Is Malaga Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Malaga is generally regarded as a safe city for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and respectful, and incidents of crime involving tourists are relatively low. Famous for its well-lit streets and crowded areas, this Spanish city is safe to explore, even at night. However, like anywhere else, it's always good to exercise standard precautions such as monitoring your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings.

Safety rating

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How safe is Malaga?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Malaga, is considered generally quite secure for women walking alone at night. The city is well-lit, particularly in tourist areas and the city center. Violent crime is relatively rare. However, like any city, there can be instances of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in less crowded areas or during off-peak seasons. Therefore, it is still advised to take standard precautions like avoiding deserted areas at night and being aware of your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Malaga is generally secure. Buses, trains, and taxis are reliable with a significant police presence in stations and major transit points. Late-night services are available, however, remain aware of your surroundings, especially when it's crowded. As in every city worldwide, pickpocketing can occur. However, with basic safety measures such as not flashing your valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings, you should have a trouble-free experience.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Malaga generally offers a safe and respectful environment for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not a prevalent issue. While isolated incidents may occur, they are not typically a common experience. Public spaces are often busy and well-policed, providing an extra layer of safety. Nonetheless, remaining cautious, and aware of your surroundings is recommended, as in any city in the world.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Malaga, is generally a safe city for travelers. However, like most tourist destinations, it's not free from petty crimes. Pickpocketing or bag snatching can happen, especially in crowded places and tourist hotspots. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be wary of distractions created by strangers. But overall, locals are friendly and helpful, and with basic precautions, your travels can be trouble-free.
Tap water:

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Malaga is perfectly safe to drink. It undergoes stringent quality checks and meets all safety standards. Some may find the taste a bit different due to mineral contents, but it poses no health risk. However, bottled water is readily available if you prefer it for taste reasons.

Is Malaga safe to travel?

4.6 /5

Based on 28 experiences

Couple travel experience

We felt very safe in Malaga! We booked a flat with bookings, which was huge, cheap and in a central position, everything was in a walking distance. We enjoyed a lot sitting outside in the bars drinking beers and enjoying the sun! And there was the beach super closed, it was a very nice experience and the weather was amazing 🌞

Posted: July 4, 2024Experienced: March, 2022
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Group travel experience

I studied abroad for a summer in Málaga and loved my experience! I felt very safe walking alone and meeting new people. The people I met were extremely friendly and basically everyone spoke English to some extent. Most of the time in the touristic areas they can spot if you’re American and will talk to you in English off the bat. Although, if you want to practice your Spanish, they will usually love to converse with you that way too! I recommend getting a bit off the beaten path for beaches. La Malagueta is a fun beach but it is very crowded and not as beautiful. I recommend the small fisherman neighborhood of El Palo for their more local beach! My favorite quiet place to sit and Watch have a coffee in the centro was La Tetería. For a day trip, the beaches in Nerja are crystal clear and so beautiful.

Posted: May 6, 2024
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Solo travel experience

It was very good experience, felt safe and ate really good! If you like fish is the fresher, the beach is nice and you can meet people easy without feeling unsafe. Using dating apps is a good option for meeting new people

Posted: April 19, 2024
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Aisha

Aisha

Egypt

Solo travel experience

Malaga is a beautiful and safe city and it’s really nice to be there as a woman and food and music are amazing, I can’t wait to return this summer to visit more cities around Malaga I recommend this beautiful city

Posted: March 27, 2024
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Zeynep

Zeynep (29)

Spain

Solo travel experience

Malaga is one of the best places you can travel as a solo female. I felt SO safe there. There are cops EVERYWHERE. The community is young, lively and helpful, and the center of the city is very easy to navigate on foot. During my time there, I joined a pub crawl, two hiking tours, tapas tours and walking tours. All were really fun. After my solo travel, I got a job opportunity in Malaga and moved in. Then I actually realized how safe it was. I’d like to stress this one more time. Nothing ever happens in Malaga. On multiple occasions I walked home alone at 4am, nothing happened. I have never heard of an assault, theft or robery. Only downside to Malaga is that it is too crowded, and can get difficult to find seats at popular restaurants if you don’t have a reservation.

Posted: March 25, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Sylvie

Sylvie (54)

France

Solo travel experience

MĂĄlaga is a great place indeed ! Nice beaches, friendly people, interesting museums, beautiful towns and scenery around. I clearly recommend it. Besides, it's a really safe city and it's easy to get around either by train or bus

Posted: March 1, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Trisha

Trisha

Spain

Solo travel experience

- It is a very safe city. I even took walks alone late at night and felt very safe - I started in a budget friendly hostel, it was 14 euros a night. Extremely clean and 20 minutes walking from the beach (Name - Barbatuke Eco Stay) - All the restaurants near the beach are amazing - It is easy to get around the city through bus (1.5 euros a trip)

Posted: January 28, 2024
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Haya

Haya (21)

Spain

Group travel experience

Very safe city, just a few neighborhoods to avoid alone late at night. Beautiful beach. Alcazaba is a must-visit, especially during sunset. Clubbing nightlife was good at Sala Gold, lots of international people to meet.

Posted: January 14, 2024Experienced: November, 2022
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Ana

Ana (37)

Germany

Solo travel experience

Malaga was very nice and safe to travel alone. I have discovered the ancient castillo de Gibralfaro and la alcazaba. The weather was just perfect and the food incredibly tasty and cheap. I stayed in a hotel with pods. It was a new experience for me as I never stayed in such place, but if you like gaming that is a place to go.

Posted: November 27, 2023Experienced: May, 2023
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Rebecca

Rebecca

Norway

Solo travel experience

I was in a three week language trip in Malaga Spain. It was amazing, and I learned a lot of Spanish and a lot of the Spanish culture as well as their history. I felt very safe living in a host family. ďżź I ate a lot of amazing food, and went to the prettiest beaches along the coast of Spain.

Posted: November 13, 2023
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Is Malaga safe for women?

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 7 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.4 /5

Based on 7 experiences

Doğa

Doğa

I’ve been living in Malaga for less than a year. So far, I’ve never had a bad experience regarding safety. During the day it’s a very lively city and I feel completely safe. During the night, it becomes more desolate, naturally. About robbery, again, I never experienced it, but I was warned to be careful about my belongings by local people.

Posted: July 15, 2024
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Malaga is one of the safest city in Spain because it is mostly full of students. Even though it is an erasmus city, there are a lot of homeless people. Actually for 1 week I had a problem with homeless people because they were in front of my door and they were sleeping or stealing things from the apartment. Besides that, I bet you will love Malaga. But please be careful about your bags!

Posted: June 26, 2024
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Is Malaga safe right now?

Before your visit to Malaga, it's essential to check travel advisories for Spain, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

**The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Spain due to the threat of terrorism.** Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 15, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Spain. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 12, 2024

Is Malaga worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 28 experiences

Serena

Serena (35)

Spain

Solo travel experience

MĂĄlaga is a vibrant city , with good weather, nice people and tasty food. The beaches are not the best I have seen , but if you want to have a funny vacation in a young city is the right place. The place for who wants to party!

Posted: August 20, 2023Experienced: July, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent 5 nights alone in Malaga. I really enjoyed it. There's a lot to see and do, charming bars and restaurants, lots of walks and available tours. On the first evening, I participated in a wine and snacks tour, and one day I chose a trip to Caminito del Rey. The rest of the time I spent exploring the city and the coastline.

Posted: August 7, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Malaga

Meet local women in Malaga who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Serena

Serena

About Me

Hi! I am an Italian girl , I was living and traveling around the world in the past 14 years. I love to discover new cultures and customs. 😍✈️🌴📷

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Doğa

Doğa

About Me

My name is Doğa (it’s pronounced “doa”), I am 24 and I currently live in Malaga, Spain. Here, I work as a volunteer for children and people with disabilities. I am an English teacher from Turkey. In my free time I try to travel and explore Spain and other countries around. Unfortunately, I cannot host people because I share the house with 4 other volunteers and our association doesn’t let us host people in the house. But of course, I am available for hangouts!

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Stay with locals in Malaga

Stay with local women in Malaga who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Claudia

Claudia

Malaga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I just moved to malaga from switzerland. However I have been travelling and living as a digital nomad for the last years and am udually away for the winter in more tropical climates. I love the beach, gping to the gym, dancing kizomba and nature and spirituality. I live a healthy lifestyle and am happy to make deeper friendships and connections.

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Violeta

Violeta

Malaga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m a nomad , I Enjoy the solo travels and meet New people around the world , my hobbies are photography, swimming in cold water , hiking and Enjoy sunrise and Sunset

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Upcoming visitors to Malaga

Connect with upcoming visitors to Malaga who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Zuzanna

Zuzanna

About Me

I am 18 girl from Poland, now I'm going to high school im my home city Wieliczka. I love travel and specially meeting new people gives me energy and a lot of fun. I am a scout, I love music I play guitar and I love dance and sport💗

Speaking

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Laurie-Mei

Laurie-Mei

About Me

Hi I'm Laurie, Young soul trying to explore the world on a budget and meet new people on the way. I have a Tourism Management degree so I can suggest you places to visit around town. I drove across Canada with my friends during Covid. I'm looking for a place to stay somewhere in the world and have the most local experiences I can have. Always motivated to try and discover new things.

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Safety in Spain