Is Spain safer than your home country or the alternatives?

Key rules

• Violent crime: Spain's murder rate is low, around 0.6 to 0.7 per 100,000 people.
• Main risk: Petty theft in busy tourist areas, metros and beaches is the risk you are most likely to meet.
• Night safety: Roughly 70 to 80 percent of people in Spain feel safe walking alone at night.

The short answer

Spain is safe for daily life. Violent crime is low. The risk you are most likely to meet is petty theft, mostly in tourist areas.

Violent crime is low

Spain's murder rate is around 0.6 to 0.7 per 100,000 people. That is below or near the EU average, which is roughly 0.8 to 1. It is well below the US. Recorded violent crime is lower than in several comparable countries, such as France, Sweden or the UK.

Countries count crime in different ways, so treat these comparisons as a general picture, not an exact ranking.

Petty theft in tourist areas

Pickpocketing and bag theft are the most common crimes that affect visitors. They happen most in busy places in Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga. They also happen in the Balearic and Canary Islands, on metros and on crowded beaches. Official figures show theft and online fraud rising, while violent crime stays low.

Foreign governments advise care about theft and scams. They do not warn of a serious general risk. The warning box below lists the main tricks to watch for.

How safe people feel

Roughly 70 to 80 percent of people in Spain say they feel safe walking alone at night. That is above the average for rich countries and similar to or above France, Italy and the UK. It is below the Nordic countries and Switzerland. Exact percentages change from one survey year to the next.

What this means for you

• Expect to feel as safe as in most Western European cities.
• Keep phones and wallets out of reach in crowds, on public transport and at the beach.
• Be more careful in the places named above, and with online deals such as rentals.

The FAQ below answers common questions on murder rates, night walking and pickpocketing hotspots.

What to watch out for

• Pickpocketing and bag snatching: Theft is the most common crime affecting visitors, especially in busy areas, metros and beaches in Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and the islands. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, keep phones out of sight, and never leave belongings unattended on the beach.

• Distraction scams and drink spiking: Thieves often work in pairs, with one person distracting you while another takes your things. Drinks left unattended can also be spiked. Be wary of strangers who crowd you or ask for help, and keep your drink in your hand.

• Rental and online scams: Fraud and cybercrime are rising, and fake rental listings and online scams are a common way to lose money. Never pay a deposit before seeing the home or checking the owner's identity, and avoid paying by untraceable transfer.

Frequently asked questions

How does Spain's murder rate compare with the rest of Europe?

Spain's intentional homicide rate is around 0.6 to 0.7 per 100,000 people, which is below or near the EU average of roughly 0.8 to 1. It is also well below the US rate.

Which places in Spain have the most pickpocketing?

Pickpocketing is most common in busy areas of Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga, and in busy parts of the Balearic and Canary Islands. Metros and beaches are typical spots.