Experts are drawing attention to the real threat of tsunamis in the Mediterranean. Studies show that since the 20th century, around 100 tsunamis have occurred in this region, accounting for approximately 10% of all recorded cases worldwide. Despite the Mediterranean being considered relatively safe, scientists emphasize that even small waves can pose a serious danger to populated coastal areas.
Tsunamis most often occur as a result of strong earthquakes or volcanic activity and can consist of several waves, with the first wave not always being the most destructive. The main threat comes from strong currents capable of flooding harbors, endangering the safety of swimmers, and damaging coastal infrastructure.
Among the most vulnerable areas, experts highlight several "hot spots." The highest risk is observed in Greece, particularly around the island of Crete, the Hellenic Arc, and the Aegean Sea, where the African tectonic plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian plate. An example of such an event is the earthquake of 365 AD in Crete, which triggered a powerful tsunami that affected the eastern Mediterranean.
Increased risk zones also include southern Italy, including Sicily and the Strait of Messina, where a tsunami up to 13 meters high resulted from the earthquake of 1908. Danger is also present off the coast of Spain, especially around the Balearic Islands and Valencia, as well as along the coasts of Algeria and Morocco in North Africa.
The coast of Portugal is also at risk of tsunamis, where the African and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect. Although the likelihood of large waves here is lower than in the seismically active zones of the Pacific Ocean, the threat still remains.
Western Turkey, particularly the Aegean coast near Izmir and the Bodrum Peninsula, is also in a zone of increased seismic activity, where small tsunamis may occur. A moderate risk persists in the southern part of France, including Nice, Marseille, and Toulon.
Experts emphasize that a feature of the Mediterranean Sea is its short length. This means that tsunamis can reach the coast within 20–40 minutes after an earthquake, significantly reducing the time for warnings and evacuations.
Currently, countries in the region participate in the UNESCO tsunami warning system (NEAMTWS). France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Portugal also have their national monitoring and warning centers that transmit alarm signals in case of a threat.
According to experts, the highest tectonic activity is observed in the eastern Mediterranean — off the coasts of Greece, Turkey, and Italy. In the central part of the region, the risk is assessed as moderate, while in the western zone it is lower; however, the possibility of a tsunami cannot be completely ruled out.
