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You should avoid these areas in Greece during demonstrations

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francescool

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According to the Canadian Government website, there are certain areas that should be avoided when traveling to Greece, especially on particular days where there are demonstrations.

Demonstrations are usually held on days of social or historical significance, such as:
  • Workers' Day on May 1
  • the commemoration of the Athens Polytechnic uprising of 1973 on November 17
  • the commemoration of the riots of 2008 on December 6
In Athens, demonstrations and marches occur primarily in areas around:
  • Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament
  • Omonia Square
  • the National Technical University complex on Patision Avenue
  • Exarchia neighbourhood
In Thessaloniki, they occur primarily in areas around:
  • Aristotelous Square
  • Egnatia Street
  • the Arch of Galerius
  • the campus of the Aristotle University
As always, take precautions and be safe!
More info: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
 
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Yep, I definitely agree with that. All tourists should especially stay away from Exarcheia because that's where I live and I don't want any of those foreigners around! ;)
 
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Vangelis said:
Yep, I definitely agree with that. All tourists should especially stay away from Exarcheia because that's where I live and I don't want any of those foreigners around! ;)
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Ahahaha! Exarcheia is beautiful, but people must be cautious
 
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nadellii said:
Ahahaha! Exarcheia is beautiful, but people must be cautious
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Ah yes, my Athenian friend told me not to go to the Exarcheia square late at night. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I was there at 3am the previous night.

But anyhow, I was last there in 2019 and the current government and city mayor have vowed to "clean it up". I have noticed that some of my favourite restaurants have been gentrified so I won't be going there any more. Hopefully there will still be a few genuine venues left by the time I get there next month! Looking forward to finding out what has changed.
 
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Vangelis said:
Ah yes, my Athenian friend told me not to go to the Exarcheia square late at night. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I was there at 3am the previous night.

But anyhow, I was last there in 2019 and the current government and city mayor have vowed to "clean it up". I have noticed that some of my favourite restaurants have been gentrified so I won't be going there any more. Hopefully there will still be a few genuine venues left by the time I get there next month! Looking forward to finding out what has changed.
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I didn't know there was gentrification even in Greece. So sad that this has now become a global phenomenon and culture is dying off everywhere and people are being pushed out of their neighborhoods.
 
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This is a great tip. I have been to Greece during plenty of protests and strikes and as long as you avoid the hot areas it won't even be an issue. I didn't know about some of the hot spots on the list so thanks for sharing!
 
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AlexiaTravels said:
This is a great tip. I have been to Greece during plenty of protests and strikes and as long as you avoid the hot areas it won't even be an issue. I didn't know about some of the hot spots on the list so thanks for sharing!
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Exactly, if you exclude the city during these demonstrations, Greece is one of the safest places in the world.
 
nadellii said:
Exactly, if you exclude the city during these demonstrations, Greece is one of the safest places in the world.
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I totally agree, I have never felt unsafe in Greece and I've been there during some tricky times. I was there for more than one of the bailout upheavals over the years, as well as several transportation strikes with public transportation not working, as well as the protests that were going along with them.
 
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