Greece is considered a very safe country by multiple government agencies around the world.
Pickpocketing can happen, but it’s not what you need to worry about most this summer.
Brutal heat waves have claimed the lives of five tourists in recent days. Most of Greece and parts of southern Europe are experiencing record temperatures due to the warm air coming from North Africa.
Chania, on the coast of Crete, recorded its highest temperature ever on Thursday at 112.1 F (44.5 C).
Forest fires are also a problem. Hot, dry winds have increased the risk of wildfires across the country from June 18. has warned the meteorological service of the National Observatory of Athens.
Read on to find out more about the current situation and how you can stay safe when you visit this beautiful country this summer.
Latest news from GREECE
Greece issues urgent weather warning after the deaths of five tourists following a brutal heatwave
Greece has had to temporarily close major tourist sites and schools and ask citizens and tourists via telephone messages to stay at home during the most intense hours of heat, following the deaths of five tourists and the disappearance of others.
Among the dead is famed BBC presenter Michael Mosley, 67, who died from extreme heat when he got lost on his way home from a walk on June 16.
On June 13, an 80-year-old tourist collapsed and died at an archaeological site near Malia.
On June 5, a 67-year-old Dutch tourist died while crossing the Mylon Gorge in Rethymno. Authorities said he suffered heart failure due to the heat.
Later that day, a 70-year-old French tourist died while walking on a beach in Crete.
Euronews reported that a fifth tourist was found dead two days ago.
Authorities are still searching for other tourists who have gone missing in recent days.
Areas to avoid
No government agency is currently warning its citizens against traveling to any part of Greece, including the islands.
However, in Athens there are some neighborhoods you may want to avoid, especially if you’re visiting alone or after dark.
Athens’ sketchier neighborhoods include Omonia, Exarchia, Kolokotroni, Victoria Square, Metaxourgio, Sepolia, Patissia and Monastiraki.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
For the US government, Greece is one of the safest places in the world. As of today, the country is ranked “Level 1: Practice normal precautions.”
The most important advice for Americans is to register in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier for authorities to locate you in an emergency.
This seems to be particularly important now, when so many tourists are going missing due to extreme weather conditions.
Travel advice for Canada
Canada also considers Greece a very safe country and only asks that travelers take normal safety measures when visiting.
Nevertheless, the country has warned tourists about petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and luggage theft, especially in major metropolises.
Safety tips for Greece
Like any other European country, Greece is reasonably safe, but not 100% risk-free. Here are some recommendations to make your trip memorable and smoother.
- Be aware of pickpocketing and bag snatching. These crimes often take place in busy tourist hotspots.
- Locals say that no amount of sunscreen can save you from sunstroke if you climb the Acropolis around noon on a summer day. Their words.
- Don’t leave your phone or wallet unattended on the table, they can be taken quite quickly.
- While you are in Athens, some ‘friendly’ locals may offer to help you with your luggage. This way you can have your suitcases stolen.
- Do not receive gifts, including friendship bracelets. As soon as you put them on, you will be asked for money.
- Avoid walking alone at night. It doesn’t happen very often, but some tourists have been attacked in the past.
- Be careful with ‘charming’ ladies and gentlemen in local bars. There have been cases of binge drinking peaking.
- Bargaining is no longer cool. Most street vendors will not try to overcharge you. But if you think a price is too high, politely decline it.
- Be careful on the street. Greek drivers are not known for paying as much attention to pedestrians as in other European countries.
- Don’t wear hot pants or crop tops churches or monasteries. It is disapproved.
- Avoid wearing high heels when visiting delicate ancient marble ruins.
- Make sure your taxi has a taximeter that works as soon as you sit down.
