Spain · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Palma scores 77/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Palma is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert to petty theft and recent protest activity. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Spain · Assessed 29 July 2026
77
/ 100
Safer than ~83% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Wildfires in Madrid and Avila Spanish authorities have declared a national emergency because of wildfires in parts of Madrid and Ávila. There are also reports of wildfires in other inland areas of Spain.”
Updated 2026-07-26T10:37:34Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Spain: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed or violent robbery against tourists is rare; most incidents involve isolated street muggings in peripheral areas after dark.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is common in crowded tourist zones such as the Cathedral, Passeig del Born and Mercado de l'Olivar, especially during peak summer hours.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
80/100
Recent traveler posts and local forums describe Palma as welcoming and safe during daylight, with visitors feeling comfortable walking in central districts, though some note occasional tension during large protests.
Yes — Palma is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert to petty theft and recent protest activity.
Palma’s composite safety index of 85/100 marks it as VERY SAFE, with low homicide, terrorism and road‑traffic death rates. Official advisories (U.S., Canada, UK) flag only a Level 2 caution for terrorism and civil unrest, not for violent crime. Recent crowd‑sourced data and local reports confirm low violent‑crime risk but highlight elevated pickpocketing in tourist hotspots and a surge in anti‑tourism protests.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Palma is classified as VERY SAFE overall, with a composite index of 85 / 100 and homicide, terrorism and traffic‑death rates far below global averages. Official government advisories from the U.S., Canada and the UK issue only a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” warning, citing general terrorism alerts and recent wildfires in inland Spain—not specific threats to tourists in the city.
The live dossier, however, shows a surge in anti‑tourism sentiment this summer. In July 2026, massive protests erupted in Palma’s historic centre, culminating in clashes where police fired rubber bullets after reports of attacks on tourists. While these demonstrations are politically motivated and not aimed at individual visitors, they can create crowded, unpredictable scenes that increase the risk of petty crime.
Pickpocketing remains the primary safety concern. Recent travel guides (e.g., tourismattractions.net, March 2026) repeatedly flag the Cathedral, Passeig del Born and the Mercado de l’Olivar as hotspots where thieves target backpacks, phones and wallets, especially during peak tourist hours. Fake‑taxi scams have also resurfaced; a June 2026 incident saw a driver arrested for overcharging visitors near the airport, prompting authorities to reiterate the use of licensed taxis or rideshare apps.
Overall, travelers report feeling safe walking in well‑lit central neighborhoods during daylight, and violent crime against tourists is rare. The consumer‑sentiment score of 78 reflects this generally positive perception, though vigilance is advised after dark and in less‑crowded peripheral districts.
Practical Tips
1. Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original and store valuables in a hotel safe. 2. Use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services; avoid unmarked cabs, especially at night. 3. Guard your belongings closely in crowded tourist spots—front‑pocket wallets, zip‑pered bags and discreet phone use can deter pickpockets. 4. Stay in well‑lit, central areas such as the Old Town or Santa Catalina, and avoid isolated streets after dark. 5. Monitor local news for any sudden protest activity; if a demonstration begins nearby, move to a safe, well‑populated area and follow instructions from local authorities.
By staying alert to these specific risks and following the above precautions, visitors can enjoy Palma’s historic charm, beaches and culture with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Palma districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Palma safety map.
Port de PalmaavoidRecent clashes between police and anti-tourism protesters resulted in rubber‑bullet use
Historic Center (Cathedral area)cautionHigh pickpocket activity in crowded tourist spots, especially after dark
Passeig del BorncautionBusy nightlife zone with frequent petty theft and occasional protests
Cala MajorcautionCoastal area with higher scam reports involving unlicensed taxis and beach vendors
El TerrenosaferResidential area with low crime and good lighting, popular with locals
Son RapiusaferQuiet neighborhood with minimal incidents reported recently
Son EspanyoletsaferWell-patrolled student district with low petty crime rates
Palma Old Town (outside main squares)saferGenerally safe during daylight; avoid isolated alleys after dark
07 · After Dark
78% of people in Spain say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2013).
Armed or violent robbery against tourists is rare; most incidents involve isolated street muggings in peripheral areas after dark.
After dark, be most careful around Port de Palma, Historic Center (Cathedral area), Passeig del Born, Cala Major. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Palma is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert to petty theft and recent protest activity. Palma’s composite safety index of 85/100 marks it as VERY SAFE, with low homicide, terrorism and road‑traffic death rates. Official advisories (U.S., Canada, UK) flag only a Level 2 caution for terrorism and civil unrest, not for violent crime. Recent crowd‑sourced data and local reports confirm low violent‑crime risk but highlight elevated pickpocketing in tourist hotspots and a surge in anti‑tourism protests. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Palma report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Port de Palma as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Palma ranks #9 of 9 Spain destinations we've assessed, scoring 77/100. See the Spain safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the Spain safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: palma.json (CC BY 4.0).
