Is Greece Safe for Travel Right Now?

Find the ride you need in Greece

Planning a trip to Europe but unsure if Greece is safe for travel? This blog offers valuable tips for a safe journey. Keep reading.

boat floating in port in Greece

Are you planning to visit the calderas of Santorini, the party hotspot Mykonos or the underrated but oh-so-picturesque island of Milos in Greece?

Given the overall uncertainty over the past few years, it is not surprising to wonder, is Greece safe for travel?

Safety should always be a top concern, no matter where you travel.

While Greece is a mesmerizing country with ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, there are some tips and tricks to help you make informed decisions regarding your safety. 

In general, you can rest assured that the Greek government places significant importance on the tourism industry and has taken measures to ensure visitors’ well-being. 

So what Greece travel safety methods are in place? Let’s go through them.

Greece Safety Info

Health and Medical Facilities

doctor in Greece

Fingers crossed, you won’t need to seek medical help while on vacation, but in the unlikely event, you can find English-speaking doctors. 

In both urban and popular tourist destinations, the government has established a robust healthcare system that provides accessible medical services to both residents and visitors. 

For example, in Santorini, the main healthcare center is in Fira, but there are health and first aid stations in Emporio, Kamari, Oia, Pirgos and Thirassia. 

Transportation Safety

taxi station in Greece

For those planning to get around Greece by taxis, ferries or pre-booked tours, overall, these are very safe to use.

When it comes to hiring a quad bike, motorcycle, or car, be sure to adhere to traffic rules and exercise caution. Helmets are mandatory.  

Pro tip: There are fixed rates when traveling from Athens Airport to Athens, so be sure to confirm the price with your driver before getting in so they don’t take you for a ride…so to speak

Crime-related Incidents 

Motorcycle police in Greece

Is the crime rate in Greece high? 

Crime can happen anywhere, but violent crime is rated low according to the Global Peace Index. 

It’s assuring to know the Greek police have a dedicated unit to assist foreign tourists who become a victim of any crime. 

You can contact the tourism police anywhere in Greece by calling 1571 or the regular police on 100. 

General Safety Tips for Travelers Heading To Greece

The Greek government implements strategies to keep tourists safe; below are a few tips: 

Use Reputable Companies for Transportation

large Greek ferry

Greece comes alive during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to pre-book your ferry tickets, cars, and tours in advance.

Booking early means you not only avoid the disappointment of sold-out tickets or unavailable rental cars, but it allows you to plan your itinerary better. 

Always use a reputable company when booking. So do your research.

For example, if you are catching a ferry from Athens to MykonosSeaJets and Blue Star Ferries are great options. 

Buy Travel Insurance

person on computer getting travel insurance

If there is one piece of advice that you take away from this blog on traveling to Greece safely, it is to get travel insurance.

Sure, perhaps you have traveled in the past, purchased it, and didn’t have to make any claims. But you never know when it will come in handy. Especially when you are relying on flights being on time and quad bikes are a common method of transport around the islands.

Pro tip: If you plan to cruise around the Greek islands, make sure you get the added cruise cover when purchasing your travel insurance. 

Beware of Pickpockets

person getting pick pocketed

When talking about crime in Greece, one of the unfortunate things is that pickpocketing and bag snatching occur—especially at popular tourist attractions. 

But don’t be scared or discouraged from going there. Just take precautions to prevent it.

Simple things like carrying your backpack in front of you or using a cross-body bag rather than a shoulder strap can prevent you from being a target. Better yet, buy a theft-proof pouch, purse or backpack.

Pro tip: If a stranger willingly comes up and asks you something, it may not be because they are friendly. Unfortunately, this is a common way to get your belongings stolen. Once you’re distracted, someone else picks your pocket. 

Divide Your Valuables Into Different Bags

woman packing for a trip

This piece of advice is relevant to travel anywhere in the world.

If your luggage goes missing, you misplace something, or in the unfortunate event something is stolen, have your valuable items split between different locations. That way, you don’t lose everything in one fell swoop.

If there is a safe in your accommodation, always lock up your passports and valuables before you head out.  

Be Careful Where and When You Withdraw Money 

ATM sign in Greece

You can lessen the chance of credit card and ATM fraud by using ATMs in public areas or inside a bank. 

As well, make sure to cover the keypad with one hand when entering your pin. 

And if you can avoid it, don’t go to the ATM while walking around at night. 

Research Dress Codes

woman in Meteora, Greece

Out of respect for cultural and religious significance, it’s essential to research and adhere to appropriate dress codes when visiting holy or sacred sites.

For sites such as the iconic monasteries of Meteora (Great Meteoron, Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas), women are required to wear long skirts or dresses and cover their shoulders. Men are expected to wear long pants.  

Avoid Dangerous Areas at Night

dark tunnel in Athens Greece

Is Greece dangerous at night? Most of the time, you will be perfectly fine walking around in the evening.

There are, however, specific areas in Athens that you will want to be more careful in. 

Pro tip: Whether you are staying at a hotel, hostel or rental accommodation, ask in advance if any areas close to the lodging should be avoided. 

Weather in Greece

blue domes, blue sky and blue water in Greece

The summer months of June, July and August are inundated with tourists looking for sunshine, long balmy evenings, and swims in the Mediterranean Sea. The weather is hot and dry, and it’s not unusual to experience days when the temperature reaches 35°C (95°F).

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are lovely months to travel to Greece, particularly if you are more interested in sightseeing. The seven hills of Athens are a must, so it’s more enjoyable to visit when it is not unbearably hot. 

During spring, the temperatures gradually rise from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), while in autumn, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). 

In the winter months of December to February, fewer tourists make their way to Greece as the temperatures average 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). 

Packing List Essentials for Greece

woman in yellow dress in Greece

What you pack in your suitcase will depend on the time of the year you are traveling and the places you will visit.

Here are a few items you may not have thought about bringing but will come in handy:

  • International Drivers License – now, some car hire locations will not require this, but it’s always useful to get an International Driver’s License when planning to rent a car. It’s easy to apply online.
  • Portable Charger – if you have been to Ios or Mykonos before, you will know it’s all about partying. You don’t want to a) lose your friends late at night and b) have a dead phone, so always have one of these with you.
  • A comfortable pair of shoes – even if you visit during the summer when you’ll live in flip-flops, a good pair of walking shoes will help you explore Athens or the cobblestone streets in Santorini.
  • International adapters – these are essential but so easily forgotten when packing. Nothing is worse than getting to your accommodation to realize that you can’t charge any of your electronics. 
  • Basic first-aid kit – purchasing things like band-aids and paracetamol can be annoying, particularly if you stay in a villa away from shops. The good thing is these items don’t take up much room. 
  • Theft-proof bag – find a theft-proof wallet, pouch, purse or backpack to keep your belongings extra safe.

How to Get to Greece

white streets of Greece

Wherever you are coming from in the world, you will likely arrive at Athens Airport.

Hopefully, your flight won’t be delayed, but it’s always best to spend at least a night in the capital city before transferring to any of the islands.

The fastest way to travel from Athens to Santorini is by taking a flight which will take you 50 minutes. Otherwise, another popular option is to take the high-speed ferry, which takes 4 hours and 45 minutes. 

From Athens to Milos, the best way to travel is by a fast ferry, which takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. Once in Milos, you have to check out Sarakiniko Beach.  

One Final Thought on the Safety of Greece

view of Greece from behind blue shutters

 If someone asks whether Greece is safe for travel, you can confidently answer that it is. Additionally, all these safety tips are relevant to travel in general—in every country.

So, isn’t it time to start planning your adventures in the country of stunning landscapes and mind-blowing beaches? 

Check out all of Bookaway’s routes in Greece, so you can plan the itinerary of your dreams.

FAQ

Is it safe to go to Greece?

It most certainly is. And to ensure safe travel in Greece, the biggest piece of advice is to be aware of your surroundings. As you would anywhere in the world.

Is Greece safe for female solo travelers?

Yes, a majority of the time, females are safe to travel solo in Greece. If you get lost or need help, the locals are very friendly and helpful. 

Which is the safest Greek Island to visit?

Islands with less of a party scene, like Santorini, Paros and Rhodes, are considered the safest.

Posted July 19, 2023
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Kate and Olly of KO Travellers
Kate Torpy and Oliver Neville of KO Travellers are travel bloggers and content creators from Australia. They caught the travel bug from a young age and have not looked back since. The things they love about travelling the most are meeting new people, experiencing diverse cultures and exploring lesser-known corners of the world. Whether they are on assignment or travelling for pleasure, they document their travels on Instagram and provide detailed accounts on their Blog. From picturesque landscapes to island paradises, they cover it all - even the underwater marine world.
image of blog writers kate and oliver