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 281 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 214 experiences from local women

Portugal is currently ranked #23 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 281 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

São Miguel Island, Couple travel

I feel very safe in the island. We stay in Ponta Delgada and rent a car to enjoy the whole island. Public transport is great only in the capital city (ponta Delgada). The Azores are the whole experience and I will recommended it for the rest of my live. I must go there for the others islands 😍

Posted: September 23, 2025

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Alyssa

Canada

Lisbon, Solo travel

I recently did six days solo in Lisbon, with a day trip to Sintra and a day trip to Cascais. And it was great! I think Lisbon is a great place for a solo trip. It has that European charm, isn't too expensive (although prices are going up), plus nice weather, chill vibes, and the beach. Sintra is a must-do daytrip from Lisbon, maybe my favourite tourist attraction I've ever been to. And if you have time, I also recommend Cascais. There are many modes of public transportation, making getting around easy. And I felt very safe. Nothing remotely sketchy happened to me the entire time; everyone was really nice to me.

Posted: September 16, 2025Experienced: August, 2025

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Vivienne

Spain

Lisbon, Solo travel

I didn’t really feel safe walking around alone outside at night, because some man were catcalling really insistently and I‘ve been molested in the hostel by a drunk guy as well. I‘m living in Barcelona where you get catcalled a lot but I‘ve never felt it that persistent and creepy like in Lisbon. During the day there is no problem and the architecture and ambience in the city is really nice! I really love the graffitis and the alternative touch that you experience there, especially in Portugal

Posted: September 10, 2025

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Faro, Solo travel

I didn't spend much on the trip overall. Stayed at a Hostel too, and mostly ate out every day, but the food wasn't too expensive. I took some day trips from Faro, since I didn't find much to do in town . Buses work great but trips can be long. You can rent a car to explore the southern coast more easily. Overall a great experience. It was my first solo trip and was a bit lost still. I do recommend taking a kayak tour to the Benagil caves!

Posted: September 9, 2025Experienced: April, 2024

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Porto, Family travel

very beautiful country, we eat very well, the weather is nice, a safe country, lots of things to visit . every year I go to Portugal. I visit the south, we do a bit of beach time, sightseeing, a bit of shopping and in the north, we walk around a bit, we discover new places, we go to the village festival

Posted: September 4, 2025Experienced: June, 2025

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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 214 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 214 local experiences

Aleksandra

Braganca

Braganca is small city, I'm here just for Erasmus, so it's hard to say, but I have never experienced something scary or dangerous for me. Men on the parties usually tries to hit on you, but there's no problem with saying no. There's a lot of students here, because of IPB politechnice.

Posted: September 30, 2025

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