What are the health risks in Greece? Is it safe and where are the places with the highest crime rates?

Health risks

Greece is a developed European country where there are no special health risks to worry about.

There are no exotic diseases or extremely dangerous animals.

The most common health problems for tourists in Greece are related to long periods in the hot sun. In summer, temperatures can be really high and the sun can be aggressive. The basic thing is always to have enough water, ideally 3 litres a day.

When on beaches or trips outdoors, preferably wear a head covering.

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Another common health problem is minor injuries from rocks in the sea or stings from sea urchins.

The sea in Greece tends to be rather calm, but it is definitely not to be underestimated. Many Greek beaches are without permanent medical assistance, so take extra care.

Drinking water

Tap water in Greece is not drinkable and it is recommended to drink bottled water. However, you definitely won't have a problem with tap water for brushing your teeth.

Dangerous animals

There are vipers or scorpions in Greece, which you may encounter especially on hikes in the countryside, but they are not an acute threat unless you are allergic.

There are also stray dogs, especially on the mainland and large islands like Crete. In the vast majority of cases, however, they do not pose a threat to humans at all, they tend to be friendly to people or, on the contrary, they purposely avoid them.

Health care

The standards of Greek hospitals and medical facilities are quite below average in Europe, but still high compared to the rest of the world.

However, access to care can be problematic on smaller islands and in more remote areas. Also, the speed of emergency services on islands can be long, ranging up to tens of minutes.

Compulsory vaccinations

There are no tropical diseases and vaccinations are not required for travel to Greece.

Crime

The country has a relatively low crime rate, with the exception of the large cities, especially Athens, where there is a large immigrant population and theft is very common. If you are travelling to the capital, it is advisable to walk in groups around Omonia Square during the night hours.

Serious crime and any particular threat to tourists is rare in Greece.

On the islands, then, crime by locals is virtually zero, with many petty thefts by foreign visitors.

Never leave valuable items unattended on the beaches; ideally, take only the essentials and leave the rest at the hotel, where the likelihood of theft is significantly lower.

Disaster risk

Earthquakes are occasionally recorded in Greece, but fortunately they are mostly of a weaker nature.

Furthermore, particularly in the drier areas in the south of the country, fires can occur in the summer, so reasonable caution is advisable. Never start a fire in the open.

Important contacts

Here are some contacts you may find useful during your stay:

• Emergency call - 112
• First aid - 166
• Medical emergency - 1016
• Police - 100
• Tourist police - 171
• Fire brigade - 199