Is Athens Safe for Solo Female Travelers? A Comprehensive Safety Guide

The city itself is a mix of ancient ruins, lively neighborhoods, and a bit of urban grit. For solo female travelers, it helps to know which districts feel comfortable at night, how to use public transport safely, and what small precautions make life easier. This guide covers those points so you can enjoy Athens without unnecessary stress.

In this article we’ll cover the basics for a great time as a female solo traveler, here’s another article if in need of an in-depth guide to Greece as a solo traveler.

Overview of Safety in Athens

Crime Statistics and Trends

According to Greek police data, figures for pickpocketing, muggings, and harassment have remained relatively low over the last five years. Violent crime is rare and mostly confined to isolated incidents. 

However, petty theft has been steadily rising in tourist-heavy zones such as Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, especially in crowded metro stations. Police presence in central Athens is noticeable, but tourists remain prime targets for opportunistic theft. Awareness of your surroundings, securing belongings, and avoiding unnecessary displays of valuables go a long way in minimizing risks.

Common Safety Concerns

Solo female travelers in Athens should be particularly cautious about pickpockets, especially in bustling areas like Monastiraki and on busy metro lines. Instances of catcalling have been reported near Omonoia Square and in less touristy parts of Psiri late at night. 

While catcalling is generally verbal and not physical, it can be unsettling. Limiting late-night outings, staying in well-lit and busier streets, and keeping a confident posture are effective strategies to reduce unwanted attention.

Safe Neighborhoods and Areas to Avoid

Recommended Neighborhoods

Safe neighborhoods in Athens include Plaka, Kolonaki, and Koukaki.

• Plaka: Athens’ old historical neighborhood, with narrow pedestrian alleys, family-owned tavernas, and strong tourist police presence. It’s lively during the day and calm in the evenings, making it a good choice for first-time visitors.

• Kolonaki: An upscale district with embassies, designer boutiques, and trendy cafés. Streets are clean, well-lit, and frequented by locals and expats. Security is strong due to its diplomatic importance. 
• Koukaki: Situated near the Acropolis Museum, this neighborhood is youthful and full of hip cafés. Popular with solo travelers thanks to its central yet relaxed vibe.

Areas to Use Caution

• Exarcheia: This neighbourhood is famous for its student vibe and edgy street art. It can be interesting to walk through during the day, but at night it sometimes sees protests or clashes that aren’t great to get caught up in. If you’re on your own, it’s better to avoid it after dark. 
• Omonoia Square: It’s right in the center and busy with shops and transport, but it has a reputation for petty crime and loitering. Nothing dramatic usually happens, but it doesn’t feel the most comfortable place to be alone late at night. 
• Psiri backstreets: The main squares in Psiri are lively and safe, especially if you’re out for dinner or drinks. The problem is the smaller side streets — they can feel a bit deserted after midnight. Stick to the busier parts and you’ll be fine.

Accommodation Options for Solo Female Travelers

Women-only Hostels and Female-friendly Hotels

If you prefer a women-only space, you’ll find a few options in Athens. The Athens Feminist Hostel has both dorms and private rooms at reasonable prices (€22–€55), and the atmosphere is very social. For something more boutique, Coco-Mat Athens in Kolonaki is a great choice — stylish, central, and in one of the safest parts of town. Both are used to hosting solo travelers, which makes the experience more relaxed.

Safety Features to Look For

When choosing a place to stay, check for a 24-hour reception so you’re not stuck outside if you arrive late. Key-card entry or coded doors add a layer of security, and it’s a bonus if there’s female staff on-site. Staying near a metro station also saves you long walks at night, which makes a big difference when travelling solo.

Transportation Safety

Public Transport

Athens’ metro is modern and efficient, connecting the airport to the city in under 40 minutes. During daytime it’s considered very safe. However, after 22:00, solo female travelers should be more cautious, particularly on Metro Line 3, which connects to the airport and passes through busy but sometimes less-policed areas. 

If you want to avoid having to take the public transport, check our airport and hotel transfers.

Buses and trams are reliable but less predictable at night. Always sit close to the driver or in well-lit areas, and keep personal items secure.

Taxis and Ride-shares

Athens taxis are generally safe, but overcharging can happen. The Beat app allows you to call licensed taxis, see driver profiles, and track your ride. 

This removes negotiation stress and gives transparency in pricing. Avoid hailing taxis off the street late at night; instead, request one through the app or have your hotel/restaurant call for you.

Island Hopping Safety for Solo travelers

Island hopping is one of the highlights of traveling in Greece. For solo travelers:

• Daytime ferries are the safest choice, with more staff, passengers, and better visibility. 
• Mid-sized islands such as Paros, Naxos, and Syros are ideal, as they combine lively towns with a relaxed atmosphere, unlike more isolated islands where you might feel too cut off.

• Night ferries can feel less secure due to darker decks and fewer passengers. If unavoidable, book a cabin instead of general seating. 
• Always book tickets through official ferry operators or established agencies, never from unverified online resellers.

 Check out the details for popular island hopping routes for a safe and unforgettable adventure.

Best Greek Islands for Solo Female Travelers

Leaving Athens to explore the islands is often the highlight of a trip to Greece. Each island has its own personality, but some are especially easy and enjoyable if you’re travelling on your own. These three stand out for their mix of safety, atmosphere, and how simple they are to get around without a car.

Paros

Paros has just the right balance — lively enough to meet people, but not overwhelming. The main towns, Naoussa and Parikia, are full of tavernas, small shops, and seaside cafés where it’s normal to sit alone with a meal or a drink. The island is well-connected by buses, so you can reach beaches and villages without driving. At night, the atmosphere is friendly and social, but not as heavy or crowded as Mykonos.

Naxos

Naxos is bigger than Paros but still feels relaxed. The Chora (old town) is easy to explore on foot, and there are plenty of safe, sandy beaches within reach. If you want more adventure, the mountain villages are a good day trip, and buses run regularly. It’s popular with solo travelers because it’s authentic and not too touristy, so you can enjoy both quiet corners and places with more of a buzz.

Santorini

Santorini is famous for its sunsets and romantic views, but it’s also a comfortable island to enjoy solo. It’s very safe, the bus network is reliable, and there’s plenty to do on your own — wine tastings, a walk along the caldera, or a boat tour to the volcano. You don’t need to rent a car, which makes it less stressful. If you want the details, we’ve put together a full guide on how to get around Santorini without a car to help you plan your trip with confidence.

Crete

Crete is huge and has a bit of everything — cities, beaches, mountains, and small villages. Chania and Heraklion both feel lively but safe, and they’re well lit at night if you’re walking back to your hotel. Outside the main towns, locals are generally very welcoming, and you’ll find plenty of small guesthouses that are used to hosting solo travellers. Buses cover most routes, so you can get around without needing to drive.

Practical Safety Tips and Resources

Emergency Contacts and Local Helplines

In Keep these numbers handy: police (100), ambulance (166), and the tourist police (1571), who can speak English. The European emergency number 112 also works anywhere in Greece. For U.S. citizens, the embassy in Athens can be reached at +30 210 720 2951.

Apps and SIM cards for Safety

• mySOS: connects you directly to emergency services.Beat: the go-to taxi app in Athens.
• Google Translate: useful for menus and quick chats with locals.
• Vodafone or Cosmote SIM cards: cheap prepaid plans (from €10) to keep you online for maps, tickets, and safety apps.

Cultural Norms and Dress Code

Athens is modern, and you’ll see locals dressed casually in most places. The only time you’ll need to think about what you wear is when visiting churches or monasteries — cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Learning a couple of Greek phrases like kaliméra (good morning) makes a good impression and often gets you a warmer welcome.

Pharmacies

There’s a pharmacy on almost every corner in Athens. They’re marked with a green cross, and most pharmacists speak good English. They can help with anything from travel sickness to insect bites, and many stock small first aid kits.

Hospitals

For emergencies, Euromedica and Hygeia are two private hospitals that travellers often recommend for their facilities and English-speaking staff. Public hospitals are fine too, but waiting times are usually longer.

Heat safety

Athens summers are hot, often exceeding 35 °C. Solo travelers should:

• Carry water at all times.
• Avoid sightseeing at midday.
• Use shaded routes and wear light clothing.
• Take breaks in air-conditioned cafés or museums.

Extra Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Athens

Dining solo

Eating alone doesn’t feel strange in Athens — plenty of people do it. In Plaka or Koukaki, you’ll find lots of terraces where you can sit comfortably with a meal or a coffee. If you’d like to meet other people, joining a food tour is a fun way to share a table and often connects you with other solo travellers.

Join one of our food tours in Greece to meet other travelers that might actually be traveling on their own.

Nightlife

Athens has a great nightlife, but it’s best to keep things simple: choose busy areas like Psiri or Gazi, stay on the main streets, and avoid dark side alleys when heading back. Keep an eye on your drink, and if you’re taking a taxi home, ask the bar staff to call one for you or order through Beat.

Day trips

Destinations like Delphi, Meteora, and Cape Sounion are popular excursions from Athens. Solo travelers benefit from organized day tours, which reduce logistical challenges, provide company, and ensure safe return to Athens in the evening.

Check our great full-day tours and trips, for a safe and organized way of meeting other travelers.

Pickpockets

The main hotspots are Monastiraki Flea Market, metro Line 1, and Syntagma Square. Use anti-theft bags or money belts, and keep your phone out of back pockets.

Fake guides

Near places like the Acropolis and the Archaeological Museum you’ll often find people approaching tourists and offering “cheap” guided tours. It’s best to avoid these — some are scams, others just poor quality. Licensed guides in Greece always carry an official ID, so if you want a tour, either ask to see it or, better yet, book in advance with a company you know is reliable (KeyTours is one option among several).

Frequently asked questions about solo traveling females in Athens

Are the safest neighborhoods in Athens safe at night?

Areas like Plaka and Kolonaki are fine, but like anywhere else, avoid dark alleys and empty side streets when walking back late at night.

Is Athens public transport safe at night for solo women?

Yes, though after 10 p.m. the metro and buses can feel less comfortable if they’re quiet. Stick to busier carriages, and be extra alert on Metro Line 3.

What precautions should I take against pickpockets in Athens?

Keep your bag closed and in front of you, especially on the metro and in Monastiraki or Syntagma. A crossbody bag or money belt works better than a backpack.

Is it safe to use ATMs in Athens?

Generally yes, but use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres rather than those on busy streets. Cover your PIN and avoid withdrawing large sums at once.

Is Athens airport safe at night for solo arrivals?

The airport is modern and well lit. If you land very late, it’s worth pre-booking a taxi through an app so you don’t have to worry about transport on arrival.

Can I hike around Athens alone?

Yes, during the day Lycabettus Hill and Philopappos Hill are popular with both locals and tourists. At night, the trails are dark and quiet, so better to go earlier.

What about using Airbnb?

It’s fine as long as you stick to highly rated Superhosts. Private apartments in central, well-connected areas are usually the safest bet if you’re travelling alone.