What the record shows for Spain
The strongest earthquake on record near Spain is a magnitude 7.8 in 1954, centred Strait of Gibraltar - 72 years ago. The event is catalogued by USGS. See the event record.
Over the last 20 years, USGS has catalogued 41 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greater within 389 km of Spain - roughly 2 a year. That rate describes how often the ground moves enough to be recorded, not how often damage occurs; most of these are never felt.
The NOAA NCEI database records 3 tsunamis within 389 km of Spain between 1522 and 1737. The most significant was in 1522 near Alboran Sea, which killed around 1,000 people.
One volcano is catalogued near Spain, including Calatrava Volcanic Field. Volcanic systems generate their own earthquake swarms, which is why activity here can look different from a purely tectonic region.
Sources: USGS earthquake catalog, NOAA tsunami database, and the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. Figures update as the catalogs are revised.
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Southern Spain and the Canary Islands experience earthquakes linked to the Africa–Eurasia plate boundary.
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.
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.