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Is Portugal safe for tourists? Here are some statistics on safety in Portugal

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Is Portugal Safe? Here are some safety in Portugal

Traveling abroad can be daunting, and if you’ve never been to Portugal before, you might be wondering: is Portugal safe? If you’re planning to visit places like Lisbon, Porto, or the beautiful Algarve, it’s understandable that you’re worried about the safety of yourself and your fellow travelers. In this article, we’ll go over some general safety statistics in Portugal, so you have a better idea of what to expect on your trip!

Portugal is generally a safe country for tourists, with a relatively low crime rate compared to many other European countries. According to the Global Peace Index As of 2022, Portugal is ranked 6th among the most peaceful countries in the world. That is not surprising.

According to the Crime & Safety Index meter Portugal scores a 69.4 for Safety, where the UK scores a 53.5, which puts them respectively at position 112 and 68 of “most criminal countries”. At 1 is Venezuela, but fortunately that is far away from Portugal.

According to Travel Risk Map Portugal is just as safe as the UK.

Hopefully all these figures will help to reassure you about staying safe during your stay in Portugal!

Safety risks in Portugal

However, as in any country, there are some safety risks that travelers should be aware of. In the tourist areas, especially in the big cities, there can be pickpockets and thieves, so keep an eye on your belongings and be alert in crowded public areas. It is also advisable to be careful at night and only travel in well-lit, crowded areas. Basically the same as in the UK.

If you are visiting the Algarve, there are a few other specific safety risks to be aware of. For example, the beaches can get busy in the summer and unfortunately there have been reports of theft when people leave their belongings unattended while swimming. Make sure you always keep an eye on your valuables or take them with you when you go into the water. It is also important to remember that the weather in the Algarve can get very hot, so make sure you drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun to avoid dehydration or sunburn.

Road safety in Portugal

According to a (Dutch) blog from 2022 on Independer, Portugal is in the top 3 of Europe for the most road accidents per capita.

Austria (42.8 victims per 10,000 inhabitants)
Germany (39.7 victims per 10,000 inhabitants)
Portugal (33.5 victims per 10,000 inhabitants)
Belgium (32.2 victims per 10,000 inhabitants)
Turkey and Slovenia (27.6 victims per 10,000 inhabitants)

Portugal’s high rate of road accidents can be attributed to several factors, including its challenging mountainous terrain, particularly in the north, and many narrow, winding roads in rural areas. The combination of modern highways with older local roads that may lack proper maintenance or clear signage can catch visitors off guard.

Cultural factors also play a role, as Portuguese drivers are known for aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating and frequent lane changes. For travelers seeking to stay safe on Portuguese roads, several precautions are essential. First, always maintain a defensive driving approach and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, particularly regarding roundabouts, which are common in Portugal. Avoid driving at night in rural areas where roads may be poorly lit and wildlife crossings are common. Stay especially vigilant in urban areas where narrow streets often accommodate both cars and trams. The latter you’ll only find in Lisbon and Porto though.

From my own experience, speeding seems to be an issue, as well as poorly maintained cars suddenly breaking down. Every time when I drive from Lagos towards Faro and back, I see at least 1 or 2 broken down cars on the side of the road. Another problem with those poorly maintained cars is that they leak fluids, which will make the roads slippery when the rain falls after a long warm summer. Last but not least, I see a lot of wrong usage of double-lane roundabouts. The rule is that if there are two lanes, you use the right line if you plan on taking the first exit, and use the left lane if you use any other exit (and switch lane just before your turnoff).

Tips for a safe trip to Portugal

Although Portugal is considered a relatively safe country, here are 6 precautions you can take as a traveler to protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim of crime:

Keep your valuables out of sight: This means not leaving your wallet, passport, phone, camera, and other valuables in public places. Use a money belt or security bag to keep your valuables close to you.
Avoid remote areas: Although most tourist destinations in Portugal are safe, it is wise to exercise caution when exploring lesser-known or remote areas, especially at night. Not all remote areas have good phone reception.
Be aware of pickpockets: Pickpockets are common in most major cities in Portugal. Keep your wallet and other valuables close to you and keep your bag closed and visible.
Take only registered taxis: Avoid taking unmarked taxis or taxis that look dodgy. Try to look for official taxis with a clear marking and a license number.
Respect local customs: Respect local customs and practices to avoid conflict. Dress appropriately in churches and other religious places and avoid behavior that could be considered offensive.
Keep up to date with local news: It is wise to keep up to date with local news and government travel advice, especially in the event of natural disasters or political unrest. I personally use the English Facebook page of Safe Communities Portugal to stay informed about current events.

In short, with a little common sense you don’t have to worry

Wherever you go, it’s always important to be careful and use your common sense. Trust your instincts and take precautions, such as putting valuables in a safe place and avoiding secluded areas at night. Make sure you have enough brain power to find your way back to your hotel after a party, and if you’re going out at night, walk together.

All in all, Portugal is a safe country for tourists, so don’t let that stop you from visiting this beautiful country and enjoying all it has to offer!