Is Granada Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Granada is a mid-sized capital in the Andalucia region of Spain.

For many, Granada is arguably the single most worthwhile city in Spain.

Canadian people say that Granada is the city that ‘looks at itself’: namely, there are plenty of viewpoints, starting with San Nicolas, San Cristobal, San Miguel Alto, Silla del Moro, and many more.

In part due to the University, in part due to its cultural heritage, Granada can offer you plenty of museums, activities and cultural options.

You can go to a ‘tablao flamenco’ in the Sacromonte caves, spend many hours in the Science Museum, or go to expositions, galleries, theatres, independent films showing.

Also, there are national top-level associations for many different kinds of activities.

Warnings & Dangers in Granada

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, Granada is a safe city to travel to. Violent crime is rare and petty theft should be your only concern, so make sure you watch out for the pickpockets and bag snatchers!

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation in Granada is very safe and reliable, even though taxi drivers might try to overcharge their services or demand a tip. Also, be careful on public transport, as it's the place where pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are an issue in Granada, but it shouldn't be too big of a problem if you take precaution measures, such as keeping your valuables in a safe place, not carrying all your money in the same place, and not carrying anything valuable in an easily accessible part of your outfit.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no known natural disasters in Granada, and in Spain altogether, so you can relax when it comes to nature while you're here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Mugging or kidnapping aren't common in Granada, but it is still recommendable to avoid poorly lit and deserted areas and to not accept drinks from strange people, although drink spiking is not common either.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

There have been recent terrorist attacks in Spain, on 17/18 August 2017, when during 2 terrorist-related incidents, vehicles were driven directly at pedestrians, resulting in injuries and loss of life. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As in any other tourist destination, there is the risk of getting scammed. Always check your change twice, negotiate the price of every service beforehand, and ask around about the real prices of services and other goods.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone should have no problems in Granada. You should use your common sense, and be careful at night, avoid desert and poorly lit streets, and finding yourself alone with strange people in abandoned areas. Apart from that, you should have no safety problems in Bilbao.

So... How Safe Is Granada Really?

Granada is very safe for tourists and statistics also back this up as the crime rate is very low, compared to other cities of similar size in the world.

Although it is a safe city to visit, it is recommended that you take some basic precautions measures in Granada since it is known to be crawling with pickpockets, especially around popular tourist landmarks.

There have been several attacks on visitors there that have given rise to much media interest but mainly because they are so rare.

There have also been cases of thieves on motorbikes driving by women and grabbing their purses, so keep it tightly by your side at all times.

Be extremely careful in bus or train stations and other similar crowded places, since pickpocketing is so common there that a voice message reminding you of pickpockets is always played on repeat.

Also, be well prepared for people trying to scam you.

This can happen with taxi drivers trying to trick you into paying a fixed price from an airport to a city, even though they have a visible fare table. They may also demand a tip.

Before paying the bill in bars and restaurants, always check the bill twice since the staff sometimes try to squeeze in a few extra euro by charging for something they did not eat or drink, or just by overcharging.

How Does Granada Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa to enter Spain for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you will have to obtain a visa. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Spanish embassy for further details.

Currency

Euro is the official currency in Granada. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and credit cards accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Allow yourself a budget of around 150e per day, including accommodation.

Weather

Granada, a city of Andalusia, has a slightly continental climate, with moderately cold winters and hot, sunny summers. The winter months are much rainier than the summer months in Granada.

Airports

Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport, also known as Granada Airport, is the airport serving the province and city of Granada, in Spain. The airport is located near to Chauchina and Santa Fe, about 15 km west of Granada.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Granada, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Granada Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Spain - Safety by City