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Spain is generally considered one of the safest countries in the world. It usually ranks better than its neighbours, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. Violent crime is extremely low. Spain has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, ranking third overall. Gun laws are strict, and gun crime is rare. Muggings are almost non-existent, particularly in rural areas.
According to several news reports, only the larger cities have a small risk of pickpockets. They are relatively easy to spot because they are usually overly friendly strangers, so beware and just smooth away from them as quickly as possible. Scammers and pickpockets also use distraction techniques, so also be on the alert. Other than that, there’s nothing to worry about even at odd hours of the night. That being said, Euro Weekly News has compiled a list of the five safest cities for expats:
The top five places:
1. Albacete (177,000 inhabitants) is a city located approximately 2 hours south of Madrid or 1 hour and 30 minutes away by high-speed train. Highlands, lakes, and shrubs surround it. It hosts the country’s largest and most popular fair, which attracts over 2 million people. Albacete is about an hour or so away from Alicante, one of the country’s most visited beach provinces. The Spanish Association of Insurance and Reinsurance Entities has ranked Albacete as the safest city in the country, due to its low incidence of robberies, fires, and traffic accidents per inhabitant.
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2. San Cristóbal de La Laguna is like living in colonial Spain of the 16th century. Dark wood and white churches are scattered throughout the city, situated in the northeastern part of the beautiful island of Tenerife. The town with a population of nearly 160,000 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts over 30,000 students, who respect and protect it, as well as its breathtaking fauna and flora, which is the richest on the entire island. Famous writers Unamuno and Galdós spoke of this place as one of unprecedented solace and peace of mind. And don’t forget to eat a pastrami sandwich if you visit, they’re the best.
3. Palencia is another breathtaking city with a population of fewer than 80,000 inhabitants. Living there is like being next door to secret forest waterfalls and lagoons, as well as a unique bison reserve. The lamb stew there is to die for, and so are its cured cheeses. The city is designed for pedestrians, so no need to worry about cars or car accidents. Valladolid, for example, is only 40 minutes away by train, and within two hours, you can visit the world-famous Picos de Europa National Park. Don’t forget to try their mouthwatering Churro Lamb, roasted to perfection. Saldaña beans are also a delight, and Villarramiel Cecinas are also unforgettable.
4. Ourense is a wonderful place. Gallegos are known for being altruistic and calm, but their traditional dishes also rank among the best in Spain—the caldo gallego, or their spicy pulpo a feira. The sumptuous Galician beef is on par with solomillo steaks. Empanadas are an excellent choice, and don’t you forget tarta de Santiago. Ourense is situated in northwestern Spain. It’s known for its hot springs and medicinal baths. Burga de Abajo is a neoclassical thermal water fountain. It houses the 12th-century Ourense Cathedral and its ornate Gate of Paradise. It has iconic Roman arches and the River Minho.
5. Pontevedra is also in Galicia. This beautiful coastal town, with its crystal-clear water, is nicknamed Boa Vila, or Good City, for its historical reputation of providing travelers with water. It is perfect for families with younger kids due to its pedestrian-friendly streets and intuitive metro network, which received the International Award for Urban Excellence from the Centre for Active Design in New York City in 2015. When it comes to seafood, you could say it’s one of the best places for its fresh Arcachon oysters, with which they prepare a delightful Lerez soup. Lane clams or Lobster with Picadillo is also a favourite by locals as well as tourists.
Las Palmas, San Sebastian, Zaragoza, Arona, and Orihuela are also fantastic and very safe places to consider if you are thinking of living in or visiting Spain.
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