Is Santander Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Santander is generally a very safe place for solo female travelers. The crime rate is relatively low, and there is a sense of security even during the night. The locals are friendly and willing to help if needed. As in any location, maintaining awareness of surroundings and being cautious is advised. However, as far as personal security is concerned, Santander is a safe choice.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Santander is currently ranked #12 safest place in Spain for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Santander?

Safety at night:Safe

Santander, like most cities in Spain, is relatively safe even at night. As a solo female traveler, there may occasionally be situations where basic caution should be exercised and it's always important to be aware of your surroundings. However, violent crime against tourists is pretty uncommon. Petty crime exists, such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas and public transport, though it's moderately less likely at night. In general, it's safe to walk alone at night in well-lit, populated parts of the city. Avoid lonely or poorly lit areas at night for enhanced safety.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Santander, is generally safe and reliable. The city offers a range of options including buses, trains, and taxis. Buses and trains are well-maintained, punctual, and mostly used by locals commuting to and from work or school. Taxis are also widely available, regulated, and use a meter system. However, as with any location, it is always a good idea to stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings, particularly during peak times when pickpocketing may be a risk. All in all, Santander's public transport network provides a secure way for solo female travelers to navigate the city.

Street harassment:Low

Santander is generally safe and respectful towards solo female travelers. The level of street harassment is not prevalent, with most locals being polite and maintaining personal boundaries. However, it is always prudent to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and to avoid walking alone on secluded streets late at night.

Petty crimes:Low

Santander is generally a safe city for travelers with a relatively low risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing or purse snatching. Public areas and tourist hotspots can be targeted more frequently but overall, crime rates are low compared to other global cities. However, it's still important to be cautious and mindful of your belongings and surroundings.

Is Santander worth visiting?

Solo travel

I absolutely fell in love with the city. I decided to visit because I found cheap flights and I wasn't familiar with the city at all. But it was the biggest surprise. The city is surrounded by mountains and by the ocean, you feel like you're in a fairytale. It has the most stunning sunsets and sunrises. You can take a bus and in few minutes you're out of the city center and just walk around the cost of the beautiful Biscay Bay. I absolutely recommend to visit to everyone.

Posted: August 26, 2023Experienced: June, 2023

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Solo travel

Cute city in beautiful surroundings. Great if you like to practice sports and chill. The beaches are really nice, food is good and there are many great treks to discover. However you need a car or vehicle to move around. The nightlife ia not that great and can be a bit roudy.

Posted: May 23, 2023Experienced: April, 2023

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Is Santander safe for women?

Overall a very safe city, not too big, not too crowded and has a nice beach side and you can walk to most places in the city. The center can become crowded in the evening, but still not too dangerous.

Posted: August 23, 2024

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Mariana

It always have been safe for me. I just follow precautions. But in general seems a very safety city. The just one thing that I observed is that there are machismo and the majority population is a bit embittered. It’s mainly a old population therefore there are some values like respect, but at the same time it’s a society very closed in my opinion. Fortunately, there are also many young exchange students who give a good and different touch to the city.

Posted: April 11, 2024

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Meet locals in Santander

Bella

About Me

Hello my name is Bella, I live in the Cantabrian mountains with my husband and our pets. I am interested in finding travel buddies who are passionate about new adventures and culture exchange.

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Eliza

About Me

Hi girls! I’m starting as an Aupaire in Santander in February 2024! It will be my first time traveling overseas as I am native to Canada! 🇨🇦 I love hiking, swimming, camping, skiing and the outdoors. I am never afraid to try something new and explore! I’m hoping to find some friends who also like to go on adventures! :)

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Stay with locals in Santander

Bella

Santander

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hello my name is Bella, I live in the Cantabrian mountains with my husband and our pets. I am interested in finding travel buddies who are passionate about new adventures and culture exchange.

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Ana

Santander

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I'm Ana by the moment I live in Santander because I work in this city, I'm a Philosophy teacher who loves travelling in order to know different cultures and people. I consider myself as a citizen of the world and because of that I want to visit new places.