This Means for Visitors in Halkidiki
For tourists and visitors currently in Halkidiki:
- The situation remains stable and under control
- No travel disruptions have been reported
- Local authorities are well-prepared and experienced in seismic response
Greece is a seismically active country, and such events are not uncommon. However, infrastructure and emergency systems are designed to handle these situations effectively.
Final Assessment
The March 25 earthquake in Halkidiki serves as a reminder of the regionโs active geological nature, but also highlights the preparedness and resilience of local communities.
Further updates are expected as scientists analyze data and monitor aftershock activity.
