Most perilous Mediterranean urban areas: These locations pose the highest risk for personal endangerment
Warning: This article discusses high crime rates and travel warnings for certain cities. Reader discretion is advised.
10 cities where caution is a must for travelers
Beach vacations and sightseeing may seem like the only concerns when planning a getaway, but crime statistics paint a different picture for these popular tourist destinations. As the summer of 2025 approaches, we've compiled a list of ten cities where vacationers should exercise extra caution.
Danger lurks in paradise: Cities demanding vigilance
1. Marseille: France's most perilous vacation spot
Marseille, France takes the top spot as the most dangerous city among the Mediterranean hotspots. With a crime index of 65.67, the city exceeds the national average, making it essential for travelers to take safety measures. Murder rates are nearly double the national average, with some neighborhoods requiring extra care after dark. However, a trip to Marseille can still be worthwhile if you take the necessary precautions.
2. Naples: A city with equal parts charm and risks
Naples, Italy comes in second, offering cultural treasures and culinary delights but marred by high crime rates. The crime index stands at 62.92, and alarming is the rising youth crime far above the norm.
3. Montpellier: A university city with a rising crime wave
Known for its university, Montpellier, France takes third place on our list. The city is grappling with pickpocketing on the rise, particularly in crowded areas and public transportation.
4. Nice: Luxury hides danger on the French Riviera
The fashionable resort town on the Côte d'Azur ranks fourth, despite its beaches and luxury offerings. The authorities in Nice report a spike in thefts on the Promenade des Anglais during peak season, suggesting valuables should never be left unattended.
5. Athens: Culture and crime coexist in Greece
Athens, Greece ranks fifth, with a high number of reported pickpocketing cases. Research shows that only 40% of residents feel safe, making cautious travel a necessity. Tourists should take extra precautions in tourist areas, such as taxis and restaurants.
6. Thessaloniki: Crime in Greece's second-largest city
Thessaloniki, Greece follows closely in sixth place, facing crime challenges similar to those in Athens. Despite the risks, a trip to this city can still be enjoyable if precautions are taken to avoid problematic zones.
7. Barcelona: A beloved destination for pickpockets
Barcelona, Spain is famous for its appealing attractions but ranks seventh on our list due to its high pickpocketing rates, especially in areas such as La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter. Travelers are advised to keep their valuables close at hand.
8. Bari: Less known, but dangerous
Bari, a lesser-known Mediterranean port city, ranks eighth due to its high rate of property crimes and frequent tourist scams. By staying alert, travelers can still have an enjoyable holiday in Bari.
9. Rome: Italy's eternal city faces crime challenges
Rome ranks ninth on our list, with crime being a persistent issue, especially pickpocketing at tourist hotspots. Rome's Termini station is known as a target for thieves. Despite the security risks, the city remains an enchanting destination.
10. Catania: Organized crime and street theft threaten travelers in Sicily
Catania, Italy rounds out our list, struggling with organized crime and street theft. Travelers are advised to be particularly cautious when using taxis and beware of inflated prices. By taking precautions, one can still enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Catania.
Keep travel safety in mind
Though the Mediterranean cities mentioned here are popular destinations, it's essential for travelers to exercise caution and be aware of current crime statistics when planning vacations. By taking precautions, visitors can minimize potential dangers and ensure a safe and enjoyable getaway.
Further Reading
- Popular holiday region in Italy bans flip-flops: Summer holiday without sandals? Hard to imagine for many! But on the Italian Riviera, there are strict rules about footwear.
- After Pope's death: What travelers to Rome need to know: The death of Pope Francis has triggered a worldwide wave of mourning – and Rome is in a state of emergency. Those planning a trip to the Eternal City in the coming days or weeks should be prepared. Here's what you need to know now.
- Gran Canaria pulls the plug: Tougher rules for tourists on the island: Gran Canaria is serious! The island is introducing new rules for tourists – from smoking bans on the beach to fines for shell collecting. What's behind it and what you should pay attention to now, you can read here.
Additional High-Risk Urban Areas
- Sana’a, Yemen
- Khartoum, Sudan
- Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Key Risks: Daylight muggings, gang-controlled zones, and unstable political climates dominate these destinations. Always consult real-time government advisories before travel.
⚠️ Note: Some cities (e.g., Kabul, Baghdad) likely remain critically dangerous but lack explicit 2025 documentation in provided sources. Consult real-time government advisories before travel to the listed cities.
- Marseille, France, with its high crime rates, requires travelers to exercise extra precautions, such as being mindful of their belongings and avoiding certain neighborhoods after dark.
- Naples, Italy, offers cultural treasures and delicious food, but its high crime rates necessitate travelers to stay vigilant, particularly when in crowded areas or using public transportation.
- Montpellier, France, is a university city experiencing an increase in pickpocketing incidents, especially in crowded places and public transport, so travelers should take care to protect their valuables.
- Nice, on the French Riviera, boasts beaches and luxury offerings, but thefts along the Promenade des Anglais during peak season highlight the importance of not leaving valuables unattended for tourists.
- Athens, Greece, has reported high levels of pickpocketing, with only 40% of locals feeling safe, making cautious travel a necessity, especially in tourist areas such as taxis and restaurants.
- Thessaloniki, Greece, faces similar crime challenges as Athens, so travelers visiting this city should be aware of problematic zones and take precautions to minimize potential risks.
- Barcelona, Spain, is famous for its attractions but has high pickpocketing rates, particularly in tourist areas like La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, encouraging travelers to keep their valuables close at hand.
- Bari, a lesser-known Mediterranean port city, has a high rate of property crimes and tourist scams, but alert travelers can still enjoy their holiday there by exercising caution.
- Rome, Italy, faces persistent crime issues, especially pickpocketing at tourist hotspots, and travelers should be cautious, particularly when using taxis and beware of inflated prices.
- Catania, Italy, struggles with organized crime and street theft, so travelers are advised to be particularly careful when using taxis and avoid areas with high crime rates to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.
