Is Portugal Safe? What Living in the Algarve Actually Feels Like

You hear it all the time from people thinking about relocating: "But is it actually safe there?" It's a fair question. You're uprooting your life, possibly moving your family across an ocean, and you want to know you're landing somewhere secure. So let's get straight into it.

The short answer? Yes. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. And the Algarve, specifically, is one of the most peaceful parts of an already very peaceful country. But you don't have to take our word for it. The numbers tell a pretty compelling story.

Portugal's Safety Rankings: What the Data Says

According to the 2025 Global Peace Index published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, Portugal ranks 7th out of 163 countries worldwide. That puts it ahead of Denmark, Finland, and Japan. The country first broke into the GPI's top 10 back in 2015 and hasn't dropped out since, which tells you this isn't a fluke.

To give you some perspective, the UK currently sits in 34th place on the same index. The United States? 132nd. So if you're relocating from either of those countries, you're making a significant upgrade in terms of overall peace and safety.

The GPI doesn't just look at crime. It assesses 23 different indicators, including political stability, levels of violent conflict, relations with neighbouring countries, and the degree of militarisation. Portugal scores well across the board, and the Institute for Economics and Peace has specifically highlighted the country's "remarkable progress, rising from 18th in 2014 to its current top 10 status."

Portugal has also been ranked number one on InterNations' Expat Safety Score, which measures how safe expatriates actually feel living in the country. That's a big deal, because perception matters just as much as raw statistics when you're deciding where to build your new life.

What Do the Crime Statistics Actually Look Like?

Let's talk real numbers. According to Portugal's 2024 Annual Internal Security Report (RASI), general crime across the country fell by 4.6% in 2024, with 354,878 reports total. That's roughly back to 2015 levels, and it reversed an upward trend that had been building since the pandemic.

The national homicide rate sits at around 0.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. For context, the US rate hovers around 6.4 per 100,000. You're looking at a country where violent crime is genuinely rare.

According to Gallup's 2024 Global Safety Report, 83% of people in Portugal said they feel safe walking alone at night where they live. The global average that year was 73%. That gap between how safe Portugal actually is and how safe residents feel living there says a lot about the quality of daily life here.

Now, transparency is important. The RASI report also showed that violent and serious crime increased by 2.6% nationally in 2024, totalling 14,385 cases. That sounds alarming until you dig into the detail. Most of those increases were concentrated in Lisbon's outer suburbs and related to specific social issues, not the kinds of crime that affect everyday expat life. The most commonly reported crime in Portugal? Domestic violence, not street crime. And gun violence is essentially non-existent thanks to strict firearms legislation.

If you're interested in staying informed about safety in Portugal, Safe Communities Portugal is an excellent English-language resource that publishes regular situation reports.

So How Safe Is the Algarve Specifically?

This is where things get really reassuring for anyone planning a move to southern Portugal.

The Algarve recorded 26,666 crime reports in 2024, which was actually 478 fewer than the previous year, a decrease of 1.8%. The Faro district ranked fourth nationally for total crime reports, which makes sense when you consider the millions of tourists who pass through the region every summer.

The vast majority of crime in the Algarve falls into the petty theft category. Think beach belongings going missing, the occasional car break-in at popular tourist spots, or pickpocketing in the busier resort towns during peak season. Violent crime against residents, especially expats, is extremely uncommon.

Towns like Tavira, in the eastern Algarve, are regularly cited as some of the safest places to live not just in the region, but in all of Portugal. Idealista reports that crime rates in Tavira sit well below national averages, and petty theft is virtually non-existent. You'll see elderly locals and families walking around at all hours of the evening, which says everything about how safe the community feels.

Other Algarve towns with strong safety reputations include Lagos, São Brás de Alportel, Loulé, Silves, and Aljezur. The general pattern is simple: the further you move from the big tourist hotspots and into the more residential areas, the quieter and safer things tend to be.

Even in the busier resort towns like Albufeira and Portimão, serious crime is rare. The main thing to watch out for during summer is the same thing you'd watch out for anywhere popular with tourists: keep an eye on your belongings, don't leave valuables visible in your car, and use common sense at the beach.

What Makes Portugal Feel So Safe?

It's worth understanding why Portugal maintains such impressive safety numbers, because it's not an accident. Several factors come together to create the culture of safety that expats consistently praise.

Strict gun laws. Owning a firearm for personal protection is not permitted in Portugal. You need to go through a rigorous licensing process just for sporting or hunting purposes. The result? Gun violence is practically unheard of. If you're relocating from the US, this alone can feel like a massive weight off your shoulders.

Community-focused policing. Portugal puts real emphasis on building positive relationships between police forces and local communities. The GNR (national guard) and PSP (public security police) are visible but approachable. In many Algarve towns, officers know local business owners and residents by name. It's a world away from the adversarial relationship between police and public that exists in some countries.

Cultural attitudes. Portugal is a country where people eat dinner at 9pm, where teenagers hang out in town squares late into the evening, and where grandparents sit on benches watching the world go by until well after dark. There's a social fabric here that naturally discourages antisocial behaviour. The pace of life is slower, the community ties are stronger, and there's a collective respect for public spaces.

Drug decriminalisation. Since 2001, Portugal has treated drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. This hasn't led to the chaos that some predicted. Instead, it's reduced drug-related crime and freed up police resources to focus on other areas of public safety. It's considered one of the most progressive and successful drug policies in the world.

Political stability. Portugal has been a stable democracy since the 1970s, and as an EU member state, it adheres to high standards of governance, human rights, and rule of law. There's no history of terrorism, no significant civil unrest, and a political culture that leans heavily toward consensus-building rather than confrontation.

Practical Safety Tips for Living in the Algarve

Even in one of the safest countries on the planet, it helps to follow some basic common sense. Here are a few practical things we share with everyone relocating through our services:

At home. If you're renting or buying, especially a villa or ground-floor apartment, invest in decent locks and consider an alarm system. Property theft, while not common, does happen, particularly in more isolated rural properties during the off-season months when some homes sit empty.

On the road. Portuguese drivers can be, shall we say, enthusiastic. Road safety is actually one area where Portugal lags a bit behind northern European standards. According to the European Commission, Portugal has a road fatality rate of 54 per million inhabitants, compared to the EU average of 45. Take it easy, especially on smaller rural roads, and be aware that overtaking on winding roads is a national sport here.

At the beach. Respect the flag system. Red means don't swim. Ocean currents along parts of the Algarve coast, especially on the west coast, can be strong and unpredictable. Cliff erosion is also a real hazard. Those stunning limestone formations you see in photos? Keep a safe distance, because rockfalls do occur.

During summer. Wildfire risk in southern Portugal peaks between July and September. Stay informed through local authorities and keep important documents accessible if you're living in a more rural area. The Algarve has invested significantly in fire prevention and response in recent years, but it's something to be aware of.

Online. Cybercrime has been on the rise across Europe, and Portugal is no exception. Be cautious with phishing attempts, verify any unsolicited contacts, and use strong passwords. The Polícia Judiciária has expanded its cybercrime response units, but prevention is always your best tool.

Is the Algarve Safe for Women?

This comes up a lot, and rightly so. The answer is yes, the Algarve is widely considered a very safe destination for women, including solo female travellers and women relocating on their own.

Portugal ranks well on the Women's Peace and Security Index and is one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. The Algarve's expat community includes many single women who have relocated independently and report feeling completely comfortable going about daily life, walking home after dinner, or exploring the region on their own.

As with anywhere in the world, basic precautions apply. But the kind of street harassment or intimidation that women experience in many other countries is notably rare here.

Is Portugal Safe for Families?

Absolutely. Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the best countries in Europe for families, and the Algarve specifically draws families looking for a safe, outdoor-focused lifestyle.

Kids play in town squares and on beaches with a freedom that many parents from the UK or US find refreshing. Schools are safe, neighbourhoods are community-oriented, and the general culture around children is warm and welcoming. Portugal is a country where restaurant staff will fuss over your toddler and where strangers will smile rather than scowl if your kid is having a moment in the supermarket.

Healthcare is reliable and accessible, with several English-speaking clinics and hospitals serving the Algarve. And the outdoor lifestyle here, with over 300 days of sunshine per year and beaches on your doorstep, does wonders for family wellbeing.

The Bottom Line

Portugal isn't just statistically safe. It feels safe. There's a difference, and it matters.

When you walk through Tavira's cobbled streets at midnight and see families finishing dinner at outdoor restaurants, or when you leave your front door unlocked while you pop to the café down the road, or when your kids ride their bikes around the neighbourhood without you having to worry, you feel it in your bones. This is a place where life just works at a calmer, more trusting pace.

Is it perfect? No. Nowhere is. But when you look at the data, listen to the people who've made the move, and experience the Algarve for yourself, the conclusion is pretty clear: this is one of the safest and most welcoming places you could choose to build a new life.

Thinking about making the move to the Algarve? We help people navigate the entire relocation process, from scouting trips to finding your perfect home. Get in touch with us and let's have a chat about what your Algarve life could look like. You can also explore our full range of relocation services here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portugal safe for expats?

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world for expats. It ranks 7th on the 2025 Global Peace Index and number one on InterNations' Expat Safety Score. Crime rates are low, the political environment is stable, and the culture is warm and welcoming toward foreign residents. The Algarve, in particular, has a large, well-established expat community where newcomers report feeling safe and settled.

Is the Algarve safe to live in?

The Algarve is one of the safest regions in Portugal. General crime decreased by 1.8% in 2024, and most incidents involve petty theft in tourist areas during peak summer months. Towns like Tavira, Lagos, and São Brás de Alportel are known for their particularly low crime rates and strong sense of community. Violent crime against residents is extremely rare.

How does Portugal compare to the UK and US for safety?

Portugal significantly outranks both. On the 2025 Global Peace Index, Portugal sits in 7th place, compared to 34th for the UK and 132nd for the United States. Portugal's homicide rate is approximately 0.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the US rate is around 6.4. Gun violence, one of the biggest safety concerns in the US, is effectively non-existent in Portugal.

What is the safest town in the Algarve?

Tavira is widely considered the safest town in the Algarve. It has crime rates well below the national average, a strong year-round community, and a relaxed atmosphere where families feel comfortable being out at all hours. Other notably safe towns include Loulé, Silves, Lagos, and Aljezur.

Is Portugal safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. Portugal is regarded as one of the safest countries in Europe for women, including solo travellers. It ranks highly on the Women's Peace and Security Index and is one of Europe's most progressive nations for LGBTQ+ rights. The Algarve's expat community includes many women who relocated independently and report consistently positive experiences with personal safety.