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

Make friends while traveling solo

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet other women, find travel buddies and stay with locals 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 403 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Marishka

Marishka

Germany

Barcelona, Couple travel

My gf and I felt very safe as a lesbian couple traveling Barcelona. The local homosexual scene is very big and welcoming, we found some lesbian party completely by accident and had a wonderful time there. The food was amazing and prices were OK. Overall it was a wonderful experience. 🩷

Posted: April 21, 2025
favorite_border 21
mode_comment 0

Barcelona, Group travel

I visited Barcelona in July 2024 and had a great time. I felt safe throughout my stay. I went swimming and visited the stunning Sagrada Família, which is definitely worth seeing. Most of my time was spent shopping and exploring the vibrant streets. The summer weather was hot but perfect for enjoying the city. I stayed near Plaça de Catalunya, which made it easy to get around using the metro. I recommend checking out local markets like La Boqueria and grabbing some tapas. Overall, a fun and relaxed trip—I’d definitely go back!

Posted: April 20, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Kathrine

Kathrine

Norway

Las Palmas, Solo travel

Was solo traveling to Las Palmas in February- enjoyed it so much! ☀️ I felt safe during the day, okey during the night so long as I stayed in streets with people. The food was great! Would recommend visiting the botanical garden and renting a bike to see more of the city! the bus is really easy to use!

Posted: April 20, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Nyah

Nyah

United Kingdom

Lanzarote, Group travel

We didn’t expect the amount of male attention we received. Some was respectful but most was borderline harassive. Some men blocked our path and said they would keep the restaurant open after hours and give us free alcohol (we were all 17 and they were 40+). We did have an absolutely AMAZING time and met a French group of boys. We noticed when we were with them we weren’t being constantly approached. It was super fun but that was the only thing, we felt we had to get taxis everywhere.

Posted: April 17, 2025
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Barcelona, Group travel

Overall I felt safe in the city. There were a lot if things to do and I must say I was never bored being there for a little more than a week. I really recommend going to the Sagrada Familia(buy your tickets in advance) and Park Güell (also buy your tickets in advance) We did find some good spots to eat wich dont really cost much. Bar Joan had really good tapas for low price. As transport we used the metro. I reccomend searching for a good plan of the tracks because at the metro itself it isn't always clear where to go.

Posted: April 16, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Spain, Couple travel

Spain was straight out of my ZNMD dreams – I finally ticked off skydiving and it was every bit as wild and freeing as I imagined! Stayed at a cozy beachside hotel, woke up to ocean views, and danced my heart out watching live flamenco under the stars. From tapas to sangrias, every meal was a flavor bomb, and the people? Warm, passionate, and always ready to fiesta. Spain wasn’t just a trip, it was a whole vibe – pure joy, freedom, and living my best life!

Posted: April 15, 2025
favorite_border 6
mode_comment 2
Elena

Elena

Armenia

Spain, Family travel

Traveled to Barcelona and Ibiza with my mom. The food was amazing everywhere, I especially enjoyed the paella. Barcelona was a bit overstimulating for me especially the metro stations, however, I really enjoyed the views and architecture, took many amazing shots there. Ibiza felt more laid back and free spirited which is why I liked it more. Went to a David Guetta Ushuaia concert for my birthday and really enjoyed it. I did feel safe in both cities but slightly less in Barcelona’s crowded spaces.

Posted: April 13, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Lara

Lara

Spain

Barcelona, Solo travel

Public transport is good and cheap. Food is excellent but a bit expensive. The people are nice and to be honest you don’t need almost any Spanish, since everyone speaks English. I feel pretty safe, except for el Raval.

Posted: April 11, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 408 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 408 local experiences

Valencia

From what I have lived, I consider it a safe city, Ive never seen any big incident happening, but because there are a lot of people and its such a touristic place Im still worried about my safety (ive been living here for not so long) and I know it is not the safest. You always have to be careful, but I have gone for walks in the dark in the past.

Posted: April 25, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Murcia

From my experience Murcia is pretty safe place to live or visit. I don’t think I ever felt somewhere uncomfortable or unsafe. However I believe that bad things can happen everywhere so sill be aware of it The biggest problem in Murcia is with your bikes, they are being stolen quite often

Posted: April 25, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Spain

Xiana

Xiana

About Me

Hi girlsss, my name is Xiana Eva, but you can call me Chini. I’m 18 years old and I love everything you can imagine. I was born in a really small village and I’ve always been living countryside, so I’m a nature lover, but I also like big cities. I live in a big house with my parents, so I can’t give anyone a place to stay yet, but as soon as I’m independent I’ll love to do it. In my house we have four dogs and a cat, I’ve always loved animals since I was little. I’m a little bit shy when it comes to meeting new people, but as soon as I catch a lil bit of confidence with someone, I’m really extroverted and funny. I live in a small village in the countryside, but I’m open to visiting cities from all around Galicia like Lugo, Ourense, A Coruña, Vigo… As soon as I get my own car (and a driving license) I’ll be able to move you all around the place and I’ll love to do it because I love driving. If y’all want to know something else, don’t be scared to text me ;))

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Carla🫀

Carla🫀

About Me

Name’s Carla, looking forward to life at its fullest and experiencing new things. ;) Cannot host guests yet but I can be a guide, give tips or, if you’re bored, experience girly things. Trying to accomplish my dream of travelling to Japan with my best friend.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Spain

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

mode_comment 0
anebu

anebu

San Sebastian

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi!!🌸✨ I’m Ane, I live in a town next to Donosti/San Sebastian (15min train ride) and I’m open to host you guys in my spare room! I live by my own with my two cats, Toulouse and Jaxinto 🐈‍⬛🐈 I’m just about to quit my job lol so I think I’ll be solo travelling soon. I’d love it if I could stay with any of you for a couple of days!! Feel free to text me, I’m extroverted af Cheers!🤍

Speaking

mode_comment 1

Upcoming visitors to Spain

Lekea

Lekea

About Me

Hey my name is Lekea I'm 22 years and I want to travel to 100 countries before I kick the bucket. I'm extremely goofy and kind. I really love to meet new people and learn new skills and other people's culture.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Julia

Julia

About Me

Hii, my name is Julia I live in Poland but I love travelling, i'm also very creative person, i sing and play the guitar my anlther passion is philosophy which i study at iniversity, hope that we'll meet and have fun time together

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Spain