For female digital nomads, safety is a crucial factor when choosing where to live and work. With visa availability increasing, making the switch to remote work has never been easier – but finding the right location is still key.
Holidu, the vacation home booking portal, analysed data from sources like Numbeo and Nomads.com to identify the safest cities for digital nomads, highlighting the places where women feel most safe, welcomed and empowered to thrive.
The safest cities in Europe for female digital nomads
1. Venice, Italy
With 78.69% of women feeling comfortable walking alone, the city outperforms many of its European counterparts. The city's charming canals, rich history and vibrant culture make it an attractive destination. But beyond its beauty, Venice stands out for its welcoming atmosphere towards foreigners and the strong perception of safety for women traveling alone. The fact that it is a well-lit and pedestrian-friendly city also contributes to the feeling of safety, making it an excellent choice for remote workers.
2. Valencia, Spain
Spain has long been a hotspot for digital nomads, and Valencia offers the perfect combination of safety and cultural richness. It has the highest ratio of female to male digital nomads in this study, at 22%, indicating that more women choose this city as their base. Nomads appreciate its relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, reliable public transport and strong expat community. Valencia’s digital nomad scene is thriving, and with Spain’s new digital nomad visa, remote workers can now stay longer while enjoying the city’s safe and inclusive environment.
3. Porto, Portugal
Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries for travellers, and Porto is no exception. This picturesque seaside town is not only affordable, but also incredibly welcoming to female digital nomads. Porto ranks highly in many categories, including friendliness towards foreigners, rated “Good”, making it an inviting location for remote workers. With its friendly population and low crime rates, Porto is an ideal choice for women looking for a safe and inspiring place to work remotely. Additionally, Portugal’s digital nomad visa makes long-term stays even more accessible.
4. Coimbra, Portugal
As a university city, Coimbra offers a young and vibrant atmosphere whilst maintaining a reputation for safety. It is a little-known but very appealing destination for female digital nomads looking for a peaceful yet culturally rich experience. This Portuguese city stands out for its friendliness towards women, classified as “Excellent”, highlighting its inclusive and welcoming environment. The city's strong academic presence contributes to an open-minded and inclusive community, while Portugal's reputation for safety further reinforces Coimbra as an excellent choice for solo female travelers.
5. Aveiro, Portugal
Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro enchants digital nomads with its colorful canals and laid-back coastal atmosphere. Female travelers find Aveiro to be a safe and friendly place, with a relaxed lifestyle that encourages a great work-life balance. The city stands out with the highest perception of safety in the study - 91.45% of women feel comfortable walking alone. The city’s compact size and low crime rates make it easy for remote workers to explore freely, increasing its appeal as a top destination for female digital nomads.
6. The Hague, Netherlands
7. Rijeka, Croatia
8. Portimão, Portugal
9. Lisbon, Portugal
10. Tallinn, Estonia
And the safest country?
Portugal has officially become the number 1 destination for digital nomads, and it's easy to see why! With beaches, sea and a welcoming expat community, Portugal offers the perfect balance between work and adventure. But what really sets our country apart is its digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to live up to one year. Whether you're sipping coffee in a coworking space in Lisbon, surfing in Ericeira or exploring the streets of Porto, Portugal is the country where professional life dreams come true, according to Holidu.