Practical guide · Oct–Apr

Winter safety begins before an emergency. Choose a route that matches the group, monitor official alerts, reach rural accommodation before dark and keep communication options available. In a genuine emergency, the single number to remember is 112.

Essential numbers

The official 112 service accepts voice calls, SMS and MMS, contact by email at contact@112.gov.gr and communication through the gov.gr app. Voice operators serve Greek, English and French. In a fast-moving emergency, call or message 112 rather than deciding which specialist number is perfect.

What to tell 112

• What happened: Collision, fall, chest pain, fire, lost hiker, flooding or another clear description.
• Where: Road and direction, kilometre marker, village, trail, business, landmark, coordinates or shared location.
• When: Now, minutes ago or the last known contact time.
• Who is affected: Number of people, injuries, ages and immediate dangers.
• How to reach you: Telephone number, vehicle description or visible meeting point.

If the call was accidental, stay on the line and explain. Hanging up can trigger unnecessary mobilisation.

Official alerts

Greece uses Cell Broadcast through 112 to send urgent instructions for dangerous situations. Compatible updated smartphones can receive a prominent message and alarm sound without prior sign-up. Read the whole alert, identify the geographic area and follow the instruction. Do not assume the message is irrelevant because the weather outside the window seems calm.

Weather: rain can be as serious as snow

Winter hazards include intense rain, flash flooding, thunderstorms, strong wind, snowfall, freezing conditions and rough seas. Greece’s dry summer image can make visitors underestimate water. Never drive or walk through moving floodwater. Avoid riverbeds, low crossings, gorges and underground spaces during severe rain.

Near the sea, keep away from breakwaters, harbour walls and exposed rocks during high waves. A photograph is not worth being pulled into winter water.

Snow, ice and mountain roads

Follow police closures and instructions. Ask the rental provider for anti-skid equipment suited to the exact tyre size and learn how to use it. Clear all windows, lights and roof surfaces before driving. Increase distance, reduce speed and avoid sharp braking or steering.

Black ice is difficult to see and often forms on bridges, shaded bends and high roads. If conditions exceed the driver’s experience, stop somewhere safe or postpone the journey. Do not stop in a live lane to fit chains.

Hiking, gorges and ski areas

Winter mountains in Greece are real mountains. Snow cover can hide trail markers and holes; weather can change quickly; short daylight compresses rescue time. Use a qualified guide for unfamiliar or technical terrain. Tell someone the route and return time, carry the appropriate clothing and navigation, and turn back early.

At ski centres, follow piste classification, lift rules and closures. Do not enter closed terrain or treat a rented four-wheel-drive vehicle as a rescue tool. Check whether insurance explicitly covers skiing, snowboarding and off-piste activity.

Earthquakes

Greece is seismically active. During shaking indoors, drop to a low position, cover the head and neck and hold on beneath or beside sturdy protection where appropriate. Stay away from glass and falling objects; do not use lifts. Outdoors, move away from buildings, walls, poles and cliffs. Near the coast after strong or prolonged shaking, follow official instructions, including any order to move to higher ground.

Afterwards, expect aftershocks, check for injury and hazards and avoid damaged structures. Use messages rather than repeated calls when networks are congested.

Urban personal security

Pickpocketing is the most relevant visitor issue in busy transport, squares and queues. Close bags, keep phones away from opening metro doors and do not place valuables on café tables beside the street. Divide cards and cash. Use official taxis or reputable booked services, and check that the destination is understood before departure.

If property is stolen, report it to police for safety and insurance documentation. Cancel cards and protect accounts promptly. The Tourist Police line and local departments can assist, but 112 is for urgent danger.

Nightlife and personal wellbeing

Watch drinks being prepared, do not leave them unattended and travel back with people you trust. Use a confirmed ride and share the vehicle or route details when appropriate. Alcohol and cold are a poor combination: intoxication can disguise the seriousness of hypothermia.

Anyone facing harassment, violence or immediate danger should move to a staffed, public place and call 112.

A lost-person protocol for families and groups

Choose a visible meeting point at every major site. Children should carry a card with a parent’s number and accommodation, without unnecessary personal details. If someone is missing, alert site staff and police quickly; do not let the entire group disperse into separate searches without coordination.

Vehicle collision procedure

Stop safely, use hazard lights and warning equipment, and call 112 if anyone is injured or the location is dangerous. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger. Contact the rental company and insurer using their required process. Photograph the scene only when safe and exchange information without admitting liability or signing a document you do not understand.

The pre-departure safety card

• 112 saved and understood.
• Insurer and assistance numbers stored offline.
• Route and weather checked.
• Accommodation knows late rural arrival time.
• Essential medication in hand luggage.
• Offline map and power bank ready.
• Family meeting point agreed.
• Embassy or consulate contact recorded where relevant.

The other practical guides

Licensed tour guides A licensed guide is the difference between looking at old stones and understanding them Read the guide → Mobile internet & eSIM Connectivity in Greek cities is easy; connectivity in a stone village, gorge, ferry cabin or snow-covered mountain road Read the guide → Travel insurance Insurance is not a ritual document attached to a booking Read the guide → Healthcare & EHIC Most health needs during a Greek holiday are manageable Read the guide →