Last updatedOct 17, 2026 · 6:27 PM (UTC)
Is Greece Safe?
No destination is simply safe or unsafe. Risks vary by city, neighborhood, and circumstance - and conditions can change quickly. The key is understanding those risks and knowing how to navigate them.
Overview
Principal travel risks in Greece include social unrest and petty criminality, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
Although violent crime is rare and unlikely to affect foreign travelers, cases of muggings and sexual assault have previously been reported. Drink-spiking remains a latent concern in tourist areas, including Athens, and popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Ios.
Public protests and demonstrations are frequent, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki, and can quickly escalate, disrupting transport and causing clashes. Important dates to note include 1 May, 17 November, and 6 December, when protest activity typically intensifies.
Stay alert for natural disasters such as forest fires during the summer and potential earthquakes. Winter months may also see flooding in rural areas.
Greece
Safety by City
Safety conditions vary across Greece. Explore city-level scores and neighborhood intelligence for popular destinations.
Neighborhood Safety in Greece
Safety varies considerably within cities. Below are example neighborhoods from destinations covered by Outroad. Scores reflect assessed areas, not every neighborhood.
Higher Safety Scores
Neighborhoods with relatively higher Safety Scores.
Lower Safety Scores
Neighborhoods with relatively lower Safety Scores or specific concerns.
Risk Profile
Explore the key risks and considerations for traveling in Greece.
- Increased vigilance is recommended in city centers and transport hubs as there is a higher risk of petty and opportunistic crime in these areas.
- Organized crime, such as narco-trafficking, exists in Greece; however, it poses little concern to travelers. Tourist districts are generally safe from violent crime.
- Avoid walking alone at night in isolated or high-risk areas, including Omonia in Athens and the vicinity of Larissa and Peloponissos railway and bus stations.
- Public protests, strikes, and demonstrations are common in Greece, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, and can disrupt transportation and occasionally lead to clashes with security forces, posing risks to bystanders.
- Common protest flashpoints include Syntagma Square, Panepistimiou Avenue, and the Exarcheia area in Athens; along with Aristotelous Square and Egnatia Avenue in Thessaloniki.
- The risk of protests and unrest is heightened around key dates like 1 May, 17 November, and 6 December, due to their historical significance.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, especially during significant dates. Stay informed of local developments via alerts and adjust travel plans to avoid disruptions.
- Always adhere to local authorities’ advice to ensure safety during periods of unrest.
- Greece lies on a seismically active zone, and earthquakes can occur, particularly in regions like the Peloponnese, Crete, and the Ionian and Aegean islands. Choose modern, reputable accommodations, which are more likely to be built to seismic code.
- Wildfires are common during the hot, dry summer months, especially in forested and rural areas near Athens, the Peloponnese, and islands like Evia.
- Flash flooding can occur during heavy rains, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage, such as Athens and Thessaloniki.
- Monitor alerts to stay ahead of severe weather warnings.
Explore Greece on the Map
Compare city and neighborhood safety scores, explore recent incidents, and better understand your destination.
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