4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Crete, No Damage Reported

Saturday, 23 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the sea approximately 39 kilometers northeast of Palaikastro, in eastern Crete, at 4:34 PM local time. The quake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Earthquakes of this size are common in the eastern Mediterranean and are typically felt on land but rarely cause structural damage. No injuries or property damage have been reported. Tourists staying or traveling in eastern Crete, particularly around Sitia, Palaikastro, and the Vai area, may have felt light shaking. Standard precautions apply: if indoors during a tremor, move away from windows and take cover under a sturdy table. Aftershocks are possible following any seismic event. Visitors should monitor local alerts and follow guidance from hotel staff or local authorities if additional activity occurs.