Crete is generally a safe place for solo female travelers. The local people are friendly and respectful, there is a strong police presence and plenty of well-populated, well-lit areas. However, as with any travel, general safety precautions should be taken, especially when traveling alone, including not walking alone during the night in less crowded places and keeping an eye on your belongings.
Safety rating
4.4 /5
Based on 8 travel experiences
4.5 /5
Based on our research and crime data
How safe is Crete?
Safety at night:Safe
Crete is generally safe to navigate at night as a solo female traveler. The locals are friendly, and the crime rate is relatively low. While always staying alert and exercising common sense is important, most areas in Crete are well-lit and populated even during the night. It's also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the area during daylight hours before wandering alone at night. Most issues come from minor scams or pickpocketing in busy areas. Always respect local customs and be aware of your surroundings.
Public transportation:Safe
Public transportation in Crete is generally quite safe. Buses are the most common way to navigate the island, with frequent and dependable services available. Bus drivers are usually friendly and helpful, even if you are a foreigner or not fluent in Greek. It is important to note that, like any location, it’s still necessary to take normal safety precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings while using public transportation. Ticket inspections are frequent, being caught without a valid ticket could result in a heavy fine. Nighttime services may be less frequent or nonexistent in some areas, but taxis are available as an alternative.
Street harassment:Low
Crete is a generally safe destination for solo female travelers. The local populace is warm, inviting, and respectful. While isolated incidents of street harassment can still occur, they are not commonplace and are far from the norm. As always, it's important to be vigilant and take precautions, but the Cretans are usually hospitable and mindful of your space.
Petty crimes:Low
Crete is generally a safe place, including for solo female travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or purse-snatching do occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas, but they are not pervasive. Always staying alert and mindful of your belongings can further reduce the risk. Remember that while it's largely safe, no place is completely immune to crime.
Tap water:Safe
Tap water in Crete is generally considered safe to drink and upholds European water safety standards. However, due to the high mineral content in some areas, it might have a different taste. For sensitive stomachs, it's advisable to purchase bottled water.
Is Crete safe to travel?
4.4 /5
Based on 8 experiences
Solo travel experience
I recently undertook a 19-day trip to Crete, spending 7 days in Ammoudara, Heraklion and 12 days in Rethymno. I would recommend skipping Heraklion and instead choosing to go to Chania and Rethymno. Ammoudara is close to the beach and has good connections with the airport and city center, but as a solo traveling woman, I felt very unsafe. Even in broad daylight, men would stop and stare, shout ambiguous comments, honk, go up on the sidewalk to look me straight in the face. I never experienced a physical assault, but it was very uncomfortable and I wasn't able to go out after 10 pm. Other solo traveling women I spoke to had similar experiences. I have previously visited 6 Cycladic islands, Athens, Chania and Rethymno alone and never felt unsafe, so I believe that such behavior is limited to Heraklion and Ammoudara.
Posted: May 19, 2023
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Solo travel experience
Crete was amazing. I was there last fall. There is so much history, which is so different from continental Greece, plus Knossos, the ancient palace that became the birthplace of the legend of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Crete was great, ultra safe. If you are a history lover, Crete will satisfy you.
Posted: April 11, 2023
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Is Crete worth visiting?
Overall rating
4.1 /5
based on 8 experiences
Solo travel experience
In my opinion, this is the most Greek of the islands. However, it is not particularly green, it is rather rough and full of rocks. Here you can experience the most Greek hospitality. If someone loves to try local cuisine, this is the ideal island. In many taverns, you feel as if you are eating dinner with family. Before the meal you get bread with olive oil, and after the meal dessert/fruit and a small bottle of raki. Usually this is complimentary or for an additional 1 euro per table. The island has long sandy beaches, small little isolated ones, and the famous Balos Lagoon. You can also find historical sites and trails through gorges and mountains. Beautiful historic towns like Chania or Rethymno with charming streets. Although it is popular, the island has a quiet atmosphere and you can encounter goats everywhere.
Posted: December 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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I went to Crete last July and it was incredible. I stayed near Chania for 5 days and rented a car. Balos Lagoon was amazing. I also went through Samaria Gorge, which was outstanding. I visited Elafonisi beach as well, but honestly, it didn't impress as much as Balos did.
Posted: May 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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