Be Safe in Corfu

As Corfu is such a popular holiday destination, the Greek authorities have been conscientious with regards to ensuring that its reputation is not smeared by issues relating to crime or threats to health. In light of this, Corfu is a safe place to take a holiday and presents a very comfortable environment in which to go about both by day and at night. A few caveats exist of course, but your holiday need not be compromised on account of them.

Safety

Threats to your cash and valuables come in the form of pickpockets and bag snatchers here, just as they do at any popular tourist area in any part of the world.

Miscreants will single you out for light-fingered treatment on the basis that they figure you are naïve and an easy target. Prove them wrong by staying alert at all times, especially in crowded areas, and by keeping wallets and purses in inaccessible places such as a front pocket. Alternatively, keep cash in a concealed money belt. Bags can be worn in such a way that the position of the strap/s makes snatching difficult if not impossible; be mindful of this when out and about with a handbag or a backpack.

If you plan to hire a scooter during your stay in Corfu then be warned that hazards abound in doing so, with the winding roads and the craziness of the local drivers among the most significant risks. Make sure you check the fine print of your travel insurance document with regards to cover for motorbike accidents; many don’t provide it. Better still, make a point of purchasing a policy that you are sure provides cover if you feel there’s a reasonable chance that you might hire a motorcycle.

Watch out for dangerous holiday sports such as waterskiing, jet-skiing, paragliding and rock climbing, and again, be sure that your insurance policy covers you for accidents sustained during these activities.

Police:  112

Health

Immediate and obvious threats to health are not prevalent on Corfu and provided you are sensible, you run no higher risk of falling ill than you do back home in the UK or any other European country. The tap water, while drunk by the locals, has a high mineral content and may well upset the stomachs of those not accustomed to it, so visitors are advised to buy bottled water instead. However, brushing your teeth with the tap water shouldn’t cause you any problems.

In the height of summer, the sun can get extremely hot between 12:00 and 15:00, so if you must stay out in it during this time, cover up or make sure you wear a high protection factor sun cream. Additionally, make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially if taking part in any physical activity.

Hospitals generally have English-speaking doctors available; if this is not the case then the services of an interpreter can invariably be called upon. EU visitors will qualify for free basic hospital treatment under EU reciprocal healthcare agreements.

General Hospital: +30 26610 458117