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

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How safe is Portugal?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 198 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
Carol

Carol

United States

Lisbon, Solo travel

As a solo female traveler, I felt so safe here. Walking home alone at night from the pubs, strolling through the markets, meeting locals, I felt safe the whole time. I was only supposed to spend 1 week in Lisbon but I ended up spending 3 because the people are so lovely. Everything is inexpensive and I felt very welcomed by locals.

Posted: December 15, 2024
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Olga

Olga

Poland

Lisbon, Group travel

Lisbon is definitely my favorite city in Europe so far! People were always extremely friendly and nice, always eager to help. I have to mention pastel de Nara which are my favorite pastry ever. I’m counting days to come back there.

Posted: December 6, 2024
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Petra

Petra

Portugal

Alandroal, Solo travel

This is a very small simple place to visit. There are not that much to see and you totally need a car. But to stay in contact with nature and with yourself is just perfect. I stayd at a camping park, met a beautiful river beach, met the nicest people at a restaurant where I had vegan food. It was just the best

Posted: December 3, 2024Experienced: May, 2023
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Alexandra

Alexandra

Greece

Faro, Solo travel

Faro is a small city but it had a number of activities and things to see. The food was great, as a vegan I found many options, both in restaurants and supermarkets. I would definitely recommend going to the beach to watch the sunset, taking the boat for a little trip around the islands and going on a bike ride on Ria Formosa. I would avoid taking a ticket for one island at a time, you should just get the hop on hop off, I think it saves some money. I stayed in Faro for a month volunteering at Tilia Hostel. It's a very nice and clean hostel with a really homey vibe and I would definitely recommend it. Faro is a small city, you won't need transportation in Faro but you definitely do for going to the beach and to the national park(the bus 16 for the airport) The bus ticket is 2,70€. For the airport I paid 8€ at 3:30 with bolt, so the airport is very close too. For safety, there was a lot of catcalling and men staring, I think a little more than I've experienced at other cities. When you can, especially if it's Friday or Saturday, avoid walking the streets where the bars are alone because there's a lot of drunk men. I would not go out alone at night but I would and I did went out with people from the hostel and it was great, very fun nights.

Posted: November 29, 2024
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Jana

Jana

Austria

Lisbon, Solo travel

As a vegan, budget food options sometimes were only limited to hummus & salad which I don‘t mind, still … :) I felt very safe exploring the city & it‘s beautiful. There are so many hidden gems, beaches, thrift stores, etc :) loved it :)

Posted: November 27, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Portugal, Solo travel

Last year, I was in Portugal (Porto, Lisbon) and I highly recommend it. I chose this destination based on a recommendation for solo travel in terms of safety, and I wasn't disappointed. The cities are very well connected, and it's easy to meet new people.

Posted: November 14, 2024
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Lisbon, Solo travel

I volunteered in a hostel in Lisbon in early September. The weather was lovely and warm, so I regularly went to nearby beaches. I met friendly people at my hostel and in clubs or cafés, who I later hung out with. Also, the walking tour I took was a great way to meet new people, see historic sites, and learn the local hotspots.

Posted: November 13, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Faro, Couple travel

Faro is a small but very cozy town. It's nice that you get to know the way around after a while. If you feel like you've seen everything in the town, you can easily take the bus to another city. The atmosphere in Faro is very good. It's very fun to explore the nature reserve with a boat (book via Get Your Guide).

Posted: November 10, 2024Experienced: May, 2022
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Paula

Paula

Portugal

Porto Santo, Solo travel

It’s a small island of Madeira, not very well known therefore there are much less turkeys even though island has just as much to offer as the main island. Breath taking views, for solo travelers I can recommend destination hostel Porto. Santo - both as a hotel and as a hostel

Posted: October 26, 2024Experienced: October, 2024
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Bianca

Bianca

Portugal

Portugal, Solo travel

Portugal, Algarve is amazing. Great climate through the whole year. Much sun, good temperatures and also every now and rainy days. The coastline is great with it's cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. The Algarve has many nice and sweet little villages to visit. Like Sagres, Lagos, Villa do Bispo, Salem, Burgau, Silves and Tariva. Prices in cafés and restaurants are good. Cheaper than in many other countries in Europe. Supermarkets are not really cheap, but also not to expensive. But I suggest to buy your stuff from little local shop keepers and at the market. Way more fun, better quality and typical Portugese authentic stuff to get. The environment is beautiful, hilly and green. Silvercoast (Caldas de Rainha, Obidos) is great. Especially the Atlantic Ocean and beaches. The climate is not my thing. Cold in winter, summers are sunny but lower in temperature than the Algarve. There's a high rate of humidity. The environment is beatiful, hilly and green though and Obidos really is a great medieval little town. I prefer the Algarve above the Silvercoast.

Posted: October 26, 2024
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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 79 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 79 local experiences

Portimao

Portimao is one of the most famous city’s for summer in Portugal. It’s very popular because it’s in Algarve, we have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In the winter you don’t have much to do here. You can surf but not much

Posted: December 11, 2024
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Petra

Petra

Lisbon

Lisbon is a very safe place to visit. Although, as a woman, of course, its always better to avoid walking alone at night, I never had big problems with that... people are living their own life, they dont care that you're passing by. It is very unlikely that you will get mugged by day (or even by night, specially if you're with a group of people. If you're alone, better to just stay home). Happy about describing my home city as safe.

Posted: December 3, 2024
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Meet locals in Portugal

Noga

Noga

About Me

I moved recently to the area of Ericeira to join a housing cooperative. I love dancing, cooking, nature and growing as a human in love and compassion. Im an activist in social and environmental change, mediator in NVC method and facilitator in the area of community building.

Speaking

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Paula

Paula

About Me

I’m 22 years old Polish girl that loves traveling:)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Portugal

Paula

Paula

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m 22 years old Polish girl that loves traveling:)

Speaking

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Noga

Noga

Portugal

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I moved recently to the area of Ericeira to join a housing cooperative. I love dancing, cooking, nature and growing as a human in love and compassion. Im an activist in social and environmental change, mediator in NVC method and facilitator in the area of community building.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Jo

Jo

About Me

Hi guys, I'm a physics teacher looking to travel safely and meet up with people wherever I go. I love to travel during my breaks (and even the occasional weekend!) as much as possible. I enjoy museums, galleries, theatres, markets, and hanging out. I love learning languages and am obsessed with learning different writing systems in my free time. I am local to Central London, and while I do work full time (and more), please feel free to connect and allow me to show you around, point you to the best musicals, or provide a place to stay.

Speaking

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Rachelle

Rachelle

About Me

Hi! My name’s Rachelle, I was born and raised in Calgary and love spending time outdoors. I adore live music (jazz, EDM, rock, indie, folk, to name a few) and baking! You can find me biking along or floating down the river in the summer, or skiing down the slopes in the winter. Can’t wait to meet you!

Speaking

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Safety in Portugal