Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers? (The Ultimate Travel Guide for Solo Travel to Spain in 2024)
Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, solo travel in Spain is very safe for female travelers. If you’re planning a solo trip to Spain, you’re not alone.
Women traveling solo is a very common endeavor. Spain is a wonderful country for solo travel because it’s one of the safest destinations. And one of the most popular.
Whether you’re a seasoned solo female traveler or on your first solo trip, it’s crucial to understand how to stay safe when visiting any foreign destination.
From the Author: In my 20s, I lived in Europe and traveled extensively solo for the first time. A female can travel solo safely if she prioritizes her safety.
Spain is one of my favorite western European countries. Something about the tapas culture calls to me. Little plates of Spanish food served to you while you sit at a bar conversing with the friendly locals is my jam.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with Spain?
In this post, we’ll list some of the dos and don’ts for solo travel, tips for staying safe when traveling alone, and we’ll go over some of the best spots in Spain for the female solo traveler to visit.
Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
If Spain is on your radar and you’re flying solo, you might wonder whether traveling to Spain alone is safe.
So, I’ve dug into the latest scoop from the U.S. Department of State to give you the lowdown on what to expect.
As of July 26, 2023, Spain is at a Level 2 Travel Advisory. That’s government-speak for “Exercise Increased Caution,” primarily due to occasional civil unrest.
Don’t let that spook you; it’s all about being savvy and aware.
You can avoid getting caught up in civil unrest by avoiding demonstrations and crowds when you can.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Review the Country Security Report for Spain.
Scan this Q.R. code for everything you need to know about Spain from The World Factbook, including U.S. State Department travel advisories, travel requirements, the local emergency phone number, and more.
Is Spain Safe to Travel Alone: Everything You Need to Know
Crime in Spain
Traveling to Spain solo is very popular, and many women do it successfully. There is little to feel anxious about. In fact, Spain reached its lowest crime rate in 2021.
However, when traveling with someone or alone, there are decisions within your control to avoid travel hiccups and uncomfortable situations.
Violent crime is rare in Spain.
Even though violent crime in Spain is low, petty theft and pickpockets are common.
There are ways to avoid being pickpocketed or targeted by petty criminals taking advantage of tourists.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Spain Solo
Keeping Your Money Safe in Spain
When solo traveling to Spain, keeping your money and passport safe is important.
As with traveling anywhere, visitors should always be aware of the potential for theft and other crimes. However, Spain is considered a safe destination for those who take certain precautions.
Here are some tips to keep your money and passports safe from pickpockets:
- Pack light, so you are more mobile and look less like a tourist in places like the Metro.
- Make it as difficult as you can for pickpockets. Purses are easy targets unless strapped across your body and carried in front of you.
- Wear a money belt strapped on your person is the best way to protect your money and not have to think about it. Carrying a purse means you must be aware of it at all times.
- Zip valuables like money and cards in an inside pocket.
- The same goes for flashy, expensive cameras. Always carry across your body and not on your shoulder, which makes it easy for a snatch-and-grab job.
- When sitting in a restaurant enjoying Spain’s amazing food, at the bar or a café, be very mindful of your bag. Although not very comfortable, the safest place for your bag is in your lap. Tourists can be easy to pick out, making us easy targets. Try to blend in and act as if you belong there. Hey, you do!
- Loop your bag strap around your leg or chair leg while sitting at a restaurant; that way, if anyone starts messing with it, you’ll be alerted by movement.
- Leave valuables like your passport, some Euros, and one credit card (in the rare instance someone does take off with your belongings) locked in a safe at your hotel or hostel.
Stay Alert When Traveling in Spain as a Solo Female Traveler
Staying alert is one of the most important safety tips for solo female travelers.
Tourists can easily become targets for thieves, scam artists, and criminals who take advantage of tourists’ unfamiliarity with local customs and language.
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Although violent crime directed at tourists is low in Spain, it doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. It would be best if you weren’t anxious or paranoid; that would ruin any trip.
Just be informed.
- Be mindful of pickpockets on public transportation, keep all valuables close to you at all times, and avoid wandering around alone after dark.
- Invest in a theft-proof bag. This is the one I travel with, and I have yet to find one that is more comfortable, fashionable, and has tons of pockets to organize all your things. It’s the Travelon Anti-theft Messenger Bag. I take this every time I travel. The Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack is fantastic. It is slim and compact. Perfect for a day or evening out on the town. I don’t like to carry bulking or heavy backpacks that make my shoulders ache; this one doesn’t!
- When I travel, I use a backpack. I put my most essential valuables, like money and credit cards, in the inside pockets of my backpack.
- Don’t put anything of value in the outside pockets that can be unzipped by someone standing behind me.
- Move the backpack to your front body in crowded areas with the straps around your shoulders in the opposite direction. It may look weird, but this way, you’re in total control of your belongings.
Travelon make some of the best travel bags.
Have an Itinerary and Share Your Itinerary
Have an itinerary (loose or strict, it’s up to you) and share it with a loved one at home so someone knows your plans, where you can be reached, and where you’re staying.
This way, if something were to happen while abroad, someone would know your plans and where you can be reached.
A plan before heading out helps ensure that any trip goes smoothly and safely.
Research the Towns and Cities You’ll Be Visiting Before You Go
A general idea of the area you are visiting for the day or week is standard for any traveler but is more essential when solo traveling as a woman.
When traveling alone, especially as a female traveler, it’s important to research the areas you plan to visit before you go. Make sure to research any areas – towns and cities – that may have higher crime rates before visiting them so you can plan accordingly.
Safety Tips for Traveling Solo:
✅ Have an idea of how to get home safely if you plan to stay out late.
✅ Knowing safety precautions, local customs, and culture, as well as understanding the environment, can help ensure that your journey is safe and enjoyable.
✅ It’s also beneficial to be aware of potential language barriers so that communication with locals or emergency services can be easier. Learn some common phrases before you go.
✅ Additionally, researching popular attractions in advance will help ensure you get don’t miss any must-see attractions while in Spain.
Limit Alcohol Intake
It’s important to be mindful of the amount of alcohol you consume.
Not only can drinking too much put you at risk for dangerous situations, but it can also impair your judgment and make it more challenging to stay safe. This will help minimize potential risks while giving you peace of mind during your solo trip to Spain.
As a teen in Amsterdam, away from my parents for the first time, I took part in too many of the legal substances that Amsterdam has to offer and nearly killed myself riding a tandem bike with another young friend who also possessed the false invincibility that often accompanies youth and/or drug intake.
Luckily I’m alive today to give this advice.
Be aware when in a foreign country. Substances lower your risk tolerance.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Program:
The Smart Traveler Program is a great resource offered in Europe that can provide travelers with information and support while abroad.
The program offers a wide range of services, including the ability to register your trip online so that the US Embassy or Consulate is aware of when and where you’re traveling.
If needed, the embassy can then assist in case of an emergency.
Additionally, the program provides helpful travel alerts and tips so that you can stay informed on possible safety risks or changes in local laws while abroad.
All travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Program to maximize their safety while traveling.
Nightlife Safety in Spain
It is especially important to be aware of your surroundings when exploring new cities or going out at night as a solo female traveler. Walking anywhere at night, for a woman, can be unnerving.
Use precaution, and never wander around an unfamiliar place at night alone. You’ll stand out as a target if you look lost or like a tourist.
Don’t put yourself in a situation that could be dangerous.
In Spanish culture, the party often stops only when the sun rises. Many cities in Spain have lively nightlife.
Enjoy it but use common sense. Walking alone at night or hopping into a random cab can be unnerving. This is a great time to use Uber.
Is It Easy to Get Around for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes. It’s easy and safe for solo travelers to get around the country safely and conveniently. Random violent crime in Spain is rare. Keep that in mind. No need to be anxious or paranoid. Just smart and aware.
You can easily reach any destination using a wide array of buses, trains, and metro lines.
Public transport is also relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of transportation like Uber or Cabify.
All public transport systems are monitored closely by authorities, meaning they are generally safe for travelers.
So if you’re looking for an affordable and safe option when traveling through Spain, then public transportation should be your go-to choice.
Is Uber safe in Spain?
Uber is a great way to get around in Spain, especially for solo female travelers.
There is also a taxi app called Cabify that serves South American countries, plus Mexico and Spain. With Cabify, you’ll pay an upfront price that won’t change if you hit traffic. With a taxi, you’ll see the estimated price range and then pay depending on the taxi’s meter.
Cabify is more similar to Uber than grabbing a random taxi.
It provides a convenient and reliable mode of transportation that can help reduce the risk of getting lost or running into dangerous situations.
Cabify and Uber rides can be tracked via GPS, so you know exactly where your driver is taking you.
Furthermore, all rides can be tracked via GPS, so you know exactly where your driver is taking you.
With these factors taken into account, taking an Uber in Spain is generally safe.
Is Public Transportation Safe in Spain?
Public Transportation is a great way to get around Spain, don’t be afraid of it.
Trains, buses, and city metros are safe and easy to use. Passes can be purchased for a day, week, or up to a predetermined number of trips.
Two bus companies in particular that travel within Spain and abroad (for instance, to Portugal) are Avazabus and Alsa.
If time is of the essence, consider booking a flight with Iberia or RyanAir.
Or consider renting a car if you travel to more than one city.
Take a 45-minute train to Cordoba from Seville. Cordoba is one of the most unique cities in Spain. Check out this guide to the best things to do in Cordoba.
Is It Safe to Drive in Spain?
Driving in Spain can be a great way to explore the country and its many attractions.
With an extensive network of roads, highways, and motorways, it is relatively easy to get around.
However, there are some safety considerations that solo female travelers should consider before hitting the road.
PRO TIP: To rent a car in Barcelona, you’ll need an International Driver’s License.
Driving in Spain is different from the US, with cars driving closer to each other and at faster speeds on highways.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws before taking the wheel, as you could face fines for breaking them.
While it is generally safe to drive in Spain, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes open for potential hazards. Drivers drive at faster speeds in Europe.
Check Prices with Discover Cars Here
Are Taxis Safe in Spain?
Taxis are a popular and convenient way to get around in Spain, but solo female travelers need to be aware of their risks.
While taxis can provide safe transportation, there have been reports of scams, overcharging, and incidents of harassment or assault by drivers.
To ensure safety while taking a taxi in Spain, ensure you know your destination ahead of time and that the driver is licensed and insured.
Avoid getting into unmarked taxis or those without working meters. Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe ride when traveling by taxi in Spain for the solo female traveler.
Opting for Uber or Cabify is safer and more convenient. They both have GPS tracking because they operate via app. So you know where your driver is taking you via your smartphone.
Is the National Train System Safe?
The National Train System in Spain is an efficient and economical way to travel around the country. It’s an excellent train system and the second largest in the world.
With high-speed rail lines connecting cities across the Iberian Peninsula, travelers can reach their destinations quickly and easily.
Various ticket options are available, so the solo female traveler can find a fare that fits her budget.
My two favorite ways to buy train tickets in Spain are through either Omio & Trainline. Both of these services connect directly with Spain’s Renfe booking system and offer the exact same routes/prices as Renfe with ease of use.
To use this convenient mode of transportation, simply purchase tickets online or at any major station before boarding your train.
Once aboard, you’ll enjoy some stunning views as you journey through Spain. I traveled by train and rental car when I was touring Europe. The train is a great way to see the country without having to worry about much.
Is it Safe to Drink the Water in Spain?
Fortunately, tap water in Spain is generally safe and clean and can be consumed without worry. The quality of drinking water also meets EU standards, so you can feel confident that it’s free from harmful contaminants.
However, if you’re still uncertain about drinking tap water while in Spain, then bottled mineral water may be a better option as it ensures complete safety.
4 Reasons You Should Travel Alone to Spain
1. Spain Is Lovely
Spain is an unforgettable experience for solo female travelers. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to explore the country alone.
From the beautiful beaches of Costa del Sol to the bustling city streets of Madrid, plenty of places offer unique experiences for those who take the journey by themselves.
Spain offers a safe and secure environment for solo female travelers thanks to its low crime rate and strong law enforcement presence.
2. Enjoy Tapa Culture, a Great Way to Meet Some Spanish Friends
The familiar tapa culture in Spain makes dining alone fun! Enjoy tapas like a local. Chilling at one or many of Spain’s tapa bars is another easy and inexpensive way to meet Spanish people. Sit at a bar and enjoy a drink, knowing that free tapa is coming to you.
The Spanish tapa culture offers a cheap meal and an easy way to sample Spain’s different dishes.
Andalucia is arguably the best region in Spain for tapas.
Few cities do food markets better than Madrid. In Madrid, try one of their many food markets. Sit at a long communal table; this is an excellent way for a female solo traveler in Spain to meet other travelers.
A small beer is called a caña. Try one at a local bar and sample the amazing food.
For the solo female traveler, there are plenty of cities and towns to visit near Madrid that can’t be missed.
3. It’s Easy to Meet Other Solo Female Travelers in Spain Hostels
Hostels are an excellent option for travelers looking to explore Spain and a great place to meet other solo female travelers doing the same.
Some hostels have private room options if you want to avoid sharing a room with a stranger. Even if you opt for a private room, the hostel lobby and common areas allow you to meet like-minded people from around the world and make new friends along the way.
Hostels provide a cheaper, more cost-effective accommodation alternative than hotels do.
Many hostels in Spain offer various activities and tours that allow one to meet other solo female travelers.
It’s also easy to find female-only rooms and dorms in many of the hostels throughout the country, allowing you to stay in a secure and comfortable environment while exploring Spain and trying out solo travel.
Hostel Ideas for Spain
- Yeah Hostel in Barcelona: This hostel is clean and modern, great for solo female travelers. They offer daily walking tours and pub crawls so there are many opportunities to meet people. It’s a fun hostel with a cool interior aesthetic with tons of common space, female-only dorms, and daily communal dinners.
- OK Hostel in Madrid: Located in the great neighborhood of La Latina, the OK Hostel is social and fun, with rotating nightly events like walking tours, bar crawls, and group dinners. They also offer private double rooms and a kitchen on-site if you’d like to make some of your own meals.
- The Nomad Hostel in Seville: Great for female travelers, this hostel sits in the center of Seville and offers female-only dorms and the bathrooms are super clean as well. It also boasts a sunny roof-top deck.
4. Strong Tourist Infrastructure
Spain is a great destination for solo female travelers thanks to its strong tourist infrastructure.
From the well-developed public transport systems and reliable rail networks to the abundance of hostels, hotels, and other accommodation forms, Spain offers visitors plenty of options.
Many attractions can be enjoyed without worrying about safety or security issues.
With its vibrant culture and friendly locals, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to explore the country alone.
Tours We Recommend
Here are two tours we recommended. Because they are good, they are likely to sell out. Purchasing tickets ahead of time is advised.
1. The Sagrada Familia Tour with Audio Guide
Cost: $34.74
Limited to 9 participants
Need to know: Audio tour, but doesn’t include headphones. Make sure to bring headphones and a charged smartphone.
Another Need to know: There is a dress code. No shorts, no sleeveless shirt, and no walking sticks allowed.
Visitors to Barcelona rave about this tour and make comments like “it was the highlight of our Barcelona Trip.”
Meeting point: Please enter via the “online booking” entrance on Carrer de la Marina. Please make sure to be at the entrance at the selected time to access the Basilica. Your entry will only be allowed at the selected time or up to 15 minutes afterward.
Overview: Explore Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, and discover the beautiful Basilica at your own pace. Learn about its history with an included audio guide.
To Purchase Tickets for The Sagrada Familia Audio Tour in Barcelona
2. Seville: Tapas Crawl
Cost: $73.75
Duration: 3 hours
Limited to 10 participants
Includes: 10-12 Tapas tastings, dessert, and 4-5 drinks
Need to know: Unfortunately not suitable for vegetarians.
Meeting point: Meet your guide in front of the restaurant Catalina Casa de Comidas, Plaza Padre Jerónimo de Córdoba, 12, 41003 Sevilla.
Overview: Immerse yourself in the world of Andalucian tapas with a tour of the most authentic and emblematic tapas bars in Seville. Eat and live like the locals do as you travel around various tapas bars for a unique gastronomical experience.
To Purchase Tickets to the Seville: Tapas Crawl
Spain Solo Travel Tips
Always Purchase Travel Insurance
When traveling to Spain or any foreign country, it is essential to purchase travel insurance. Spain is safe. However, emergencies can happen anywhere in the world.
As a solo traveler, you want to protect your physical and financial well-being, which means purchasing travel insurance.
On my solo trips, I use SafetyWing to cover everything. The prices for a policy are very reasonable.
SafetyWing is our number one go to for travel insurance.
A friend of mine totaled his rental car in Spain. It’s scary to have an accident in a foreign country. We highly recommend travel insurance when you travel. Because he purchased travel insurance, his hospital stay was covered. Because he rented the car using Chase Sapphire, the expense for the totaled car was entirely covered by Chase. He didn’t pay anything out of his pocket except for the travel insurance he purchased before his trip, and the annual fee Chase charges to get the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
World Nomads also has an adventure travel package that will keep you safe overseas. SafetyWing and World Nomads offer the best packages.
With the right plan, you will have access to medical care, emergency assistance services, and reimbursement for lost luggage and other expenses incurred due to a covered incident.
Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or an extended stay abroad, ensure that you have protection with comprehensive travel insurance before embarking on your journey!
More Reasons Why Visiting Spain Is So Worth It for Solo Travelers
It’s Easy on the Wallet
Spain is a great destination for solo travelers on a budget, especially when compared to other destinations in Europe and the United States.
As a broke college student, I found myself pleasantly surprised with the affordability of traveling throughout Spain. From cheap eats to free events and cultural attractions, there is plenty to do on the cheap in this beautiful country.
Spain solo travel doesn’t have to be a costly affair.
A Great Opportunity to Speak Spanish (Or at Least Some Phrases)
Learning Spanish (or at least some phrases) is a great opportunity for solo female travelers visiting Spain.
In European countries, English is widely spoken. Although, less in Spain, especially in smaller towns outside the larger cities.
Learning a bit of Spanish (I think it’s one of the easier languages to pick up) will help you navigate and communicate with locals, but it will also give you deeper insight into the country’s culture.
Whether you take classes or learn by yourself with an app like Duolingo or pick up a little book to keep with you, understanding basic words and phrases can be invaluable during your travels in Spain.
This knowledge can open up many doors and make your trip more enjoyable, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and make meaningful connections with those around you.
Take a Guided Walk or Tour
A guided walking or food tour is an excellent way for solo female travelers to explore Spain.
Not only will it provide an insight into the country’s culture, but it also offers a safe and secure way to discover new places and meet new people.
A guided tour allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn some things about the country you’re visiting.
Best Places in Spain for Solo Travel
Solo travel is a great experience. Let’s talk about some places that are great for solo female travelers.
Marbella
Marbella, Spain, is an ideal destination for solo female travelers looking to explore the beauty of the Mediterranean.
Located in Andalusia on Spain’s southern coast, Marbella offers a wealth of activities and attractions that make it perfect for solo exploration, including the amazing tapa culture.
Marbella has a vibrant beachfront promenade and a picturesque old town to stunning natural surroundings.
Whether you’re looking to relax with a stroll along the shoreline or participate in some exciting outdoor adventures, Marbella has plenty of unique experiences waiting to be discovered.
Madrid
Madrid, Spain, is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers looking to explore the culture and beauty of this vibrant city, historical buildings, and art galleries.
From its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife to its rich history and delicious cuisine, Madrid is a great place for solo female travel.
Whether you’re interested in taking in some incredible art at one of the world-renowned museums or exploring the city’s streets on foot, there are plenty of exciting things to do during your visit.
Seville
Seville, in the Andalusia region of Spain, is an ideal destination for solo female travelers looking to explore and experience a vibrant culture.
From attending traditional flamenco shows to learning how to dance it yourself at a class, plenty of activities will make your trip memorable.
Additionally, you can embark on a food tour to try all the delicious traditional Southern Spanish dishes. There’s no better place to enjoy tapa culture than Andalusia. Whether you’re looking for cultural exploration or just relaxing by the beach, Seville has something for every traveler.
Córdoba, about two hours from Seville, is considered a safe destination for female travelers. The city is well-policed and has a low crime rate. Spend one day in Córdoba, home to the world’s most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ibiza
Ibiza, Spain, offers a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement with its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and safety for visitors.
The island is known for hosting some of Europe’s best dance music clubs which provide an unforgettable experience – whether you’re looking to hit the dance floor or just want to meet people from Spain.
With its picturesque coastline and friendly locals, Ibiza provides a safe environment that makes it easy to explore on your own without worrying about personal safety. From beach days to club nights, Ibiza has something to offer the female traveler whether she wants alone time or to meet people.
Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain, is a must-see destination for travelers to Spain. Barcelona has something for everyone, from its exquisite architecture and vibrant culture to its exciting nightlife and Catalan food and drink in Barcelona.
It’s the perfect place to explore on your own or with friends, as it offers a safe environment that makes it easy for solo female travelers to navigate without worry.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure in the city or some rest at one of Barcelona’s beautiful beaches, this incredible city has something unique to offer every visitor. With its rich history and diverse landscape, Barcelona is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
One More Spain Solo Travel Tip
In case of emergency, remember the number 112. This is the emergency line you use for help from anywhere in Spain.
FAQs About Staying Safe in Spain
Is Spain Safe to Visit Right Now?
Spain remains one of Europe’s safest countries, with low crime rates and friendly locals. The Spanish government has taken great measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the country, making it an ideal location for traveling alone.
With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and rich culture, Spain offer something unique to every visitor – making it perfect for solo female travelers looking to explore on their own!
The Wrap-Up: Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers
The short answer is yes. Solo travel in Spain is one of the safest destinations.
The transport system is easy to navigate and reliable, while the tapa culture provides an excellent way to meet locals and sample delicious local dishes.
Solo female travel is an experience you will remember.
When I traveled through Europe by myself in my 20s, that time alone fed my soul and informed who I’d eventually become in an indelible way. You really get to know who you are when you face travel confidently and head-on.
Women traveling solo can eliminate safety concerns with preparation leading to an amazing Spanish solo trip. Solo travel can feed you in a way that traveling in a group or with family cannot. Make sure to visit Spain solo. It’s an experience that is well worth it.
