Greece is considered a very safe country by multiple government agencies around the world.
Pickpocketing can happen in Greece, especially in busy tourist areas, but it is not the biggest threat travelers should worry about.
In recent years, extreme heat waves have become a serious safety issue across the country. Rising global temperatures have led to increasingly hot summers, with Greece and other parts of southern Europe regularly experiencing record heat. These intense conditions have sometimes proven deadly for tourists caught unprepared.
Chania, on the island of Crete, for example, recently saw its highest recorded temperature: 44.5°C. Meanwhile, strong, dry winds during these heat waves often spark wildfires, necessitating evacuations and creating additional risks for residents and visitors alike.
Read on for essential travel safety tips and updates on how to stay safe while exploring Greece all year round.
Latest news from Greece:
October 16, 2025: Greece’s major cities Ranked Among the ‘least safe’ in Europe
The 2025 Numbeo Crime Index has raised questions about the perceived safety of major Greek cities, reflecting growing public concerns about security.
Athens scored 55.3 pointsranking 16thwhile Thessaloniki followed with 52.5 points and a 23rd place finish. Both cities fall under the index “Moderate crimecategory, which indicates a noticeable feeling of insecurity among residents.
The report attributes some of this perception to localized incidentssuch as the recent explosions in central Athens anarchist and anti-state groups.
However, this is the case throughout Europe the strongest feelings of insecurity were found in the Great Britain and France. Britain did four of the five ‘most dangerous’ citiesled by Bradfordwhile France dominated the top ten with cities like Marseille And Parisboth struggle with street and organized crime reputations.
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 most European destinations, Greece is generally safe but not entirely risk-free. Stay alert indoors busy areas where pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, and Never leave valuables unattended.
Avoid climbing the Acropolis or walking in the summer heat – even locals warn that no sunscreen can prevent heat stroke. Be careful overly ‘helpful’ strangers or people offering small gifts, such as braceletsas this could be a scam.
While Athens and other cities are lively at night, that’s for the best don’t walk alone in quiet areas. Watch your drink in bars, and take licensed taxis with working meters.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries, and skip high heels on ancient ruins – they are often forbidden. Finally, remember that Greek drivers can be unpredictableso always cross the street carefully.
