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

4.7 /5

Based on 193 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 74 experiences from local women

Portugal is currently ranked #24 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.7 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 193 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

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

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

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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Steph

United Kingdom

Lisbon, Family travel

Lovely city. Safe. Easy to walk around and see most places on foot or taking a train to slightly further attractions. Busy city. Good bus links. Lots of churches and old buildings and quaint little cobbled streets. Steep so need to be relatively fit to walk around.

Posted: October 24, 2024Experienced: April, 2024

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Mily

Dominican Republic

Portugal, Solo travel

I felt safe every where I went. I was able to walk with my phone in my hand to get to places at anytime. Walking at night alone was not a problem at all. I loved Porto, it’s a beautiful cities full of magical places and magical viewpoints to watch the sunset.

Posted: October 15, 2024

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Porto, Solo travel

I loved Porto as my starting point; It was my first stop on a month long solo trip. It felt safe and was very laidback, but it had so much to do and very friendly people! The waiters at restaurants were very welcoming, even offered to show me around. Maybe it was just in the area I was in/time of year, but I didn’t see a lot of people my age. But enjoyed my time with the locals! Overall loved it!!!

Posted: October 12, 2024

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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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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 74 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 74 local experiences

Camila

Lisbon

Pretty safe to walk around during the day. At night it quite depends on the location (like going out where there are a lot of discos and drunk people is not the best idea). There is also pickpockets, they won’t harm you, just be aware of your belongings. Nothing ever happened to me or anyone one I know here

Posted: November 14, 2024

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Zélia

Faro

Like most women, I have heard inappropriate comments and harassment towards me both during the day and night time. I have heard stories of being mugged and have lived through one where we (group of 4) were mugged by 2 guys at around 3am in the downtown area. The vibe of the city has changed in the past few years and I don’t feel as safe as before. Faro is the only city with university in Algarve so the bars are just full with college students. Depends on your vibe and what you’re looking for. The bar street can be problematic in terms of violence. I have heard an increase of stalking in the bars area.

Posted: November 6, 2024

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Meet locals in Portugal

Paula

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

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Noga

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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.

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Stay with locals in Portugal

Paula

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

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

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Noga

Portugal

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3 days

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Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Claire

About Me

Hey!, My name is (Marie-)Claire and I'm fond of traveling and meeting people that will broaden my mind. I'm from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe 🏝️ but I'm currently living in (cloudy) Brussels. I love a good glass of wine, chilling on the beach, but also to hike or listen to your stories !