Is Santorini Safe To Visit In 2024?
If you’re planning a trip to the picturesque island of Santorini you might wonder if is Santorini safe to visit.
I visited Santorini many times, first as a teenager with my family and later solo as an adult. I always felt very safe on the island and had no problem walking around during the day and at night.
Santorini is generally a safe place to visit. It is a great solo travel destination and a fantastic choice for first-time travelers.
However, there are still some things to know before visiting Santorini.
Let’s find out how safe is Santorini!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Is Santorini Safe?
Yes, Santorini is a very safe travel destination. It is a great choice for solo travelers, couples, and families.
Crime rates in Santorini are very low, and I felt completely comfortable exploring the island.
Santorini is a very touristy destination, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck somewhere unable to speak the language.
I found that everybody spoke at least basic English, from bus drivers to restaurant staff. In fact, most people working in hospitality have a fantastic level of English!
While violent crime is rare in Santorini, petty crime may occur.
Once you know where is Santorini, it makes sense there is not that much crime here, as it is a small island.
However, there are things you should know before visiting Santorini.
Just like in every place where there are loads of people, pickpocketing is likely.
Also, Santorini is not a place where you can just leave your valuables on the side of the road and expect they will be there when you come back.
Tourist Scams In Santorini
There are scams in every tourist destination, so the best way to avoid them is to be aware of them.
I didn’t witness any of the common European street scams here.
For example, the friendship bracelet scam I saw in Rome and Paris – where they put a bracelet on your arm and then ask for money. I would be cautious of anyone trying to gift you something for no reason.
There will be people begging on the street, not a scam in itself, as you’re free to give them money if you want to.
However, you should pay attention to two specific things – rental car scams and restaurant scams.
Rental Car Scams
I had a great experience renting a car in Naxos, but many people complain about unexpected charges when renting a car.
If you don’t get full insurance, the rental company might try to charge you for damage to the car you didn’t cause.
You can opt for full insurance when renting a car through Discover Cars to avoid having to pay for the damage.
Also, always film the car when you get it, noting every tiny scratch that was there before.
Restaurant Scams
You should know the price of what you’re ordering before you order, not just when you get the receipt.
While it is against the law not to display the prices, some places still don’t have the prices for every item clearly labeled.
I don’t eat fish, but I’ve heard that you can be very surprised by the price of your dish if you order fish that has a price per kg.
Given the reputation that Santorini is expensive, you want to be in control of your budget.
If you want to avoid surprises, always ask to see the menu before ordering – even if you know you’re just getting a coffee.
In Case Of Emergency
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation in Santorini, there is a hospital, police, and fire department on the island.
General Emergency Number In Greece
Santorini has the same general emergency number as other European countries: 112
EU Emergency number is like the European equivalent of 911 in the US.
You can call 112 everywhere in Europe, and they’ll connect you to the operator based on your location.
National emergency numbers still exist in Greece alongside 112.
100 – Police
199 – Fire Service
166 – Medical Emergency Service
Santorini Useful Numbers
If you don’t have a Greek SIM card, the area code for Greece is +30
You can always get an e-SIM before traveling to make sure you’re connected as soon as you land in Greece.
Get a number of your hotel or hostel in Santorini, because they are usually very responsive.
Things To Know Before Visiting Santorini
1. Tap Water Is Not Drinkable
The first question I asked when I got to the island was can you drink the tap water in Santorini.
Unfortunately, the answer was no. Tap water is not drinkable in Santorini.
You’ll have to buy bottled water or get filtered water in your accommodation.
2. Sun Is Strong Is Santorini
You should be using sunscreen every day anyway, but be aware that the sun in Santorini might be stronger than in your country.
The last time I visited Santorini in mid-September, I assumed the sun was no longer that strong, and I was in the sun all summer, so I didn’t need SPF on my body.
I was so wrong!
I burned so badly during the Fira to Oia hike and spent the rest of my time on Santorini wearing a long-sleeved shirt.
3. Don’t Forget To Bring Water When Hiking Oia To Fira
A hike from Fira to Oia is one of the most popular things to do in Santorini on a budget because it is completely free and stunning.
However, did you know it is a 10km long, unshaded hike?
While I think the hike is achievable for most, regardless of your fitness levels, it is long and it gets hot!
Learn from my mistakes.
Don’t do the hike at noon, put on a heavy layer of sunscreen, and take plenty of water with you.
4. Black Sand Beaches Can Be Uncomfortable
Santorini is not known for its beaches, and you’ll quickly learn why.
While Naxos or Paros have picturesque, long sandy beaches, those in Santorini are volcanic beaches.
On the caldera side, there are no beaches at all. You can jump off the rocks into the water in Amoudi Bay but can’t chill in the sun.
The other side of the island has several black-sand beaches, with the most popular being Perissa and Kamari Beach.
These black sand beaches are made of small, black rocks that get extremely hot in the sun.
Forget about walking barefoot unless you want to burn your feet.
I grew up by the beach in Croatia, so I naively tried walking to the sea from where I put my towel. I came back after 2 steps because the sand was scorching!
So, don’t forget to bring flip-flops or similar shoes you can easily slip on and off.
5. Hike To Red Beach Can Be Dangerous
Visit to the Red Beach is another popular thing to do in Santorini.
Red Beach is a wild beach named after the cliffs with a reddish hue surrounding the narrow sandy beach.
Most people visit the Red Beach on a boat tour from Santorini, but you can also hike to the beach.
You should stay vigilant and keep away from the cliff, as there is a risk of rockfalls.
6. Roads Are Narrow And Winding
While you don’t need a car in Santorini, you should know what you’re getting yourself into if you decide to rent a car.
Santorini is a small island, and there are no highways around here.
Instead, most roads in Santorini are narrow, winding roads, running through the villages with cars parked on both sides of the road.
If you want to avoid damaging the car (and paying hefty fines at your rental company) you’ll have to be careful while driving.
7. Don’t Ride The Donkeys
You probably saw the photos of Santorini donkeys that take you up the stairs from the port to Fira or along the Fira to Oia hike.
I highly suggest you don’t ride the donkeys. If you can’t climb the stairs yourself, I know it is hard, I had to take a break every 5 minutes when I did it, you can take a cable car to Fira.
The price difference is negligent, and riding the donkeys is really not “part of the experience”.
8. You Can’t Reach Most Instagram Hot Spots
This one was more of a thing to know before visiting Santorini than an actual Santorini safety concern, but most of those Santorini Instagram spots are on private property.
Some places, like the 3 blue domes of Oia, had a half an hour long line in front of it for the photo!
You should not walk on the domes and roofs of whitewashed houses along the caldera.
In fact, you will see many signs notifying you that it is forbidden to step on the roofs or that certain places are private property.
Please respect the locals and don’t walk on somebody’s roof just to get a good photo.
9. Don’t Leave You Things Or Drinks Unattended
Finally, just because Santorini is not dangerous, that doesn’t mean you can be completely oblivious.
Don’t leave your valuables unattended.
Put your things into your bag or cover them with a towel when you’re on the beach. It is unlikely somebody will steal your things on the beach, as long as you put them in your bag.
While Santorini is safe at night for solo female travelers, we can’t be too relaxed when traveling.
Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home, and don’t accept drinks from strangers you didn’t see prepared.
FAQ: Santorini Safety
Yes, Santorini is safe for solo female travelers. It is a touristy island with plenty of things to do and caters to every type of tourist. Violent crimes are extremely rare, and it is safe to explore the island on your own.
Yes, Santorini is safe at night. Violent crimes are very rare on the island, so you can walk around the island at night. Be aware that most roads outside the villages don’t have public lighting, so walking along the road in complete darkness is not advisable as the drivers might not see you.
Summary: Is Santorini Safe To Travel?
Santorini is a safe holiday destination and a great choice for solo and first-time travelers.
It is a popular tourist hot spot, so most locals speak English, and there are many tourist-oriented facilities.
However, you should be cautious regarding potential scams, particularly in car rentals and restaurants.
While some would say Santorini is overrated and too touristy, this island is popular for a reason.
With so many things to do, from sightseeing to sunset cruises in Santorini, you can relax and enjoy your time on this unique island!
