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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 index

4.7 /5

Based on 44 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 70 experiences from local women

Portugal is currently ranked #19 safest country for solo female travelers. 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

4.8 /5

based on 44 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.3/5

Cynthia

Brazil

Portugal, Solo travel

Portugal is beautiful! I was in Lisbon, Fundao, Faro, Lagos, and Albufeira. All the cities are gorgeous, with different landscapes and very attractive! People in the south are very friendly, the food is tasty, and it's not a very expensive country. I found it quite affordable!

Posted: September 29, 2024

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Porto, Solo travel

I feltsqfe, met very nice people. The city center is very busy during the day,more quiet at night. The food quality is great. I recommend this city to travel solo as a lady. The other side if the city is also beautiful.

Posted: September 19, 2024Experienced: August, 2024

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Albufeira, Couple travel

Albufeira in Winter is lovely. Enough bars and restaurants so not to be bored, but very much quieter than Summer. There is quite a flux of UK travellers, mostly retired on long stay holidays, giving a community feel and adding to overall safety. Quite a number are widowed and so plenty of opportunity to make new friends. Prices are average and a 3 course tourist menu can still be found for €10/15. Taxis are around €5 anywhere in resort. Generally , a safe resort, but avoid deserted streets at night for a slight risk of mugging. 40 mins from airport with a good bus network. Some beautiful places to visit. Winter is usually mild with sunshine. February is quiet and many places close. It's also Fiesta month!

Posted: September 18, 2024Experienced: February, 2024

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Noor

United Kingdom

Faro, Solo travel

Faro was beautiful for a quick recharge. The beaches are lovely, the people were so kind and I felt incredibly safe there even late at night. I was fine getting around on public transport. Although benagil caves were advertised as a must do I found it far too crowded to enjoy. There was an island hopping tour that was perfect, definitely look into that!

Posted: September 13, 2024

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Victoria

Bulgaria

Faro, Solo travel

Let’s first start with the fact I felt super safe. As every place on the planet there were some sketchy places, I recommend you to ask locals for them, they are super helpful but keep in mind that most people in Portugal don’t speak really good English. They have really good bars that weren’t too expensive. I didn’t use public transportation or something because everything is basically 15-20 minutes away. Overall, I loved it there and I would give it 7/10 because i like more cold countries and it was too hot for me 😆.

Posted: September 13, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

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Nazare, Solo travel

I felt extremely save in nazare! I stayed a few days end of may there weren‘t too many tourists. The Beaches are great but I did not really feel comfortable going swimming on my on as the waves can be really big :).

Posted: September 3, 2024

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Algarve, Solo travel

Lagos is a beautiful and great town at the Algarve in Portgal. I felt save and very welcome. My stay was at a Airbnb with a warm and friendly host. We had good conversations. At the market hall I met friendly and helpful locals. There was always time for a talk and explanation about their products and the area around. I did a round tour by food of Lagos. The travel guide was a local. He told me many interesting things about history, locals and local food, fish etc. I really recommend Lagos

Posted: September 2, 2024Experienced: April, 2024

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Lisbon, Solo travel

Lisbon is very nice city with very nice people, they are so good in English , the foods are also was great with local wine , the city has both modern side and old side with mini trains and yellow, it was very nice express

Posted: September 2, 2024

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Lisbon, Solo travel

Lisbon is a very safe city. I felt comfortable solo traveling as a female and navigating the city at all hours of the day. I did not run into any issues and found the people to be very kind. The transportation system is fairly good and it was easy to navigate the city.

Posted: August 31, 2024Experienced: August, 2024

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Tavira, Solo travel

Tavira is a beautiful town near to Faro, have great beaches and good food. The castle is a nice place to visit the city is safety and quiet wich is good if you are looking to recover after long walks.

Posted: August 30, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 70 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 70 local experiences

Loti

Lisbon

My city is beautiful and safe! I can assure you that crime levels are very low and as a female the city as a lot to offer and it's easy to commute both day and night time without worrying too much! Thanks all!

Posted: September 19, 2024

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Marta

Aveiro

The city of Aveiro is super calm and peaceful! It's called the Portuguese Venice due to the existing canals. There's no crime at all, and even at night, it's super safe. It has a good climate and good food! The existing public transportation is good.

Posted: September 8, 2024

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Is Portugal safe right now?

Before your visit to Portugal, it's essential to check travel advisories for Portugal, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises to exercise normal precautions in Portugal. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 26, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in Portugal. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: October 4, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

Exercise normal safety precautions in Portugal. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: March 27, 2024

Meet locals in Portugal

solomiya

About Me

Heyy, my name is Solomiya and I’m a Ukrainian girl that actually lives in Portugal a long time. I’m 20 years old and I LOVE travel around Europe and change my experiences with another people!

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Paula

About Me

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

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Stay with locals in Portugal

Paula

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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

Speaking

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solomiya

Braga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Heyy, my name is Solomiya and I’m a Ukrainian girl that actually lives in Portugal a long time. I’m 20 years old and I LOVE travel around Europe and change my experiences with another people!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Tracy

About Me

Hello, My name is Tracy and I'm interested in cinema, culture, events & social, food & cuisine, health, hiking, live music, nature, shoestring, sightseeing, solo travel, sunbathing and art

Speaking

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Safety in Portugal

Lisbon

Madeira

Lagos

Algarve

Porto

Sintra

Azores

Ericeira

Funchal

Coimbra

Ponta Delgada

Faro

Aveiro

Baleal

Loule

Peniche

Check the safest places in Portugal