Overview

• A magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck the Marmara Sea near Istanbul in late April 2025, causing panic and injuries but no major travel disruptions.
• Several minor tremors occurred in Greece, including near Crete, in May 2025, with limited impact on infrastructure or tourism.
• EU and German travel regulations allow free cancellations only if substantial local damage or immediate safety risks are confirmed.
• Fear of potential earthquakes alone does not justify penalty-free cancellations for package holidays, according to legal experts.
• Travellers with individually booked flights and accommodations must negotiate separately with providers in case of disruptions, unlike package holiday customers who have broader protections.