Europe
Is Greece safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Greece safe?
Safe for solo travelers. Petty theft on the Athens metro and around Omonia is the main crime; summer wildfires, heat and island road crashes are bigger risks.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-10-22.
- Homicide rate: 0.8 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 8.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 100 · Ambulance 166 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1571 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Generally safe. Take care around Omonia at night and watch your drink on party islands.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpockets on Athens metro line 1 and around Monastiraki
- Summer wildfires and heatwaves; follow 112 alert messages
- Quad and scooter crashes on island roads
- Strong meltemi winds can cancel ferries in July–August
Common scams
- Friendly strangers leading visitors to Athens bars with huge bills
- Fish priced per kilo without the weight stated upfront
- Taxi drivers claiming the card machine is broken
Laws visitors break by accident
- Taking stones, fragments or artefacts from archaeological sites is a criminal offence.
- Flying drones over archaeological sites needs a permit.
- Drug laws are strict; even small amounts of cannabis can lead to arrest.
Safety by place in Greece
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Naxos | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Paros | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Chania | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Milos | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Kefalonia | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Meteora | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Halkidiki | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Lefkada | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Nafplio | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Skiathos | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Hydra | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Thassos | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Athens | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santorini | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mykonos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Rhodes | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Corfu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Thessaloniki | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Zakynthos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ios | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Peloponnese | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Greece safe for tourists?
Safe for solo travelers. Petty theft on the Athens metro and around Omonia is the main crime; summer wildfires, heat and island road crashes are bigger risks.
Is Greece safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe. Take care around Omonia at night and watch your drink on party islands.
What is the emergency number in Greece?
Police 100 · Ambulance 166 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1571 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum
- Visit Greece (Greek National Tourism Organisation)
- Hellenic Train
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.