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

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

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 370 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Barcelona, Solo travel

I felt very safe. I stayed at Kabul party hostel and it was amazing they have activities everyday. I met so many people with who i went to party, walked around. I deffinetly raccomend Parc Guel or the Bunkers where you have the whole panorama of the city

Posted: March 3, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Ilse

Ilse

Netherlands

Madrid, Group travel

I felt really safe in Madrid. I went there in april and a lot of the locals like to make a little small talk (They also remind/warn you to keep an eye on your bag/camera when walking in busy areas). I had a lot of late night and early morning walks alone and felt pretty safe. Just keep an eye out for yourself and your stuff. There are alot of homeless people (most of them leave you alone but some of them come begging for money or food, even when you're sitting at a terrace) but as long as you don't give them to much attention they will leave.

Posted: March 1, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Madrid, Solo travel

I really loved visiting Madrid. I think its generally safe, around 7-7,5 on a scale of 10, especially during the day. But people has to take care of their belongings, because there are a lot of pickpockets. I loved the district of “Chueca” and watching the sunset from “temple of debod”

Posted: February 28, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Granada, Solo travel

Met lots of friendly people (both Spaniards and fellow foreigners), the tapas culture was a treat and I wholeheartedly recommend you look into it when here! Even at nighttime as a young woman walking alone I felt quite safe!

Posted: February 27, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Madrid, Solo travel

I actually went with my family but they were busy with work all day so I had to visit the city on my own. It was my first kinda “solo travel” even though I met my family on the evenings. I found it a really pleasant city, easy to visit by foot. However I didn’t stay in the center so the tube was necessary, it is very well deserved ! It was a short stay I’d love to go back !

Posted: February 27, 2025Experienced: January, 2023
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Ania

Ania

Poland

Malaga, Group travel

I felt very safe in Málaga. The city has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and I had no issues walking around, even in the evenings. One of my favorite moments was dining at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood with a beautiful view of the sea. My budget was 400 euros for two weeks, so I managed my expenses carefully. I mostly used buses to get around, which were affordable and convenient. It was a great way to explore the city without spending too much.

Posted: February 25, 2025
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Alicante, Couple travel

We feel very safe. Accommodation was not expensive and food also so i dont need to take a lot of money. Tye most beautiful place was a Castillo De Santa Barbara. I ate the best pistachio crosaint in Salt in Cake 😂

Posted: February 24, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Lilia

Lilia

Bulgaria

Malaga, Solo travel

Safety: Málaga is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates. Things to do: Must-visit: The Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, and the Cathedral. Food: Try: Espetos (grilled sardines), Jamón Ibérico, and fried fish. Restaurants: El Pimpi (famous for tapas), and Restaurante José Carlos García (Michelin-starred). Budget: A moderate budget works well here. Daily expenses can range from €40-€80 depending on the activities and meals. Accommodation: I stayed in the city center, near Plaza de la Constitución. Getting around: The city has great public transport (buses, metro). Walking is also easy as most attractions are close together. Sample itinerary: Day 1: Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Picasso Museum. Day 2: Beach day (La Malagueta), stroll in the old town, dinner at El Pimpi.

Posted: February 18, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Madrid, Group travel

I gelt really safe there. It was sooo interesting to go around. The people are so nice and welcoming. You should travel to Toledo which is nearly 1 hour away from madrid. The food is so good. It is also a must to visit a flamenco show.

Posted: February 17, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Barcelona, Solo travel

There's a lot of possibilities for public transportation (train, car, metro, bus, tram). also nice, on the weekends there are no cars allowed in the streets. Felt unsafe walking around at night and in some clubs (even with friends)

Posted: February 17, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 339 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 339 local experiences

Wiktoria

Wiktoria

Marbella

Marbella is a beautiful and luxurious place, but beneath the shiny surface, there’s a less glamorous side. Overall, I don’t feel unsafe walking alone here, and I’m not particularly worried about sexual assaults or similar incidents. However, there is definitely a presence of crime, mainly in the form of theft and organized criminal activity. Car thefts and home break-ins happen quite often, especially targeting luxury villas. Many homeowners invest in security systems and surveillance because of this. On top of that, Marbella attracts a lot of people from the underworld – numerous international criminal groups operate here, and the city is a hideout for many wanted individuals. Occasionally, there are shootings or other mafia-related conflicts, but they mostly involve people from that world and don’t affect the daily lives of regular residents. To sum it up – for an average person who isn’t looking for trouble, Marbella is safe. But if someone thinks it’s all just sunshine and luxury with no dark sides, they’d be mistaken.

Posted: March 5, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Sude

Sude

Ciudad Real

I’ve been staying here for a month now. As I observed, it’s a small place with little people. There isn’t much to do, they have a museum though so that’s a plus. I had trouble with a landlady when I first arrived here and I was homeless for 9 days, but I could manage somehow and I have a place to stay now. However, I cannot say people are eager to help you or anything. My landlady made me sick because she wouldn’t fix the mold problem in the house and I was hospitalized because of her. Even though there were still friendly and helpful people in the hospital. People don’t know English here so, you better learn some Spanish.

Posted: March 3, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Spain

Natalia

Natalia

About Me

Hi, my name is Natalia and I'm originally from Poland. I've been living in 7 countries, working and volunteering :) At the moment Imnlooking for a place to rent in Malaga and would like to explore the city - especially art, music and food :) I liked nature, cycling and drawing

Speaking

mode_comment 1
Iz☆r

Iz☆r

About Me

Hihi! My name is Iz☆r, I'm an almost 20 y/o art student that likes to learn new thing and it's trying to travel more little by little after a wonderful experience in a volunteering proyect in Serbia! I wish to meet wonderful people as I have before and learn about them. Loving how travelling allows us to connect and share with amaizing individuals!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Spain

Iz☆r

Iz☆r

Bilbao

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hihi! My name is Iz☆r, I'm an almost 20 y/o art student that likes to learn new thing and it's trying to travel more little by little after a wonderful experience in a volunteering proyect in Serbia! I wish to meet wonderful people as I have before and learn about them. Loving how travelling allows us to connect and share with amaizing individuals!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Mar

Mar

Spain

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Mars (my nickname). I'm a 23 year old peruvian girly with a passion for getting to know different cultures and ways of living. I'm a big foodie and a huuuge melomaniac🎶. I send/receive and collect postcards, love going to concerts/raves/festivals and have a passion for sewing and upcycling clothes as well as designing my very own fabric patterns. Would love to host or be hosted and make friends along the way. I'm up for pretty much any plan, from a cup of coffee and conversation, to hiking a cool trail to going out until the morning, you name it. Hope you're having a nice day :) 🪩🥾🛍️🍜🌊🎸🎉

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Spain

Siddhi

Siddhi

About Me

27-year-old explorer with a passion for sustainable travel and experiencing local cuisines. Originally from India and currently based in Germany, I love discovering hidden gems, connecting with like-minded adventurers, and embracing the water wherever I go—I've scuba-dived in Tossa de Mar and swam for days along Croatia's stunning beaches. Let’s share tips, stories, and travel dreams!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Stacy

Stacy

About Me

Hello, I am a beginner traveler and hiker. I have a background in tech and looking to include more women in tech. I am regaining my passion for reading and will be in Portugal this summer for Afronation with my friend (we only turn 25 once!)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Spain