Is Greece safe?
Jun 29th, 2010, 05:51 AM
#1
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Is Greece safe?
I have a trip to Greece/Turkey planned for the middle of September. My travel agent says they are still booking people there and are having no issues. Has anyone been lately and is it safe for a woman to travel alone? I will be in Athens for three days, cruising to Turkey, then island hopping for 4 days. Thanks.
Jun 29th, 2010, 06:04 AM
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It's probably as safe as most places in Europe, but having said that, it's disconcerting to continue to read about strikes and riots.
Since you are asking you must be concerned. A "safer" option (if there is such a thing) might be a cruise out of Venice that visits the Greek Isles and Athens. You'll be traveling with large groups and it limits your time in country which could be a good or bad thing based on your perspective.
A vacation is supposed to be something to look forward to with excitment and anticipation, not something you need to continuously monitor with safety concerns.
Since you are asking you must be concerned. A "safer" option (if there is such a thing) might be a cruise out of Venice that visits the Greek Isles and Athens. You'll be traveling with large groups and it limits your time in country which could be a good or bad thing based on your perspective.
A vacation is supposed to be something to look forward to with excitment and anticipation, not something you need to continuously monitor with safety concerns.
Jun 29th, 2010, 06:51 AM
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<<<My travel agent says they are still booking people there and are having no issues.>>>
That's because there are no issues, it's absolutely safe! The media have a lot to answer for on reporting of the 'riots' (often only a demonstration confined to a small area in the city), & to put some perspective on the situation, today is the 7th general strike in 6 months.
I am a Brit living in Greece & go to Athens 8-10 times a year, often travel on my own & I feel safer here than I did for the last 20 years I spent in the UK!
That's because there are no issues, it's absolutely safe! The media have a lot to answer for on reporting of the 'riots' (often only a demonstration confined to a small area in the city), & to put some perspective on the situation, today is the 7th general strike in 6 months.
I am a Brit living in Greece & go to Athens 8-10 times a year, often travel on my own & I feel safer here than I did for the last 20 years I spent in the UK!
Jun 29th, 2010, 08:09 AM
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I am Santorini right now and my sister (29 year old beatiful blonde) just went back to the mainland with a ferry (by herself), arrived in Athens, took a cab to the train station, got on the train at the Athens, and arrived at her destination not only safe, but on time!!! Sorry if it comes off sarcastic, I'm just sick and tired of the media's depiction of Greece, they are single handedly destroying the image of Greece, and with that much potential income that could be had from tourism.
The simple answer to your question is, yes, Greece is in fact safer than some of the other European countries.
The simple answer to your question is, yes, Greece is in fact safer than some of the other European countries.
Jun 29th, 2010, 08:59 AM
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Not this again! I'm sorry if that sounds rude, but we just spent three weeks all over Greece with no problems at all. The news here is vastly exaggerated. Except for the tragic bank incident in May, there's really been not much to worry about. Of course if you're visiting during a major transportation strike, that's something else.But it's also true that transportation issues/strikes are hitting many places in Europe these days. That's an unfortunate aspect of travel that we are all going to have to deal with more and more.
Jun 29th, 2010, 11:14 AM
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Thanks everyone. I know the media distorts things to make "news" and I appreciate the first hand comments from those of you there. Sounds like this trip will be safer than my weekend in NYC. 
Jun 29th, 2010, 12:02 PM
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I traveled alone as a single women in Turkey for 28 days and never had a problem. Men were very respectful. A local friend advised me to carry a headscarf to wear if I ever felt uncomfortable. I used it on dark streets in the evening. I also dressed modestly; no shorts, short skirts, tight jeans, etc.
In Athens it was a different story. I did dress modestly, but walking alone to dinner in the early evening was a real challenge. Be prepared to ignore a lot of men.
In Athens it was a different story. I did dress modestly, but walking alone to dinner in the early evening was a real challenge. Be prepared to ignore a lot of men.
Jun 29th, 2010, 12:45 PM
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>>>Be prepared to ignore a lot of men.<<<
Yes, but that is just their hobby, they are not dangerous. They are just Greek. Men. I remember that on some island I was asked to rest with him under an olive tree by someone who must have been at least 70.
Yes, but that is just their hobby, they are not dangerous. They are just Greek. Men. I remember that on some island I was asked to rest with him under an olive tree by someone who must have been at least 70.
Apr 20th, 2012, 01:20 PM
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greece is like the rest countries of europe.Men are not a problem except if u r really hot or dressed up really sexy ,then u might be teased when walking. But thats a normal reaction of most men in the world.Neither harassment is a problem nor the riots.The media in Greece and abroad show a really small part of what happens to the riots.Most of the people at riots r peacefull and a minority (a bunch of without brain-pranks)provokes the episodes that r not extended and there is absolutely no danger.greek men r not rude most of the greek people r educated and have a great sense of humor so even if a man tease u ,he wont be disrespectful most of the time...it is a beautiful and safe country .im 20y girl from greece, i hope i helped. 
Apr 20th, 2012, 01:31 PM
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and all the rapes of tourists girls recorded at islands r from tourists as well.(im talking about british girls thats been raped from british men while they drink a lot of alchohol) and thats not the case in most of greek islands.it is absolutely safe for a young woman to travel alone.
Apr 20th, 2012, 03:51 PM
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Let's talk about city vs rural...because once returning from a sojourn in rural Crete our guard was down in Athens. So on the crowded bus both of us had our wallets lifted. We didn't have passports or such but did lose some money and credit cards. Ever since we put most valuables in neck money pouch. In any city one should be on guard...and I would think even more so if a single woman. Thus watch out for gypsies and tricksters in Rome or other tourist haunts.
Bill in Boston
Bill in Boston
Apr 21st, 2012, 03:39 AM
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Horsea1, please look at the date of the original post before adding your comments.
>> <i>and all the rapes of tourists girls recorded at islands r from tourists as well.</i> <<
Is that supposed to be reassuring???
>> <i>and all the rapes of tourists girls recorded at islands r from tourists as well.</i> <<
Is that supposed to be reassuring???
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