Greece : Safety by City
Greece, located in southeastern Europe, sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas.
Known as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization, Greece is known for its ancient ruins and cultural landmarks spread across the country.
Every year, around 30 million tourists visit Greece, drawn by its history, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere.
The country is divided into the mainland and islands.
The mainland features major historical and natural attractions, including Athens, home to the iconic Acropolis, and Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo.
Northern Greece, including Thessaloniki, offers a mix of Byzantine and Ottoman influences, while the Peloponnese region boasts ancient sites like Olympia, where the Olympic Games began.
While Greece is known for its islands, Mount Olympus beckons travelers nearly 9,600 feet high in Olympus National Park (not to be confused with Olympic National Park in Washington, USA).
Greece’s islands are what most people picture—whitewashed buildings, clear blue water, and plenty of sunshine.
There are about 6,000 islands total, with 200 inhabited and about 50 for a tourist to choose from.
Here’s a small sample.
- The Cyclades feature the world-famous Santorini and Mykonos.
- The Ionian Islands, including Corfu and Zakynthos, offer stunning beaches.
- Crete, the largest island, blends beautiful coastlines with ancient Minoan ruins.
- The Dodecanese, such as Rhodes, are sprinkled with old towns and medieval history.
What’s more?
Greece is ranked as one of the lowest-risk countries in the world.
Warnings & Dangers in Greece
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Greece is generally a safe country for tourists. Most major governments of countries agree on this. Beyond standard cautions, there aren't too many concerns.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Getting around Greece is easy with domestic flights, ferries, buses, and rental cars. Ferries connect the islands and the mainland, while buses cover the mainland. In cities, taxis and public transport are reliable options.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Above, when I said there aren't too many concerns, this is one of them. The medium risk of pickpocketing is most likely in tourist-heavy areas, especially in Athens around Monastiraki and public transport. Thieves are skilled and often work in groups to distract travelers.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk, with earthquakes and summer wildfires being the biggest concerns. Also, pay attention to the heat and heat index, as temperatures can cause health issues.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Muggings are uncommon in Greece, even in major cities. Common sense and situational awareness go a long way.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Greece has a low risk of terrorism, but like anywhere, it’s smart to stay aware in crowded places or during public events. Security is generally good, and incidents are infrequent compared to other European destinations.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Right in line with pickpocketing, the risk of being scammed is medium risk. Scams targeting tourists include overpriced taxis, fake tour guides, and restaurants inflating bills. Stick to reputable businesses, double-check prices before ordering, and avoid overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Greece is a welcoming destination for solo female travelers. Catcalling can happen, but serious harassment is rare. Use common sense, avoid isolated areas at night, and you'll likely have a hassle-free experience.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water is safe to drink in most cities but ask around when visiting the islands. If the locals are drinking bottled water, you should, too. The high mineral content in some tap water might make you choose bottled water to avoid the pungent taste.
Safest Places to Visit in Greece
The official tourism site is www.visitgreece.gr, run by the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Greece has a little bit of everything, from ancient ruins to stunning beaches and lively cities.
You’ll also need to consider the cities and attractions on the mainland compared to the dozens of islands that attract tourists.
The country has around 6,000 islands, though only about 200 are inhabited.
If you’re into history, Athens is a must.
The Acropolis and Parthenon are the big highlights, and the city has great museums and food.
Start with the Acropolis first thing in the morning to avoid climbing the hill during the heat of the day.
Also, on the mainland, Meteora, with its monasteries perched on towering rocks, feels like something out of a fantasy movie.
If you’re up for an adventure, Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the gods, has great hiking.
The trekking season starts in June and ends in October.
Expect the trip to take two days.
Mytikas is the true summit, but it requires rock scrambling skills.
Several other summits are available for less experienced hikers.
Over in Santorini, you’ll find those famous whitewashed buildings and unreal sunsets.
It’s touristy, but worth it.
Mykonos is the party island, with beach clubs and a vibrant nightlife scene.
For something more laid-back, Crete is the largest island and has a mix of beaches, mountains, and ancient sites like the Palace of Knossos.
Adventures can take you to mountain peaks, into stunning gorges, or underground in legendary caves.
Rhodes offers medieval charm with its old town and beaches.
If you want postcard-perfect spots, the Ionian Islands, including Corfu and Zakynthos, are lush and green with crystal-clear waters.
Sailing in Greece is a dream, but plan for the Meltemi winds from June through September, which can make navigation tricky.
Choosing a boat trip can connect you to quieter islands like Milos or Paxos.
Places to Avoid in Greece
Greece is amazing pretty much year-round, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
July and August can get crazy busy, especially in popular spots like Santorini and Mykonos.
Prices skyrocket, the heat can be brutal, and you’ll be dealing with crowds everywhere.
If you can, aim for May, June, or September when things are a bit calmer and the weather’s still great.
If you’re into hiking or exploring off the beaten path, mid-summer isn’t the best time.
It gets ridiculously hot, and wildfire risks are real, especially in dry areas like the Peloponnese.
Some trails even close when the risk is too high.
Winter has its perks, but many islands basically shut down, with fewer ferries and a lot of places closed.
If you’re visiting in the off-season, Athens and Thessaloniki are a safer bet for things to do and places to eat.
When it comes to activities, steer clear of sketchy tour operators, especially for boat trips and adventure stuff.
Go with well-reviewed companies to stay safe.
And if you’re thinking about renting a scooter or ATV, be careful—those winding island roads are no joke, and accidents happen more than you’d think.
Plus, those types of rides require travel adventure insurance.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Greece
- If you run into trouble, dial 112 for any emergency—police, fire, or medical. Need the police specifically? Call 100. They’re usually helpful, but English skills can vary, so stay patient.
- Greece has an emergency alert system that sends SMS warnings for things like wildfires and earthquakes. Your phone should pick them up automatically, but double-check your settings just in case.
- Greek drug laws are no joke. Even a tiny amount of marijuana can get you into serious trouble, with hefty fines or worse. Check that any prescriptions you plan to bring are legal in Greece.
- Greek law says you need to have ID on you at all times. Police do random checks, and not having your passport could mean fines or a trip to the station. A copy usually won’t cut it.
- Thinking about renting a car? Non-EU visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and trust us; the roads can be wild. Expect aggressive drivers and winding streets, especially on the islands.
- Greek customs take antiquities seriously—removing even the tiniest rock from an archaeological site can land you in trouble. Leave everything where it is, and if you’re buying something that looks ancient, make sure it’s legit and keep your receipts.
- Demonstrations and strikes are part of life in Greece, and you can expect an uptick surrounding holidays or events, such as May, November 17, and December 6. Stay away from large groups involved in these demonstrations and be aware that transportation can be delayed or otherwise disrupted during this time.
- Bring some motion sickness medicine as the ferries between the islands or other countries can cross rough seas. Be sure to take the medication at least 30 minutes before traveling. By the time you’re feeling nauseated, it’s too late. Patches can last up to three days.
- Pay attention to beach warning flags in Greece—they’re there for a reason. A red flag means stay out of the water, yellow means swim with caution, and green means you’re good to go. Conditions can change fast, so check before diving in. You shouldn’t have trouble finding a beach with a lifeguard between June and September.
- Wildfire season runs from April through October. If you know a fire is burning near you, keep an eye on the news and emergency alerts so you don’t miss evacuation warnings. You might want an N-95 mask for poor air quality caused by fire.
So... How Safe Is Greece Really?
Greece is honestly about as safe a place as you’ll find.
The Canadian, American, United Kingdom, and Australian governments all agree that it has the lowest risk level.
Also, according to a report from Safeture and Riskline, which put out an annual Global Risk Map, Greece was one of the lowest-risk destinations in the world for 2025.
Petty theft is a legitimate concern, but that’s going to be the case in any tourist destination.
The more crowded a place is, the more likely it will happen.
Watch out for people who bump into you or try to distract your attention.
It generally means someone is watching to find the perfect time to grab a backpack or purse.
Earthquakes happen “often” here, but that’s on a geological timeline.
The raw number of sizable quakes is about 2-3 a year.
This is due to the location of Greece in relation to the Eurasian and the African tectonic plates meeting point in the Aegean Sea.
While you can’t forecast earthquakes, you can plan for them.
Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (E.P.P.O.) oversees earthquake preparedness and can offer helpful tips.
Enjoy your trip to Greece!
How Does Greece Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Greece | 73 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Denmark | 94 |
| Poland | 84 |
| Lithuania | 79 |
| Belgium | 70 |
| Iceland | 95 |
| Ireland | 83 |
| Serbia | 77 |
Useful Information
Visas
Greece is part of the Schengen Zone. If you're coming from the U.S., Canada, or most of Europe, you can stay in Greece for up to 90 days without a visa. Stay longer, and you’ll need to deal with some paperwork. Always check the latest rules—no one likes surprises at immigration.
Currency
Greece runs on euros (€), and while cards work fine in cities, cash is your best bet in smaller spots. ATMs are everywhere, but fees can pile up, so withdraw wisely. Markets, taxis, and some tavernas still prefer paper money over plastic.
Weather
Summers are hot and sunny, with July and August cranking up the heat. Spring and fall are perfect for sightseeing, while winters bring rain and cooler temps, especially up north. On the islands, the famous Meltemi winds can mess with your beach plans.
Airports
Athens International (ATH) handles most long-haul flights, but if you're island-hopping, smaller airports like Mykonos and Santorini have seasonal routes. Domestic flights are an option, but ferries can be the more scenic—and sometimes cheaper—choice for getting around.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended, including medical evacuation insurance and protection against theft or loss. Many hospitals require proof of funds or insurance before they treat you for an injury or illness.
Greece Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 13 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 34 | 34 | 29 | 24 | 18 | 14 |
| Low °C | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 7 |
| High °F | 55 | 57 | 63 | 70 | 79 | 88 | 93 | 93 | 84 | 75 | 64 | 57 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 68 | 73 | 73 | 66 | 59 | 52 | 45 |
Greece - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Athens | 66 |
| Heraklion | 82 |
| Kos | 81 |
| Rhodes | 83 |
| Thessaloniki | 63 |
Stunning islands, recommended
My family visit Greece every other year! Last time we went to Kos, and although the vacation was boring compared to others, it’s still a very safe and beautiful country. We’re going to Naxos next year following the advice of my parents. I’ve also been to Rhodes, Corfu and Santorini, always a pleasure. Just be careful of street scammers, there are quite a few but are usually easy to spot.
Crete island,you love it.
Safe and beautiful
I travel to Greece once a year to visit my father who never wanted to leave his homeland. I go to Ikaria which is a stunning island with a beautiful blue sea. The ratings on this page are correct but I have to point out that there have been terrorist attacks in Greece, although most have been non-fatal. That aside, you won’t have problems in Greece.
what terror attacks?
What terror attacks?!!
Where?
Nice country
I have loved every trip to Greece. I have been there a total of 5 times. I plan on going this year again. The only drawback is for people who are either allergic to cats or don’t like them. My wife, unfortunately, has a cat allergy so it made both our trips there together a bit tricky!
Why cats do they have too many
Only on miow miow island
Greece is not safe pick picketers all over please don’t go the police not friendly
mmed
you are right, its the heaven for pick pocketers, I have lost some 800 euros, police just written a complaint to give a receipt for getting insurance if possible..dry city, just ruins are there. not worth to visit as it was a name once.
THE TEAL GREECE....ITS FABULOUS
THIS SIMPLY IS NOT TRUE…….the Grrek people are lovely honest and friendly ….crime is very low and almost always carried put by immigrants from Africa or Arabia..even then this is restricted to pick pockets or bag snatching.. but this is just in the big cities…..on the islands the locals leave there keys in cars when parked!!!
Absolutely. You’re right. It’s very safe. I only ever had a few problems with children who threw stoned at me thinking I was a tourist. I think their parents must have had a bad experience with tourists and their children ganged up on me and pelted me with stones on the way home from supermarket in broad daylight. My husband later wen
Dry Dusty City with only relics? Not the Greece, I visited back in ’21. Went in early October weather was breezy towards the evenings but otherwise OK. Loved the beach on Naxos though the one on Paros was filled with jellyfish that hurt.
People friendly and helpful and even more when you can speak a little Greek, you’d be surprised how many doors that can open.
You must be a Turk
Beautiful Country, Beautiful People
The scammers and pickpockets are in the tourist-filled areas. Visit the villages and places that aren’t tourist traps and you’ll find that Greeks are good people who can be trusted.
Hospitals jammed if you getbsick or are injured, you are on your own. Save Greece for when pandemic is over. Andrew
Precisely
And if you are sick or meaten by a thug, hospitals are full. Don’t go to Greece, especiallynAthens ubless you are a glutton for punishment. Andrew
Pickpocket risks should be high
Got pickpocketed on the first day in Athens metro. Crazy cus we have taken extra precautions. Other places were amazing. Except we can’t hang around places like Monastiraki square without being bothered, approached or scammed!!!
To work
I wana hoi grcee
Amazing Greece
Amazing and safe place to travel
I would love it if you could send me a free Visa of one month to see how the counter is
Don’t knh abt it
Went to Rhodes for many years . Loved Pefcos ,but as we got older it became to hilly for us .So now we go to Zante. Love Greece and the people. They are so friendly
the safest and most beautiful country to visit on the Mediterranean Sea
Amazing capital city of Athens with Acropolis and all the ancient history, traditional food (souvlaki, gyros), the center of ancient Greek civilization.
The beautiful tropic Greek islands (over 3.000) with the combination of amazing Mediterranean weather, the crystal sea and wonderful beaches, the always shining sun and the night life (Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Crete etc)
you must visit Greece at least one time in your life and you defiantly going to enjoy it!
🤬🤮
This site is spreading total lies and misinformation.Do not believe it. Crime rates and road safety are at hell right now. You better go to Iran. Dressed as a Jew. No offense. Government doesn’t care and you’re better off with the hope of someone random finding you instead of the police. Overall, you’ll be mugged, murdered or driven to insanity by other drivers. Have a great evening everyone. Away from Greece .
u r right, i support yr statmnt
Based on what evidence / statistical data?
Imagine visiting Greece and thinking is just like Iraq / Iran ! I do not know where you live , but i do not think your view is representative of the country. Your name maybe Afroxylanthi , and maybe you live in some of the slums in Athens but the overall crime rate in Greece especially now is well below the average in EUROPE.
When arguing online about something so vital it is good to present facts and not just an opinion. This is the current trend of the crime rate.
It is the lowest its ever been. Greece is much more safer now than it was 10 or 20 years ago!
Do not mislead people. Its also good to mention that the overall C02 emissions of Greece have been reduced back to the 1980s period !
Do not assume that a situation affecting your specific region is the same for the whole country. Have a nice day ! I hope i shed some light in to this whole thing! Also if there are statistics that prove otherwise i would be happy to give them a thorough check ! i could not find any in my research!
I used Bing , Google and Qwant to find the aforementioned Results
Here to dismantle propaganda of Afroxylanthi
Your name is not Afroxylanthi and you most probably are a paid troll or somebody who just doesn’t like that Greece is getting so many tourists in comparison to your country (whatever that might be, doesn’t interest anybody). Just because a random troll like you writes a toxic comment without any proof, doesn’t mean we have to take your word for it.
Greece is overall very safe. You can google up US Travel Advisory and figure it out yourself. The crime rate in Greece has historically been amongst the lowest in Western Europe, and continues to be. in 2017, only 78 homicides in a population of 10.5mio. A record 10-year low. So you can shove your “overall, you’ll be murdered in Greece” somewhere else. Maybe in your third-world country you crawled out from.
Police corruption is the lowest in the Balkans. There is not a single case of police officers trying to get money from you. Maybe this happens in your country, so you are salty that Greece has a Western style, non-corrupt police force. Grow up and get over it.
Traffic is indeed a thing in Greece. You have to be careful, since most of the Greek people drive offensively. That’s why Greece has high accident rates. So somebody has to be extra careful when crossing a street or driving, especially two-wheeled motorbikes. But this is common sense, since you are in a foreign country.
You are totally wrong
I go to Greece every year !
My wife which is an USA citizen, loves Greece
No one bothered us
I have been going to Greece every year for the past 40 years. You are being mendacious.
Disinformation
Totally inaccurate. Otherwise how you explain that millions of tourists visit every year. I go regularly. You have a point about driving. Very aggressive drivers. (I am one of them:). If you can drive in NYC you are good to do in Athens. Otherwise use taxis.
wow, have been to Greece and it is totally safe, honestly cannot compare to other countries and people are extremely friendly. Loved it and extremely beautiful.
Danger
I was robbed in the hotel at the ATM as well as in the train in Athens. Not a single cop could be seen in metro area. Travel at your own risk. Also found others who were robbed.
Amazing country, but high risk of pickpocketing, be careful about your stuff all the time. Also, Athens is very dirty and drivers don’t care about your or their life so be careful in traffic. Great food.
Afroxyl is attention seeking. He’s never been out of his mother’s basement.
Stay away from Athens
Athens is a very dirty city. Totally unacceptable. Police does not seem to want to emforce the law. Hordes of illegals and gypsies are everywhere. Very sad but true. The amazingly clean metro system is full of pickpockets and gangs of gypsies and there is no police to be seen. Clearly the country side is more safe.
Greece is actually a very safe country, there is a high risk of pickpockets but take precautions and you’ll be fine.
Besides, Greece is 1 of the lowest countries in Europe with police corruption, so don’t believe the comments about corrupt police
I am look for a job
My LOVE FOR GREECE
Love Greece to the max , beautiful friendly people,visited many islands , a favourite SYROS ISLAND ‼️Go to Rome & see how dirty that is & lots of Gypsies !! As An Australian our love for Greece is up for here & we are dying to return to our favourite islands & friends . Have never experienced theft , abuse or scammers!
As a civilian of Greece,stay away from here. Police violence is out of control. We are under strict lockdown since the starts of November 2020. Prime minister will open the lockdown only if tourists come,he does not care for us. 40% of the bars,cafes, restaurants etc. are closed permanently. We are under dictatorship
Beware of the tricksters commenting on this site!
Sounds to me that these naysayers know the truth so who are they and why would they insist on spreading propaganda? I will venture a guess, they are probably Greek Residents that hate tourism and wishes he did not have to encounter tourists. What better way to scare people off than to make them think they may not make it back alive! The stats speak for themselves though so I will just say.. Nice Try!
I wouldn’t really agree woth Greek C.
I’m Greek, and live in Athens, but always wished for more tourists. 🤩
I love when tourists come over to visit us!! It’s always a pleasure to have them here 😄🇬🇷
Misleading
This is misleading, Greece currently has a junta and police brutality and they do not care about anyone’s health, longest lockdown, most covid deaths in europe etc
Wrong, wrong and more wrong.COVID cases amongst lowest in Europe per capital. I have traveled to Greece six times and find it one of the safest places to visit. All large cities have problems with crime and traffic. I choose islands, small towns and villages when I travel abroad.
The safety of Greece by a Greek
I am Greek and I live in a bad rumoured area of Athens. The only real problem in Greece is pickpocketing. But if you aware areas (in Athens) like Gyzi, Sepolia, Kato Patisia, Exarchia, Omonia and Menidi there is no problem in the rest of Athens. As Greek I recommend Greece I am sure you will not regret it.
Be aware always
Overall, Greece is a lovely country. That said, Athens can be treacherous as there are many pickpockets especially around the travel hubs like ports and train stops. I have travelled all around the world and Athens is the only place I was robbed. Be smart and aware of your surroundings at all times- true of any place you travel. And do not look like a tourist!! Do not wear expensive clothes and especially no jewelry!
Great visit to Greece, despite event of pickpocketing.
We visited Athens, several cities and areas on the Peleponese penninsula and the island of Amorgos in 2019. We suffered pickpocketing on the subway from airport to hotel in centra Athens on the first day in Greece. Lost phone and credit card. Despite that, it was one of the best trips we have ever had. We made some mistakes in security. I pulled out my phone and talked to seemingly friendly strange and fellow travelers, but they may have been part of the scam. Our hotel host was amazingly helpful in dealing with this. My husband got all his wallet contents back, and lost only cash. Of course, it was unsettling, but not terribly painful. We are returning in Sept 2021 and look forward to it.
Our summer heaven
Greece has been our summer go-to destination for over 10 years. Since their economy went through so many crashes some people are left in extreme poverty. Yes, this doesn’t justify robberies or pickpocketing but at least it provides a good background to understand the why. I’m paranoid by default so I always keep as little money on me as possible. Also, no to fancy jewelry or flashing your phone.
So many options
Greece will forever be a top destination for our little summer getaway! Our first vacation there was in 2015 and we have come back every year since.
Having visited different locations every time I can safely say that you get a different experience depending on what you decide to visit.
Safety-wise, most problematic areas are in bus stations, crowded markets or regarding belongings left unattended on the beach. We had zero problems so far but we’re the kind of couple that always looks out four times before crossing the road haha.
If you’re on an island and stay at a resort it’s obvious you won’t have any problems. If you explore ruin sites or any other touristy crowded destination I would suggest keeping your phone, spare change and ID safe, they have some very slick pickpockets, especially the children.
There are tons of villas on Airbnb that even offer accommodation for pets so don’t rush into booking a suite. Sometimes trendier destinations are way overpriced while also offering the bare accommodations – we got screwed once, never again.
Santorini is great for a couple escape, they have one of the most luxurious hotels. Canaves Oia Suites was a lucky win for us. We knew we wanted to visit Oia when this gorgeous village started pooping on our insta quite a lot.
Kefalonia, Lefkada, Corfu, these are great family destinations with activities for the whole family.
If privacy is a huge issue for you, I would definitely check Serifos. My wife was the one who booked this stay where we managed to relax like never before. Blue waters, quiet beaches, a modern paradise.
Travel insurance is a must, we never travel without, especially when traveling abroad. Since covid is still present and flights can be delayed at any moment this gives us some peace of mind.
My son lives in Greece. I visit often and when he at working I go shopping. My camera was stolen and found the people very rude. They are only nice when you are in a tourist area.
Not so safe for women, but a beautiful place to travel
This says that Greece is safe for women but I found Crete to be extremely unnerving to travel around as a woman. The island itself was awesome and I would recommend it generally but I was with my sister and her friend and I swear 95% of the men we passed by would cat call and actively chase after us (even turning around on the road and chasing after us in their cars and scooters).. that may be a slight exaggeration from memory but not by much. If you look Greek no one will bother you but if you are pale skinned with lighter hair and lighter eyes oh man… it was crazy. And yet no one warned us about this and I haven’t heard anything about it since! This was a while ago now so maybe things have changed a bit but I would really question the high safety rating given here – it’s a bit deceiving.
Never been but wondering how safe for young teenage boys & girls. Kidnappings?