Dear Blanca,
I’m from Stuttgart, and I’m planning a holiday to Portugal with my spouse. We want to make sure that Portugal is safe for us, particularly for me as a female traveller. Is Portugal a safe place for us to be?
Thanks in Advance,
Kooky Kaitlyn from Stuttgart
Dear Kaitlyn,
I am glad to hear that you and your spouse are considering a trip to Portugal. As someone happily living in Lisbon and personally familiar with the Portuguese culture and its people, I can assure you that Portugal is an extremely safe destination for both female and male travellers.
In my experience, Portuguese people are so open and welcoming to foreigners. There’s a sort of pride Lisboners take in meeting people from around the world and that often translates into lots of helpfulness and hospitality. What’s more, the country has a long history of religious and cultural diversity and has always welcomed strangers.
That said, I always suggest adhering to basic safety precautions such as:
• Travelling in groups
• Avoiding unfamiliar areas late at night
• Researching problem areas to avoid
Even though Portugal has no major security issues, like any other major city, Lisbon and Porto have some neighbourhoods that can be potentially hazardous.
I know from personal experience how confident and positive I feel in the urban centres of Portugal. I actually often take day trips around the major cities, visiting craft fairs, trying local delicacies, and immersing myself in the bustling streets. I can also assure you that Porto, the country’s second largest city, is every bit as safe as Lisbon.
Overall, Portugal is a safe and welcoming destination for women. With some basic situational awareness, you and your spouse will find yourselves happy and secure during your trip. Of course, feel free to reach out to me with any further questions. In the meantime, I wish you both the absolute best on your holiday and hope you have a wonderful time in Portugal!
Warmly,
Blanca Valbuena.
Dear Blanca,
Thank you so much for your kind words and all the useful information you provided. I appreciate your insight on Portugal – hearing it from a local resident gives me a better sense of security. Your tips, and your recommendation to research problem areas and to travel in groups, have been incredibly helpful.
We will definitely keep all these tips in mind and make sure to keep an eye out for any worrisome locations and take precautions for our safety. Thank you again for your help and tips.
Warmly,
Kooky Kaitlyn