Greece and the islands at night: safety, mopeds and health

Greece sells light, sea and long nights, and delivers. But an island getaway goes better when you travel informed. This guide sums up what the UK government says in its safety advice and health guidance for Greece, checked on 7 November 2026, and is also clear about what the advice does not cover: there is no island-specific information for Mykonos or Crete, and no rules on public nudity. It is a prudence guide, not a list of venues.

Pickpockets and clear bills

The advice says thefts of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist areas, especially in central Athens. Its tip: do not carry all your valuables in one place and keep a copy of your passport photo page. In a car, keep valuables out of sight, lock it and park in well-lit areas or secure car parks. The advice does not mention clip joints or inflated bar bills, but it does remind you that restaurants must provide an itemised bill and that you should get a receipt for any goods or services.

Going out with a clear head

To get home without surprises, the advice suggests saving your accommodation's location in your maps app, keeping an eye on each other's drinks and not letting anyone walk back alone. If someone has had too much, do not give them more alcohol; use pre-arranged transport or licensed ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Free Now. If something feels wrong, tell local authorities or the venue management.

An important point: police may arrest people for behaviour they consider rowdy or indecent, especially with heavy drinking, and some fancy dress may be treated as offensive. Heavy fines or prison sentences are possible, and travel insurance may not cover a missed flight after an alcohol-related arrest. Bars and clubs cannot admit or serve anyone under 18, even with an adult, so expect age checks. Same-sex sexual activity is legal; attitudes vary, and public affection may draw looks in rural areas, while Athens and many islands are generally more welcoming.

Drugs and laws

Possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, cannabis included, carries severe penalties, including for transit passengers, because connecting baggage is scanned. Always carry your passport: police may not accept a copy. Pepper spray and knuckledusters count as weapons, as does a knife with a blade of 10 cm or more, unless it is for domestic, professional, artistic or hunting use, which needs a special licence. Photographing or filming military sites, vehicles or buildings is illegal, and border areas are sensitive.

Strikes and protests

Strikes can disrupt buses, trains, ferries, flights and borders, sometimes at short notice: leave margin in island connections. Demonstrations are frequent around Syntagma Square in Athens and tear gas is sometimes used; the advice mentions possible political demonstrations on 1 May, 17 November and 6 December.

Sea, beaches and bikes

People drown in Greek seas and pools every year. Hidden rocks and shallow water can cause serious injury, so do not dive into unknown water. A red flag means do not enter the water; with no lifeguards, flags or signs, ask locals first. Book water sports only with licensed centres and ask for a safety demonstration. If you hire a moped or quad bike, helmets are required for driver and passenger, provisional licences are not valid, mopeds need at least category A1, and hire-company insurance usually covers only third-party damage.

Wildfires and earthquakes

The wildfire high-risk season runs from April to October: do not leave litter (especially glass), make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and do not light fires or barbecues. Starting a wildfire is a criminal offence, even unintentionally. Follow @112Greece and the emergency services. Greece is a seismic zone: learn your nearest assembly points at mysafetyplan.gov.gr and follow the authorities. Also enable emergency alerts on your phone.

Health: insurance and pharmacies

The health guidance recommends checking vaccines at least eight weeks before travel. The ambulance number is 112 or 166, but the public ambulance service is basic and some islands have serious ambulance shortages. If you are uninsured, you may only get treatment at public hospitals and primary healthcare centres. On some islands, bar or airport staff may direct you to private first-aid centres instead of the public hospital; private treatment can be costly, so travel insurance is strongly advised. Pharmacies are well stocked, but dispensing, especially of antibiotics, is strict: bring prescriptions and a doctor's letter stating the quantity, and keep medicines in their original containers.

A plan for a Greek getaway

1. Book ferries with margin in case of strikes.
2. Take insurance that includes evacuation and private care.
3. Save 112 and your hotel's location.
4. Ride a moped only with a valid licence and a helmet.
5. Read our safety and privacy guide and the one on consent; then explore the island destinations.

Frequently asked questions

What number do I call in Greece? 112 for emergencies; for an ambulance, 112 or 166.

Can I hire a moped on the island? Yes, with a valid (not provisional) licence of the right category and a helmet; insurance usually covers third parties only.

Does the advice cover Mykonos or Crete? No: it gives no island-specific information; apply the general advice.

What if ferries strike? Leave margin in your transfers and check with your operator or agency.

*Sources: UK FCDO travel advice for Greece (safety and health), checked on 7 November 2026; Visit Greece. Always check the current version. Content for adults aged 18 and over.