How Does Crime & Safety Work in Greece?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Greece is generally very safe; the main risk for tourists is pickpocketing in central Athens and leaving valuables unattended on beaches.
2What You Need to Know
Greece consistently ranks as one of the safer European destinations for tourists. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risks are petty theft: pickpocketing on Athens Metro (particularly Line 3 from the airport), around Monastiraki and Omonia Square, and bag snatching from motorbikes (rare but documented). The islands are extremely safe with very low crime rates. Leaving phones, bags, or valuables unattended on busy beaches is an invitation for opportunist theft.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Use a money belt or a zipped inner pocket on the Athens Metro and in crowded tourist areas like Monastiraki.
- 2Never leave bags, phones, or cameras unattended on a beach — even for a quick swim.
- 3The Omonia Square area of Athens has higher crime levels than the rest of the city; exercise extra caution after dark.
Important Warning
Pickpocketing on Athens Metro Line 3 (airport line) is reported regularly — keep bags in front of you and zip all pockets on this route.
How does this compare?
Crime & Safety rules in nearby and similar countries:
Germany is very safe for tourists — violent crime targeting visitors is extremely rare, though a few urban areas have localised issues worth knowing about.
The UK is generally very safe for tourists; the main risks are pickpocketing on the London Underground and avoiding a small number of rough urban areas after dark.
France is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing is a significant issue at iconic Paris sights — use front pockets or a money belt and stay alert at Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles at night.
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Dial 112 for all emergencies (EU standard), 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, and 1572 for coast guard sea emergencies.
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Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries; there is no strict national dress code elsewhere.
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