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 459 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Barcelona, Solo travel

Tinto de verano was the best drink i have ever had. I highly recommend to drink it instead of beer. Pastries are super delicious in general. Raval area can be sketchy at night. Public transportations are easy to use and fairly safe

Posted: July 25, 2025
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Camino Francés, Solo travel

With Camino Frances, I refer to the part from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela. I first had concerns about doing it by myself, but I was really surprised how safe I felt overall and very happy about having found the courage to do it. I went in March 2025. The first 7 days I travelled with my parents, then there were several days solo travel until I found a group of other pilgrims, and we became friends and travelled together. We split up in Leon, and I did the rest of the Camino by bike. There are two things I would recommend. Don't travel when it is dark. You might ending up with no accommodation if not booked before, and the dogs can get aggressive defending their territory if you have to pass them. Also, forests are creepy in the dark. The last day I was by bike and had to pass the last parts to get to Compostela and I was kind of scared because there was no light or people whatsoever.

Posted: July 23, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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eleonora

eleonora

Spain

Malaga, Solo travel

Málaga is a small but pretty town. The beach and the port are really beautiful. The restaurants are really nice and people too. But It could get a little risky during the night. There are a lot of homeless and drunk people, so always be cautious and safe.

Posted: July 23, 2025Experienced: June, 2025
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Spain, Solo travel

Incredible views and sightseeing. Lovely people, museums and activities. I haven't felt any risk or dangerous situation. I've been traveling to the north of Spain and the cost is wonderful. I'd totally recommend.

Posted: July 20, 2025
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Siri

Siri

Sweden

Seville, Solo travel

I went to Seville for the ACDC concert, so I was only there for a couple of days. It was very easy to get from the airport to the center of the city, a bit harder to find your way on the streets. Pretty hard actually. But it was okay, it's such a beautiful city so I've had to see much wandering around. I felt very safe. It was only at one point I was holding my bag extra hard, late at night in a small alley and I saw like 2-3 guys walking in the opposite direction as me, but I don't think they even looked at me. The concert was a big one, many people. It felt very safe to be there. And after there was a party outside the arena with lots of people. I met a few and all of them was just so nice and fun to party with. I would go back! I'm just sorry I didn't see more places in the city.

Posted: July 20, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
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Sille

Sille

Denmark

Fuerteventura, Family travel

I lived in my boyfriends family’s house close to the ocean. It’s the nicest beach I’ve ever seen and swam in. There’s a lot of turist here, but that’s okay. I’ve been windsurfing a lot, and I can recommend to do some wind/water sports here! There’s a lot of good places, good teachers and a lot of wind. Haven’t felt unsafe a single time here

Posted: July 19, 2025
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Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 516 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 516 local experiences

Amandine

Amandine

Barcelona

Barcelona is safe overwall, police is very responsive and watching the street often. You can get robbed and walking at night on la rambla can be sketchy, but otherwise it’s ok. Just beware of pickpocket because they are very smooth.

Posted: July 25, 2025
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pollyanna

pollyanna

Barcelona

I’ve been here for over 8 months and so far have felt very safe! The pit pocketing thing is more important to be aware of when you’re in busy tourist areas. Keep an eye on your things and you’ll be fine.

Posted: July 24, 2025
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Safety in Spain