Women travellers
Spain for women travellers
Spain is one of Europe's easiest countries for women travelling alone. The FCDO says attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur, mostly in nightlife resorts. Spain also has strong laws on consent and gender-based violence.
- No specific FCDO warning
- Warnings of assault or harassment
- Extra care
- Restrictive laws or dress codes
Streets in Spanish cities stay busy until well after midnight, which makes walking home feel safer than in many UK towns. Most problems happen in the party resorts of Mallorca, Ibiza and the Costas, often after heavy drinking.
Where to take more care
- Cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia)No specific FCDO warning
Busy streets late at night. Pickpocketing is the main issue.
- Magaluf, San Antonio, Benidorm and the party stripsWarnings of assault or harassment
Drink spiking and assaults are reported. Stick with friends.
- Rural Spain and the CaminoNo specific FCDO warning
Thousands of women walk the Camino de Santiago alone each year. Tell someone your plans on remote stretches.
Getting home after a night out
Use licensed taxis (white with a red stripe in Madrid, black and yellow in Barcelona) or ride apps, and avoid unlicensed drivers outside clubs. Save your hotel's location before you go out.
Before you go
- Spain's 'Only yes means yes' law makes consent explicit. Report any assault to the police on 112 or 016, the gender-violence helpline.
- Many bars display a 'Punto Violeta' sign: staff there are trained to help women who feel unsafe.
- Topless sunbathing is normal on most beaches, but cover up away from the seafront.
Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Spain
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