Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers? If you are at this page, there are very high chances that you are a female and you want to understand if Portugal is a safe place for female tourists. The good news is: Yes, Portugal is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers!
About safety of Solo female travelers in Portugal
Let us dig into more details to understand if Portugal is actually safe for solo female travelers or not. We will try to cover Portugal in various aspects:
Cultural aspects of Portugal in respect to females?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender Equality | Portugal has made significant progress in gender equality, but traditional roles still influence some aspects of society, especially in rural areas. However, a tourist might not even get to witness it at all. |
| Dress Code | Portugal has a relaxed but modest dress culture for women. In cities like Lisbon and Porto, women dress stylishly but conservatively. Beachwear is common in coastal areas, but topless sunbathing is not widely practiced except in specific nude beaches. |
| Social Interactions | Portuguese people are warm and friendly. Greetings often involve a kiss on both cheeks (especially between women or a man and a woman), but a handshake is common in professional settings. |
| Nightlife for Women | Portugal has a lively nightlife, and it is common for women to go out with friends. Most bars and clubs are safe, but standard precautions should be taken, such as watching drinks and avoiding unlit areas when walking alone. |
| Public Safety | Street harassment is rare compared to some other European countries, but some women may experience occasional catcalling, especially in tourist areas. Most Portuguese men are respectful toward women. |
| Religious Influence | Portugal is predominantly Catholic, but society is secular. |
| Female Solo Travel | Women traveling alone generally find Portugal safe. Hostels and boutique hotels cater specifically to solo female travelers, and public transport is well-maintained. Late-night transport is also considered safer than in many other countries. |
Data we could gather, about crime against women in Portugal
| Crime Type | Statistics | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 16,397 female victims | 2022 | Women accounted for 83% of victims in intimate partner violence cases. (EIGE) |
| Domestic Violence Convictions | 4,141 convictions (out of 30,461 reports) | 2023 | Only 13% of reported cases led to convictions. (AMAN Alliance) |
| Femicide (Intimate Partner Homicide) | 83% of victims were women | 2014-2022 | The majority of intimate partner homicide victims were female. (EIGE) |
| Femicide (Domestic Violence Homicides) | 15 women killed | Jan–Sept 2024 | Homicides linked to domestic violence. (PST Portugal) |
| Sexual Violence (Reported Rape Cases) | 250 cases | 2022 | 92% of rape victims were women. (EIGE) |
| Sexual Harassment (Camino de Santiago) | 9 reported cases | Last 5 years | Reports of stalking and unwanted advances on the pilgrimage route. (The Guardian) |
| Reports to Support Services | 15,000 cases | First half of 2024 | Domestic violence reports filed with the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV). (PST Portugal) |
The data indicates that most of the crimes against women are reported under domestic violence. As per our research, there are no or very few crimes reported against female solo travelers. In this data we have excluded petty thefts or accidental cases.
How a female solo traveler ensure safety while in Portugal
- Choose well-reviewed accommodations in safe neighborhoods when in Portugal
- Stick to well-lit, busy streets at night and avoid remote areas after dark.
- Keep your belongings secure in crowded places, like markets, train stations, or public transport, and use anti-theft bags.
- Stay alert and avoid being distracted by your phone or maps, especially in busy tourist areas.
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or secluded areas, particularly late at night.
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases, especially emergency numbers (112 for general emergencies), to feel more confident.
- Share your itinerary and check in regularly with someone you trust, especially when visiting new places.
- Use trusted ride services like Uber or registered taxis instead of hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers.
- Stay cautious when meeting new people and be mindful of your privacy.
- Make sure your phone is always charged, and have a power bank handy in case of emergencies.
- Stay in touch with fellow travelers or local women for advice and support during your trip.
Portugal governments initiative for tourist safety in Portugal
- Portugal has a dedicated tourist police force (Polícia de Segurança Pública – PSP) that patrols major tourist areas and provides assistance to tourists.
- The government ensures popular tourist areas are well-lit and secure, with CCTV cameras monitoring public spaces to deter crime.
- The “Portugal, Safe Destination” campaign promotes the country as a safe place for tourists, offering tips on staying safe and providing emergency service information.
- Tourist information centers are available throughout Portugal, offering support and guidance, as well as helping tourists report incidents or find nearby medical and police services.
- Portugal encourages visitors to use the European emergency number, 112, for quick access to police, medical, and fire services.
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