Safety in Spain
Spain is one of Europe's safest countries, with low violent crime rates and high quality of life. However, petty crime exists in tourist areas.
Overall Safety Rating
Rankings:
- 25th safest country globally (Global Peace Index 2025)
- 6th lowest homicide rate in EU: 0.63 per 100,000
- Among top 15 safest travel destinations
Life expectancy: 83.3 years (highest in EU reflects overall quality of life)
Crime Overview
Violent crime: Very rare
- Random violence uncommon
- Gun crime extremely rare (strict gun laws)
- Safe to walk at night in most areas
- Women generally feel safe
Petty crime: More common in tourist areas
- Pickpocketing: Main concern in Barcelona, Madrid
- Bag snatching: Metro, crowded areas
- Tourist scams: Overpriced services, fake petitions
- Theft from cars: Don't leave valuables visible
Safety by City
Barcelona (highest petty crime):
- Heavy pickpocketing in Las Ramblas, Sagrada Família, metro
- Bag snatching on beach areas
- Violent crime still very rare
- Most incidents non-confrontational theft
Madrid (safer than Barcelona):
- Less pickpocketing but still exists
- Sol, Gran Vía, tourist areas: Stay alert
- Generally very safe city
Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga: Very safe
- Less tourist crime
- Low violent crime
- Comfortable at all hours
Smaller cities: Extremely safe
- Very low crime rates
- Strong community feel
Protecting Yourself from Petty Crime
Pickpocket prevention:
- Front pockets only or crossbody bag
- Money belt for passport, cards
- Don't leave phones on tables
- Extra vigilant on crowded metro
- Backpacks in front on public transit
Common scams to avoid:
- Distraction technique (bird poop, fake petition)
- Overpriced tourist menus (check prices first)
- Fake flamenco ticket sellers
- ATM skimming (use bank ATMs inside)
Emergency Services
Emergency numbers:
- 112: Universal emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 091: National police
- 092: Local police
- 061: Medical emergencies
Police types:
- Policía Nacional: National crimes, immigration
- Policía Local/Municipal: Local issues, traffic
- Guardia Civil: Rural areas, highways, borders
- Mossos d'Esquadra: Catalunya regional police
- Ertzaintza: Basque Country police
Healthcare and Safety
Medical emergencies: Call 112 or 061
Hospitals: Excellent trauma care
Pharmacies: Can help with minor issues
Terrorism Risk
Low risk:
- Last major attack: Barcelona 2017
- Enhanced security at tourist sites
- Generally very vigilant
Natural Disaster Risks
Low overall:
- Earthquakes: Rare, usually minor
- Flooding: Occasional in certain regions
- Wildfires: Summer risk in dry areas
- Snowstorms: Winter in mountains
Road Safety
Traffic accidents:
- Spain has good road safety record
- Speed cameras common
- Drunk driving: 0.05% limit, strictly enforced
- Wear seatbelts always
Safety for Specific Groups
Women: Very safe
- Can walk alone at night in most areas
- Harassment less common than many countries
- Use common sense in deserted areas late night
LGBTQ+: Very safe and accepting
- Same-sex marriage legal since 2005
- Major Pride celebrations (Madrid, Barcelona)
- Generally progressive attitudes
- Chueca (Madrid) and Gaixample (Barcelona): LGBTQ+ neighborhoods
Families: Extremely safe
- Child-friendly culture
- Low crime against children
- Parks and playgrounds well-maintained
Reporting Crime
If victim of crime:
- Call 112 immediately if emergency
- Report at police station (Comisaría)
- Get police report (denuncia) - needed for insurance
- Contact embassy if passport stolen
- Cancel cards immediately if wallet stolen
English-speaking police: Available in major cities, tourist areas
Pro Tips
- •Barcelona pickpockets are professionals—keep valuables in front pockets
- •Use ATMs inside banks to avoid skimming devices
- •Get police report (denuncia) immediately if robbed—needed for insurance
- •Download offline maps—don't look like tourist staring at phone
- •Spain is very safe overall—don't let pickpocket warnings scare you
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