Is Portugal Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Portugal is generally a safe country for solo female travelers. It has a lower crime rate compared to other European countries. Portuguese people are known for their hospitality and are always willing to help. As with any travel destination, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow common sense rules such as keeping your belongings secure. Even though the country is safe, I would still recommend you blend in with the locals as much as possible to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 267 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 195 experiences from local women

Portugal is currently ranked #24 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.6 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Portugal?

Safety at night:Safe

Portugal, particularly its key cities like Lisbon and Porto, is generally a safe place to be at night. As a solo female traveler, walking alone shouldn't pose a significant issue. Portugal has a low rate of violent crime. However, some areas can be a bit sketchy at night particularly some outskirts and silent alleys, so it's advisable to stay in populated places where lighting is good. Also, be beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and in public transport like in any other major cities.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Portugal, such as buses, trams, metros, and trains, is generally safe for solo female travelers. They are often well-maintained and have clear routes. Nonetheless, as in any public space around the globe, you must stay alert and mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and major tourist destinations to prevent pickpockets.

Street harassment:Low

Portugal generally offers a safe and welcoming environment for solo female travelers. Street harassment is relatively low, with most locals respectful and helpful. In populated tourist areas, there can be incidents of cat-calling or unwanted attention, but these don't tend to be aggressive or overly intrusive. However, it's still wise to take general safety precautions, particularly after dark, in less crowded neighborhoods or when using public transportation.

Petty crimes:Low

Portugal generally presents a low risk for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Mainly tourist hotspots, public transportation, and crowded areas may be targeted. Still, by maintaining a high level of vigilance and keeping your personal belongings secure, such incidents can often be prevented.

Is Portugal worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 267 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Julia

Poland

Porto, Solo travel

I am madly in love with Portugal, but Porto has hit the nail on the head. I have nothing bad to say. I love everything about this city! I was going to do the pilgrim's route, but in the end I didn't go anywhere and stayed in the city. Because it's amazing! P.S.: Be sure to visit the distilleries of famous Port wine producers. Learn the history of the tiles on the buildings, called Azulejo. Dance with the locals to the music of street performers and leave a piece of your heart in Porto.

Posted: June 25, 2025

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Lagos, Solo travel

I stayed in Lagos for 7 days and it was beautiful! I was visiting a friend there and felt safe there everywhere. the people are really open minded and nice and you are just surrounded by a great nature and the ocean and don’t have to worry about anything! i was on a low budget and just went to lidl to buy some food. I recommend informing about public transport before because I had to travel by uber a lot of the time because I don’t have a license. it’s really a lot to walk otherwise. :)

Posted: June 24, 2025

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Julia

Poland

Faro, Solo travel

• Safe? Yes • Boring? Absolutely. Faro is good for a beach and leisurely holiday. • Cheap? I think so • is it worth visiting? not sure • If you want to swim in the ocean and it's cheaper than Madeira, then Faro is for you.

Posted: June 20, 2025

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Victoria

Canada

Lisbon, Solo travel

Beautiful city with lots to see and do, though just wandering around is already very nice. I took all precautions and was very prepared for pickpockets etc. so was pretty relaxed. Streets in more popular downtown areas felt very safe at night

Posted: June 19, 2025Experienced: September, 2018

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Bre

United States

Porto, Solo travel

I have been to the city of Porto many times now and it’s beautiful!! The people are very kind, the coffee is EXCELLENT, I felt very safe, and there’s tons to do if you just walk around. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling around Europe!

Posted: June 17, 2025

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Sesimbra, Solo travel

Sesimbra is such a wonderful seaside town, amazing beaches and food. Felt very safe. Recommend kayaking tour, boat tours, swimming and chilling in the sand. There are quite a few fiestas which is always great.

Posted: June 16, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 195 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 195 local experiences

Bárbara

Porto

Being from here, I’ve experienced a few situations at night that weren’t great - guys harassing me / my group of friends / me and my girlfriend. A couple of those situations got a bit heated but nothing physical happened. I think there’s a few places to go out that you should be careful. One in particular is Gare - weird vibes from weird guys, stopped going there a long time ago but I know it didn’t get any better. Other than that, it’s a moderately safe city but keep in mind some alleys downtown that shouldn’t be crossed at night, much less alone. Also, Ribeira (near the river) can be a bit misleading sometimes - usually it’s fine but every once in a while incidents happen there.

Posted: June 26, 2025

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Patrícia

Praia Da Vitoria

It's a very safe place, everyone knows each other here and the crime rates are low, I'd say the biggest problem is drug use here but no one will bother you. People are very friendly and easygoing, if something happens you can ask for help and people will do their best to help you.

Posted: June 19, 2025

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