Safety

Spain is a safe travel destination — violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The only relevant risk: pickpocketing. And in certain hotspots, it's a veritable industry.

Pickpocketing — The Hotspots

• Barcelona: Europe's pickpocket capital. Especially dangerous: Las Ramblas, Plaça Catalunya, Metro (Line 3 to the port!), Sagrada Família area, beach (Barceloneta). Professional gangs work with distraction maneuvers
• Madrid: Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Rastro flea market (Sundays), Metro during rush hour
• Seville: Cathedral, Barrio Santa Cruz, Feria grounds
• Rental Cars: Break-ins in parking lots at attractions (especially Costa del Sol, Barcelona). Don't leave anything visible in the car — not even an empty backpack

Protective Measures

• Leave valuables in the hotel safe. Only take what you need
• Wear a backpack in front of your body, especially in the Metro and crowds
• Handbag with zipper, worn across the body
• Don't let your phone stick out of your back pocket
• At the restaurant table, don't hang your bag over the chair back — keep it on your lap or wrap it around the chair leg
• At the beach: Never leave valuables unattended, take a waterproof phone case for swimming

Other Risks

• Scams: "Flower women" (hand you a flower and demand money), "petition collectors" (distraction for accomplices), fake police officers (the real ones always show ID)
• Traffic: Spaniards drive briskly but not aggressively. On country roads, locals overtake in blind spots — drive defensively. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰ (0.3‰ for novice drivers)
• Sea: Strong currents (Corrientes) and high waves on the Atlantic coast. Swim only at supervised beaches. Observe flags: Red = swimming prohibited, Yellow = caution, Green = safe