Areas to Avoid in Palma
Spain
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Palma. Which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Industrial outskirts or areas far from the center without specific tourist interest.
These areas lack tourist amenities, offer little of interest, and may have poorer lighting or fewer people around at night, making them less appealing and potentially less safe for unfamiliar visitors.
General Safety Tips for Palma
At Night
Main tourist areas like the Old Town (near the cathedral and main squares) and the Paseo Marítimo are well-lit and busy; quieter side streets in the Old Town can feel less secure after dark.
Solo Female Travel
Palma is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night, especially in the Old Town's smaller alleys, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded tourist spots.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Palma
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded markets and tourist attractions.
- 2Overcharging by unlicensed taxis.
- 3Distraction theft (e.g., spilling something on you to distract you while an accomplice steals your bag).
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Historic labyrinth of narrow streets, charming plazas, and centuries-old architecture.
Generally very safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, well-lit main streets are safe, but quieter alleys can feel less secure.
Santa Catalina
Trendy and bohemian, known for its vibrant market, diverse restaurants, and lively bars.
Very safe during the day and evening; nightlife areas are generally safe but always exercise standard precautions in busy bars.
El Molinar / Portixol
Chic waterfront area with a picturesque harbor, trendy restaurants, and a relaxed, upscale feel.
Extremely safe day and night, with well-lit promenades and a generally affluent clientele.
Plaça d'Espanya / Avinguda Jaume III
The bustling commercial and transport hub, offering wide avenues, shopping, and easy access to the rest of the city.
Generally safe, but busy areas can attract pickpockets; exercise caution around the main bus/train station late at night.
Safety in Palma
SafeSolo Female Travel
Palma is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night, especially in the Old Town's smaller alleys, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded tourist spots.
At Night
Main tourist areas like the Old Town (near the cathedral and main squares) and the Paseo Marítimo are well-lit and busy; quieter side streets in the Old Town can feel less secure after dark.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded markets and tourist attractions.
- 2Overcharging by unlicensed taxis.
- 3Distraction theft (e.g., spilling something on you to distract you while an accomplice steals your bag).