Greece › Santorini › Safety
Updated: November 27, 2025
By Santorini Dave
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Is Santorini Safe? (The Short Answer)
Yes, Santorini is a very safe destination. Violent crime against tourists is almost non-existent. The biggest risks you face are not from other people, but from traffic accidents (specifically ATVs), heat exhaustion, and petty theft in crowded areas. If you use common sense, you will feel incredibly safe walking the streets of Fira and Oia, even late at night.
The Real Risks: What You Actually Need to Worry About
• ATV and Scooter Accidents (The #1 Danger): This is the single biggest safety hazard on the island. Every summer, dozens of tourists are seriously injured on rental quad bikes (ATVs) and scooters because the roads are narrow, winding, and often lack guardrails. I strongly advise against renting an ATV; they are notoriously unstable on paved roads. Rent a small car or take the public bus instead.
• Pickpocketing & Petty Theft: While rare compared to major cities like Rome or Paris, pickpocketing does happen. It is most common in the crushed crowds of Oia during sunset and on crowded local buses (especially the Fira-Oia and Fira-Port routes). Keep your wallet in your front pocket and your bag zipped and in front of you when in tight crowds.
• The Summer Heat: In July and August, the heat can be dangerous. Tourists often underestimate the combination of 35°C (95°F) temperatures, the reflection from the white buildings, and the lack of shade. Do not attempt the Fira-Oia hike after 8:00 AM in the summer, and always carry more water than you think you need.
• Drinking Water: Tap water in Santorini is safe for hygiene (brushing teeth, showering), but it is generally not recommended for drinking. It is desalinated seawater with a high mineral content and a slightly salty taste. Stick to bottled water for drinking.
• Solo Female Travelers: Santorini is extremely safe for women traveling alone. Street harassment is rare, and the main towns of Fira and Oia remain lively and well-lit until very late at night. Standard precautions apply, such as watching your drink in bars and declining rides from strangers.
• LGBTQ+ Travelers: Santorini is very welcoming and gay-friendly. While it doesn’t have the specific “gay scene” of Mykonos, same-sex couples are common and generally met with warm hospitality. Public displays of affection are generally fine in the main tourist towns.
• Families and Cliff Safety: The island is safe for kids, but the physical environment can be tricky. The caldera cliffs have many low walls—or sometimes no walls at all—with steep drops. Keep a close eye on active toddlers, especially in the walkways of Oia and Fira.
Important Emergency Information
• European Emergency Number: 112 (Works for police, ambulance, and fire; operators speak English).
• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 166
• Tourist Police: 1571 (Specifically for tourist issues).
• Santorini General Hospital: Located in Karterados (just outside Fira), this is the main public facility (+30 22860 35300).
• Central Clinic of Santorini: A private clinic located in Fira that is often faster for minor tourist emergencies or insurance claims (+30 22860 21728).
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Do you know any places for camping at any of these destinations in Greece? I am thinking of and wanting to travel there this September. And would be on a really tight cheap budget if I did. Any suggestions on resources? Thanks!!!
One of the nicest places to camp in the Greek islands is at Coralli Bungalows in Serifos. Right on the beach, nice pool and restaurant, fun vibe, walking distance to port. I really like this place.
💗💗💗💗 Love your response to that question about refugees. Thank you!!! 💗💗💗
Dave, Hi. I.wonder if you could help. We visit Hersonnisis every year from the UK. We’d love a 2 day one night stay in Santorini with a photo shoot.
Problem. My partner is on dialysis Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings in Heraklion so we can’t book a regular tour.
My thoughts are this. He goes to dialysis Thursday morning, I meet him at the ferry port afterward and we take an afternoon sailing. Arrive Santorini, take a bus to Oia and stay overnight in a mid-range hotel, come back on the Friday afternoon sailing to Crete.
Is this possible do you think and can you advise on photographers, hotels?
Best wishes.
Sounds good. My thoughts: with limited time it would be better to stay in Fira where there are direct buses to and from the ferry port. Adding the additional bus to Oia adds more time. Ferries can be canceled due to high winds, so probably better to visit Saturday and Sunday. If your return ferry is canceled you’ll still have Monday to get back for dialysis on Tuesday. For photographers on Santorini I have a page on that so take a look.
Worrying about safety for upcoming trip to Santorini. Are the refugees from Syria or Africa a problem for travelers to Santorini?
First off, the refugees are not a risk to travelers – Greece, Turkey, or anywhere. They are families and people looking for a better life. They’re not criminals. Second, the number of refugees crossing into Greece has plummeted over the last two years. And Third, Santorini is a long way from Turkey and has never had any number of refugees (these people are not looking to go to one of the most expensive destinations in Europe).