The Algarve, Portugal, is one of the safest travel destinations in the world: According to the Travel and Tourism Competiveness Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) about the competiveness of the most important economies, published in 2016, Portugal is rated as 3rd out of 141 countries in terms impact of crime and violence on the cost to businesses ahead of Switzerland and Germany.
Police stations
In Portugal there are two different police organizations to maintain the public security:
- GNR Guarda Nacional Republicana (National Republican Guard), a paramilitary security force with stations in all 16 municipalities of the Algarve , and
- PSP Policia de Segurança Publica (Public Security Police) with stations covering Faro Airport and the cities and towns of Portimão, Lagos, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
Safe Community Algarve
During the last years, Safe Communities Algarve, has significantly contributed to the overall safety of both foreign residents as well as holiday makers in the region. Safe Communities Algarve (SCA) is an operating name of Associação SCP Safe Communities Portugal and is Portugal’s only registered non-profit association providing a “one stop shop” of crime prevention information available to all members of the Algarve community.
The aim of SCA is to promote safer communities, enhance security awareness and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. It does this through a number of specific objectives covering police/public engagement; communication and awareness; as well as public support in the fight against crime.
SCA works closely with the GNR, PSP, Judicial Police, SEF, ANPC, Turismo do Algarve, the municipalities, British Vice Consul and many other authorities in helping to keep the Algarve a safe place to live and visit. The organization is providing a wide range of services, including a free newsletter publishing the latest updates and news about crime prevention in the area.
To learn more about safety in the Algarve, please have a look at:
