The Greek island has a long history of earthquakes, but what is causing the recent series of quakes has scientists perplexed.

Santorini is famed for its crescent-shaped caldera, which was created by one of the largest known volcanic eruptions around 3,600 years ago. The tourist destination has been dubbed Greece’s “Instagram island” because of its photogenic golden light and sweeping scenery.

The Greek island of Santorini was struck by the latest in a string of earthquakes Tuesday, this time a 4.8 temblor. The government said it will backstop the island destination's tourist industry.

February marks the unofficial start of the tourist season in the Greek island of Santorini - when the first cruise ships are due to arrive and the Easter holidays approach. But with thousands of earthquakes shaking the island since January and experts unable to say when they will end,

Seismologists have noted that the epicentre of the earthquakes is steadily drifting northward in the direction of Amorgos.