A light but clearly perceptible earthquake startled parts of the Canary Islands during the early hours of Monday, 29 December 2025. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) confirmed that the tremor registered a magnitude of 3.8 mbLg and occurred off the south-western coast of El Hierro, near the municipality of El Pinar.
Location and characteristics of the earthquake
The seismic event took place at 01:56 a.m., with its hypocentre located 36 kilometres below the surface, a depth consistent with the volcanic and tectonic activity typical of the region.
According to IGN data, the epicentre was positioned to the south-west of El Pinar, an area known for previous seismic episodes associated with the island’s geological processes.
No damage or significant intensity reported
Despite the magnitude, no personal injuries or material damage have been reported. The information currently available also indicates that the earthquake did not reach a notable maximum intensity on the mainland, meaning its effects were felt only mildly, if at all, by the population.
A recent sequence of tremors
This event adds to the ongoing low-level seismic activity registered in recent days across the archipelago. It follows other minor tremors recorded this month, including several that were felt in two Canary Islands municipalities and nearly 40 small quakes detected within a ten-day period, according to previous IGN updates.
Continuous monitoring
The National Geographic Institute continues to monitor seismic activity in real time, updating all relevant information through its official online platform. This continuous surveillance is key for tracking geological behaviour in one of Spain’s most dynamic volcanic regions.
