Spain, a country that attracts millions of tourists annually with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, is also a popular destination for people looking to relocate abroad. A central aspect when planning a trip or a move is the question of safety. This article examines the safety of Spain in a global comparison, analyzes the safest cities in the country, and provides practical tips for a safe stay.
Spain in Global Safety Comparison: Facts and Figures
The assessment of a country’s safety can vary depending on the index used and the underlying criteria. The Numbeo Safety Index, for example, declared Andorra, the small principality between Spain and France, the safest country in the world. Spain fared worse in this ranking than Israel but surpassed countries like the USA and the UK. This discrepancy highlights that user-based indices like Numbeo can reflect subjective perceptions.
In contrast, the 2020 Global Peace Index positions Spain significantly higher in terms of safety and peace. Among 163 countries, Spain ranked 38th, performing considerably better than the USA and the UK. This index considers a broader range of factors, including the extent of violence and crime, the presence of conflicts, and the degree of militarization.
Another perspective is offered by the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Ranking for 2025, which ranks Spain 12th among the safest travel countries worldwide. Notably, Spain has improved in this ranking, thus underscoring its attractiveness for safety-conscious travelers. Expat Insider also saw Spain in 24th place worldwide in terms of safety in 2023, which confirms the positive perception by foreigners living in the country.
Official data from the United Nations (UNODC) highlights Spain’s low crime rate in a European comparison. The country is considered the sixth safest worldwide and the fourth safest in the European Union. This assessment is supported by Spain’s generally lower crime rate compared to most other European countries. For example, the homicide rate in Spain is lower than the OECD average. However, comparisons within the EU show that Spain has a higher rate of robberies , while the rates for burglary and theft were below the EU average in the period 2020-2021.
Tourists visiting Spain often describe it as multicultural, tolerant, open, and safe. The country’s high social equality and positive values regarding LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and the acceptance of diverse populations also contribute to a feeling of safety.
To better illustrate the different assessments of Spain’s safety, the following table may be helpful:
| Index Name | Year of Assessment | Spain’s Ranking | Total Number of Countries/Regions Rated | Important Comparison Countries (e.g., Germany, USA, UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbeo Safety Index | Current | Worse than 34th | Worldwide | Israel (34th), Germany (36th), USA (89th), UK (87th) |
| Global Peace Index | 2020 | 38th | 163 | USA (121st), UK (45th) |
| Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection | 2025 | 12th | Top 15 Safest Travel Countries | Iceland (1st), Australia (2nd), Canada (3rd) |
| Expat Insider | 2023 | 24th | Worldwide | Germany (19th), Canada (18th) |
| UNODC (Crime Rates) | Current | 6th (worldwide) | Worldwide | |
| UNODC (Crime Rates within the EU) | Current | 4th | EU |
This table illustrates that Spain is rated as a safe country by various organizations and based on different criteria, generally performing better than many other popular travel destinations.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Spain: A Detailed Analysis
Several sources identify specific cities in Spain that are considered particularly safe for residents and visitors. According to Euro Weekly News, the top 5 safest cities for expats include:
- Albacete: This city is ranked as the safest in Spain by the Spanish Association of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies (UNESPA) due to its low number of robberies, fires, and traffic accidents per capita.
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna: This city in Tenerife, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial charm, is valued for its peaceful atmosphere and respectful residents.
- Palencia: With fewer than 80,000 inhabitants, Palencia has high safety and a low number of traffic accidents. The city is pedestrian-friendly and close to natural parks.
- Ourense: The residents of Ourense in Galicia are considered calm and helpful. The city is known for its thermal springs and offers safe residential areas such as Couto, Lagunas, and Puente.
- Pontevedra: Also located in Galicia, this coastal city is called “Boa Vila” (good city) due to its historical hospitality. It is particularly safe for children and commuters, as it has many pedestrian zones and a well-developed metro system. Furthermore, there have been no fatal traffic accidents for over ten years.
In addition to these top 5, other sources mention further cities as very safe:
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: This city is considered one of the ten safest cities in Spain due to its high safety standards, which are maintained due to tourism.
- San Sebastián: This elegant coastal city in the Basque Country is often highlighted as one of the safest cities in Spain, especially for tourists, and was recently named one of the best cities in the world to visit in 2024.
- Zaragoza: The capital of the Aragon region also ranks among the ten safest cities for expats. The regulated speed limits lead to a low number of traffic accidents.
- Arona: This city in the south of Tenerife is characterized by a low number of fire accidents.
- Orihuela: Located in the province of Alicante, Orihuela offers a safe environment with a diverse population and a low risk of arbitrary attacks. The Spanish healthcare system in Orihuela is also of a high standard.
- Oviedo: Located in northern Spain, Oviedo is mentioned as one of the safest cities in the country with a high quality of life.
- Granada: This Andalusian city is highlighted as the safest city for expats in Spain. Visitors can safely explore the city and its tapas culture day and night.
- Murcia: As a university city in southeastern Spain, Murcia is considered the second safest place for expats.
- Majorca (Mallorca): This Balearic island is a popular tourist destination and is considered the fourth safest place for expats in Spain. Safety is also ensured in more remote areas.
- Málaga: This port city on the Costa del Sol is named as the third safest city in Andalusia.
- Seville (Sevilla): The capital of Andalusia ranks fifth among the safest cities for expats. Even nighttime walks are considered not risky here with some caution.
- Madrid: Although a capital city, Madrid is described as very safe by some sources, especially regarding violent crime. However, caution against pickpockets is advised here, as in other large cities.
- Lanzarote and Gran Canaria: These islands are also mentioned as safe travel destinations, with Gran Canaria considered particularly safe due to its remote location.
The following table summarizes the safety assessments of some of the mentioned cities and compares their crime indices (based on Numbeo data), where available:
| City | Reasons for Safety | Numbeo Crime Index (2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albacete | Low number of robberies, fires, and traffic accidents | Not available | Safest city in Spain according to UNESPA. |
| San Sebastián | High safety for tourists and women, low violent crime | 29.5 | Cybercrime is a problem. |
| Palencia | High safety, few traffic accidents, pedestrian-friendly | Not available | Safety index 37% higher than the Spanish average. |
| Ourense | Calm and helpful residents, safe residential areas | Not available | |
| Pontevedra | Pedestrian-friendly, low noise pollution, no traffic fatalities for over ten years | Not available | “Boa Vila” (good city). |
| Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | High safety standards due to tourism, ranks among the ten safest and least dangerous cities in Spain | Not available | |
| Zaragoza | Regulated speed limits, low number of traffic accidents | Not available | |
| Arona | Low number of fire accidents | Not available | |
| Orihuela | Low risk of arbitrary attacks, high level of healthcare | Not available | Caution advised in large crowds and with strong sea currents. |
| Oviedo | High quality of life, considered one of the safest cities in Spain | Not available | |
| Granada | Very safe for expats, exploration possible day and night | Not available | |
| Murcia | Second safest place for expats | Not available | |
| Majorca (Mallorca) | Safe for expats, even in more remote areas | Not available | |
| Málaga | Third safest city in Andalusia | 29.3 | |
| Seville (Sevilla) | Fifth safest city for expats, nighttime walks possible with caution | 32.0 | |
| Madrid | One of the lowest crime indices among major Spanish cities, but caution advised regarding pickpocketing | 27.4 | |
| Valencia | Generally considered safe, very safe during the day, safe at night, crime index lower than in Barcelona and Madrid | 31.5 | Increase in crime rate in 2021, but still perceived as safe. |
| Barcelona | Higher crime index compared to other large cities, especially regarding petty crime and property offenses, but still many safe areas for tourists | 51.8 | High tourist numbers and traffic can lead to more opportunities for criminals. |
This overview shows that Spain offers a variety of cities known for their high safety, both for visitors and for people who want to live there.
Crime in Spain: What to Watch Out For
Although Spain is generally considered safe, there are certain types of crime that travelers and residents should be aware of. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is particularly common in larger cities and during peak travel times, festivals, and weekends. Thieves often work alone or in groups and use various distraction techniques to get to their victims’ valuables.
In Madrid, thieves are particularly active at Atocha train station, Gran Vía, Plaza Cibeles, Puerta del Sol, Retiro Park, and the metro. In Barcelona, thefts frequently occur on Barceloneta Beach, El-Prat Airport, Park Güell, Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça de Catalunya, Sagrada Família, and Sants train station, as well as the metro. Other tourist centers and public transport are also places where caution is advised.
Theft from vehicles is also a problem, especially in coastal regions and at rest stops on highways. Burglaries in homes and vacation apartments occur in larger cities and coastal areas.
Violent crimes are rare in Spain but do occur. Travelers should also be aware of the ongoing threat of terrorism. The national terrorism warning level for Spain is “high,” and attacks can occur at any time and without warning.
Organized crime exists in Spain but generally affects tourists less. However, Spain is a major entry point for drugs into the European Union. An increasing problem is cybercrime, especially in cities like Barcelona.
Particular caution is advised at major events, religious holidays, and other public celebrations, as these could be targeted by terrorists.
Practical Safety Tips for Your Stay in Spain
To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime, travelers and residents in Spain should observe some basic safety tips:
- Be aware and use your common sense.
- Keep valuables safe and do not display them openly.
- Do not carry all your valuables in one place.
- Make copies of important documents and keep them separate from the originals.
- Never leave your luggage unattended, not even in hotels or at train stations.
- Prefer well-lit and busy streets, especially at night.
To protect yourself from pickpockets, it is advisable to be particularly attentive in crowds and on public transport. Wear backpacks in front in crowded areas and store valuables in inside pockets. Handbags should always be closed and carried close to the body.
Be careful when approached by strangers who unexpectedly offer help or try to distract you. Be skeptical of seemingly free offers. When taking a taxi, make sure the meter is running , and tickets for attractions should only be purchased from official sales points. In restaurants, it is advisable to check the prices on the menu and carefully review the bill. Be cautious of people posing as police officers – if in doubt, ask for identification or request a uniformed officer.
In traffic, be aware of staged accidents. Do not leave valuables in the car and use secure parking facilities.
At night, avoid walking alone in unlit areas. Do not leave your drinks unattended in bars and clubs to avoid the risk of “date rape drugs”.
Avoid demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities.
When using ATMs, prefer secure ATMs in banks or shops and cover the PIN entry.
The general emergency number in Spain is 112. The free mobile app AlertCops enables direct and discreet communication with the Spanish security forces if you witness or become a victim of a crime.
The Current Safety Situation in Spain: Important Information for Travelers
The current safety situation in Spain is shaped by two main factors: the ongoing terrorism warning and recent infrastructure problems. The national terrorism alert level remains “high,” meaning the likelihood of attacks continues to exist. Travelers should be aware of potential threats, be vigilant in public areas, and follow media reports.
In April 2025, a large-scale power outage occurred, affecting large parts of Spain, including the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona. This led to disruptions in traffic and various services. Although power has mostly been restored, the cause of the outage is still under investigation, with a cyberattack not being ruled out. This event underscores that infrastructure problems can also affect safety and daily life.
Demonstrations and protests take place regularly in Spain and can occasionally become violent, especially in Catalonia, including Barcelona. Travelers should avoid being near demonstrations, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for current information.
Conclusion: Spain – A Safe and Livable Country with Some Precautions
In summary, Spain is generally a safe country for tourists and expats. International rankings and official crime statistics confirm this in comparison to many other countries. There are a variety of cities in Spain that are characterized by particularly high safety. However, as in any other country, there are certain risks in Spain, especially regarding petty crime in tourist centers. The ongoing threat of terrorism also requires a certain level of vigilance.
By observing the mentioned safety tips and staying informed about the current situation, travelers and residents can enjoy their stay in Spain safely and without worry. Spain thus remains an attractive destination for anyone looking for a safe and livable country with plenty of culture and quality of life.