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 411 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5
Lisa

Lisa

Norway

Valencia, Solo travel

I was in Valencia for a bit more than a week, and while I stayed with friends I got to explore the city a little bit. I particularly enjoyed to walk to the beaches, and to run through the park that used to be a river. My absolutely favorite thing was to visit the fresh food markets, and in particular the smaller local ones. My picture is from a market in Russafa. Even though I don't speak much Spanish, a few words and a positive attitude got me very far while speaking to the old market ladies. Que mas? Valencia has plenty of little cute shops, cafes and bars. Be aware that most places close at 14:00 or 15:00 for a mid day pause before re-opening for dinner later, so don't wait too long to eat your mid day meal. I didn't really go to any expensive paid attractions since I was mostly there to visit friends and see the city for the first time. It was enough for me to experience daily life in the city and enjoy the new food and drinks, figuring out the metro system and wrapping my head around everything unfamiliar. I would love to go back sometime.

Posted: May 10, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Vigo, Solo travel

It was really good it is so close to Porto so I added some photos from Porto as well. Vigo is a little city near the border between Spain and Portugal. It's mostly quiet and elderly people are living in there. That's why they are trying to keep young people's attention mostly immigrants but they behave well to them, they are really like each other and emphasizing each others cultures

Posted: May 6, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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Tenerife, Solo travel

Tenerife was my first travel experience and it went amazing. I was there for one week and have met so nice lovely people. All of them had a easy going way of living. Once we were in Achaman Discopub and they had played lifemusic. The people included us so well and we learned a lot funny spanish dancesteps;)

Posted: May 2, 2025
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Madrid, Solo travel

Honestly I just love Spain I spent a whole week in Madrid and it felt like it was the best time of my life even though the weather wasn't perfect. I felt safe people are nice and there are a lot of activities that you can do. Especially during night time you don't feel alone because everyone is partying so I really recommend going there.

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Lena

Lena

Austria

Madrid, Group travel

I loved Madrid! It's got a beautiful city center and so so good food! I loved the breakfast places! Just wander around and go with the flow! There are are also great rooftop bars. :) I never felt unsafe so no worries if you wanna visit the city by yourself!

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: April, 2023
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Madrid, Group travel

Loved it, definitely will be coming back.. reccomend for all categories of travelers. City is beautiful, people are kind and helpfull, night life felt fun but safe.. didnt have any bad experience :)

Posted: April 29, 2025
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Barcelona, Group travel

Generally, I feel safe, but sometimes it can be scary. We went on a group trip, so I didn't have any problems with safety. We couldn't buy drinks at the market, but I'm not sure why. Overall, I liked the experience and would visit again.

Posted: April 27, 2025
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Almeria, Group travel

I reall loved it. The water us cold tho and when it's windy dont get in the water haha. When I was there it was really hot and then one day it was randomly really cold so take warmer clothes with you. There were no creeps it was pretty safe. There are men on the beach who make things out of sand. Don't look at them directly or they will want you to pay to look. On the beach men also sell a lot of things and want you to pay so be safe. There ks a cute boba shop next to the beach and it's really cool cause you need to buy a few boba teas and you get one for free. They are also really good.

Posted: April 26, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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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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Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 432 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 432 local experiences

maite

maite

Madrid

I visited Madrid for two weeks as a minor and used the public transportation, including buses and the metro. I felt really safe — no one bothered me or harassed me, and everything went smoothly. It was a great experience.

Posted: May 10, 2025
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Megan

Megan

Gavà

I've only lived in gava for 3 years the community is pretty good, lots of events during the year. There is literally a festival for asparagus the veggie bc there's a lot of wild asparagus around but yea Idk what to write.

Posted: May 10, 2025
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Meet locals in Spain

Elia

Elia

About Me

Hi! :) Well, my name is Elia I'm Spanish university student from a small city in the north of Spain. I'm turning 20 this summer and I think like most people in their twenties I'm still trying to figure myself out. Just trying to meet people and travel as much as I can. 🫶

Speaking

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maite

maite

About Me

In June I’ll be living in Madrid, I’ve lived in Paraguay my whole life, so this is a big change for me. I’ve been to Madrid before, but just for a two-week trip — I did the whole museum thing and even visited Valencia too. Now I’m just hoping to find some girlfriends to hang out with or show me around a bit!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Spain

Yurena

Yurena

Barcelona

Can host for:

2 days

About me

I am a university Student from Berlin here for my Erasmus semester. I'm kinda shy at approaching people so I thought it would be nice to meet some people in here. I am really outgoing once you get to know me :) I love to yap about anything and everything, so as long as you're open minded, I'm sure we'll get along. I am down for everything, museums, nature, the beach or just a good party! I'm excited to meet you!

Speaking

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Emilia

Emilia

Toledo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Emilia and I'm a university student in Toledo, Spain. I live in Alicante and I am from Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶 but I am studying international studies in Toledo. I am 22 years old and I like to meet new people, although I am somewhat introverted.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Spain

Sara

Sara

About Me

I’m Sara, 26 y.o., currently a Law student. I’d like to travel in the next months and to meet new people on the way 🌞

Speaking

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Eszter

Eszter

About Me

Hii im Eszter from Budapest, Hungary. Im open to meeting new people and helping you get around the city :)

Speaking

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Safety in Spain