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 373 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Spain, Group travel

I went to Spain with a group of dancers and it was amazing ! We went to La Rioja during an election so there were a lot of policemen everywhere! The town was something else at night loved it! I will definitely go back to Spain!✨

Posted: March 7, 2025
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Spain, Group travel

I was with my friends in Spain, visiting several different cities. It was really fun, and the nightlife in Valencia was lively, whereas in Murcia, not so much. The food was good, and the prices were low.

Posted: March 7, 2025
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Jana

Jana

Germany

Jaen, Solo travel

I did my Erasmus in Jaén and I reall liked the experience. Even though it's not the typical tourist destination it has some nice places, and beautiful nature. I recommend the „cañones del río frío“ to go swimming. It has a castle where you can watch the sunset nicely and a cathedral. There are some Unesco world heritage towns there (Úbeda and Baéza) which are also worth a visit. I always felt safe, even at night. Public transport is a bit mid but it was all right.

Posted: March 7, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Is Spain safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 349 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 349 local experiences

Fayna

Fayna

Puerto del Rosario

It's really a safe place and at the small town I live, Tetir, is even a more safe and calm place. At the capital is posible you meet some drunk men at night, at weekend mostly, next to the places where people go out.

Posted: March 10, 2025
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Valencia

Its pretty safe, I live near the centre and I always feel comfortable walking home from the club when it’s dark. However I can’t speak on crime or safety further out from the centre so it may be different there.

Posted: March 10, 2025
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Meet locals in Spain

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!

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Maux

Maux

About Me

Hello! I’m Maux. I’m 28 years old. I’m from Venezuela but live in Spain since 2020. I love slow morning and cozy afternoons. I’m a writer. I also love reading, walking. I’m passionate about history. I love to travel

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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

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Maux

Maux

Almeria

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hello! I’m Maux. I’m 28 years old. I’m from Venezuela but live in Spain since 2020. I love slow morning and cozy afternoons. I’m a writer. I also love reading, walking. I’m passionate about history. I love to travel

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Upcoming visitors to Spain

Drishti

Drishti

About Me

Hi I'm Drishti and I love exploring different cuisines, architecture, history, new ways of life, culture and travel.

Speaking

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Iana

Iana

About Me

Hi, my name is Iana, I love to travel, I love music, films and TV series. I like walking, museums, ballet, quizzes and karaoke :)

Speaking

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Safety in Spain