Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Spain is generally a safe country for solo female travelers. Both urban areas and rural regions have low levels of crime. It is always prudent to take basic precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit and deserted areas late at night, keeping a close eye on personal belongings in crowded places, and not sharing your personal details or itineraries with strangers. Public transportation and taxis are usually safe and reliable. However, like anywhere else, incidents can occur, so staying alert and using common sense is important.

Safety rating

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How safe is Spain?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Spain, in general, is known to have a good safety record and this includes safety after dark too. However, like any other place, safety can vary depending on the area and time. Bigger cities like Madrid and Barcelona are largely safe but do be cautious in quieter or less lit streets. Also be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Overall, basic precautions such as sticking to well-lit areas, not displaying valuables openly, and maintaining a sense of awareness are still advised.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Spain is generally safe and reliable. It consists of buses, trains, trams, and metros which effectively connect cities and towns. The services are frequented by local and foreign travelers alike. However, it's important to be conscious of your surroundings, especially in crowded spaces, as pickpocketing incidents have been reported in some areas. Overall, the system is widely used and safety concerns are minimal.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

While cases of street harassment do occur and vary by region, Spain generally has a safe atmosphere. Instances of wolf-whistling, cat-calling, and lewd remarks are not commonplace. Being a solo female traveler, you may occasionally experience unsolicited attention, but typically, locals are respectful and unobtrusive. Nonetheless, maintaining caution in crowded areas or during late hours is advisable. Remember, your experience may vary depending on various factors such as the neighborhood you're in, the time of day, and your general demeanor.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Spain, as a whole, experiences relatively low levels of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, particularly outside of major cities. However, you may encounter higher risk in tourist-heavy areas including major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where pickpockets might be more common. Always remain alert and keep an eye on personal belongings even in crowded public transports and places. Stay aware of your surroundings, but overall, Spain is considered quite safe for travelers.

Is Spain worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 410 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Vigo, Solo travel

It was really good it is so close to Porto so I added some photos from Porto as well. Vigo is a little city near the border between Spain and Portugal. It's mostly quiet and elderly people are living in there. That's why they are trying to keep young people's attention mostly immigrants but they behave well to them, they are really like each other and emphasizing each others cultures

Posted: May 6, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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Tenerife, Solo travel

Tenerife was my first travel experience and it went amazing. I was there for one week and have met so nice lovely people. All of them had a easy going way of living. Once we were in Achaman Discopub and they had played lifemusic. The people included us so well and we learned a lot funny spanish dancesteps;)

Posted: May 2, 2025
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Madrid, Solo travel

Honestly I just love Spain I spent a whole week in Madrid and it felt like it was the best time of my life even though the weather wasn't perfect. I felt safe people are nice and there are a lot of activities that you can do. Especially during night time you don't feel alone because everyone is partying so I really recommend going there.

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Lena

Lena

Austria

Madrid, Group travel

I loved Madrid! It's got a beautiful city center and so so good food! I loved the breakfast places! Just wander around and go with the flow! There are are also great rooftop bars. :) I never felt unsafe so no worries if you wanna visit the city by yourself!

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: April, 2023
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Madrid, Group travel

Loved it, definitely will be coming back.. reccomend for all categories of travelers. City is beautiful, people are kind and helpfull, night life felt fun but safe.. didnt have any bad experience :)

Posted: April 29, 2025
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Barcelona, Group travel

Generally, I feel safe, but sometimes it can be scary. We went on a group trip, so I didn't have any problems with safety. We couldn't buy drinks at the market, but I'm not sure why. Overall, I liked the experience and would visit again.

Posted: April 27, 2025
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Almeria, Group travel

I reall loved it. The water us cold tho and when it's windy dont get in the water haha. When I was there it was really hot and then one day it was randomly really cold so take warmer clothes with you. There were no creeps it was pretty safe. There are men on the beach who make things out of sand. Don't look at them directly or they will want you to pay to look. On the beach men also sell a lot of things and want you to pay so be safe. There ks a cute boba shop next to the beach and it's really cool cause you need to buy a few boba teas and you get one for free. They are also really good.

Posted: April 26, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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Olivia

Olivia

Sweden

Marbella, Family travel

I felt very safe, but I was also always with my parents or my older sister. However, I never felt threatened by any man. I would definitely recommend Museo De Picasso in Malaga!! Absolutely beautiful. Regarding transportation I would say driving seemed the easiest mode.

Posted: April 24, 2025
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Valencia, Solo travel

I got a very nice accommodation with an elderly woman, near the center. I enjoyed the sun, the very good food and the friendly atmosphere. Overall it was a marvelous experience, to walk through the streets, on the beach promenade, and meet new people everywhere.

Posted: April 23, 2025Experienced: July, 2023
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Marishka

Marishka

Germany

Barcelona, Couple travel

My gf and I felt very safe as a lesbian couple traveling Barcelona. The local homosexual scene is very big and welcoming, we found some lesbian party completely by accident and had a wonderful time there. The food was amazing and prices were OK. Overall it was a wonderful experience. 🩷

Posted: April 21, 2025
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Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 429 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 429 local experiences

Madrid

It’s a pretty safe city, where you’ll feel comfortable walking by yourself even at night. However, as any big city, you need to be careful about pickpokets and, specially around the marginalised areas in the south of the city, take care of where you go alone at night.

Posted: May 8, 2025
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Azu

Azu

Seville

About most touristic areas, nothing to worry about at all. Just take care of your belongings, in Plaza de España main square. I recommend u have a walk around the centre and Las Setas. Transport is very safe and often. I have grown up there

Posted: May 7, 2025
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Meet locals in Spain

Elia

Elia

About Me

Hi! :) Well, my name is Elia I'm Spanish university student from a small city in the north of Spain. I'm turning 20 this summer and I think like most people in their twenties I'm still trying to figure myself out. Just trying to meet people and travel as much as I can. 🫶

Speaking

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Abigail

Abigail

About Me

Hi My name is Abigail, but most people call me Abi 🫶🏿 I’m 18 years old and I love traveling, although I haven’t been to a lot of places. I’m very responsible and independent. I try to make people feel loved and heard as much as I can. I love culture soooo muchhh it’s just perfect. Anything related to arts makes me so happy. I live for the whimsy 🌷

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Spain

Yurena

Yurena

Barcelona

Can host for:

2 days

About me

I am a university Student from Berlin here for my Erasmus semester. I'm kinda shy at approaching people so I thought it would be nice to meet some people in here. I am really outgoing once you get to know me :) I love to yap about anything and everything, so as long as you're open minded, I'm sure we'll get along. I am down for everything, museums, nature, the beach or just a good party! I'm excited to meet you!

Speaking

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Xènia

Xènia

Valldoreix

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m an Art teacher at a school in Sant Cugat (just outside of Barcelona) and I love Jesus, traveling, dancing, meeting new people and doing creative projects :)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Spain

Iana

Iana

About Me

Hi, my name is Iana, I love to travel, I love music, films and TV series. I like walking, museums, ballet, quizzes and karaoke :)

Speaking

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Luna

Luna

About Me

Heyho 🌚 My name is Luna, I‘m 24 and study Cognitive Science in Osnabrück, Germany. What brings me most joy is being in nature, exploring places and making inspiring connections with others 🌱 I like yoga, hiking, swimming, reading, and everything creative. I’m here because I am seeking opportunities to travel on a budget, learn languages and meet new people from all over the world. Happy to help where I can 🫶🏻 ps: currently not able to host since I took the semester off to travel

Speaking

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Safety in Spain