Is Portugal Safe? What You Need to Know Before Moving

Yes, Portugal is an extremely safe and peaceful country. 

It is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, a reputation supported by consistent international rankings that place it among the top destinations for personal security and overall stability.

Its low crime rates, steady political environment, and well-functioning public institutions create a sense of ease for both residents and visitors.

That sense of security is not limited to major cities like Lisbon and Porto. Smaller towns, coastal communities, and rural areas maintain similarly safe environments, contributing to Portugal’s appeal as a place to live, invest, raise a family, or retire. The country’s stable healthcare system, efficient public services, and welcoming culture further reinforce daily comfort.

Among European nations, it is considered the fifth safest, outranking popular destinations such as France, Italy, and Germany.

01/ Violent crime is rare

Portugal’s impressive record of low crime rates underpins its ranking as the seventh safest country globally. This is one of the top reasons why so many Americans are moving to Portugal from USA recently.

Incidents of violent crime against tourists are uncommon, and when they occur, they tend to be isolated and non-random. Gun ownership is rare due to strict licensing rules.

Most travelers report feeling safe walking, using public transport, and exploring even busy urban areas during the day and evening.

The most common type of crime in Portugal is theft, particularly pickpocketing and bag snatching in popular tourist attractions in urban areas and on public transportation.

Terrorism in Portugal is relatively rare, and the country has not experienced any recent terrorist attacks or large-scale terrorist attacks in its history. Unlike several European countries, Portugal is generally considered a low-risk country in terms of terrorism.

02/ Social and political stability

Portugal’s peaceful atmosphere is supported by its social, political, and economic stability. The country’s unemployment rate stood at 5.9 percent in August 2025, marking steady improvement and reducing the likelihood of civil unrest.

Even when there are public disagreements with the government, public demonstrations are typically calm and well-regulated.

Portugal’s strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law has fostered an environment where political transitions occur smoothly and without major disruptions.

03/ Natural disaster preparedness

Situated along the Iberian Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is susceptible to natural disasters such as wildfires and occasional seismic activity. Severe weather warnings will be broadcast through a public alert system if and when necessary.

However, the country has invested significantly in disaster management and mitigation strategies. Robust fire prevention and response programs are in place, especially during the dry summer months, to combat wildfires and protect rural areas.

Additionally, Portugal has stringent building codes and construction practices to withstand seismic activity, which is extremely rare.

Even though a country might be extremely safe, there are still plenty of things that travelers should be aware of, and not just in terms of crime. For example, it is essential to stay safe on the road by knowing the speed limits.

While Portugal is a welcoming country, it’s always a good idea to follow some practical tips to ensure your peace of mind and enhance your overall experience.

Navigation and personal belongings

• Save your accommodation location in your maps app before going out.
• Keep phones zipped inside a front pocket or crossbody bag in crowded areas.
• At cafés, loop a bag strap around your arm or chair leg so it can’t be grabbed.
• Use ATMs inside banks, not in open tourist areas.

Nighttime safety

• Plan your route home before going out and confirm that your ride-hailing app works in the area.
• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit alleyways in Alfama, Mouraria, or Bairro Alto after 1 am.
• Stick to streets with restaurants, late-night groceries, or tram lines—these remain active until late.
• The UK Government specifically warns travelers about excessively strong alcohol measures in Portugal; pace yourself and monitor your drink.

Transport safety

• Official taxis display a green/red light and a license number.
• At airports, ignore drivers who approach you directly—use the taxi rank or Uber/Bolt.
• On trams, keep bags in front of you and avoid standing near the rear doors.

Portugal is generally an easy country to navigate by car, with well-maintained highways, modern motorways, and clear road signage.

Still, driving conditions vary from busy urban centers to narrow rural roads, and understanding these differences helps visitors avoid surprises.

Whether you’re renting a car for a coastal trip or planning a longer route across the country, knowing the basics of how Portuguese roads work makes the journey smoother—and safer.

Speed limits are shown in km/h on red-bordered signs.

• 50 km/h in urban areas
• 90 km/h on rural roads
• 120 km/h on motorways

Motorways require tolls, and unfamiliar travelers often forget this, resulting in fines later. Roundabouts operate with strict right-of-way rules, and drink-driving laws are strictly enforced. Portugal has one of the lowest blood alcohol limits in Europe.

Traveling through rural towns can be seen as an extreme sport, especially at night. Don’t be alarmed to encounter narrow roads with sharp, blind curves. Rural areas often have minimal lighting, and you may also experience occasional loose animals.

Portugal’s coastline is stunning but can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to understand the flag system:

• Green flag: Safe to swim
• Yellow flag: Swim with caution; stay close to shore
• Red flag: Do not swim
• Checkered flag: No lifeguard on duty

Many Atlantic beaches have strong currents and rip tides; enter the water gradually and avoid swimming too far out. Lifeguards are present only during the summer months, and their schedules vary by region.

• Wear sandals on hot sand as temperatures can exceed 40°C in July and August.
• Some beaches experience seasonal occurrences of Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish; heed posted warnings.

Lisbon, Porto, and most coastal towns remain lively well into the night, which contributes to a greater sense of security. While catcalling does occur, it tends to be infrequent and less aggressive than in many major European capitals.

Empty alleyways in Bairro Alto, parts of Cais do Sodré, and certain areas near transport hubs can feel less comfortable after midnight simply due to low foot traffic, so most women opt for busier streets or ride-hailing apps after late nights out.

Practical tips

• Stick to well-lit streets at night and avoid walking alone in quieter parts of Alfama, Mouraria, or around major train stations after late hours.
• Share your live location with a friend when moving between nightlife spots or returning to accommodation.
• In bars and clubs, choose venues with visible security staff; these are common in Lisbon, Porto, and major Algarve resorts.
• Keep a charged phone and portable battery—mobile coverage in Portugal is excellent, even outside cities.
• If you ever feel uncomfortable, step into a café or hotel lobby; staff are generally helpful and will assist you without hesitation.

Wondering if Portugal is LGBTQ-friendly? The country is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-inclusive countries in the world, with a legal and cultural environment that generally supports and protects LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and consistently scores well in European equality indexes. For travelers, this translates into a welcoming atmosphere in most major cities and tourist regions.

In rural areas, attitudes can be more conservative, but incidents of targeted harassment are rare.

Lisbon, Porto, and parts of the Algarve have visible LGBTQ+ communities, with queer-friendly bars, nightlife venues, and annual events such as Lisbon Pride and Queima das Fitas festivities that openly celebrate diversity. In these cities, same-sex couples commonly feel comfortable holding hands or showing affection in public without drawing attention.