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

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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 470 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5
Johanne

Johanne

France

Tenerife, Couple travel

I felt safe in Tenerife, although I’m not sure if it was because of the island itself or because I was with my boyfriend. I highly recommend going kayaking to see turtles and dolphins, such an unforgettable experience ! There are plenty of great activities on GetYourGuide, and I also took a trip to Mount Teide for the sunset and stargazing, which was magical. When it comes to restaurants, be cautious, there are many tourist traps where servers stop you in the street, make you believe they’re offering you a free starter, and then charge you for it, and often at higher prices than it’s worth. I’d suggest looking for more local, less touristy places to eat. I stayed in Los Cristianos and loved it, very lively, close to many beautiful spots and activities. It’s also super easy to get around by bus, and you can buy day passes that cover the whole island, which I definitely recommend 🏝️

Posted: August 14, 2025Experienced: May, 2025
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Jimena

Jimena

Mexico

Valencia, Family travel

I traveled to Valencia with my brother and it was an incredible experience. I did feel that Valencia has its own culture, they’re Valencian before they’re Spanish. I really liked this experience there was a lot of cool museum to visit and the food was amazing. Definitely don’t forget to visit the main market.

Posted: August 13, 2025
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Jimena

Jimena

Mexico

Madrid, Family travel

I really loved Madrid coming from the states it’s a really good blend of cultures. Literally can find good Asian or Latin food anywhere. Spanish food and history is really interesting here and there’s always something to do.

Posted: August 13, 2025
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Nora

Nora

Romania

Sitges, Group travel

Went with a friend to escape barcelona for a bit. We slept in hammocks outside, nobody complained. Met local fishermen and a german dude who was also just hanging with them. Street people do not speak english so thats where i finally let go and started speaking spanish. Overall nice town, very pretty. Pasty shops are usually happy to give you whats left at the end of the day.

Posted: August 12, 2025Experienced: May, 2023
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Majorca, Solo travel

If you like seafood, get a plate of grilled octopus or gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). The paella in coastal towns is worth the hype, especially when it’s freshly made for two. Don’t skip ensaimadas (the fluffy spiral pastries) with coffee in the morning, and if you like tapas, order pimientos de padrón and patatas bravas — they’re everywhere and always different. Also, if you’re into ice cream, there are small artisanal gelato spots in almost every seaside town. Things to do: Cala Varques & Cala Mondragó – the kind of beaches you see in postcards, with turquoise water and soft sand. Alcudia Old Town – cobblestone streets, little cafés, and a nice market. Cap de Formentor – dramatic cliffs and views that feel unreal (the drive up is half the adventure). Palma – the cathedral is massive and beautiful, and the little streets nearby are full of hidden tapas bars. Boat trip along the coast – totally worth it for the views and swimming spots you can’t reach by land.

Posted: August 12, 2025
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Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 531 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 531 local experiences

Córdoba

Cordoba is very safe, in turistic zones you have to be aware of pickpockets but it isn't a city to be afraid of. As it is a residential city, you will find that it is nice to live, as the criminality rate is low. (sorry for my english jaja)

Posted: August 13, 2025
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Safety in Spain