A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the province of Granada in southern Spain on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, causing panic among residents and tourists. The quake, centered in the town of Gójar, left three people with minor injuries and led to the evacuation of the iconic Alhambra palace. It is part of an ongoing seismic swarm that has produced over 150 tremors since August 14.

A New Shake Rocks Southern Spain

The Spanish city of Granada and its metropolitan area experienced tense moments on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 when a magnitude 4.8 earthquake surprised residents and visitors alike. The tremor, recorded at 10:37 local time (08:37 GMT), had its epicenter in the municipality of Gójar, about 10 kilometers south of the Andalusian capital.

The quake left three people with minor injuries, including a minor who was taken to hospital, according to Antonio Sanz, the emergency management chief for the Andalusia region. The shaking was felt strongly across the province and also in parts of Almería, Jaén, and Málaga, as well as in northern Morocco.

Key Earthquake Data

  • Magnitude: 4.8 Mw
  • Epicenter: Gójar, Granada
  • Time: 10:37 (local)
  • Injuries: 3 (minor, including a child)
  • Major aftershock: 4.2 at 11:34 in Alhendín

Alhambra Evacuated and Material Damage

One of the most affected sites was the Alhambra complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Spain's top tourist attractions. Authorities decided to evacuate visitors from the Nasrid Palaces and the Alcazaba as a precaution while structural safety assessments were carried out.

Emergency services in Andalusia received around 50 calls reporting cracks in walls, falling cornices, and damage to facades. As a preventive measure, they ordered the closure of administrative buildings, museums, and the City of Sport, while primary health care centers remained open.

The Granada metro reduced train speeds to 30 km/h as a safety measure, and local police urged residents to stay calm and avoid standing near buildings. Images shared by local media showed several hotels evacuated and cars damaged by falling debris from facades.

A Seismic Swarm That Keeps Everyone on Edge

This new earthquake is the second magnitude 4.8 event in just three days. On Saturday, August 15, a magnitude 5 quake centered in Alhendín had already caused structural damage in the area, though no fatalities were reported.

According to records from Spain's National Geographic Institute, since August 14 there have been more than 150 tremors recorded in the region, most of low intensity, although the Granada CF football club cited 432 seismic events in total. Experts say these all belong to the same seismic swarm linked to the tectonic activity of the Betic Cordillera, where several fault systems converge.

The President of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, urged the public to act with "maximum prudence" and follow official recommendations, warning that more tremors and aftershocks could occur in the coming days.

Granada CF to Inspect Stadium Before Upcoming Match

The seismic activity also reached the sporting world. Granada CF announced that before their match against RCD Mallorca on Monday, August 24 (Matchday 2 of LaLiga Hypermotion), technical specialists will carry out a structural review of the Nuevo Los Cármenes Stadium.

The club, in collaboration with Granada City Council, commissioned this inspection to ensure the stadium meets all safety standards. "The safety of all attendees is a priority," the club said, while also sending "all their encouragement and strength to the people of Granada" and reminding everyone to follow official instructions.

Monday's match will be Granada's first home game of the season in Spain's second division, following a goalless draw at Real Oviedo the previous Saturday.