Is Greece Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Greece is one of the safest tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. The islands are virtually crime-free. Athens has standard big-city risks but nothing unusual for a European capital.

Overall Safety

Greece's crime rate is lower than Italy, France, and Spain. Tourism is the country's lifeblood — Greeks are genuinely welcoming and protective of their reputation with visitors.

Athens Specifics

Pickpocketing — Monastiraki, Syntagma metro, and crowded tourist sites. Standard European city risk. Front pockets, crossbody bags.

Omonia Square area — Can feel sketchy at night. Fine during the day. Not dangerous, just gritty.

Protest areas — Greeks protest regularly near Parliament (Syntagma). Usually peaceful but can occasionally involve tear gas. Avoid if you see large crowds with banners.

The Islands

Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu — all extremely safe. The biggest risk on the islands is sunburn and hangovers. Mykonos party scene can get aggressive with pricing at beach clubs.

The Local Friend Advantage

Greece's best food isn't at the tourist tavernas with photos on the menu — it's at the family-owned place on a side street where yiayia (grandmother) is cooking. A Local Friend takes you to the real Greece.

Browse Local Friends in Greece on Roavi.