Is Portugal Safe? A Practical Guide for Travellers

You may wonder: is Portugal safe for your next trip? We totally understand that feeling. Before you book your flights you want to know that you can relax, explore and enjoy your time in Portugal without looking over your shoulder.

Is Portugal Safe for Tourists?

From our trips across Portugal we can honestly say this: the chance of anything serious happening to you in Portugal is very low. Portugal is one of the countries in Europe and most travellers to Portugal experience nothing more dramatic than forgetting where they left their sunglasses in Portugal. Still a little awareness of your surroundings in Portugal goes a way.

Crime and Common Risks

Rates of crime in Portugal are low compared to many other European destinations. The police in Portugal patrol tourist areas in Portugal regularly and there are tourist police units in major cities like Lisbon in Portugal.

The common issue in Portugal is petty theft mainly in busy areas of Portugal like public transport, packed trams or popular viewpoints in Portugal where people are distracted taking photos of Portugal.

Weather and Natural Hazards

The long summers in Portugal bring sunshine to Portugal though heatwaves and wildfires can occur in the months in Portugal. Beach days in Portugal are usually carefree though the Atlantic currents in Portugal can be strong. We always check the flag system before swimming in Portugal and follow guidance from authorities in Portugal when lifeguards are present in Portugal.

Overall Portugal scores highly for safety and security in Portugal and the atmosphere in Portugal is more relaxed than tense.

Is Lisbon Safe to Visit?

From our experience, time spent in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon feels energetic, not overwhelming. Yet, many travellers ask us: is Lisbon in Portugal for a city break or family trip to Lisbon in Portugal?

Image by Andreas from Pixabay

Safety in Neighbourhoods Like Baixa, Chiado and Belém

The central districts of Lisbon, such as Baixa, Chiado and Belém in Lisbon are lively throughout the day and well monitored in Lisbon. Pickpocketing can happen around viewpoints in Lisbon or on Tram 28 in Lisbon, which is why it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings when it gets busy in Lisbon.

Evenings in Bairro Alto in Lisbon attract people looking for music and drinks and most nights pass without any issues in Lisbon. Simply keep your phone secure and never leave drinks unattended in Lisbon and choose lit streets on the way back to your guest house or hostel.

Safe Transport and Taxis

The metro in Lisbon is modern and easy to use and trains connect to places like Sintra and Cascais in Portugal. Rush hour in Lisbon can get busy so it’s best to carry backpacks in front of you in carriages in Lisbon.

Licensed taxi drivers in Lisbon use meters and ride-hailing apps are common and reliable in Lisbon. We recommend always double-checking the licence plate before getting in a taxi in Lisbon and avoiding random ride offers outside the airport.

Spending a few days in the capital? Read this 3-day Lisbon Itinerary to plan your time in a smart and safe way.

Northern Portugal: Is Porto Safe?

From our experience the risk of something bad happening is really low and most people visit without any problems at all.

Tourist Areas

When you are around the Ribeira riverfront and the old town everything usually goes well. You have to be careful with your things near São Bento station or in busy squares so keep your phone close and pay attention to what is happening around you when you take pictures.

Driving and Day Trips

Taking a road trip to the Douro Valley is fun. The roads are in good condition but some of the roads are narrow and windy. We always make sure to hide our bags before we leave the car at a viewpoint or a vineyard.

Public areas and train stations have people watching out for everyone and the trains that go between cities are reliable for travelling between Porto and other towns in the north.

Heading to Porto for a few days? Read our 3-day Porto Itinerary to make the most of your time in the city.

Is Albufeira Safe and What About the Algarve?

You might be thinking about how nice it is to have sunshine, beautiful beaches and dinner by the sea, but you might be wondering what it is like at night.

Image by Stefan Bernsmann from Pixabay

Nightlife and Party Areas

There is a street in Da Oura where people go to listen to music and have drinks. We think it is a good idea to always keep an eye on your drink, do not leave your bag on the back of a chair and go back to your hostel or guest house before it gets too late.

Coastal Awareness

The beaches in the Algarve that have a Blue Flag are really clean. The water is nice so swimming is usually fun but the water can be strong on windy days.

There are flags on the beaches that tell you if it is safe to swim: green means it is okay, yellow means be careful and red means do not go in the water.

Is Portugal Safe for Solo Travellers?

A lot of women ask us about travelling in Portugal and how safe it is. From our experience the people in Portugal are really nice and helpful. When you ask for directions or advice the local people are happy to help.

The areas in the cities that're close to the center are well lit and there are people around until late at night. It is a good idea to stay in a place that is easy to get to, and to pay attention to what is happening around you at night (just like you would in any other place).

You can also join a walking tour on your first day so you can learn how to get around and feel more comfortable exploring on your own.

Still deciding when to go? Read our Best Time to Visit Portugal guide to choose the season that fits your travel plans.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Portugal?

When we travel around Portugal we always fill our water bottles with tap water. In most areas the tap water is treated, tested and perfectly fine to drink every day.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Lisbon?

You can definitely drink tap water in Lisbon. The water quality is really good. They test the water to make sure it is clean.

When you go to a restaurant you can ask for tap water. The people who live in Lisbon use tap water every day for cooking, coffee and ice cubes.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Albufeira?

The answer is yes, the tap water in the Algarve is just as good as the rest of Portugal. The hotels and apartments are connected to the water system as everyone else and the water is clean before it gets to your tap. The taste might be a little different because of the minerals in the water.

Enjoyed This Blog? Continue Reading!

There is more travel inspiration waiting for you on our blog. You can take a look below and start mapping out your next travel adventure!