- Madeira, Portugal, ranked as the number one global island for women traveling alone, scoring high in the Women, Peace and Security Index (WPS) and walkability.
- The study assessed islands based on seven factors, including the WPS Index, cultural friendliness, English proficiency, walkability, and cost of living.
- Spanish islands Ibiza, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura secured multiple spots in the top five due to high safety ratings.
- Boracay, Philippines, was identified as the most budget-friendly option globally, while Corfu, Greece, offered the lowest hotel prices among European destinations at $72 per night.
A new report analyzing the best islands for solo female travelers has ranked Madeira, Portugal, as the top global destination based on overall safety and well-being conditions. The study, conducted by the guided island-hopping tour company Island Hopping in November 2025, compared various global islands using seven key factors, heavily prioritizing safety and cultural openness.
Madeira achieved a perfect score of 100, bolstered by the highest Women, Peace and Security Index (WPS) score of 0.87, excellent walkability (97/100), and a relatively low cost of living at $804 per month. Following closely were several Spanish islands, with Ibiza, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura all securing positions within the top five due to their solid safety ratings and welcoming local culture.
The research also highlighted the most budget-friendly options. Boracay, the Philippines, while ranking lower overall, was noted as the most affordable getaway with a cost of living of $565 and hotel prices averaging just $40 per night. Among the European destinations, Corfu, Greece, offers the lowest hotel prices at $72 per night and benefits from high English proficiency among locals. The study emphasizes that compact destinations with low crime rates generally provide safer and easier experiences for women traveling independently.
