Is Spain dangerous for tourists?
If you are planning a trip to Spain, you may be wondering how safe it is for tourists. To answer this question, let’s look at some data from the Vision of Humanity. VoH is powered by research, data, and analysis by the world-renowned think tank, the Institute for Economics & Peace. The Institute for Economics and Peace put out a measure called the Global Peace Index.
The GPI is a “report [that] covers 99.7 percent of the world’s population and uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources”. The factors taken into consideration are: ‘ongoing conflict’, ‘safety and security’, and ‘militarisation’. In other words, it ranks how safe a country is overall (for tourists and citizens).
Countries are graded on safety and ranked. Spain ranks number 38 out of 163 countries in the 2020 index (25th out of 36 countries in Europe). This is relatively low – in other words, only 37 countries in the world are considered safer than Spain, and 125 as considered less safe than Spain.
Locals are quite proud of their history and culture, and they are usually happy to show off their country and traditions to tourists.
There are still some safety concerns for tourists in Spain.
This is congruent with my personal experience traveling in Spain. I never once felt physically unsafe, including wandering around late at night in some cities. That said, there are definitely areas that you might want to avoid, particularly at certain times of day, and especially if you are unfamiliar with the local customs. You can ask a hotel concierge or another trusted local to give you the rundown if you’re uncertain.
If you are wondering about traveling in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of State offers a travel advisory that includes details about coronavirus, terrorism, civil unrest, and other topics.
Frequently asked questions about safety in Spain
Is Spain safe to visit?
As a general rule, Spain is considered a safe place for tourists to travel. It is definitely advisable to travel with someone who knows local customs if possible, and to educate yourself on how to follow the instructions of local authorities. You should always remain cognizant of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations, and take care to avoid crowded public venues or demonstrations.
If you have more specific questions about the current state of affairs, you can review the full Travel.State.Gov Crime and Safety Report for Spain.
What is the most dangerous city in Spain?
Madrid is the most dangerous city in Spain – primarily because it is Spain’s capital and the largest city in the country. Still, the murder rate is about thirty times lower than it is in Chicago, so it’s still a relatively safe place to live and visit. According to the U.s. Department of State, increased caution is also advisable in Barcelona and Catalonia, due to occasional demonstrations. Some of these demonstrations have become violent and led to fires and vandalism. Read their full contingency plan for emergency situations.
Is pickpocketing common in Spain?
While violent crime is very rare in Spain, petty crime like pickpocketing is seemingly always on the rise. This is particularly true in tourist areas, where visitors are distracted by sightseeing. Be cautious, because pickpocketing is not always the discrete sleight of hand that most of us envision. Sometimes it involves elaborate distractions such as spilling something on you, asking for help or directions, or another ruse. That all being said, most Spaniards are friendly and open to helping tourists.
What are some safety tips for traveling to Spain?
To stay safe as a tourist in Spain, follow these general tips:
- If you are going to withdraw money from an ATM, do it in a bank lobby. Avoid ATMs on the sidewalks, which are sometimes targets for petty criminals to run and grab the cash out of the machine before you are able to.
- If a person offers you a flower or rosemary, politely decline. Even if they are insistent, walk right past them and do not accept it. They will either try to extort money out of you, or pickpocket you while you are distracted.
- Keep your cash and important documents on your body rather than in a shoulder bag. Crooks have been known to cut the straps with scissors in order to make a fast getaway.
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle.
- Keep a close eye on your bags at all times, but particularly if you are in a crowded area or an area known to be a tourist destination.
- Keep a close eye on your drinks, and don’t get too drunk when you are going out.
- Lock your hotel room and use the room safe if one is available – this should go without saying.
- Real police officers won’t ask to see your ID for no apparent reason – but crooks looking to snatch your stuff will.
- Try to blend in – in other words, don’t look like a clueless tourist with more money than sense!
- Wear a money belt. It may feel dorky, but it’s way better than losing your cash, credit cards, or passport, which will really ruin your trip. Nobody will see it most of the time, anyways. If that’s not your style, hideen zipper scarfs are pretty cool.
- Do not walk around on your cell phone. Mobile phones are a common target of theft.
How do you call the police in Spain?
The emergency number in Spain is 112, not 911.
Do the police in Spain speak English?
Not all police in Spain will speak English. But, most major police stations will have a dedicated English interpreter.
Due to the abundance of attractions – festivals, theme parks, museums, parks, ski resorts, and more – tourism is the third biggest economic driver in Spain. And of the 82 million tourists in 2017, 19 million of them were British. American tourists and study abroad students make up a large portion as well. So it makes sense that the police would need to understand English.
Is Spain safe to travel alone?
We’re going to say maybe here, as long as you know what you are doing, are an experienced traveler, learn some Spanish ahead of time, and are not getting too drunk. That being said, it’s always a good idea to travel with a buddy, and never go down any streets where you will truly be alone. Unfortunately, there are also inherently more risk to traveling anywhere if you are a woman. If you can’t find someone who wants to travel with you, join a tour. It’s not as dorky as it sounds, they often involve food and pub crawls, and you get the benefit of a local showing you around.
Is Spain a family-friendly tourist destination?
Spain is an extremely popular family holiday destination, particularly for Germans and Brits. Consequently, Spain is very safe for families. Keep in mind that Spain is a late culture, though, so many restaurants don’t even open to serve you until after your kid’s bedtime. So, bring snacks or plan accordingly to avoid this. There are even a ton of resorts or family-run guesthouses that cater specifically to traveling families.
Do I need travel insurance for Spain?
Travel insurance can be a lifesaver for everything from overseas medical care to canceled flights. It is recommended that you invest in a travel insurance policy to avoid mishaps ruining your trip.
Is it safe to drive in Spain?
Yes, it is safe to drive in Spain. We have a full article on tips for driving safely in Spain.
Is tapwater safe in Spain?
According to TappWater, 99.5% of all public tap water in Spain is safe to drink. This was not always true, but Spain has made massive improvements in its public infrastructure over the last few years. You can browse their site for detailed information on specific locales and zip codes.
Last but not least, remember that siesta occurs during the afternoons around 2-5pm in Spain. It may be harder to get things you need from the grocery, pharmacy, etc., so be sure to plan ahead. If you want to prepare yourself for traveling safely in Spain ahead of time, we strongly recommend learning a couple of Spanish travel phrases. The best way to familiarize yourself with key Spanish vocabulary is with one of these best Spanish language learning apps.
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