Spain at the collision point of two plates
The Iberian Peninsula sits in a boundary zone between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates. This collision extends from the Atlantic south of Portugal through the Mediterranean to Italy, Greece, and Turkey, driving much of the seismic activity observed in southern Spain and Portugal.
Other factors complicate the picture as well, with microplates and active faults hundreds of kilometers away from the main collision zone, producing seismicity in other parts of the peninsula such as the Pyrenees and Galicia.
The peninsula records a lower frequency of strong earthquakes compared with Turkey, Greece, or Italy. Being part of the western Mediterranean, the plate collision is less rapid and intense than in the eastern Mediterranean, so major seismic events occur less often.
It is reflected in the seismic hazard maps of Europe where intense red and purple tones indicating higher danger cluster mainly in the southeastern portion of the continent.
The idea that a strong earthquake will not strike Spain is a misleading one. It is important to note that strong offshore earthquakes can trigger tsunamis, a danger seen in historical events such as those in 1522 and 1755.
Seismic hazard measures the probability of severe earthquakes occurring in a given area in the future.
Seismic risk maps present a probabilistic view that also accounts for exposures and vulnerabilities of buildings, people, and infrastructure, offering a fuller picture of potential impacts.
Seismic risk map in Europe, according to Danciu et al., 2021. This map helps explain why some zones are more prone to damage and how exposure shapes overall danger. Attribution: Danciu, et al., 2021.
Seismic risk is described as probabilistic, yet it also factors in exposures and vulnerabilities of structures, people, and networks.
Seismicity in the Canary Islands is linked to volcanoes
The Canary Islands are not situated along a plate collision line. This archipelago is of volcanic origin, and its seismicity is tied to volcanic activity. During the fall of 2021, a large number of seismic events occurred in connection with the Cumbre Vieja eruption, although most were of medium or low magnitude and did not cause damage. Historically, the Canary Islands have not experienced destructive earthquakes of great power.
The most notable recent quake occurred on May 1, 1989, in Tenerife, registering magnitude 5.3. There was no damage, though public alarm was pronounced.
How do researchers assess the risk of a major earthquake?
Geologists use two main lines of knowledge to estimate where strong earthquakes may occur: the study of faults that generate earthquakes and historical research to understand the effects of past seismic events.
Europe holds many historical documents spanning two thousand years and more, valuable for understanding seismic hazard. By analyzing ancient texts, researchers have filled archives of European earthquakes, helping to locate where and how often seismic events happened.
Through the study of long historical records, scientists have refined the seismic hazard map of Europe and identified regions with the highest incidence of catastrophic events, including Turkey, Italy, and Greece. While Spain experiences fewer catastrophes, the low frequency can create a false sense of security if memory fades.
These historical insights are essential for preparing for future events and reducing damages, guiding efforts such as building earthquake resistant structures and public readiness for earthquakes or tsunamis.
Biggest risk areas in dark tone. Attribution: IGN, 2021.
Knowing seismic history helps communities prepare for the future, reduce damage from new quakes, and protect people by improving construction practices and public readiness for emergencies.
The most dangerous areas
Spain and Portugal have endured significant earthquakes across the last centuries. The southeast of the peninsula, notably the Granada-Málaga and Murcia-Alicante corridors, along with the Pyrenees and Galicia, are frequently affected. Coastal zones of Southwest Spain and southern Portugal in the Atlantic near Cabo de San Vicente face strong earthquakes that could trigger tsunamis. Recent studies warn of potential tsunamis from powerful quakes in the Alboran Sea as well.
Despite this seismic history, the Iberian Peninsula has avoided disasters as severe as those seen in Italy or Turkey. It remains a region of interest because hundreds of thousands of people have suffered in major quakes elsewhere, underscoring the need for consistent risk reduction strategies.
This site tracks the most significant earthquakes recorded in Spain and offers ongoing context for risk awareness and preparedness.
Understanding the seismic past supports better preparation for the future, reducing harm from new events and guiding public actions in the event of an earthquake or tsunami.