Portugal : Safety by CityPortugal is a country that shares with Spain the Iberian Peninsula at the south-western tip of Europe.
This country boasts a unique culture, picturesque cities that stay in your memory for years to come and fantastic countryside.
Back in the day, Portugal was one of the poorest countries in Western Europe, due to dictatorship that ruled the country before 1974, but with its end, and the start of Democracy which ultimately leads to its incorporation into the European Union in 1986, it has blossomed into a country people can’t wait to experience and its prosperity increased immensely.
Today, it is probably one of the most desired tourist destinations in Europe.
The reason for this is Portugal’s incredible diversity when it comes to landscapes and holiday opportunities.
You can see vast green mountains in the North and explore its trees and species for days, then move on to rocky mountains, with breathtaking slopes and falls in the Centre, and continue the trip in the near-desert Alentejo region and end it at the beach holiday destination Algarve.
Warnings & Dangers in Portugal
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Overall, Portugal is very safe to travel to. Its crime rates are very low, and pickpockets are the biggest concern you'll have to deal with while on a holiday there. Have your wits with you and be vigilant at all times.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transportation and taxi services are very reliable and safe in Portugal. Watch out for pickpockets in public transportation and avoid entering empty metro carriages.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
There is a high risk of encountering a pickpocket since this is a top tourist destination. You should be extremely careful when it comes to your valuables, keep them safe in your accommodation or at least don't carry them all in one place. Be especially vigilant on public transportation.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There are no serious threats when it comes to natural disasters in Portugal. Occasional floods have been a recurring natural disaster the last century, followed by earthquakes, but those are unlikely to happen.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
When it comes to mugging, it is not common, though there is a certain degree of risk when it comes to this issue. You should avoid empty, deserted or poorly lit streets, and in such an occasion, hand over your possessions immediately and never resist.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Portugal's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
As in any tourist destination, and especially a top tourist destination such as Portugal, there is a heightened risk of getting scammed. Check every change twice, negotiate everything beforehand and never give your money before you receive the service you're paying for.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Portugal is, in general, very safe for women traveling solo. Apart from a few precaution rules you should apply in order to minimize your chances of something going wrong, if you avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and follow your common sense, your trip should go smoothly.
So... How Safe Is Portugal Really?
Portugal is very safe to visit, and though it’s not without its dangers, some basic precaution rules might save your trip.
Violent crime rates are pretty low, including conflicts, gang-related crime or drug issues, and all violent crime is generally related to particular neighborhoods.
Also, you can be safer at night than in the majority of European countries, since, in Portugal, there is a general lack of drunken people stumbling around the streets after a boozing party in the city.
As everywhere, there are some areas, especially in Lisbon and Porto that are best avoided at night.
Also, bear in mind that Portugal is not a pickpockets-free country and that they tend to roam around the city and tourist-frequented areas.
Be careful with your valuables and keep them in a safe place.
The most usual places where they operate are crowded train stations, airports and shopping areas. If you’re using the subway, make sure you sit next to someone and avoid empty carriages.
Pickpockets trying to steal any type of purse, luggage or shopping bag is a serious issue in Portugal, and there is even a voice message reminding people of this in most metro and train stations.
How Does Portugal Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Portugal | 57 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
| Japan | 83 |
| Ghana | 73 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
For many countries, visas are not required for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might have to obtain a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Euro is the official currency in Portugal. Portugal is cheaper than most top destinations in Europe, but it's similar to Spain, so plan on spending between 50 and 70 euros a day including accommodation. ATMs are widely available and credit cards accepted in most establishments.
Weather
Portugal is one of the warmest countries in Europe. It has a temperate moist forest climate, characterized by wet winters and dry summers. July is the hottest month in Algarve with an average temperature of 24°C and the coldest month is January at 12°C with as much as 12 hours of sunshine in August.
Airports
The busiest airport in Portugal is Humberto Delgado Airport, sometimes referred to as Lisbon Airport and Portela Airport. It is located 7km from the city center of Lisbon, Portugal's capital.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Portugal, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Portugal Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Low °C | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 |
| High °F | 59 | 61 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 77 | 82 | 82 | 79 | 72 | 64 | 59 |
| Low °F | 46 | 48 | 50 | 54 | 57 | 61 | 64 | 64 | 63 | 59 | 54 | 48 |
Portugal - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Lisbon | 81 |
| Porto | 58 |
4th safest country in the world
Why Portugal got yellow color??
It´s the fourth safest country in the world.
The lowest homicide rate in Europe.
No terrorist attacks.
Bad road safety!
To be considered one of the safest – all safety aspects should be met. Road safety is horrible in Portugal!
The 57 thing is just ridiculous. It is one of the safest Western European countries to live and visit.
True! Unbelievable!
Not even a single Terrorism Event recorded
Spain has a Safety Index of 83 and has 2 Topics considered being of “High Risk”, Portugal only has 1 and gets an Index of 57?? And not to mention that Terrorism in Portugal is nonexistent.
We´ve lived here for 15 years and travelled to many different towns & cities with 2 young boys. Never had any problems. I feel completely safe even when I´m on my own.
My husband dropped his wallet & phone at a petrol station and a kind man phoned several of the numbers, one of which was mine. He arranged to meet us to hand it back and would only accept a small coffee as payment for his time and effort.
When we first arrived my husband left his backpack with Euros 2000 in cash at a restaurant. When we went back a few hours later the smiling lady handed it over, nothing missing.
Super friendly & safe. Not deserving of such a low score.
Portugal is Very Safe
Portugal is ranked as the THIRD safest country on the Global Peace Index.
We’ve lived in Portugal for over two years and hardly ever hear about any major crime.
This site needs to fix their rankings.
I jused to live 15 months in Lisbon.
It’s very safe, only there are some shitty (I think mostly not local) pickpockets at same part of the city, mostly in the touristical Bairro Alto, around Erasmus Corner… My phone has been stolen from my bag(!!) on the extremly crowded street, whole I was talking with friends (and I was sober)! And I red about a looooot of people in a FB group, who’s phone also got stolen there.
But except of that, that you have to take care of your belongings, you don’t have to sorry about anything. I never saw any fight or something. There are police men everywhere, even at Lidl’s. 😀
😌♥️🇵🇹
Deserves better than 57!
Why does Portugal only get 57? It is one of the safest countries in Europe! I have lived and worked in various places across Portugal over the years, and have never really come close to any problems, apart from their terrible driving skills! I currently live in London which is much more dodgy!
My favourite in Europe
The third safest country in the world! Amazing place and people, food to die for. Why is this website rating it only at 57?
Safe and sound
The 57 rating takes away all credibility of your website. I live in Lisbon and this is by far among the most peaceful and safest countries in the world.
What’s even more astounding is that despite plenty of comments similar to mine, no web admin has taken to respond to justify the low rating or fixed it.
Very peaceful and safe like few!
Abso-bloody-lutely ridiculous, gSus! Portugal got 57 whatever-points below some countries where terrorism and violent crime truly exists. In all major rankings from almost every source that measures safety in a country, Portugal is always in the top 5 alongside countries like Iceland and New Zealand, just to name a few. 57 points? Not even 75 points would make justice to one of the most friendly, peaceful and safest countries in the entire world. I would highly suggest to whoever ranked Portugal with 57 points to review his Math classes. Definitely above 90 points… I would clearly say a 95 or 97!
I am astonished that you think that Portugal deserves a better score than Japan. Other than that, I definitely agree with you.
One of the safest country
Completely wrong, should be green.
Who put these numbers together? I think you guys need to revisit your ranking calculation because it is severely faulty. Portugal has consistently ranked in the top 3-4 safest countries in the world. Do your numbers represent data from the 70’s – 80’s? This was my first time visiting this website, and it will be my last. There are much better/more accurate travel information websites around for anyone to waste there time (as I have) on this p.o.s site.
I agree with the majority of the rest. I have lived in Portugal for years and married to a Portuguese citizen and it is definitely one of the most civilised and safest countries from top to bottom and also the islands, so you really need to get the rating correctly adjusted. As one commentator mentioned the main danger in Portugal is the absolutely terrible driving standards, you really need to be careful on the road and when near roads, apart from that life is tranquil.
CHANGE THE SCORE
Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. The score should be changed.
The only problem I can think of is pickpocketing in major cities. Everything else is beyond safe.
LivedThereFor25Years
As others have said, fix the score. Your current score has it as more dangerous than Mexico. That’s insane. Portugal is consistently ranked one of the safest countries on the planet.
Pickpocketing is a thing in big touristy areas, but that’s basically it.
You can’t possibly have it in the same category of danger as Mexico. Pure insanity.
BS score
This makes no sense. Visited Portugal several times and it’s the safest country in Europe
Peaceful country
Portugal is really safe, in fact it is in the top ten list of highest peace index. Why is the safety number 57? The overall risk says Low.
Great country to visit!
Portugal is definitely a place to visit; safety wise, i have NEVER encountered a problem. i always take public transport and NEVER ever felt endangered or came across unpleasant experiences. People are indeed friendly and helpful. Theft during the dictatorship was something unheard off, and this is still prevalent amongst the Portuguese. Pickpocketing does occur (like in any busy place) and is usually done by gypsies (truly sorry for having to write this, wish i didn’t have to), but Lisbon has cracked down on that. I was there 3 months ago and it felt so good. The temperature chart is somewhat wrong. July can be over 30° in Lisbon and central Portugal, and in places like Evora close to 45.
I’ve been here nearly half-a-dozen times now (I’m a UK resident), and I agree with everyone else that the 57 score is much too low. We stay with family here and don’t often visit major cities, though, and yes – go to an airport or railway station and you should be careful of pickpockets – but try and find a country where that’s not a problem (you can’t). I demand that the people who wrote this go and review this thing, and their life choices.
Safe
I visited both Lisboa ans porto and I felt safe in both cities.
Portugal is amazing!
The 57 score is madness! Portugal has systematically been in the TOP 5 of safest countries IN THE WORLD for years!
It’s a modern, clean, safe country, and the people are great. Sure, cities such as Lisbon or Oporto may have their issues (like any other major center or tourist area in the world) but… Portugal should have a score of +95!
Portugal having a lower score than the United States is insanity.