Portugal consistently sits near the top of Europe’s league table for safe travel, and the 2026 ranking from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection confirms it: Portugal is comfortably within the top 15 safest countries worldwide to travel to.
BHTP’s safest destinations report explained
The BHTP State of Travel Insurance (SOTI) Safest Destinations report bases its list on ratings from American travellers. It only factors in those who have personally visited each country in the last five years, allowing only those with direct experience to score safety. These survey results are then combined with established indices such as the Global Peace Index, data from Numbeo, and average GeoSure Global safety scores for major cities. All these data points are blended into a balanced, weighted score, ensuring that no single factor dominates and that each input contributes to the final overall safety ranking.
Portugal at number 12th globally
Portugal landed 12th spot in the 2026 global safety rankings thanks to a blend of practical strengths and a welcoming everyday atmosphere.
- Crime rates in Portugal are notably lower than in much of southern Europe, with violent incidents remaining rare.
- Major cities, like Lisbon and Porto, and holiday spots in the Algarve maintain visible policing, so even in busy areas, safety is a local priority.
- Pharmacies and 24-hour emergency services are easy to find, giving peace of mind to both residents and visitors.
- Inclusive: solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ visitors, families and older travellers all tend to rate Portugal highly for ease of getting around and feeling safe.
What stands out beyond the cities is the sense of security in quieter areas. Rural towns in regions like the Alentejo or the north often feel sleepy and calm, but that comes with genuine hospitality and a close-knit community spirit. Combine that with accessible healthcare and convenient train or coach connections, and you’re looking at the makings of a country where feeling at ease comes naturally, wherever you are.
Portugal compared to other safe countries to visit in 2026
Sitting alongside the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, and Japan, Portugal continues to hold its own in Europe’s top safety bracket. Not only does the country benefit from political stability and accessible public services, but the ease of daily living also stands out. Many point to the relaxed pace of life, where there’s seldom a rush and locals are happy to help with directions or suggestions for a quiet evening stroll.
Lisbon, for example, is regularly highlighted as one of the world’s safest major cities, which only adds to Portugal’s strong national ranking. While serious incidents are rare, the usual big city advice applies—knowing which areas to avoid in Lisbon and picking the right time of day can further improve peace of mind. Outside urban areas, the welcoming atmosphere extends to smaller towns and rural villages, where safety is rarely a concern and it’s easy to settle in.
Several practical factors, such as the strong global position of the Portuguese passport, easy healthcare access, and efficient public transport, all round out Portugal’s reputation as a country that’s not just easy to visit but easy to feel at home in.
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