Spain · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Santiago de Compostela scores 85/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Santiago de Compostela is one of Europe’s safest cities for visitors. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Spain · Assessed 29 July 2026
85
/ 100
Safer than ~92% 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 2026-07-24T05:01:59.364592-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare; incidents are limited to isolated night‑time altercations in peripheral areas
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is common in the historic centre, especially around Plaza del Obradoiro, the Cathedral, and during peak pilgrim seasons
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
87/100
Recent traveller reports describe feeling safe walking during daylight and in tourist zones, though some note occasional petty theft in crowded areas
Yes — Santiago de Compostela is one of Europe’s safest cities for visitors.
The composite safety index of 85/100 and low homicide rate (0.7/100k) confirm a very safe environment, while governance scores remain solid despite minor concerns around corruption and political stability.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety briefing: Santiago de Compostela remains a very safe destination for travelers. The multi‑database profile gives the city an 85/100 composite safety score, driven by a homicide rate of 0.7 per 100 k (well below the global average) and strong performance on crime, health and environmental hazards. Governance indicators are solid, though scores on rule of law and corruption are modest, reflecting occasional bureaucratic irregularities rather than widespread danger.
Recent dossier items highlight a few concrete risks for visitors. In June 2026, The Spectator Australia reported a “Peregrino” long‑con scam targeting pilgrims, where a self‑styled guide demanded payment for a tour and then vanished. May 2026 saw multiple pickpocketing incidents in Plaza del Obradoiro during a morning mass, and an April 2026 encounter with a fake police officer near the Cathedral who tried to extract a passport. These events are isolated but illustrate that petty crime and targeted scams can occur in the city’s busiest tourist zones.
Overall, most visitors feel safe walking during daylight, especially in the historic centre and along the Camino routes, and the city’s safety perception score of 87/100 reflects this generally positive sentiment. However, the moderate pickpocket level and the emergence of pilgrim‑specific scams mean that standard big‑city precautions are essential. Keep bags in sight, avoid leaving valuables on café chairs, and verify any official‑looking request for documents; genuine police will not ask for cash. Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services, and agree on fares beforehand. By staying alert in crowded plazas and tourist hotspots, travelers can enjoy Santiago’s rich culture and historic sites with minimal safety concerns.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 7 Santiago de Compostela districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Santiago de Compostela safety map.
San Cipriánavoidoutskirts with limited services and sparse foot traffic; isolated incidents of theft and vandalism noted recently
Casco Vellocautioncentral historic district, high foot traffic and tourist activity; petty theft and scams common, especially after dark
Parque da Varelacautionlarge city park used for recreation and events; occasional pickpocketing reported during festivals
Calle del Marcautiontourist-heavy street near major attractions; frequent scams targeting pilgrims and late-night disturbances
San Marcossaferresidential area near university and hospitals; low crime and good lighting, but stay alert in crowded pilgrim zones
Príncipesaferquiet residential neighborhood with strong community presence; minimal incidents reported
Calle del Conde de Gondomarsafercommercial corridor with steady local business activity; low risk, typical city caution advised
07 · After Dark
78% of people in Spain say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2013).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare; incidents are limited to isolated night‑time altercations in peripheral areas
After dark, be most careful around San Ciprián, Casco Vello, Parque da Varela, Calle del Mar. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Santiago de Compostela's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Santiago de Compostela is one of Europe’s safest cities for visitors. The composite safety index of 85/100 and low homicide rate (0.7/100k) confirm a very safe environment, while governance scores remain solid despite minor concerns around corruption and political stability. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags San Ciprián as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Santiago de Compostela ranks #1 of 9 Spain destinations we've assessed, scoring 85/100. See the Spain safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Spain safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: santiago-de-compostela.json (CC BY 4.0).