Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is Greece's northernmost region, stretching from the Nestos River delta to the Turkish border. It combines ancient Macedonian ruins, Byzantine fortresses, Ottoman mosques, tobacco-scented market towns, dramatic Rhodope mountain scenery and an undiscovered Aegean coastline that sees a fraction of the crowds found further south.
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is generally very safe for tourists. Kavala, Komotini, Xanthi and Alexandroupoli are peaceful cities with minimal violent crime. The border zone near Alexandroupoli requires standard awareness; document checks are possible but rare for tourists. Outdoor hazards include river flood risk in spring and summer heat exhaustion.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Tip
- Tap water is safe to drink in all major urban areas.
- Tip
- Sunscreen and a hat are essential; UV index is high June–August.
- Tip
- Apply insect repellent near wetlands (Evros Delta, Porto Lagos) to prevent mosquito bites.
- Tip
- EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) covers EU citizens; non-EU travelers should hold comprehensive travel insurance.
- Tip
- The Alexandroupoli University Hospital is the best-equipped facility in the region.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items