17 Dangerous European Destinations to Skip On Your Next Trip

Many travelers add exploring Europe to their bucket lists, but not every destination provides the idyllic adventure you’d hope for. Unsuspecting tourists can be placed in serious danger in certain areas that are notorious for high levels of crime, varying degrees of political or social unrest, or – even more so – poor infrastructure. Here are 17 dangerous European destinations you need to skip the next time you travel.

Naples, Italy

One famous for art and food, Naples is infamous for petty crime. They say pickpocketing is rampant at tourist spots like historic centers and marketplaces and that world wild schooling states.

The shadow behind the city comes from the Camorra, a notorious criminal organization. You shouldn’t leave valuables unblessed near you and avoid poorly lit areas at night when you visit.

Marseille, France

Marseille, meanwhile, has a crime rate that the Independent describes as ‘vibrant culture, coastal charm,’ except that it ‘grapples’ with a high crime rate. In certain districts, i.e., North Marseille, there is plenty of muggings and gang violence.

The city’s poorly known areas are best viewed via guided tours, and tourists are advised against visiting areas with a history of violence.

Kosovo

Kosovo, one of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, is a political tinderbox. Some remnants of post-war unrest linger and can flare up occasionally, affecting local stability.

Travelers should beware of entering disputed and border territories in some urban centers, such as Pristina, where they are relatively safe.

Donetsk and Luhansk, Ukraine

BBC notes that Donetsk and Luhansk, ranked as war zones, say they remain areas of significant risk because conflict has not abated as a result of Russian aggression.

Given the active hostilities there, these areas are very dangerous for travelers, and advisories are current that they should be avoided completely. Alternative travel destinations are strongly advised, but they cannot assure travelers’ safety.

Albania (Certain Regions)

Albania provides natural beauty, cultural history, and complementary rural infrastructure; however, certain rural areas are threatened by compromised safety. Research Gate states that Selita, Bathore, and Frutikultura are areas where very little is developed.

Besides, certain historical issues of organized crime blacken cities such as Tirana, Durrës, Vlora, Lezhë, Fushë Kruja, and Rrëshen.

Northern Ireland

Today, Belfast and Derry have a baggage of political unrest that stems from Northern Ireland’s past. However, sectarian violence, however infrequent, can erupt and result in civil disturbance. People should stay on top of local news and avoid participating in or going near protests.

The French Riviera

According to News.com.au, the French Riviera is proven to be over-touristy, with the summer over-touring St Tropez in particular. It also has environmental damage that over-tourism causes — eroding coastal areas and leaving travelers in a pool of pollution.

Istanbul, Turkey

According to Research Gate, Istanbul’s old districts and central and subcentre districts show high crime and political tensions.

Although tourists in many areas can visit the city’s safer zones, they should heed local security advice before exploring the city’s riskier zones.

Athens, Greece

People who review Athens on Tripadvisor write that the ancient city, fraught with heritage, suffers from the plague of pickpockets, mostly in touristy places like Omonia.

This risk is greater due to economic pressure: visitors are urged to stay alert and keep their belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

Adventure travelers must be careful in Sarajevo, which bears the marks of the Bosnian War. The U.S. Department of State (gov) states that the city’s beauty in areas such as the Federation of Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Republika Srpska contrasts with the danger of unexploded landmines.

It is unsafe for tourists unless the trails are marked and there are guided tours.

Southern Italy (Calabria)

Another is Calabria in Southern Italy, where local people experience the influence of organized crime every day. The presence of the Mafia may affect security conditions, particularly at a rural level.

When visiting the more remote areas, tourists should concentrate on the mainstream attractions and use reputable tour operators when in doubt.

Barcelona, Spain

Too much tourism has occurred in Barcelona, a city with great architecture and nightlife. This causes environmental degradation and increases the number of pickpockets.

Travelers should understand some tips to avoid crowded spots and protect their belongings.

Eastern Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in the Donbass region of Eastern Ukraine, marked by political instability, renders it unsuitable for tourists.

Travel advisories urge travelers to avoid the area, and the risk of encountering active conflict areas is high. Until peace and stability are restored, travelers should still seek alternative destinations.

Minsk, Belarus

As confirmed by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace data, political unrest in Minsk heightens travelers’ safety concerns. Public gatherings have become dangerous in a volatile environment, and demonstrations and government crackdowns can make them that way.

While traveling, current travel advisories warn of possible sporadic violence and the possibility of arbitrary detentions.

Tirana, Albania

Tirana normally has a very good reputation for safety, but pickpocketing dangers are still present, especially in busier areas and in international transport. The city’s rapid development is event-positive, but sometimes, it can create differences in infrastructure quality.

Sochi, Russia

The 2014 Winter Olympics were held in Sochi, and the beautiful mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences made for a great deal of travel there. Though attractive, travelers should exercise caution because of geopolitical tensions in the region that may affect security.

However, hand grenades, bomb threats, and localized disputes may affect the personal safety of anyone exploring areas beyond the tourist trail, such as colonial neighborhoods, markets, and marketplaces.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Visitors should also remain cautious in crowded marketplaces and tourist crowns, though Tbilisi is generally fairly safe for tourists.

A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Embassy in Georgia advised its citizens not to go and to watch out for groups of criminal youth pickpocketing and robbing anyone aggressively in Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue near the opera and ballet theater.

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