In our Health and Safety in Greece guide, we will walk you through some bare essentials every traveler needs to know when traveling to this beautiful country. So, if you want to learn more, please stay with us.
From the sun-bleached ruins of the Acropolis to the turquoise coves of the Ionian islands, Greece is a country that invites you to relax and explore. And the excellent news is that it remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Europe.
Your biggest concerns here are not crime, but rather the powerful sun and the occasional burst of human opportunism. By packing a little common sense along with your swimwear, you can ensure your journey is as smooth as the marble of the Parthenon (Athens).
Part 1: Urban & Crowd Safety
The primary safety issue you’ll encounter is petty theft, which thrives in the anonymity of crowds. Violent crime is rare, but a snatched phone or a lifted wallet can put a serious damper on your trip.
Beating the Pickpockets
Imagine this: you’re on the Athens Metro, packed tightly on the line from the airport or heading to the Acropolis. This, along with the vibrant, labyrinthine streets of Plaka and Monastiraki, is where you must be most vigilant.
- The Café Snatch: Never hang your bag on the back of your chair at an outdoor café or taverna. It’s an open invitation. Please keep it in your lap or looped around your leg.
- The Zipper Rule: Backpacks are for your back, but in a crowded metro car, wear them on your front. A cross-body bag, worn in front of you with the zipper secured, is your best defense. Pockets, especially back pockets, are not secure storage for phones or wallets.
- The Distraction: Be wary of standard tactics. One person might “accidentally” spill something on you or ask you to look at a map. At the same time, another unseen partner attempts to lift your belongings. Be polite, but be aware.
Smart Travel After Dark
The nightlife in Athens and on islands like Mykonos and Ios is legendary. The atmosphere is generally festive and safe. However, as in any busy party environment, it’s wise to keep your wits about you.
- Drink Spiking: While not rampant, it can happen. Keep your drink in your hand and in your sight at all times, even when you’re just turning to talk to someone.
- Solo Travel: Greece is exceptionally safe for solo travelers. However, in the evenings, stick to well-lit main streets and use a ride-hailing app instead of walking long distances alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Taxis & Transportation
When you land in Athens, you’ll see a sea of yellow cabs. While most drivers are honest, a common complaint is being overcharged.
- Use the Apps: The easiest way to ensure a fair price is to use an app. The dominant local app is FREENOW (which acquired the popular BEAT app). Uber and Bolt also work here, but they all function as taxi-hailing apps—they will call a registered yellow cab for you at a metered or pre-set price.
- Pre-Booked Transfers: For a seamless arrival at the airport or port, a pre-booked car service (like Welcome Pickups) offers a fixed price and a driver waiting for you with a sign.
Part 2: Health & Well-being Under the Hellenic Sun
Your Health in Greece is more likely to be challenged by the environment than by illness.
The Sun is a Serious Business
The Hellenic sun is a powerful force, especially from June to September. You’ll feel its intensity radiating off the ancient stones of Delphi and the white-washed walls of Santorini. Heatstroke and severe sunburn are genuine risks.
Embrace the local rhythm: plan your strenuous sightseeing (like climbing the Acropolis) for the cool of the morning or the golden light of the late afternoon. Use the blazing midday hours for a long, leisurely lunch in the shade or a siesta. Always carry water, and never underestimate the power of a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Food, Water & “Taverna Tummy”
Greek food hygiene is excellent. The culinary scene is a highlight of any trip, so dive in.
The most common question is: “Can I drink the tap water?”
- On the Mainland (Athens, Thessaloniki): Yes, absolutely. The water is high-quality and perfectly safe to drink.
- On the Islands (Cyclades, etc.): This is where it gets nuanced. The water is technically safe (potable), but it is often desalinated seawater. This can give it a distinct salty or mineral taste that most people find unpleasant. You’ll notice that locals and restaurants on islands like Santorini or Mykonos almost exclusively use bottled water for drinking. It’s safe for brushing your teeth, but for hydration, you’ll be happier sticking to bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere.
The Summer Nuisances: Mosquitoes
In the warm summer evenings, especially near water or greenery, you will encounter mosquitoes. While mostly just an annoyance, Greece does see annual cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). The risk to travelers is very low, but it’s wise to take precautions. Pack and use an EPA-registered insect repellent (containing DEET or Picaridin) for the evenings.
Part 3: Navigating the Landscape
The ATV & Scooter Temptation
The temptation will be strong, especially on the islands. You’ll see them everywhere: zippy scooters and rugged ATVs, promising the freedom to discover hidden coves.
Please be extremely cautious. These vehicles are the number one cause of serious tourist injuries in Greece. The roads can be winding, steep, and coated in fine, slippery dust. Local drivers can be fast and aggressive.
If you choose to rent one:
- Wear a helmet. It is legally required and non-negotiable for your safety.
- Check your insurance. Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover scooter or ATV accidents. You may need a specific add-on.
- Get an IDP. You are legally required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driver’s license to rent any vehicle, including these.
Natural Disasters: Wildfires & Earthquakes
- Wildfires: In the hot, dry summer, wildfires are a serious and recurring danger. If you are in a high-risk area, your phone will receive an emergency alert from the 112 system. Always take these alerts seriously and follow all official instructions or evacuation orders immediately.
- Earthquakes: Greece is seismically active. Major, damaging quakes are rare, but small tremors are typical. If you feel one, the standard advice is to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” until the shaking stops.
Part 4: Your “Just in Case” Plan
The Magic Number: 11
Program this number into your phone right now: 112.
This is the Pan-European emergency number. It works everywhere in Greece (and the EU), it’s free, and operators speak English. This one call can connect you to the police (100), ambulance (166), or fire department (199).
The Farmakeío (Pharmacy)
You will see them everywhere, marked by a glowing green cross. Greek pharmacists are highly trained and can provide excellent medical advice for minor ailments, from sunburns to upset stomachs. They are your best first stop for non-emergency health issues.
Healthcare & Insurance
Healthcare in Athens is excellent. However, on smaller islands, medical facilities can be limited. If a serious medical issue arises, you may need an expensive evacuation to a larger island or the mainland.
For this reason, having comprehensive travel insurance is essential. So, make sure your policy covers medical evacuation. If you are from the EU or UK, carry your EHIC or GHIC card to access state healthcare.
If you are from the EU, be sure to have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or another legal EU document from your social security agency. This will allow you to receive necessary treatment in Greece. Schengen Area citizens or residents can find more information about the EHIC here.
If you are not from the EU, consult your social security agency for information before traveling. It is always wise to buy additional health or travel insurance for better overall service.
Note: You can find more helpful articles like this on our Travel Resources page.
