6 Venomous & Dangerous Snakes That You Can Find in Greece

Ever wondered what might slither across your path during a Greek getaway? While enjoying the stunning landscapes and historic sites, you’re sharing the terrain with some fascinating—and venomous—reptiles. Greece’s diverse ecosystems harbor six notable venomous snakes, from the distinctive Nose-horned Viper to the island-dwelling Milos Viper. Though these serpents typically avoid human contact, knowing what they look like and where they live could prove essential if you encounter one during your Mediterranean adventures.

Key Points

• Greece has four key venomous snakes: Nose-horned Viper, European Viper, Ottoman Viper, and the endangered Milos Viper.
• The Nose-horned Viper is recognizable by its horn-like snout and delivers hemotoxic venom that can cause serious complications.
• The Ottoman Viper inhabits northeastern Greece and nearby islands, delivering potentially lethal bites as an ambush predator.
• Milos Viper is endangered and endemic to specific Greek islands with fewer than 4,000 adults remaining in the wild.
• Most Greek venomous snakes prefer rocky terrains, are more active in summer, and typically avoid humans unless provoked.

6 Venomous & Dangerous Snakes That You Can Find in Greece

When visiting Greece, you’ll need to be aware of several venomous snake species that call this Mediterranean country home. The Nose-horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes) is perhaps the most concerning, with its powerful neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom.

In northeastern Greece, you might encounter the Ottoman Viper (Montivipera xanthina), also known as the rock viper.

The island of Milos exclusively hosts the Milos Viper (Macrovipera schweizeri).

The Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) poses dangers in other regions.

These snakes typically avoid humans and bite only when provoked, handled, or accidentally stepped on. They prefer rocky terrains and stone walls, becoming more active during summer months. The Ohia Snakes or European viper is actually the only truly common venomous snake throughout Greece, growing to about 2-3 feet long.

If you’re exploring Mykonos Town after dark, you’ll likely avoid snake encounters as most venomous species are active during daylight hours.

If bitten, seek immediate medical attention – Greek hospitals stock antivenom for these species.

Adder Snake (Ohia Snake): Greece’s Common Viper

Despite its widespread fame across Europe, the Adder Snake (commonly called “Ohia” in Greece) maintains a relatively modest presence in the Greek mainland. You’ll recognize this stocky viper by its distinctive zig-zag pattern and small size, typically reaching 20-28 inches in length.

While common in the UK and Central Europe, you’re unlikely to encounter an adder in Greece except in scattered northern regions—they’re completely absent from the Greek islands. In these northern regions, they may be found inhabiting various terrains including rocky hillsides, chalky downs, moors, and woodland edges. If you’re visiting Santorini and staying in Fira hotels, you won’t need to worry about encountering these snakes during your vacation.

Though venomous, adder bites rarely prove fatal with proper medical care.

If hiking in northern Greece, wear boots and avoid tall grass where these shy snakes may hide. Unlike other vipers, adders prefer to flee rather than confront humans.

Nose-horned Viper: The Distinctive Horn-bearing Serpent

The Nose-horned Viper stands as perhaps Greece’s most recognizable serpent, instantly identified by the distinctive horn-like protrusion on its snout. Known locally as “ochia,” this venomous snake inhabits dry, rocky hillsides with sparse vegetation throughout southern Greece and the Cyclades.

You’ll typically spot these vipers basking during daylight hours, as they’re primarily diurnal creatures that regulate their body temperature through sun exposure. These vipers become increasingly nocturnal with heat, adjusting their activity patterns as temperatures rise throughout the season.

Growing between 50-100 cm in length, they display dark brown or grayish coloration with zigzag patterns that provide excellent camouflage.

Though not aggressive unless provoked, their hemotoxic venom can cause serious complications. If bitten, immobilize the affected limb and seek medical attention immediately.

The subspecies Vipera ammodytes meridionalis is common throughout Greece and enjoys strict protection under the Berne Convention despite its adaptability to human-adjacent habitats. Families visiting holiday destinations in Greece should exercise caution when hiking in rocky areas where these vipers might be present.

Ottoman Viper: Northeastern Greece’s Deadly Rock Dweller

Lurking among the rocky terrains of northeastern Greece, the Ottoman Viper stands as one of the region’s most formidable serpents. Also known as the Rock or Coastal viper, this venomous reptile (Montivipera xanthina) extends its territory across numerous Greek islands including Samos, Chios, and Lesbos.

You’ll find this adaptable predator in diverse habitats, from flat coastal areas to mountains reaching 2,500m elevation. While it commonly hugs the Mediterranean coastline, it can venture 10-15km inland. The viper’s body typically measures between 70-95cm in total length, though exceptional specimens with maximum length of 130cm have been documented on some Greek islands.

Despite its “Least Concern” IUCN status, it receives strict protection under the Berne Convention.

If you’re exploring rocky areas in northeastern Greece or western Turkey, remain vigilant—these ambush predators deliver potentially lethal bites and often shelter in crevices or beneath rocks. For travelers visiting Greece, understanding these dangers ensures safer nightlife experiences while exploring the country’s beautiful landscape.

Milos Viper: The Endemic Island Predator

Hidden among the western Cyclades islands lives Greece’s most distinctive venomous snake, the Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri). You’ll find this endangered predator exclusively on Milos, Antimilos, Siphnos, Kimolos, and Poliaigos islands, where fewer than 4,000 adults remain in the wild.

The elusive Milos viper slithers through Greece’s western Cyclades, a rare venomous treasure fighting for survival.

Don’t be fooled by local exaggerations—these vipers typically reach 50-70 cm, not the rumored two meters. The species was named after Swiss herpetologist Hans Schweizer, honoring his contributions to the field. With their flat triangular heads and cylindrical bodies, they’re perfectly adapted to their island environment.

They prefer valleys, dry-stone fences, and bush-wood habitats, occasionally climbing trees to hunt. Far from the party atmosphere of popular Ios Island, these serpents prefer the quieter western Cyclades for their hunting grounds.

Unlike mainland vipers, Milos vipers have evolved unique feeding habits due to the absence of native rodents, preying primarily on birds, while juveniles target lizards.

They’re strictly protected under the Berne Convention but face threats from habitat loss and illegal collection.

Meadow Viper: Greece’s Lesser-known Venomous Grassland Resident

While the Milos viper commands attention in the Cyclades, Greece’s mainland hosts another remarkable serpent that often escapes notice. The Greek Meadow Viper (Vipera graeca) is one of Europe’s smallest vipers, dwelling primarily in the high-elevation alpine meadows of the Pindos Mountain range.

When hiking through Greece’s mountainous regions between April and October, you might encounter this endangered species. You’ll recognize it by:

1. Its thick body with a narrow, rough-textured head
2. Gray, tan, or yellowish coloration with an undulating dark dorsal stripe
3. Prominently keeled scales arranged in 19 rows
4. Relatively small size compared to other European vipers

Despite its terrestrial nature, this viper surprisingly displays arboreal abilities, skillfully climbing shrubs and trees when hunting for prey. Unlike popular Greek island destinations such as Rhodes and Mykonos, mainland Greece offers unique opportunities to observe these rare serpents in their natural habitat. Climate change threatens to eliminate up to 90% of its habitat by the 2080s, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent.

The Sum Up

Like Odysseus steering treacherous waters, you’ll want to tread carefully in Greece’s wilderness. You’ve now met the country’s venomous residents—from the distinctive Nose-horned Viper to the island-dwelling Milos Viper. While you’re unlikely to encounter these serpents on your Greek adventure, it’s wise to know your neighbors. Remember, they’re not villains but essential players in Greece’s ecological story, deserving both your respect and protection.