Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Spain is generally a safe country for solo female travelers. Both urban areas and rural regions have low levels of crime. It is always prudent to take basic precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit and deserted areas late at night, keeping a close eye on personal belongings in crowded places, and not sharing your personal details or itineraries with strangers. Public transportation and taxis are usually safe and reliable. However, like anywhere else, incidents can occur, so staying alert and using common sense is important.

Safety rating

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Spain?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Spain, in general, is known to have a good safety record and this includes safety after dark too. However, like any other place, safety can vary depending on the area and time. Bigger cities like Madrid and Barcelona are largely safe but do be cautious in quieter or less lit streets. Also be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Overall, basic precautions such as sticking to well-lit areas, not displaying valuables openly, and maintaining a sense of awareness are still advised.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Spain is generally safe and reliable. It consists of buses, trains, trams, and metros which effectively connect cities and towns. The services are frequented by local and foreign travelers alike. However, it's important to be conscious of your surroundings, especially in crowded spaces, as pickpocketing incidents have been reported in some areas. Overall, the system is widely used and safety concerns are minimal.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

While cases of street harassment do occur and vary by region, Spain generally has a safe atmosphere. Instances of wolf-whistling, cat-calling, and lewd remarks are not commonplace. Being a solo female traveler, you may occasionally experience unsolicited attention, but typically, locals are respectful and unobtrusive. Nonetheless, maintaining caution in crowded areas or during late hours is advisable. Remember, your experience may vary depending on various factors such as the neighborhood you're in, the time of day, and your general demeanor.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Spain, as a whole, experiences relatively low levels of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, particularly outside of major cities. However, you may encounter higher risk in tourist-heavy areas including major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where pickpockets might be more common. Always remain alert and keep an eye on personal belongings even in crowded public transports and places. Stay aware of your surroundings, but overall, Spain is considered quite safe for travelers.

Is Spain worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 334 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5
Yolanda

Yolanda

Spain

Madrid, Couple travel

I recommend go to Chueca, it’s a part of the center that is LGBT+ supportive and it has such a good vibe. I feel pretty safe bcs we stay the night at the center of the city, but I have a friend who live like 30 mins away of the center and she told me that when she has to go home after the university she don’t feel so safe she carry a special key-knife with her just in case

Posted: January 13, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Madrid, Solo travel

My hostel was very social, almost too social for my first solo trip. I was happy to be on my own. During the day there were plenty of activities to do including a walking tour and walk through the park which is stunning. As a woman I did not feel safe at night, a few times I was cat called by men and this made me very uncomfortable.

Posted: January 9, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Murcia, Solo travel

It was beautiful. I went to a town called Águilas and even though it looked somewhat old, the beach was amazing, the food was cheap and good and the vibe was just incredible. Highly recommend. Also the capital is great, it's a total different vibe to the town nonetheless.

Posted: January 8, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Madrid, Solo travel

i went to madrid for a month in 2023 when i was in the city for school i felt pretty safe, expect for a few encounters with a local weirdo while i stayed with a relative, she told me a lot about the crimes in the area, but other than suuuuper loud neighbours i never felt like i had to worry i walked a lot and saw many beautiful buildings, shops and incredibly nice people the food was amazing and affordable. just like the public transport, i recommend the underground tickets for as long as you stay there and not the daily ones

Posted: January 6, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Emily

Emily

Germany

Spain, Solo travel

I felt safe most of the my time in spain, the food was great but a lot with meat, in the south of spain there was also perfect weather for staying there in the winter, comparing to other countries like Germany :)

Posted: January 3, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Majorca, Family travel

It was a very nice trip ! In Autumn, it’s the end of the tourist season so there were not plenty of people but the weather was still excellent and the sea was really warm ! The locals are so friendly and welcoming and always volunteers to help us and gives us the best places to hang out !

Posted: December 30, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Charlotte

Charlotte

France

Barcelona, Solo travel

Had a wonderful time in Barcelona! Art, food, people... everything was amazing. My artsy heart was fulfilled with all museums and such cool places. + : near Barcelona, try to go to Montserrat, it's is such an incredible place, clearly a must-see!

Posted: December 30, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Stephanie

Stephanie

Lebanon

Madrid, Solo travel

I lived my stay in Madrid! Even though it was only for 3 days. I got there by train from Barcelona, and i stayed in the heart of the city. It was very easy to get around, and i met a lot of interesting people. There are tons of pubs, bars and cafes that are really nice. I felt extremely safe even at night, but it is recommended you keep your items close to you in crowded touristy areas.

Posted: December 29, 2024Experienced: September, 2022
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Lina

Lina

Spain

Spain, Family travel

I’ve loved this country so so much that I moved here I’ve always felt very safe in Spain There are also many activities to do ( unlimited) I personally don’t like Spain’s traditional food but overall it’s good Spain is a very cheap place to travel to , I’ve stayed at a house with my family in the center of Malaga and it was very good and not that expensive We actually had a car when we were there but the public transportation system is highly recommended

Posted: December 24, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Seville, Couple travel

Seville is a great beautiful city full of old architecture, streets, green blooming parks, with singing birds 🦚🦜swans 🦢 , little turtles 🐢. Really I don’t remember much of the names of the famous places. Anyway you’ll like it all I dare. So I just enjoyed the surface, the Spanish 🇪🇸 vibe, Looking around and soaking all in with my favorite food 🥘 paella’s, drinking sangria the only thing that make you cooling in a hot 🔥 siesta time in summer. Sevilla is very hot, but as I told there’s a lot of parks to hide in a shade, of bars are always opened in a hottest hours. Something to see in Seville my recommendation is of course — flamenco 💃🏼. Hot charming passionate Spanish national dance. And just look 👀 around the city

Posted: December 10, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 251 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 251 local experiences

Mandi

Mandi

Madrid

Madrid is like almost all the other capitals: a busy city. We have people from all over the world living or just visiting all year round. I live on the suburbs and feel very safe even walking alone at night, I would say its very familiar (how can I be scared when there's an old lady walking her dog and a mom with its kids at night??). 100% the mainly thing you should worry about are the pick pockets, but at this point they are all over the turistic places (not just in Spain), just be aware of your belongings and you'll be just fine. Also, Madrid is veeery LGBT+ friendly (we have a whole neighborhood dedicated to celebrate the diversity), so thats very cool to :)

Posted: January 13, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Is pretty safe deppend of what part of the city are you, but at the center of the city you are safe meanwhile the day has light, at night it can be bit more dangerous. So I recommend to don’t go alone at night because of man you know they are no the safest thing in the world

Posted: January 13, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Spain

Mar

Mar

About Me

Hi, I'm Mars (my nickname). I'm a 23 year old peruvian girly with a passion for getting to know different cultures and ways of living. I'm a big foodie and a huuuge melomaniac🎶. I send/receive and collect postcards, love going to concerts/raves/festivals and have a passion for sewing and upcycling clothes as well as designing my very own fabric patterns. Would love to host or be hosted and make friends along the way. I'm up for pretty much any plan, from a cup of coffee and conversation, to hiking a cool trail to going out until the morning, you name it. Hope you're having a nice day :) 🪩🥾🛍️🍜🌊🎸🎉

Speaking

mode_comment 0
ITA

ITA

About Me

Hey, this is Ita, I love videogames and reading! I like making new friends and traveling! Nice to meet you all!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Spain

Mar

Mar

Spain

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Mars (my nickname). I'm a 23 year old peruvian girly with a passion for getting to know different cultures and ways of living. I'm a big foodie and a huuuge melomaniac🎶. I send/receive and collect postcards, love going to concerts/raves/festivals and have a passion for sewing and upcycling clothes as well as designing my very own fabric patterns. Would love to host or be hosted and make friends along the way. I'm up for pretty much any plan, from a cup of coffee and conversation, to hiking a cool trail to going out until the morning, you name it. Hope you're having a nice day :) 🪩🥾🛍️🍜🌊🎸🎉

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Felicitas

Felicitas

Salamanca

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello my name is Feli and I’m from Germany. Right now, I’m studying for one year in Salamanca law. My Spanish level is advanced, but still not perfect. I’m open for meeting and accommodating new people and more than happy to show you around.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Spain

Sara

Sara

About Me

Hi 🌻 My name is Sara and I come from Italy 🇮🇹 I moved to Belgium almost 2 years ago now, and since then, I have started travelling a lot. I love exploring new countries and meeting new people everywhere I go. I have met so many wonderful friends along the way, and I can't wait to see what my next trip will bring!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Sara

Sara

About Me

Hi 🌻 My name is Sara and I come from Italy 🇮🇹 I moved to Belgium almost 2 years ago now, and since then, I have started travelling a lot. I love exploring new countries and meeting new people everywhere I go. I have met so many wonderful friends along the way, and I can't wait to see what my next trip will bring!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Spain