Greece Travel 2025: Essential Safety Tips for Tourists Navigating Earthquakes, Wildfires, and New Tourism Regulations

Listeners considering travel to Greece in 2025 can expect a generally safe and welcoming environment, but there are some important updates and advisories to be aware of this year. According to the U.S. Department of State, Greece is categorized as Level 1, meaning travelers should exercise normal precautions, and the country remains one of the safest in Europe with low crime rates and a stable political climate. Authorities maintain high security in major tourist areas, and the healthcare system is well-equipped for emergencies.

However, a key issue this year has been frequent seismic activity in the region of the Cycladic islands, especially around Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios. Since early 2025, a series of earthquakes has prompted the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection to declare a state of emergency on Santorini until at least March. While no major damage or volcanic activity has been reported, travelers visiting these islands should follow local advisories. This means avoiding old or abandoned buildings, steering clear of impacted ports such as Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos, and the Old Port in Fira, and not attending large indoor gatherings. In the event of a strong tremor, authorities recommend moving quickly away from coastal areas because of possible tsunami risk and being cautious in landslide-prone regions. Seismologists confirm these earthquakes are linked to undersea fault lines, not volcanic unrest, and Santorini’s caldera remains stable.

General safety tips for Greece include keeping valuables secure, staying alert for pickpockets, especially on public transportation in Athens, and practicing extra caution at night by avoiding poorly lit or disreputable neighborhoods. Greek drivers are known for their disregard of traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, so listeners are encouraged to double-check when crossing streets, even at crosswalks. In summer, wildfires can also occur, particularly during hot and dry periods, so it’s wise to monitor news and local updates during your stay.

Travelers should also be aware that as of January 2025, Greece has increased its tourism tax, impacting both hotel stays and short-term rentals like Airbnb. This fee varies based on the type of accommodation and time of year, so listeners should account for this additional cost in their travel budgets.

The Greek government and local authorities are vigilant in addressing safety, and visitors generally can explore Greece’s iconic sites and islands with confidence. The most important precaution is to stay informed through official updates, especially when visiting areas affected by recent seismic activity, and to follow any instructions from local authorities. With these measures, listeners can look forward to a memorable and secure Greek holiday in 2025.