Santorini seems like the ultimate paradise, doesn't it? It's almost as if nothing ever goes wrong here. Thanks to its whitewashed towns, stunning coasts, and peaceful atmosphere, you'd quicker call this 'heaven on earth' than any other place in the world. However, as fitting as that may seem, there's no such thing as a totally safe place on this planet. In this day and age, even the most remote destinations have their fair share of burdens, particularly crimes. So how does Santorini fare? What are the crime rates of this Cyclades island? Here's what you need to know.
The General Crime Rate in Santorini
According to
Numbeo.com, one of the leading websites in providing info on a destination's crime rates, Santorini's general crime rate as of July 2021 is 0.00%. Basically, zilch! Although this may not be 100% accurate, considering the other crime rates listed on the site, it's safe to say that the reality is not far from that. But be that as it may, the island's rate of increasing crimes is 35.71%, meaning there are still some crimes committed here. So as far as the general crime is concerned, it's not exactly as 0 as it may seem.
The Highest-Rated Crimes in Santorini
So, as mentioned, the rate of increasing crimes in Santorini is a point of concern. But what are the highest-rated crimes here, exactly? For now, the top spot goes to bribery & corruption at a combined 17.86%. Although it's considered very low, it's still the highest-rated on the list. Fortunately, both crimes are not violent, however, this can spell trouble for those who've chosen to
work here. And
Greece's job market is already unstable enough as it is. What more if bribery and corruption make things worse? Since Santorini is a popular holiday destination, it's safe to assume that many in the underground business world have probably gotten away with a lot whilst on the island.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Jebulon
The Other Highly Rated Crimes in Santorini
In second place, there's a three-way tie. Drug dealing, pickpocketing, and home burglaries all have a rate of 12.50% each. The first one, drug dealing, isn't all that surprising considering that Europe, as a whole, has a major drug problem. Even major European cities have drug dealing as one of their highly-rated crimes. The second, pickpocketing, is also expected since Santorini is a popular tourist destination. Those who travel here, especially for the first time, make for perfect targets for petty thieves. And finally, the third crime, home burglaries, is a bit more surprising. But considering how the famous whitewashed homes on the island aren't that well secure, it's also to be expected. Fortunately, a 12.50% rating is still considered very low overall.
The Safety Rate for Exploring Santorini
Now, when it comes to exploring Santorini, thanks to the purported 0% general crime rate on the island, the safety rates are expectedly high. Specifically, it's 96.88% high to walk around the various
towns of Santorini during the day. At night, the safety rate drops to 87.50%. And despite the 9.38% difference between the two, both safety rates are still considered high. This further proves that Santorini really is a lot safer than most destinations around the world. Even when compared to major cities, which supposedly have top-notch police departments and security, the Cyclades island still comes out on top!
Tips to Say Safe in Santorini
Despite how safe Santorini is, the fact that the destination still has a list of rated crimes means it's not necessarily 100% crime-free. It's still possible to fall victim to crimes on the island. To avoid this, you need to follow a few tips. Firstly, don't be too trusting of strangers, especially if you don't understand Greek. For as much as possible, get help from local authorities than just anyone off the street.
Secondly, always make sure to keep your belongings locked and secured when you go out. As already mentioned, most homes and accommodations in Santorini don't have the best security. So it's up to you to take the initiative and provide the right locks, safes, and the like to ensure that your stuff will still be there when you get back.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Dickelbers
Santorini is the ultimate paradise, but is it really? Is this beautiful island on the Aegean Sea as safe as it seems? To get your answer, you have to know the crime rates of Santorini. Only then can you make your own judgment!
No matter what the crime rates are in Santorini, you'll still be safe in your
luxury home here!
