There is no way to hide the potential dangers. Certainly not when there is a war going on in Ukraine and tensions are running high in the Middle East, while closer to home there is political uncertainty in several European countries.

Forewarned is forearmed. That is why we have listed for you what you should pay attention to when you have arrived at your holiday destination.

Spain

Thousands of Irish people travel to Spain and the Spanish islands every year. Incidents involving tourists are rare.

CRIME

Low rates of robberies and thefts. Robberies on the coast are around 100 per 100,000 inhabitants, rising to around 200 in Barcelona.

POLICE

If you are caught in an unlicensed taxi, you can be fined up to €600.

HEALTHCARE

Serious illness on smaller islands may require transfer to a hospital in a larger mainland city. Make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and reliable travel insurance. POLITICAL STABILITY: There have been recent street protests in Mallorca and Barcelona against overtourism.

SAFETY SCORE

8/10 (Safety Index 2024)

Greece

Irish tourists continue to flock to Greece despite recent heatwaves that have claimed several lives.

CRIME

Extra caution is advised in Athens, especially on the metro. The number of road deaths as a percentage of the Greek population is higher than in Ireland.

POLICE

Greek police have been known to arrest tourists for “indecent or noisy” behaviour and drunkenness.

HEALTHCARE

Some islands, such as Folegandros, have only one GP. An EHIC card gives you access to state healthcare in Greece, but not repatriation, so insurance is required.

POLITICAL STABILITY

Greece is finally emerging from its financial malaise.

SAFETY SCORE

8/10

Italy

Italy is the fourth most popular destination for Irish tourists and is considered safe, but be careful in the larger cities.

CRIME

Petty street crime is widespread in cities such as Naples and Rome. The capital’s Termini station and the ‘Circumvesuviana’ train between Naples and Sorrento are known for bag snatching.

POLICE

Generally familiar.

HEALTHCARE

You can expect similar treatment to that in Ireland.

POLITICAL STABILITY

Under Giorgia Meloni there has been a clear decline in the number of demonstrations.

SAFETY SCORE

7.5/10

France

President Macron’s big gamble to call elections has failed. So be prepared for political unrest.

CRIME

In Paris, you should be extra vigilant on the RER (train) line B (which serves Charles de Gaulle airport, the Eurostar terminus Gare du Nord and the Stade de France).

POLICE

You must be able to show a photo ID upon request.

HEALTHCARE

Generally not free at the point of contact, so make sure your travel insurance is in order. POLITICAL STABILITY: Look out for demonstrations in major cities this summer.

SAFETY SCORE

7.5/10

Croatia

Croatia is enviably safe, with a crime rate below the EU average.

CRIME

Pickpockets are active in Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

POLICE

In cities like Split and Dubrovnik you can be fined if you walk down the street without a shirt or in a swimsuit.

HEALTHCARE

Hospitals in popular areas are generally of good quality.

POLITICAL STABILITY

As a member of the EU, Croatia is stable. Organized crime is present, but does not pose a threat to tourists.

SAFETY SCORE

8/10

Cyprus

This divided country has been in a ceasefire situation between the Greek and Turkish sides of the island since the 1974 war. However, tourists are welcome from both sides. The island’s proximity to the Middle East means that demonstrations over the Israel-Gaza crisis can take place.

CRIME

Has a very low crime rate.

POLICE

Specialized officers on bicycles patrol tourist areas, including near beaches.

HEALTHCARE

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers it as bad as the US and Ireland.

POLITICAL STABILITY

Cyprus’ status as a divided country is unlikely to change.

SAFETY SCORE

8/10

Malta

Opportunistic thefts are common here.

CRIME

Pickpocketing has been reported on the bus routes between Valletta and St Julian’s.

POLICE

A specially created ‘tourist’ group of officers was abolished a year after its introduction in 2017, but you will still generally find the Maltese police approachable and friendly.

HEALTHCARE

A level very similar to what you would get in Ireland.

OK

Malta is a very stable, democratic nation.

SAFETY SCORE

8/10

Turkey

Turkey is generally safe, but stay away from demonstrations around the embassies related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

CRIME

Pickpocketing is common in Istanbul. In 2023, 42 cases of sexual abuse, including rape, were reported by tourists. These were usually committed by someone the victim met during their vacation.

POLICE

It is illegal not to carry photo identification.

HEALTHCARE

Under Turkish law, all medical care is free if you are injured in a traffic accident. However, it is still essential to have travel insurance.

POLITICAL STABILITY

Be wary of protests at embassies and consulates, especially those of Israel.

SAFETY SCORE

7/10

Iceland

One of the safest countries in the world.

CRIME

On weekends, during peak hours, some of the bars in downtown Reykjavik can get quite rowdy, but even then the chances of witnessing, let alone getting involved in, a violent physical confrontation are slim.

POLICE

If you need to report a crime, these websites are very useful.

HEALTHCARE

Hospitals are of excellent quality throughout the country and many medical staff speak fluent English. Be aware that the health system is not free for tourists from Ireland, so make sure you have valid travel insurance.

POLITICAL STABILITY

Iceland is as politically stable as it can be.

SAFETY SCORE

9/10