Southern Spain and the Canary Islands experience earthquakes linked to the Africa–Eurasia plate boundary. This page pulls real records for Spain: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Spain.
Check Spain hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Spain - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Spain - FAQ
Is Spain at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 2 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 389 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M7.8 in 1954.
What was the biggest earthquake in Spain?
The strongest earthquake on record near Spain is M7.8, in 1954 (Strait of Gibraltar), from USGS.
Does Spain get tsunamis?
Yes - 3 tsunamis since 1522 (most recently 1737) within 389 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 1,000 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Spain?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.