Safety

Safety in Greece

Greece is one of Europe's safer countries. Violent crime is rare, and most safety concerns relate to petty theft and occasional protest disruption.

Crime Overview

Violent crime:

• Rare compared to most European countries
• Primarily domestic/gang-related, not targeting foreigners
• Safe to walk at night in most areas

Petty crime:

• Pickpocketing on Athens metro and buses
• Bag snatching in tourist areas (Acropolis, Plaka)
• Distraction theft at restaurant terraces
• Scams targeting tourists (overcharging, unofficial taxis)

City Safety Comparison

Athens:

• Crime Index: 55 (moderate on Numbeo scale)
• Central tourist areas: Generally safe, pickpockets active
• Safe neighborhoods: Kolonaki, Glyfada, Pangrati, Koukaki
• Areas requiring caution: Omonoia late at night, parts of Metaxourgeio

Thessaloniki:

• Crime Index: 52 (slightly safer than Athens)
• Generally safe throughout
• University area can be busy during protests

Islands:

• Very low crime
• Tourist scams possible in peak season
• Safe to walk anywhere

Protests and Demonstrations

Greek protest culture is active but generally peaceful:

Where:

• Athens: Syntagma Square, university areas
• Thessaloniki: Aristotle Square, university

When:

• Often announced in advance
• Common around labor issues, political events
• Anniversary dates (November 17th especially)

What to do:

• Avoid protest areas during demonstrations
• Monitor local news
• Tourist areas rarely affected

Natural Hazards

Earthquakes:

• Greece is seismically active
• Most buildings meet earthquake codes
• Know basic earthquake safety

Wildfires:

• Risk in summer, especially rural/forested areas
• Follow evacuation orders
• Avoid dry forested areas during high-risk periods

Heat:

• Summer temperatures 35-40°C+
• Heat waves increasingly common
• Stay hydrated, avoid midday sun

Sea conditions:

• Strong currents at some beaches
• Check local flags and warnings
• Jellyfish present seasonally

Safety Tips

For daily life:

• Use common sense in tourist areas
• Secure bags on public transport
• Don't leave valuables visible in cars
• Use hotel safes for passports and valuables

For women:

• Generally very safe for solo female travelers
• Normal precautions apply at night
• Harassment is less common than in some countries

Emergency numbers:

• General emergency: 112 (English available)
• Ambulance: 166
• Police: 100
• Fire: 199
• Tourist police: 171

Scams to Avoid

• Unofficial taxis (especially at airports) - use Beat app
• Restaurant overcharging - check prices before ordering
• Fake petitions/charity collectors (distraction theft)
• ATM skimming - use bank ATMs
• "Free" club drinks leading to huge bills