Sisters Uncharted

Adventure, connection, and courage

Tag: travel safety

  • Safest Places in Spain for Solo Female Travellers (2025)

    Safest Places in Spain for Solo Female Travellers (2025)

    Spain has been a recurring destination in recent years, from travelling the entire coastline in a motorhome with a much-loved (and now sadly departed) greyhound, to more recent visits including places like Torremolinos and Madrid. It’s a country with a bit of everything: mountain villages, historic cities, beach towns, and chilled countryside. Safety-wise, it generally feels good for solo travel. You’ll find well-developed infrastructure, a strong tourism network, and a culture that leans more relaxed than chaotic. This list includes 14 destinations that are some of the safest places in Spain for solo female travellers.

    It’s also worth noting that while Spain remains a welcoming and generally safe destination, there’s been a noticeable rise in anti-tourism protests in recent years. These are often aimed at the strain mass tourism puts on housing, infrastructure, and local life. While solo travellers tend to have a lighter footprint, it’s always good to travel with awareness, respect the communities you pass through, and stay informed about the mood in certain regions.

    1. Seville

    Type of place: Cultural Andalusian city with tapas, flamenco, and Moorish history

    Why it feels safe: Walkable centre, relaxed pace, and plenty of accommodation options for solo travellers. Evenings feel sociable, not sketchy.

    Best for: History lovers, foodies, and first-time solo travellers

    2. Granada

    Type of place: Moorish-influenced city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains

    Why it feels safe: Compact city with a student presence and a mix of cultures. Most solo visitors find it safe and welcoming.

    Best for: Architecture fans, budget travellers, and Alhambra wanderers

    3. San Sebastián

    Type of place: Northern coastal city known for food and surf

    Why it feels safe: Low crime, chilled vibe, and a strong solo traveller presence. The beaches and Old Town both feel secure.

    Best for: Food tourism, city strolls, and coastal relaxation

    4. Alicante

    Type of place: Mid-sized seaside city on the Costa Blanca

    Why it feels safe: Feels casual and easy to navigate. Safe to walk around by day or early evening, even near the waterfront.

    Best for: Sunseekers, digital nomads, and urban beach breaks

    5. Valencia

    Type of place: Blend of historical and futuristic, with a huge green park running through it

    Why it feels safe: Safe-feeling transport network, lots of daylight-friendly cafés and activities. Nightlife is there if you want it, avoidable if not.

    Best for: Cyclists, art lovers, and solo creatives

    6. Madrid

    Type of place: Lively capital with museums, parks, and busy neighbourhoods

    Why it feels safe: Most central areas are busy but safe. As in most cities, stay alert on the metro and in crowds.

    Best for: Big-city solo trips, museum lovers, and those after a sociable atmosphere

    7. Barcelona

    Type of place: Gaudí’s city, combining beaches, bars, and culture

    Why it feels safe: Famous for pickpocketing, so stay aware. That aside, it’s a solo travel hotspot with strong hostel and café culture.

    Best for: Architecture, nightlife, and diverse experiences

    8. Córdoba

    Type of place: Small inland city with ancient sites and Roman/Moorish history

    Why it feels safe: Peaceful, manageable, and walkable. Excellent for solo sightseeing during the day.

    Best for: History-focused travel, scenic courtyards, and quiet afternoons

    The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor overlooking Barcelona, a peaceful viewpoint in one of Spain’s safest cities for solo female travellers
    Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor by Tomáš Nožina via Unsplash

    9. Ronda


    Type of place: Dramatic clifftop town in southern Spain

    Why it feels safe: Feels calm and scenic. Solo travellers can explore at a slow pace without pressure or crowds.

    Best for: Nature-lovers, photographers, and people wanting space

    10. Santiago de Compostela

    Type of place: Pilgrimage city with religious significance and beautiful architecture

    Why it feels safe: Full of travellers walking the Camino, so solo isn’t unusual here. Friendly, supportive vibe.

    Best for: Spiritual travellers, Camino walkers, and peaceful reflection

    11. Girona

    Type of place: Small medieval city with well-preserved old streets

    Why it feels safe: Quiet and safe-feeling. More relaxed than Barcelona, with fewer crowds and a slower pace.

    Best for: Game of Thrones fans, foodies, and low-key travel

    12. Bilbao

    Type of place: Industrial-turned-cultural northern city, home to the Guggenheim

    Why it feels safe: Great public spaces, easy to get around, and noticeably respectful towards solo travellers

    Best for: Art lovers, architecture geeks, and rainy-day wanderers

    13. Torremolinos

    Type of place: Costa del Sol beach town with a mixed and welcoming crowd

    Why it feels safe: Easy solo base. Feels safe, especially near the promenade and beachfront areas.

    Best for: LGBTQ+ travel, beach time, and affordable chill

    14. Zaragoza

    Type of place: Lesser-known inland city with Roman ruins and river views

    Why it feels safe: Not overrun with tourists, which can feel refreshing. Locals are generally warm, and the city is easy to get to know.

    Best for: Off-the-beaten-path exploring, relaxed city days, and solo journalling

    General Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Spain

    • Choose accommodation with strong reviews and verified hosts
    • Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas
    • Keep bags zipped and valuables out of sight in crowded spaces
    • Use registered taxis or trusted ride apps if moving around after dark
    • Plan journeys between cities during daylight where possible
    • Don’t leave drinks unattended and only accept sealed bottles or cans
    • Carry a charged phone and let someone know your rough plans each day

    Final Thoughts on Safety in Spain

    Spain is one of the most solo-travel-friendly countries in Europe. Most areas on the tourist trail are well-connected, used to visitors, and easy to navigate. While petty theft is the main concern, especially in big cities, violent crime is rare. Stick to daylight travel between destinations, keep your belongings secure in crowds, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. With a bit of common sense, Spain is a fantastic place to explore solo.

    I hope this post on the safest places in Spain for solo female travellers helps you feel more confident about planning your trip. If you want to talk through routes or get advice while you’re travelling, check out the Solo Travel Lifeline.

    If you’re vegan and reading this (or just interested in the food side of travel), I run a whole blog for that over at Vegan Verity. It’s where I put all the good eats, product finds, and tips for plant-based life on the move.

    Before You Go…

    Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

    And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.

    If you’re planning a solo trip, don’t miss my guide to finding the Best Solo Female Travel Accommodation.

    Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe below for the latest from Sisters Uncharted – straight to your inbox!


  • Safest Places in Mexico for Solo Female Travellers (2025)

    Safest Places in Mexico for Solo Female Travellers (2025)

    I’m in Mexico right now. I’ve just left Mexico City and I’ve been spending time in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a mountain town with cobbled streets, colourful walls, one of the safest places in Mexico for solo female travellers.

    So far? I’ve felt very safe travelling solo in Mexico.

    That doesn’t mean I’ve been out partying at 2am or staggering home drunk (that’s never really been my style anyway). But I have been walking around during the day, eating out alone, riding buses, staying in budget-friendly Airbnbs and the odd hotel — and none of it has felt sketchy.

    I always read the reviews, I check the maps, and I trust my gut. I drink beer that’s opened in front of me, I keep my bag zipped, and I don’t flash anything expensive. That’s not just Mexico, that’s how I travel everywhere.

    This list isn’t sugarcoated, but it is honest. These are the places in Mexico where I’ve either personally felt safe or done enough research that they’ve stayed on my “yes” list as a solo female traveller.

    General Safety Tips for Travelling in Mexico

    Before we get into the list, here’s what I do as a solo traveller in Mexico to stay safe:

    • I don’t go out after dark alone. You absolutely can, and many people do, but I just don’t. It’s not worth the gamble.
    • I don’t drink spirits or cocktails, just beer or wine that’s opened in front of me.
    • I always read reviews when booking accommodation, especially on Airbnb. If I get even one gut-feeling red flag, I skip it.
    • I use Google Street View to check out a location before booking. If the area looks isolated or rundown, I’ll look elsewhere.
    • I avoid flashy jewellery, handbags, or camera gear.
    • I stick to Uber or pre-booked taxis in cities instead of just hailing one off the street.
    • I keep my location private on Instagram and don’t post in real time unless I’ve already left that place.
    • I have my location permanently shared with a friend via Apple Find MY and a couple of people check in on me daily on WhatsApp or Messenger.

    This might sound cautious, but it’s what makes me feel relaxed enough to enjoy the trip.

    A colourful vegan lunch with black bean soup, purple cabbage, and tacos, served on a wooden table outdoors in Mexico.
    Eating solo but definitely not suffering. This was one of the best vegan meals I’ve had in Mexico so far.

    Safest Places in Mexico for Solo Female Travellers

    1. Mexico City (Roma Norte, Condesa, Coyoacán)

    Safety summary: Roma Norte is widely regarded as one of the safer neighbourhoods in CDMX, tree-lined streets, craft coffee, restaurants, and a mostly relaxed, creative vibe. Avoid areas like Tepito and Iztapalapa.

    My tip: I stayed in Roma Norte, which felt calm and walkable, almost like London, but sunnier. I walked during daylight, used Uber to get around, and booked places with lots of solid reviews. The first subway car is women-only (if you need it), but I avoided transit at peak times. Always check the street and building on Google Street View before booking.

    2. San Cristóbal de las Casas

    Safety summary: Small, walkable, and laid-back. Tourism is well established. Visible police presence, but I never felt unsafe.

    My tip: It’s cool in the evenings, so bring layers. I stayed just outside the very centre and walked into town during the day, felt totally fine. Just don’t wander too far into the outskirts and be mindful if there are local protests or roadblocks. They’re usually peaceful, but they do pop up.

    3. Oaxaca City

    Safety summary: Generally considered safe and culturally rich. Stick to central neighbourhoods like Jalatlaco or Centro.

    My tip: I haven’t been yet, but it’s high on my list. Other solo travellers have told me the food scene is brilliant and it’s easy to meet people. Use your usual awareness in busy markets or during festivals. I’d stay somewhere with solid reviews, in walking distance to the centre.

    4. Valladolid

    Safety summary: Safe, small town in the Yucatán. Very walkable and not chaotic like the big tourist hubs.

    My tip: This is a great alternative to the madness of Cancún. It’s a good base for exploring cenotes and ruins without having to deal with the party crowd. You’ll still want a secure place to stay, I’d go for something near the centre with reviews mentioning solo female stays.

    5. Mérida

    Safety summary: Repeatedly ranked one of the safest cities in Mexico. Ideal for solo travel, especially if you prefer slower-paced trips.

    My tip: It’s hot. Like, drink-your-weight-in-electrolytes hot. But it’s safe, calm, and full of culture. I’d go for a place with air con and walking distance to the squares. Locals are kind, and it doesn’t feel intense or overwhelming.

    6. Puerto Escondido (La Punta)

    Safety summary: Popular surf town with a mellow vibe. La Punta is often recommended as the calmest and safest neighbourhood for solo travellers. Like any beach destination, exercise caution after dark and don’t walk alone along the shoreline at night.

    My tip: I haven’t been to Puerto Escondido yet, but I’ve kept it on my radar. If I do go, I’ll stick to La Punta, arrive during the day, and book somewhere with a long trail of detailed reviews from other solo women. As always, I’d avoid anywhere that has vague safety comments or no reviews at all, that’s not a place-specific rule, that’s just how I travel.

    Skeleton-style mural painted on a white wall in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, with flowers and fireworks. One of the safest places for solo female travellers in Mexico.
    Street art in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Playful, bold, and full of character, just like the town.

    Final Thoughts on Solo Female Safety (Everywhere)

    Mexico gets a bad rep in the media, but it’s not the Wild West. It’s just like anywhere, some places are safer than others, and how you travel makes a difference.

    For me, the key to safe solo travel is doing what makes you feel secure. I don’t drink heavily. I avoid night-time wandering. I over-research every place I stay. I don’t share my location in real time. I wear what I like, but I do think about how I’ll be perceived, especially in rural areas.

    You don’t have to follow all the same rules. You might love a rooftop bar at midnight. I’ll probably be home by then, watching Netflix in my PJs with a beer. Both are valid. Just travel in a way that works for you.

    And honestly? Mexico’s been great. People have been welcoming, transport has been smooth, and I’ve felt more relaxed here than I did in parts of Europe. I hope you enjoyed this post on the safest places in Mexico for solo female travellers.

    Before You Go…

    If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.

    Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

    And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.

    You might also find my post on Backpack Security for Solo Travellers useful.

    If you’re planning a trip to Mexico take a look at how I planned mine here.

    Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe below for the latest from Sisters Uncharted – straight to your inbox!