Is Alicante safe?
Safe overall. Petty theft near the beach and old town, plus drink spiking in some bars, are the typical problems.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-11.
- Homicide rate in Spain: 0.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Spain: 3.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Alicante at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing along the Explanada and at the beach, theft from parked cars, and occasional trouble around Calle Castaños bars. |
| At night | Lively until late around Calle Castaños and the old town. Late buses and trams are limited; use apps or taxis after midnight. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. Occasional catcalling; watch drinks in busy bars and use taxis for late rides. |
| Other risks | Summer heat above 35°C; Jellyfish in late summer; Torrential rain and flash floods in autumn |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Overpriced bar drinks aimed at tourists in nightlife streets
- Fake petitions or 'free gift' distraction near the Explanada
- Parked-car break-ins; leave nothing visible
Take care
- Old Town after 02:00: drunk crowds and drink spiking
- Beaches at night: unlit and opportunistic theft
- Parts of Carolinas Altas and Benalúa after dark: rougher streets
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking alcohol in the street is banned in many cities, with on-the-spot fines.
- Wearing swimwear or going shirtless away from the beach is fined in Barcelona and many resorts.
- Police can ask for photo ID at any time and hold you until it's confirmed; carry it.
How Alicante compares in Spain
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| San Sebastián | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Bilbao | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Córdoba | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Menorca | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Toledo | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Santiago de Compostela | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Salamanca | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Barcelona | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Madrid | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Seville | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Valencia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Málaga | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mallorca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ibiza | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tenerife | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Gran Canaria | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Granada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palma | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Las Palmas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lanzarote | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Alicante | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Fuerteventura | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Marbella | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cádiz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Benidorm | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Maspalomas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sitges | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Alicante safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. Occasional catcalling; watch drinks in busy bars and use taxis for late rides.
Is Alicante safe at night?
Lively until late around Calle Castaños and the old town. Late buses and trams are limited; use apps or taxis after midnight.
What is the crime rate in Alicante?
Pickpocketing along the Explanada and at the beach, theft from parked cars, and occasional trouble around Calle Castaños bars. Nationally, Spain records 0.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Alicante?
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
More about Alicante
Going to Alicante solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- TRAM Alicante
- Alicante Turismo
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.