Go, but pay attention.
Spain's sketch score jumped to 77 today, and you should follow the US and Canadian level 2 advisories while watching for global measles outbreaks.
Governments, one trip
What they're telling their own citizens about Spain
The real score
The breakdown
See it from your perspective
Go, but pay attention.
The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.
Staying healthy
What to watch out for, health-wise
Active notices
- • Global Measles
Vaccines
Recommended:
From people who've been there
Local know-how
Staying safe
- •As per rest of the European Union, all emergencies can be reported to the toll-free number 112.
- •Police: There are four kinds of police in Spain:
- •Policía Municipal or Local (municipal/local police), In Barcelona: Guardia Urbana.
Staying healthy
- •Healthcare: Pharmaceuticals are not sold at supermarkets, only at farmacias (pharmacies/chemists), identified with a green cross or a Hygeia's cup.
- •Climate: Although many visitors travel to Spain for the warm climate, it can be cold in winter, especially in the Central Region and in the North, and in some places it is also rainy in summer.
- •Water: The tap water in Spain is safe and of a drinkable quality.
- •Smoking: Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and places of work, in public transportation, and in outdoor public places near hospitals and in playgrounds.
Adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA — edited by travelers, not us.
Real talk
What travelers actually say
Travelers in Spain face specific environmental risks rather than urban crime threats according to the provided discussions. When hiking or trekking, the primary dangers involve unpredictable Mediterranean weather shifts, difficult terrain, and dehydration. Safety relies on thorough route planning, carrying appropriate gear like GPS and first aid kits, and avoiding solo excursions by hiking with a buddy or group. While some travelers express concern regarding historical terrorism reports, the actual advice provided focuses exclusively on physical preparedness for outdoor activities. There is no consensus or data provided regarding urban crime, scams, or safety in cities like Madrid, Malaga, or Seville.
“The first and most crucial safety tip for beginners is to know the trail and plan your route ahead of time.
— r/travel
“Hiking or trekking with a buddy or joining a group can increase your safety and provide additional support in case of an emergency.
— r/travel
“Spain has a Mediterranean climate, which can change quickly, especially in mountainous areas. Always prepare for rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
— r/travel
Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
C / F · 230V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 112 / ambulance: 112 / fire: 112
Zoom in
10 Spain cities on SKETCH.WORLD
Real, resident-submitted Numbeo crime data at the city level — the same national picture above, with crime swapped for what people who actually live there report.
Show the receipts (11 sources)
- us-state — observed 2026-07-12
- uk-fcdo — observed 2026-07-12
- ca-gac — observed 2026-07-12
- worldbank-political — observed 2026-07-12
- worldbank-policeTrust — observed 2026-07-12
- cdc-health — observed 2026-07-12
- wikivoyage — observed 2026-07-12
- reddit — observed 2026-07-12
- unodc — observed 2026-07-12
- acled-hdx — observed 2026-07-12
- lgbtq-legal-wikipedia — observed 2026-07-12