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 403 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5
Olivia

Olivia

Sweden

Marbella, Family travel

I felt very safe, but I was also always with my parents or my older sister. However, I never felt threatened by any man. I would definitely recommend Museo De Picasso in Malaga!! Absolutely beautiful. Regarding transportation I would say driving seemed the easiest mode.

Posted: April 24, 2025
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Valencia, Solo travel

I got a very nice accommodation with an elderly woman, near the center. I enjoyed the sun, the very good food and the friendly atmosphere. Overall it was a marvelous experience, to walk through the streets, on the beach promenade, and meet new people everywhere.

Posted: April 23, 2025Experienced: July, 2023
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Marishka

Marishka

Germany

Barcelona, Couple travel

My gf and I felt very safe as a lesbian couple traveling Barcelona. The local homosexual scene is very big and welcoming, we found some lesbian party completely by accident and had a wonderful time there. The food was amazing and prices were OK. Overall it was a wonderful experience. 🩷

Posted: April 21, 2025
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Barcelona, Group travel

I visited Barcelona in July 2024 and had a great time. I felt safe throughout my stay. I went swimming and visited the stunning Sagrada Família, which is definitely worth seeing. Most of my time was spent shopping and exploring the vibrant streets. The summer weather was hot but perfect for enjoying the city. I stayed near Plaça de Catalunya, which made it easy to get around using the metro. I recommend checking out local markets like La Boqueria and grabbing some tapas. Overall, a fun and relaxed trip—I’d definitely go back!

Posted: April 20, 2025
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Kathrine

Kathrine

Norway

Las Palmas, Solo travel

Was solo traveling to Las Palmas in February- enjoyed it so much! ☀️ I felt safe during the day, okey during the night so long as I stayed in streets with people. The food was great! Would recommend visiting the botanical garden and renting a bike to see more of the city! the bus is really easy to use!

Posted: April 20, 2025
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Nyah

Nyah

United Kingdom

Lanzarote, Group travel

We didn’t expect the amount of male attention we received. Some was respectful but most was borderline harassive. Some men blocked our path and said they would keep the restaurant open after hours and give us free alcohol (we were all 17 and they were 40+). We did have an absolutely AMAZING time and met a French group of boys. We noticed when we were with them we weren’t being constantly approached. It was super fun but that was the only thing, we felt we had to get taxis everywhere.

Posted: April 17, 2025
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Barcelona, Group travel

Overall I felt safe in the city. There were a lot if things to do and I must say I was never bored being there for a little more than a week. I really recommend going to the Sagrada Familia(buy your tickets in advance) and Park Güell (also buy your tickets in advance) We did find some good spots to eat wich dont really cost much. Bar Joan had really good tapas for low price. As transport we used the metro. I reccomend searching for a good plan of the tracks because at the metro itself it isn't always clear where to go.

Posted: April 16, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Spain, Couple travel

Spain was straight out of my ZNMD dreams – I finally ticked off skydiving and it was every bit as wild and freeing as I imagined! Stayed at a cozy beachside hotel, woke up to ocean views, and danced my heart out watching live flamenco under the stars. From tapas to sangrias, every meal was a flavor bomb, and the people? Warm, passionate, and always ready to fiesta. Spain wasn’t just a trip, it was a whole vibe – pure joy, freedom, and living my best life!

Posted: April 15, 2025
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Elena

Elena

Armenia

Spain, Family travel

Traveled to Barcelona and Ibiza with my mom. The food was amazing everywhere, I especially enjoyed the paella. Barcelona was a bit overstimulating for me especially the metro stations, however, I really enjoyed the views and architecture, took many amazing shots there. Ibiza felt more laid back and free spirited which is why I liked it more. Went to a David Guetta Ushuaia concert for my birthday and really enjoyed it. I did feel safe in both cities but slightly less in Barcelona’s crowded spaces.

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Lara

Lara

Spain

Barcelona, Solo travel

Public transport is good and cheap. Food is excellent but a bit expensive. The people are nice and to be honest you don’t need almost any Spanish, since everyone speaks English. I feel pretty safe, except for el Raval.

Posted: April 11, 2025
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Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 407 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 407 local experiences

Murcia

From my experience Murcia is pretty safe place to live or visit. I don’t think I ever felt somewhere uncomfortable or unsafe. However I believe that bad things can happen everywhere so sill be aware of it The biggest problem in Murcia is with your bikes, they are being stolen quite often

Posted: April 25, 2025
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Hailey

Hailey

Spain

In the South of Spain, it’s very relaxed and everyone is friendly! I’m staying in a neighborhood with mostly British occupants and I feel perfectly safe walking around at night by myself. I wouldn’t say the same for Barcelona or Valencia though.

Posted: April 24, 2025
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Safety in Spain