Until yesterday, Rodrigo and Leslie from Chile were enjoying the ultimate vacation experience in Oia.

On the edge of the cliffs of Kaldera, where the Aegean stretches out like an endless blue canvas, the couple sipped a glass of wine, gazing at the sunset and ignoring the seismic activity rocking Santorini. “We’re not chewing,” Rodrigo had declared with a laugh, expressing his certainty that nothing would spoil their dream vacation.

But a few hours later, the situation changed dramatically.

The successive earthquakes that struck Santorini overnight, many of which exceeded 4 Richter and were particularly noticeable because of the small focal depth, caused the couple to panic. The walls creaked, the glasses on the shelves of their Airbnb rattled uncontrollably, and every tremor caused them to bounce out of bed.

Though they initially tried to remain calm, dawn found them hastily packing their belongings. Terror overcame romance, and the image of the cliff of Oia, which had so enchanted them the day before, suddenly seemed menacing.

In the morning, before it was even well after dawn, the two Chileans abandoned their room and hurriedly left the island, not waiting for their scheduled departure.

In the place where until yesterday they were sitting and enjoying the magic of Caldera, the empty little table with two wooden chairs seems to be waiting for the next visitors – if of course, they find the courage to brave the ongoing seismic activity.