Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Ranked 7th globally and 5th in Europe by the 2024 Global Peace Index, Portugal consistently earns its place among the world’s most peaceful and secure nations.
When most travelers think about visiting Europe, safety is always a priority. The good news? Portugal is not just one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
It is also one of the safest countries on Earth. Whether you are a solo traveler exploring Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, a family embarking on a cultural journey through Sintra, or a corporate group joining a team-building experience, Portugal offers something rare: the freedom to explore without worry.
This is not just perception or traveler folklore. Year after year, independent global indexes, government advisories, and travel safety organizations confirm Portugal’s exceptional standing when it comes to personal safety, political stability, and low crime rates. Let’s explore exactly why Portugal has earned its reputation as one of the world’s safest destinations, backed by data, independent sources, and the experiences of millions of international visitors.
What the numbers say: Portugal in Global Safety rankings
The most widely cited measure of national safety and peace is the Global Peace Index (GPI), produced annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The GPI evaluates 163 countries across 23 indicators, including the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization.
In the 2025 Global Peace Index, Portugal ranked 7th globally and 5th in Europe, placing it above countries like Denmark, Canada, Japan, and Australia. This is not a one-year anomaly. Portugal has consistently ranked in the top 10 for over a decade, making it one of the most stable safety performers in the world.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Safe Cities Index, which measures safety across dimensions like personal security, health security, infrastructure safety, and digital security, also consistently places Lisbon among Europe’s top-performing capitals for safety. This matters particularly for travelers on a private tour of Lisbon, where concerns about pickpocketing, street crime, and civil unrest tend to be highest in urban environments.
Additionally, the United States Department of State currently assigns Portugal a Level 1 Travel Advisory, the highest possible safety rating, meaning travelers are advised simply to exercise normal precautions. Similarly, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Australia’s Smartraveller platform rate Portugal as a standard-risk destination, with no heightened warnings for any region.
Portugal’s excellent safety reputation is strongly supported by its consistently low crime statistics. According to Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, Portugal records one of the lowest intentional homicide rates in the European Union, hovering around 0.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the EU average of around 1.2. For context, many popular tourist destinations in Europe record significantly higher rates.
Petty theft and pickpocketing do occur in Lisbon and Porto, particularly in busy areas like Alfama and Baixa. However, violent crime directed at tourists remains extremely rare. The Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) and Public Security Police (PSP) maintain a visible and effective presence in tourist areas, and dedicated tourist police units in Lisbon help visitors who need assistance.
Interpol and Europol reports consistently place Portugal among the European nations with the lowest incidence of organized crime affecting everyday civilians, and gang-related violence, a concern in several other Western European countries, is comparatively minimal.
One of the key pillars of Portugal’s safety reputation is the country’s deep political stability. Since the Carnation Revolution of 1974 ended decades of dictatorship and established democracy, Portugal has maintained a remarkably stable democratic system. Elections are free, fair, and peaceful, and transitions of power are smooth and orderly, a fact recognized internationally.
The Fund for Peace’s Fragile States Index, which assesses countries on indicators like state legitimacy, human rights, economic decline, and security apparatus functionality, consistently ranks Portugal among the most stable nations in the world. In the 2023 edition, Portugal scored in the ‘Sustainable’ category, one of only a handful of countries globally to achieve this designation.
Portugal is also a founding member of NATO and an active member of the European Union, both institutions that underpin its security commitments and geopolitical stability. There are no active armed conflicts, territorial disputes, or significant internal security threats affecting visitors.
Portugal is safe for all types of Travelers
Part of what makes Portugal stand out is not just the statistics, but how safe different groups of travelers consistently report feeling.
Solo Travelers and Women
Portugal ranks as one of the top destinations in Europe for solo female travelers. Surveys by platforms such as Solo Female Traveler and Condé Nast Traveler repeatedly place Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, at the top of lists for women traveling alone.
The combination of low violent crime, friendly locals, well-lit public spaces, and a strong café culture makes Portugal especially welcoming. A small-group tour in Portugal is also a great option for solo travelers who want the security of exploring with others while still enjoying a personal, intimate experience.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Portugal is widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. It was one of the first countries in Europe to legalize same-sex marriage (2010) and has comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. Lisbon’s Pride celebrations attract hundreds of thousands of participants, and the city regularly features in global lists of the most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Families and Senior Travelers
The low violent crime rate, excellent public healthcare infrastructure (Portugal’s NHS, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, is well-regarded within Europe), and the general culture of hospitality make Portugal particularly comfortable for families traveling with young children and for older visitors.
Portuguese culture is deeply family-oriented, and children are genuinely welcomed in most environments, from restaurants to cultural sites. A full-day private tour of Sintra, for example, is a wonderful option for multi-generational groups looking to explore together at their own pace.
Corporate and Group Travelers
For companies organizing incentive trips, team-building experiences, or group travel, safety is a non-negotiable priority. Portugal’s stability, excellent infrastructure, and highly professional hospitality sector make it an ideal destination for corporate groups.
Lisbon and its surroundings, including Sintra and Cascais and the natural beauty of Arrábida, offer a combination of stunning scenery, rich cultural programming, and secure environments that few destinations can match. You can explore our private tours in Portugal for tailored group experiences.
Why Safety is inseparable from the Portuguese experience
Portugal’s safety is not just a statistic; it is deeply embedded in the culture and social fabric of the country. The concept of saudade, Portugal’s most famous cultural sentiment, reflects a deeply emotional, warm, and humane outlook on life. Portuguese people are known for their genuine hospitality, patience with visitors, and pride in sharing their culture with the world.
This spirit is palpable the moment you sit down at one of the best restaurants in Lisbon or join a Lisbon food tour guided by a local who genuinely loves what they do.
Walking the narrow cobbled streets of Alfama at night, sharing a late dinner in a Mouraria tasca, or exploring the palaces of Sintra at dusk. These experiences feel not just beautiful, but genuinely safe. That feeling of ease and freedom is, ultimately, what turns a trip to
Portugal into a truly transformative experience.
At Portugal Guided Tours, we see this every day. Our guests, from first-time European travelers to seasoned globetrotters, consistently tell us that Portugal surprised them with how comfortable, relaxed, and genuinely secure they felt throughout their stay. It is one of the reasons we are so passionate about sharing this country with the world.
Key Safety tips for visiting Portugal
While Portugal is exceptionally safe, a few simple habits will make your trip even smoother.
- Be mindful of your belongings in crowded tourist areas, particularly on tram 28E in Lisbon and in the Alfama district.
- Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare apps such as Uber and Bolt, which operate widely across Lisbon and Porto.
- In case of emergency, the universal European emergency number is 112, and Tourist Police offices (Polícia de Segurança Pública) are available in both Lisbon and Porto specifically to assist international visitors.
- Finally, purchasing travel insurance is always good practice for any international trip. Portugal is extremely safe, but having coverage provides peace of mind wherever you go.
If you are still planning your itinerary, our guide to the best things to do in Cascais and our overview of what to do in Sintra are great places to start.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal being safe
Is Portugal safe to visit in 2025?
Yes. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world to visit in 2025. It ranked 7th in the 2024 Global Peace Index and holds a Level 1 Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State, meaning travelers are advised only to exercise normal precautions.
Violent crime rates are very low, and millions of international tourists visit Portugal every year without incident. Whether you are booking a private tour in Lisbon or a day trip to Sintra, you can travel with full confidence.
How does Portugal compare to other European countries in terms of safety?
Portugal ranks 5th in Europe for safety according to the 2024 Global Peace Index, placing it above many popular European destinations including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
It consistently outperforms the European average on indicators such as violent crime, political stability, and homicide rates. It is also recognized as one of the best European destinations for a city break in Europe precisely because of this combination of safety, culture, and accessibility.
Is Lisbon safe for solo female travelers?
Lisbon is widely regarded as one of the safest capital cities in Europe for solo female travelers. The city has low violent crime rates, active streets with good lighting, a strong café culture, and a genuinely welcoming local population.
As with any city, standard precautions are recommended, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing your belongings in crowded areas. Joining a small-group tour is also a great way to explore confidently and meet like-minded travelers.
What are the main safety precautions travelers should take in Portugal?
The main safety precaution for travelers in Portugal is simply to be mindful of petty theft in busy tourist areas such as Alfama and Baixa-Chiado, and on popular trams. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.
It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport, use licensed transportation, and have travel insurance. In an emergency, call 112. For more on getting around and enjoying the city safely, our guide to the best things to do in Lisbon covers everything you need to plan a smooth trip.
Is Portugal safe for families traveling with children?
Portugal is an excellent destination for families with children. The country has very low violent crime rates, a family-friendly culture where children are welcomed in most public settings, a functional public healthcare system, and excellent tourist infrastructure.
Destinations such as Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and the Algarve are particularly well-suited to family travel. Our Sintra walking tour and Sintra and Cascais private tour are among the most popular choices for families visiting the Lisbon region.
About Portugal Guided Tours
Portugal Guided Tours specializes in authentic cultural and gastronomic experiences in Lisbon, Sintra, and beyond, designed for international travelers who want to discover Portugal through the eyes of a local.
From private food tours in Lisbon to small-group cultural journeys and corporate team-building experiences, we create memorable moments in one of the world’s most welcoming and secure countries.
