---
title: "List of Safest Cities in Portugal"
url: https://33travels.com/safest-cities-in-portugal/
author: "Lena Marchetti"
published: 2026-01-12
updated: 2026-04-06
place: "Portugal"
---

# List of Safest Cities in Portugal

Portugal mixes sun-drenched coastlines, riverfront towns and compact historic centers, so safety can feel different from one place to the next. Whether you’re researching a move, planning a family trip, or comparing quieter urban options, a clear list helps narrow choices quickly.

There are **15 Safest Cities in Portugal**, ranging from Aveiro to Évora. For each city you’ll find below data organized as Country,Population,Crime rate (per 10k), allowing easy side-by-side comparison of size and safety — you’ll find the full table below.

## How reliable are the crime rate figures?

Crime rate per 10,000 residents is a useful standard for comparison, but figures depend on reporting practices and the year of the data; treat them as a snapshot, cross-check recent local reports, and consider trends rather than a single number.

## Which of these cities are best for families or solo travelers?

Look beyond the raw crime rate: prioritize low violent-crime numbers, good public transport, well-lit neighborhoods and local services; use the table below to shortlist cities, then research neighborhoods and amenities to match your needs.

## Safest Cities in Portugal

| City | Country | Population | Crime rate (per 10k) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Oeiras | Portugal | 172,000 | 220 |
| Cascais | Portugal | 214,000 | 260 |
| Viseu | Portugal | 99,000 | 180 |
| Braga | Portugal | 193,000 | 210 |
| Aveiro | Portugal | 78,000 | 200 |
| Leiria | Portugal | 128,000 | 230 |
| Ponta Delgada | Portugal | 68,000 | 190 |
| Funchal | Portugal | 111,000 | 240 |
| Lagos | Portugal | 31,000 | 210 |
| Faro | Portugal | 66,000 | 230 |
| Coimbra | Portugal | 143,000 | 250 |
| Matosinhos | Portugal | 175,000 | 260 |
| Torres Vedras | Portugal | 83,000 | 170 |
| Vila Nova de Gaia | Portugal | 302,000 | 300 |
| Évora | Portugal | 53,000 | 160 |

## Images and Descriptions

![Oeiras](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/oeiras.jpg)

### Oeiras

Affluent Lisbon suburb with one of Portugal’s lowest crime rates; low violent crime, strong municipal policing and community programs. Population around 172,000; noted for safe neighborhoods, good infrastructure, and commuter access to Lisbon — popular with families and expats.

![Cascais](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cascais.jpg)

### Cascais

Coastal municipality west of Lisbon with robust security presence, low violent crime and well-policed tourist areas. Population about 214,000; high-income neighborhoods, monitored public spaces, and community safety initiatives make Cascais consistently ranked among Portugal’s safest coastal cities.

![Viseu](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/viseu.jpg)

### Viseu

Interior city in central Portugal with low recorded crime rates and very low violent crime. Population about 99,000; strong local policing, cohesive community networks, and a compact urban core contribute to Viseu’s reputation as a peaceful city ideal for families and retirees.

![Braga](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/braga.jpg)

### Braga

Historic northern city with steady, low crime statistics and low violent incidents. Population ~193,000; a visible police presence, thriving university community and well-lit streets keep downtown and residential areas safe for students, families and tourists.

![Aveiro](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/aveiro.jpg)

### Aveiro

Canal city on the northwest coast noted for low crime and minimal violent crime reports. Population around 78,000; compact center, active community policing and a high quality of life make Aveiro a calm, walkable option for residents and visitors.

![Leiria](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/leiria.jpg)

### Leiria

Central Portugal city with relatively low crime and low violent-crime rates. Population about 128,000; Leiria benefits from focused municipal policing, family-oriented neighborhoods, and steady social services, offering affordable, safe living near the coast and Lisbon region.

![Ponta Delgada](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ponta_delgada.jpg)

### Ponta Delgada

Main city in the Azores with low overall and violent crime rates. Population ~68,000; small-city policing, tight-knit communities and low anonymity reduce street crime, making Ponta Delgada a secure base for residents and visitors to São Miguel.

![Funchal](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/funchal.jpg)

### Funchal

Regional capital of Madeira with generally low violent crime and moderate overall crime mostly from petty theft in tourist hubs. Population about 111,000; strong local policing, community programs, and compact neighborhoods contribute to Funchal’s year-round safety.

![Lagos](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg)

### Lagos

Southern Algarve town with low violent-crime rates outside peak tourist zones; population ~31,000. Efficient local policing, community vigilance and well-managed nightlife areas keep Lagos relatively safe for families and visitors, though seasonal petty theft can rise in summer.

![Faro](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/faro.jpg)

### Faro

Capital of the Algarve with a low violent-crime rate and modest overall crime outside tourist peaks. Population around 66,000; airport transit, visible policing and community safety efforts help maintain calm daily life for residents and seasonal visitors.

![Coimbra](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg)

### Coimbra

University city with low violent-crime rates and active campus policing. Population ~143,000; a strong civic presence, student community and well-used public spaces contribute to Coimbra’s generally safe reputation for residents, students and cultural tourists.

![Matosinhos](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg)

### Matosinhos

Port-adjacent city north of Porto with comparatively low violent crime and stable overall crime rates. Population about 175,000; industrial and residential mix, active policing and community services make Matosinhos a secure coastal suburb.

![Torres Vedras](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg)

### Torres Vedras

West of Lisbon, Torres Vedras has low recorded crime and minimal violent incidents. Population ~83,000; family-friendly neighborhoods, local police presence and community programs contribute to a reputation for safety while remaining within commuting distance of Lisbon.

![Vila Nova de Gaia](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vila_nova_de_gaia.jpg)

### Vila Nova de Gaia

Large city across the Douro from Porto with relatively low violent crime and community policing in residential zones. Population around 302,000; riverside neighborhoods, family districts and municipal safety programs keep many areas calmer than central Porto.

![Évora](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/evora.jpg)

### Évora

Historic inland city in Alentejo with generally low crime and very low violent-crime rates. Population ~53,000; compact center, strong community ties and limited anonymity make Évora a calm option for residents, cultural visitors and retirees.