Santorini: The Authentic
Unreal experiences. Authentic Santorini.
Santorini: The Authentic is a modern, comprehensive audiovisual narrative showcasing a side of Thira beyond the filters and edits of social media – an authentic, impactful, and truly experiential Santorini.
The Authentic campaign includes one central and five thematic videos spanning Culture, Flavors, Experiences, Landscape, and the Island’s storied Volcanic Park. Through these new cinematic glimpses into one of the world’s most desired island destinations, 10 years after its seminal campaign known as “Santorini: The One,” the Municipality of Santorini is aiming to connect with a new generation of explorers, adapting to support modern travelers and recognizing the Island’s responsible evolution.
The Municipality’s goal in launching The Authentic campaign centers around shining light on the unseen side of Santorini - highlighting unbelievable sights, capturing indescribable feelings, sharing stories beyond static social posts, and inviting the world to discover Thira as it truly is: the Jewel of the Aegean.
The Authentic campaign embodies the Island’s dedication to responsible tourism, prioritizing respect, Santorini’s sterling essence, its storied hospitality, as well as the Municipality’s commitments to creating unforgettable experiences leaving forever memories lasting long after visitors return home.
3.4m
Annual
Visitors
1000+
Hotels and Restaurants
100s
of Unforgettable Experiences
1
Sunny
Santorini
Santorini Responsible
Keeping Santorini Equipped and visitors Aware on the latest from the world's most famous caldera, Thira is more than Prepared for safety in every scenario - including a perfect, Sunny vacation.
Equipping restaurants and hotels with safety supplies, as well as locals with instructions on how to safely support visitors new to the natural wonders of our prized Greek Island, the Santorini Responsible icon is the symbol to look for and count on during your trip.
Everywhere you see the red and gold square inside a blue and red rounded corner icon, visitors can be assured the restaurants, hotels, churches, beaches, bars, and clubs on their Santorini itinerary have been instructed on the highest standards of safety for seismic, volcanic, structural, and other natural events. The Santorini Responsible signs across the Island also serve as designated meeting points for separated parties, including identifiable information on your location.
9-1-1 is 1-1-2 in Greece.
Learn More About International
First Responder Numbers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What does Santorini mean? Where does its name come from?
The name Thira, or Thera, comes from the commander Theras, son of Autesion of Sparta, who, as Herodotus of Alikarnassos (484-424 BC) tells us, had lead earlier colonists to Kalliste. "There were in the island now called Thera, but then Calliste, descendants of Menbliorus the son of Poeciles, a Phoenician; for Kadmus son of Agenor, in his search for Europa, had put in at the place now called Thera; and having put in, either because the land pleased him, or because for some other reason he desired to do so, he left in this island, among other Phoenicians, his own kinsman Membliarus. These dwelt in the island Kalliste for eight generations before Theras came from Lacedaemon.
For many years, it was thought that Santorini was given its name by the Venetians in the 13th century at the time of the Crusades and the fall of Constantinople in 1204. It is a reference to Saint Irene - 'Santa Irini' (from the Greek word 'ei - ri - ni ' = peace).
The Venetians had a landing place at Riva on the island of Thirassia, where they erected a chapel in honor of Santa Irini (Saint Irene), who had become a martyr in Thessaloniki on the 23rd March in the year 303. Nowadays there is strong evidence that the Basilica of Agia Irini at the base of the mountain of Mesa Vouno gave Santorini its name, and not the chapel of Santa Irini in Thirassia.
Is it safe to visit Santorini?
The potential safety concerns on the island of Santorini are earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The island is located in a seismically active region and an earthquake or a volcanic eruption could possibly occur. It is not possible to predict when an earthquake will occur, but there are precursor phenomena that can be observed. In the case of volcanic eruptions, there are clear precursor phenomena, which intensify a significant period of time before an eruption.
What do I do in an emergency?
Before your travel to Santorini, familiarize yourself with the Thera Prepared fact sheets covering safety instructions for natural events on the Island.
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Always follow the instructions of local authorities.
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Stay away from areas affected by earthquakes, tsunamis,
and volcanic activity -
Avoid traveling to the affected area.
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Stay informed about the latest safety information and updates
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Follow the signs and instructions of local authorities during evacuations and emergency situations.
When you arrive, depending on your location and itinerary in Santorini, walk through the nearest evacuation routes and designated gathering stations. These are used only in case the local authorities instruct to do so, in that case a message from civil service will be sent onto your phone using cell service.
What are the safety tips for children on the Island of Santorini?
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Always hold the hand of an adult when walking in public areas
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Stay close to your family and group during emergency situations
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Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders
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Stay away from areas affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity
-
Avoid traveling to the affected area.
Before your travel to Santorini, familiarize yourself with the Thera Prepared fact sheets covering safety instructions for natural events on the Island.
What are the safety tips for people with disabilities on the Island of Santorini?
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Always follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders
-
Stay away from areas affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity
-
Avoid traveling to the affected area.
-
Stay informed about the latest safety information and updates
-
Follow the signs and instructions of local authorities during evacuations and emergency situations.
Before your travel to Santorini, familiarize yourself with the Thera Prepared fact sheets covering safety instructions for natural events on the Island.
What are the safety tips for people with medical conditions on the Island of Santorini?
-
Always follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders
-
Stay away from areas affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity
-
Avoid traveling to the affected area
-
Stay informed about the latest safety information and updates
-
Follow the signs and instructions of local authorities during evacuations and emergency situations
-
Have a plan in place for your medical care during emergency situations.
Before your travel to Santorini, familiarize yourself with the Santorini Responsible fact sheets covering safety instructions for natural events on the Island.
What is going on with the earthquakes?
A series of earthquakes has been occurring near the volcanic island of Santorini, with magnitudes from 1.0R – 5.3R ranging from 4 to 10 kilometers deep in February 2025. The earthquakes started with weak quakes under Santorini and have been moving northeastwards along the breach of Anydros. This type of earthquake swarm is not uncommon under active volcanic systems.
There are two possible causes of the earthquakes: volcanic activity, where molten rock or fluids rise upwards in the earth's crust, and the movement of the earth's plates, which can lead to stresses in the rock and the sudden release of these stresses.
It is not possible to predict when an earthquake will occur, but there are precursor phenomena that can be observed, which is why Santorini and geologic professionals are closely monitoring developments to keep locals and visitors from around the world informed around the clock.
Should I visit?
Santorini is open for business and ready to welcome you for an unforgettable summer of a lifetime! Prepared and equipped to support visitors from around the world this season, we hope you will feel confident in maintaining your travel as planned through our resources and safety portal, including information across this site.
Read more about top attractions and hidden gems across Santorini
What about the threat of other natural disasters?
The potential safety concerns on the island of Santorini are earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The island is located in a seismically active region and an earthquake or a volcanic eruption could possibly occur.
It is not possible to predict when an earthquake will occur, but there are precursor phenomena that can be observed, which is why Santorini and geologic professionals are closely monitoring developments to keep locals and visitors from around the world informed around the clock.
