greece/migrants
Apr 12, 2016 | 11:45 am
#17
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I think it would be good if people could keep their replies to fairly narrow confines here, it's an issue that has to be handled with sensitivity, and which won't / can't be resolved in this forum. So let's stick to what we can resolve.
Apr 12, 2016 | 11:50 am
#18
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I was on Lesbos last year (after sailing from Turkey!!), the migrant problem is rather over stated, obviously the news will show pictures of people but the whole island is not like that, it's simply not that noticeable. Just take the standard precautions as you would anywhere else (passport kept in safe, be aware of your surroundings and don't carry too much cash, etc).
Anyway I hope that if you choose to go you have a great trip, lovely place and wonderful people, food and wine. Don't forget to bring back some olive oil.
Apr 12, 2016 | 12:05 pm
#19
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I was just down in Kalamata (and Costa Navarino) two weeks ago - there are almost no migrants down in that area - it is, as CWS and CatchThePigeon have said, about as far away from the crisis as you can get here in Greece. Pylos and Methoni are absolutely amazing, if you're looking for coastal places to visit and Ancient Messini is one of the best preserved and undervisited ancient sites in the country. You will have an absolutely wonderful time. And if you're going to Costa Navrino - the resorts there are beautiful. And yes, both the olives and the oil were incredible. I highly recommend it.
Apr 14, 2016 | 10:38 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Just a quick question: how bad is crime in Athens now? I last visited Greece in 2004 and I fell in love with this country. Going back in a couple weeks but heard that Athens had gone quite a bit downhill from 10 years ago.
Apr 14, 2016 | 10:58 am
#23
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Petty crime is worse than it used to be ten years ago.
Also, racists attacks and other discriminatory behavior against people of non-European ethnic heritages are also more frequently encountered now than they were ten years ago.
In the late fall of 2012, the US Department of State provided the following info for those concerned about visiting Greece (even as there was no recommendation to avoid travel to Greece):
United States Embassy Athens, Greece
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Safety and Security in Greece November 16, 2012
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the “Threats To Safety and Security” section of the Greece Country Specific Information page has been updated to inform U.S. citizens of a rise in unprovoked harassment and violent attacks against persons who, because of their complexion, are perceived to be foreign migrants. U.S. citizens most at risk are those of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern descent in Athens and other major cities. Please review the Country Specific Information for Greece.
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Safety and Security in Greece November 16, 2012
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the “Threats To Safety and Security” section of the Greece Country Specific Information page has been updated to inform U.S. citizens of a rise in unprovoked harassment and violent attacks against persons who, because of their complexion, are perceived to be foreign migrants. U.S. citizens most at risk are those of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern descent in Athens and other major cities. Please review the Country Specific Information for Greece.
Originally Posted by US Department of State
The U.S. Embassy has confirmed reports of U.S. African-American citizens detained by police authorities conducting sweeps for illegal immigrants in Athens.
Last edited by GUWonder; Apr 14, 2016 at 1:01 pm
Apr 15, 2016 | 1:37 am
#24
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 399
The issue for Greece, with large numbers of people migrating, is particularly acute in those Greek islands in sight of Turkey - such as Kos, Lesbos, Rhodes. The local Greek authorities are very conscious of this and on those islands they do what they can to ensure tourists are not too affected. In the case of Lesbos that is tricky, in the case of Rhodes rather less difficult. In the case of Kalamata I wouldn't worry, apart from perhaps Corfu there are few places less affected.
Kos has calmed down a lot. In fact according to the United Nations, Rhodes has had no arrivals for over two months, and Kos none for the last week.
Lesbos, Chios and Samos continue to have a problem, even though deportations back to Turkey have now started.
Apr 19, 2016 | 3:28 pm
#25
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Seattle, Wash. USA
Posts: 1,568
Hi not directly BA related but as the new route to Kalamata in Greece starts in a few weeks does anyone know about the migrant situation in that part of Greece and whether it is safe for families?
We are contemplating booking flights to Kalamata then travelling around the Peloponnese area with young family but slightly concerned with the situation. My understanding is that part of Greece remains fairly unaffected but I admit I'm ignorant and not really sure where to find the answers.
Any help gratefully received.
Thanks
We are contemplating booking flights to Kalamata then travelling around the Peloponnese area with young family but slightly concerned with the situation. My understanding is that part of Greece remains fairly unaffected but I admit I'm ignorant and not really sure where to find the answers.
Any help gratefully received.
Thanks