Anyone hoping for a winter break to Crete needs to know that the UK government has issued a travel warning for the Greek island.
The announcement was made following a 6.3 magnitude earthquake yesterday.
Tourists in the area are being warned to stay away from some of the coastal areas and to “remain vigilant”.
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The Foreign Office state: “The British Embassy is monitoring reports of an earthquake in eastern Crete, approximately 25km south east of the town of Sitia, that struck on October 12.
“You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities, and be aware of the possibility of aftershocks.”
(Image: AP Photo/Harry Nikos)
Local authorities have also issued a tsunami warning, with anyone in the area told to avoid coastal areas and the beaches.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said the island had also been struck by a tsunami following the huge quake.
Appealing for people to evacuate its coastal areas, he said: “A small tsunami is underway in southern Crete. Withdraw from the shores.”
The strong quake reportedly damaged a church near Sitia while other images showed smashed items in a supermarket following the tremors.
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TUI’s latest statement on their website explains: “We’re aware of the earthquake that occurred in Crete this morning.
“We can confirm that our customers and destination teams are all safe and well, and that customers are continuing to enjoy their holidays as planned.
“We’d like to reassure customers due to travel to Crete that the airport is open, and our flights continue to operate.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers is always our highest priority and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”
The earthquake comes just weeks after a 6.0 magnitude quake on the island.
Tourists were evacuated from resorts, while in island capital Heraklion people ran out into the streets when the quake shook their homes at 9.17am local time.
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