Every year, millions of visitors come to Mallorca to take in everything it has to offer—from luxurious resorts and secluded coves to historic landmarks and beautiful hiking trails.
But like with any travel destination, safety is a key concern, and many travelers wonder: Is Mallorca safe to travel to?
To properly address this question, let’s explore all the relevant safety information about the island.
In Palma de Mallorca, safety levels are high for both day and night. Walking alone during daylight is considered very safe, with a rating of 81.9 out of 100, while walking alone at night is also relatively secure, scoring 61.1, indicating a generally safe environment for residents and tourists alike according to Numbeo.
Crime Rates in Mallorca?
To assess whether Mallorca is a safe travel destination, it’s essential to look at crime statistics and overall safety conditions. Compared to many other major European tourist spots, Mallorca enjoys a relatively low crime rate.
European Crime Index Comparison
Below is a comparison of crime indices in Palma de Mallorca versus other popular European cities, based on Numbeo’s data:
As seen above, Palma de Mallorca has a significantly lower crime index than both Paris and London, making it a comparatively safer destination.
Pickpocketing and Theft in Mallorca
10 ways to protect yourself from pickpockets in Mallorca #MajorcaTourists #MallorcaTourismIndustry #MallorcaPickpockets #PalmaPickpockets #Pickpocketing https://t.co/McjO2yyEU0
— Majorca Daily (@MajorcaDaily) June 23, 2024
In the broader European context, police-reported crimes have generally shown a fluctuating trend. For instance, thefts increased by about 17.9% in the EU from 2021 to 2022, with similar increases in burglary and robbery rates, suggesting a pattern of rising petty crime across the continent.
Most of these incidents are opportunistic thefts, like pickpocketing, which are more common in tourist-heavy areas similar to those in Mallorca according to the European Commission.
The primary concern for tourists in Mallorca involves the theft of personal items. Thieves often target:
- Smartphones
- Wallets
- Purses
In 2024, significant progress has been made to enhance the safety of tourists in Mallorca. Since April, local authorities have arrested 100 individuals involved in scams, reinforcing the island’s commitment to a secure experience for all visitors.
To minimize the risk of theft, travelers should take basic precautions, such as avoiding displays of valuable items, carrying only essentials for the day, and staying mindful of their personal belongings.
While these challenges exist, Mallorca remains an overwhelmingly safe destination for tourists, and adopting these simple preventive measures can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable trip according to
Is Palma Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Palma is generally a welcoming and safe city for solo female travelers. The local community is known for being friendly and open, which helps create a comfortable environment for those traveling alone. With well-lit streets, bustling plazas, and popular tourist attractions, there are plenty of secure public spaces to explore.
Here are some important points to consider:
- Low Serious Crime: According to police reports, the likelihood of serious crime in Palma is quite low. The city is considered relatively safe compared to other major European tourist destinations.
- Caution with Petty Theft: Like most tourist spots, petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occasionally happen, particularly in crowded areas like markets, public transport hubs, or tourist-heavy streets. It’s always a good idea to keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Palma is currently ranked as the #86 safest place for solo female travelers, reflecting a generally positive experience but with a need for basic precautions. The city’s safety ratings are quite encouraging:
- Safety Rating Based on Traveler Experiences: 4.5/5, derived from nine experiences shared by female travelers.
- Safety Rating Based on Research and Crime Data: 4.5/5, indicating strong safety indicators according to crime data.
- Local Women’s Perspective: 3.9/5, based on the experiences of three local women, suggesting a positive but slightly varied experience in terms of safety.
Key Tips for Staying Safe in Palma
- Stay Vigilant at Night: While Palma is generally safe, it’s advisable to stay in well-lit and busy areas, particularly at night.
- Mind Your Belongings: Keep bags and personal items secure, especially in busy areas, to avoid any chances of theft.
- Use Reputable Transport: Opt for registered taxis or reliable public transport, especially late at night.
Places to Avoid in Palma
Son Banya, for instance, is known for its association with drug activity and is best avoided by tourists. Similarly, neighborhoods like La Soledat Nord and El Rafal Nou have higher rates of theft and crime, making them less ideal for visitors, especially those unfamiliar with the area.
Although these neighborhoods aren’t typical tourist spots, it’s still valuable for travelers to be aware of them when venturing beyond the usual attractions.
On the other hand, popular destinations like Magaluf and El Arenal present different challenges. Both areas are famous for their vibrant nightlife and party scene, which can lead to increased pickpocketing and risky behaviors due to intoxication.
That said, Magaluf has recently seen some positive developments aimed at enhancing safety, suggesting that the area is on a path to becoming a more secure destination for tourists.
Comparison to Other Cities
Incidents involving violent crime are relatively rare in Palma de Mallorca, especially when compared to larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Most violent crime tends to be linked with nightlife settings, where alcohol can play a significant role.
Nonetheless, the local police maintain a strong presence, especially during peak tourist seasons, to manage public safety effectively according to the US Department of State – Travel Advisory.
Valencia has a lower crime index (31.54) compared to Palma de Mallorca (34.30), indicating slightly less crime overall.
Valencia scores higher (68.46) compared to Palma (65.70), suggesting Valencia is marginally safer according to Numbeo.
General Crime Levels
Level of Crime
- Valencia: Low (28.30)
- Palma de Mallorca: Low (32.81)
Crime Increase in the Last 3 Years
- Valencia: Moderate (53.88)
- Palma: Moderate but higher (59.99)
Specific Concerns (Valencia vs Palma de Mallorca)
- Worries About Home Break-ins: Valencia (30.84) vs Palma (33.31) – Both low but Palma slightly higher.
- Worries About Being Mugged/Robbed: Valencia (29.65) vs Palma (31.13) – Low in both cities.
- Worries About Car Theft: Palma (20.62) reports fewer worries compared to Valencia (26.28).
- Worries About Drug Problems: Palma (50.88) has a higher issue compared to Valencia (42.64).
Safety Walking Alone
Daylight
- Valencia: Very High (84.73)
- Palma: Very High (81.90)
Night
- Valencia: High (66.35)
- Palma: High (61.11)
Problems with Specific Crimes
- Violent Crime: Both cities report similar levels of concern about violent crime, with Palma (26.00) being only slightly higher than Valencia (25.94).
- Property Crimes: Issues like theft and vandalism are reported slightly higher in Palma (39.77) compared to Valencia (35.10).
Methodology
To determine how safe Mallorca is as a travel destination in 2024, we used a systematic approach involving the most recent and credible data sources available, ensuring an accurate evaluation of the island’s safety profile.
Our study primarily relied on crime and safety statistics sourced from reputable databases such as Numbeo, the US Department of State Travel Advisory, and European Commission reports, alongside local police data for 2023-2024.
