Is Funchal Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Funchal, the largest city and the capital of Madeira, Portugal is highly noted for its safety. Crime rates are relatively low, and locals are generally welcoming and helpful towards tourists. As in any city, it's always essential to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings, but the risk of encountering safety issues in Funchal is comparatively low. Even walking alone at night in well-lit and populated areas is generally considered safe. The city also offers a good standard of healthcare facilities and effective emergency response services.

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 4 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

Funchal is currently ranked #8 safest place in Portugal for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Funchal?

Safety at night:Safe

Funchal, is generally safe to roam around at night. The crime rate is relatively low, even during the night time. However, it's always advisable to stay in well-lit places and avoid isolated areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, just as you would in any other city. Most locals are friendly and willing to assist should you require help. Regular police patrols often contribute to the feeling of safety.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Funchal, is generally safe for solo female travelers. The buses and trams are timely, clean, and quite reliable. The drivers are professional and often helpful. However, during peak hours it can get crowded. Even though incidents are rare, it's always wise to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any other city.

Street harassment:Low

Funchal is generally safe and welcoming to solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are quite rare with the locals being known for their hospitality and respect. Nonetheless, it is still recommended to practice normal precautions such as avoiding less crowded areas at night.

Petty crimes:Low

Funchal generally has low levels of petty crimes, which mainly include pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas and public transport. However, it is not a prevalent problem in the city so tourists feel relatively secure. As with all places, taking basic precautions is advised.

Is Funchal worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 4 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Solo travel

I fell in love with the city. The people are very nice and the food is amazing. The city is very safe but be prepared for a climb cause everything is up the hill☺️ I come back often and it became the ultimate vacation destination

Posted: February 3, 2025

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Malena

Finland

Solo travel

Funchal and Madeira in general were amazing! I live hiking, so Madeiras mountains were perfect for that! Funchal is a cute city that you can explore in a day and it also offers a lit of cute cafés and restaurants to try out. While I was there in June, there were celebrations happening in the city and the mood was just awesome! I would go back to Madeira immediately if I get the chance.

Posted: July 9, 2024Experienced: May, 2023

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Solo travel

Super safe place with nice and helpful people. You can walk around at any time of the day. Also, taxi drivers are super polite and there no issues at all. Also driving with a rental car was awesome and easy, if you are used to these kind of windy roads.

Posted: April 27, 2024Experienced: December, 2023

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Kajal

United Kingdom

Solo travel

I'd highly recommend going to Funchal for a solo trip. I stayed in the Next Savoy Hotel and felt very safe during the four days I was there. Lots of places to eat around the hotel and within walking distance of the hotel, with vegetarian options available too. I visited Monte Tropical Gardens, which I travelled to using a local bus and travelled back using the cable car (highly recommended for beautiful views of Funchal). The Gardens were absolutely beautiful and I spent most of the day there. All in all, a very wonderful trip. I didn't do much as I was there solely to relax but it is a city that I'd love to come back to. I found locals to be very friendly and helpful.

Posted: February 10, 2024Experienced: May, 2023

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Is Funchal safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Kama

Funchal, and Madeira in general, is a very safe place. Being a Portuguese island, is well organized and police is present and visible. I don’t worry about walking late at night or being harassed. You do see few homeless people but they are usually harmless and quite positive 😊

Posted: May 29, 2025

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Joy

My experience as a young lady in Funchal is really relaxed. I feel comfortable wearing any kind of clothing - be it baggy and chunky or skinny and revealing. The weather is always nice and people are always chill :) At nighttime I observe myself getting slightly more cautious, especially when I'm walking through more remote and darker streets. But I basically always know that nothing is actually going to happen and that I'm safe.

Posted: June 10, 2024

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