Europe
Is Spain safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Spain safe?
Safe overall with low violent crime. Pickpocketing in Barcelona and Madrid is the real risk, along with theft from hire cars and on beaches.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-11.
- Homicide rate: 0.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 3.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Comfortable for solo women, and Spain's consent law is strict. Watch drinks in party resorts and use official taxis or apps late at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpocketing in Barcelona (Las Ramblas, metro) and central Madrid
- Theft from hire cars and of bags on beaches
- Drink spiking in party resorts and nightlife areas
- Extreme summer heat inland and wildfire risk
Common scams
- Rosemary sprig 'gift', then demands for money (Seville, Granada)
- Fake plainclothes police asking to inspect your wallet
- 'Highway pirates' flagging down hire cars, claiming damage
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.
Safety by place 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 |
| Girona | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Ronda | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Formentera | 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 |
| Tarifa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nerja | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Torremolinos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Spain safe for tourists?
Safe overall with low violent crime. Pickpocketing in Barcelona and Madrid is the real risk, along with theft from hire cars and on beaches.
Is Spain safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women, and Spain's consent law is strict. Watch drinks in party resorts and use official taxis or apps late at night.
What is the emergency number in Spain?
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- BOE: Law 28/2022 (international telework visa)
- GOV.UK: Spain travel advice
- EU: Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index: Spain
- EF English Proficiency Index: Spain
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.