Italy : Safety by City
- Bari
- Bologna
- Cagliari
- Catania
- Florence
- Genoa
- Milan
- Naples
- Palermo
- Perugia
- Pisa
- Rimini
- Rome
- Sorrento
- Turin
- Vatican City
- Venice
- Verona
Situated at the base of Mount Etna overlooking the Ionian Sea, Catania serves as a major transportation hub for Sicily.
As Italy’s second-largest Sicilian municipality, it features a UNESCO-listed center with black lava stone, a renowned fish market (La Pescheria), and a lively food scene known for pasta alla Norma.
The best time to visit is from April to June or September to October to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds.
It has a major international airport, making it easily accessible.
Rebuilt in the 17th century with Baroque style, the city is characterized by wide avenues and, significantly, the use of lava stone in its buildings.
Key sights include the Piazza del Duomo, the Elephant Fountain, and Catania Cathedral.
Warnings & Dangers in Catania
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Overall, Catania is considered a safe destination, provided you stay aware of your surroundings, similar to visiting any large city. Offers a vibrant, historic experience with lower violent crime rates than many European cities. While it has a reputation for being gritty and has some dodgy neighborhoods, tourists are usually safe in the city center, particularly around Via Etnea. Common-sense precautions against pickpocketing are advised.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Traffic in Catania is dense and fast-paced. Pedestrians must exercise caution. Drivers often fail to stop at zebra crossings, and even with a green pedestrian signal, cars may turn across your path. Use only authorized, white-colored taxis with clearly marked company names and numbers on the side. Ride-hailing apps or calling a radio taxi is recommended to ensure fair, pre-arranged, or metered pricing.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Catania has a moderate risk of petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in crowded tourist areas, markets (like La Fiera/A Fera Luni), the fish market, and around the train station. While generally safe, visitors should take precautions against opportunistic theft, such as using cross-body bags, securing valuables, and avoiding flashy jewelry.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
The greatest risk is the chance of a major tsunami in the next fifty years. Other than that, this area is often calm in regard to the weather.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
With safety levels comparable to other major European cities. While generally safe, the primary risk is petty theft, such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching in crowded tourist spots, markets, and near transportation hubs. Violent crime is rare, though it is advised to avoid certain areas at night.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
While no specific threat against Catania is highlighted, tourists should remain vigilant in crowded public spaces, transportation hubs, and during high-profile events. The primary threat comes from homegrown or international terrorists targeting tourist spots, places of worship, and transport hubs, similar to risks across Europe. Expect increased police and military presence at major landmarks and during the holidays.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
The risk is about equal to that of any other major European city. The two main scams are overcharging taxis and fake parking attendants. Scammers may approach at highway entrances asking for a non-existent fee.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Catania is generally safe for female travelers, offering a rich, authentic Sicilian experience, but it requires standard urban precautions due to risks of pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and occasional catcalling. Some visitors have reported instances of being followed or groped, particularly on crowded public transport. While public transport is generally reliable, be aware of your surroundings on buses.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water in Catania, Sicily, is generally safe to drink and treated according to regulations. While it is potable, many locals prefer bottled water due to the taste, which can be affected by high mineral content (limescale) or a chlorine taste. The water is quite hard, causing significant limescale, and some may find the taste unpleasant, prompting a preference for bottled water.
Safest Places to Visit in Catania
The safest and most recommended areas to visit in Catania are in the historic city center, particularly around Piazza del Duomo, Via Etnea, and the Stesicoro area.
Top safe areas are:
- Piazza del Duomo & Surroundings: The heart of the city, featuring the Cathedral and Fountain of the Elephant.
- Via Etnea: The main shopping street, generally safe for walking, even at night.
- Stesicoro Area: A bustling, central area close to Roman ruins and top shops.
- Via Crociferi: Known as a beautiful, historic, and safe, quiet street for walking.
Places to Avoid in Catania
Catania is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should exercise caution and avoid specific neighborhoods, especially at night.
Areas near the train/bus station and parts of the historic center, like Fortino and Civita, are considered less safe after dark.
Avoid:
- Librino: Consistently identified as a high-crime, residential area to avoid, particularly for tourists.
- San Cristoforo & Castello Ursino: While central and home to attractions, these areas are known for being unsafe, especially at night.
- Train/Bus Station Area: The area around the main train/bus station requires caution, especially at night, due to the potential for petty crime.
- San Giorgio, Nesima, and Monte Po: These western/southern outskirts have a reputation for higher crime rates.
- San Berillo: A centrally located, gritty area with a reputation for, at times, prostitution.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Catania
- Use only white taxis or call apps. If you choose to do something else, you risk getting overcharged. Make sure you negotiate the fare or demand that the meter be turned on at all times.
- Secure valuables. Use a cross-body bag and keep a hand on it, particularly in crowded areas like markets (e.g., La Pescheria). Pickpockets and purse-snatchers on scooters are risks.
- Avoid demonstrations. These don’t happen often, but when they do, there is always a chance of violence breaking out. Avoid any demonstrations you come upon.
- Know the number for emergencies. In Catania and the rest of Italy, is 112(General Emergency), 115(Fire), 118 (Medical).
- Look for signs announcing poor drinking water. Always look for signs saying “acqua non potabile”(not drinkable water), which are rare but might appear in older buildings or specific public fountains.
- Exercise caution at night. While central areas are safe, exercise caution when wandering into quieter, less-lit alleys at night.
- Avoid the ZTL. The Historic Center has a Restricted Traffic Zone (ZTL) that you should avoid driving into to prevent fines.
- Mind your manners. Avoid being loud, touching produce at markets, ordering cappuccino after 11 AM (especially with dinner), learn basic Italian, validating train tickets, being punctual, dressing modestly for religious sites, and respecting local customs like later dinner times.
- Be Careful Driving/Parking: Car theft can occur, particularly in tourist areas. Never leave items in a car, even in the trunk, and consider leaving the glove compartment open to show it’s empty.
- Do Not Bring Up the Mafia: Avoid joking about the mafia or buying stereotypical “Godfather” souvenirs, as this is disrespectful to locals.
So... How Safe Is Catania Really?
Catania is a very safe and pleasant place to visit.
The chance of a natural disaster or terrorist threat is very low.
Women are generally safe, other than the leering and catcalls that might happen, and violence is rare.
You need to take the typical precautions you would when visiting any larger city in the world.
Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid demonstrations, and keep your belongings secure, as pickpockets are always present in areas where tourists gather.
You can drink the water freely and eat the food.
There is little risk of violence, although you do need to take caution about pickpocketing.
Overall, Catania is a wonderful place to visit.
How Does Catania Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Catania |
65 |
| Venice |
72 |
| Florence |
72 |
| Bologna |
56 |
| Milan |
65 |
| Naples |
62 |
| Pisa |
61 |
 Edinburgh | 75 |
 Cork | 68 |
 El Monte | 76 |
 Porto | 80 |
| Hoover | 62 |
| Vallejo | 65 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Italy for stays up to 90 days. U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 90 days after your return date, though we strongly recommend at least six months. You will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for short stays. This is a digital travel authorization, not a visa, but requires an online application before travel for security screening, though there's a transition period where you won't be denied entry solely for not having one initially.
Currency
Catania, located in Italy, uses the Euro (€) as its currency, designated by the code EUR. Banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, while coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, plus €1 and €2. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller shops. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (bancomats) to withdraw Euros, as they offer better rates.
Weather
The daily high temperatures throughout the year range from 61 degrees F in January to 90 degrees F in July and August. Nightly low temperatures range from 41 degrees F in January and February to 68 degrees F in August. Rain is almost absent from June through August. The rainiest time is in November and December, with an average of six days per month. When packing, make sure you have a combination of warm weather clothing and lighter weight jackets and long sleeves for the nights. Rain gear is something that can't hurt, especially during the winter months, and don't forget your swimsuit.
Airports
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is an international airport 2.3 NM southwest of Catania, the second largest city on the Italian island of Sicily. It is named after the opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania. You can utilize cars, taxis, or the train to travel to and from the airport. There is a car rental available at the airport, but please be aware of the hectic driving you will experience. Using public transportation will give you more safety, and greater peace of mind. There is a VIP lounge, many shops for things you may have forgotten to bring, and restaurants to enjoy some of the fine food of the area.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Catania, Italy, is not legally required for short-term stays (under 90 days) for many travelers, but it is highly recommended due to the potential high costs of private medical care, emergency evacuation, or trip cancellations. Visa holders must have a policy covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses. As Sicily has active volcanoes (Mt. Etna), insurance that covers trip interruptions or cancellations due to natural disasters is advisable. If you plan on hiking, skiing, or other activities, ensure your policy includes appropriate coverage. It is recommended to buy insurance before your trip, particularly to cover unexpected medical costs not covered by home insurance, or to manage trip cancellation risks. There is always a chance you will experience such things as lost luggage, which the insurance can cover.
Catania Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
16 | 16 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 29 | 24 | 19 | 16 |
| Low °C |
6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 8 |
| High °F |
61 | 61 | 63 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 84 | 75 | 66 | 61 |
| Low °F |
43 | 43 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 61 | 64 | 68 | 64 | 59 | 52 | 46 |
Italy - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bari | 74 |
| Bologna | 56 |
| Cagliari | 64 |
| Catania | 65 |
| Florence | 72 |
| Genoa | 60 |
| Milan | 65 |
| Naples | 62 |
| Palermo | 55 |
| Perugia | 60 |
| Pisa | 61 |
| Rimini | 62 |
| Rome | 65 |
| Sorrento | 75 |
| Turin | 42 |
| Vatican City | 72 |
| Venice | 72 |
| Verona | 65 |
Ratings are very helpful, thank you. But scales seem very flawed. For example, Catania which has mostly medium to high risks in all categories has a higher safety score than Florence which has mostly low to medium risks.
Catania has its charm, but good luck finding a parking spot amidst all that “bustling” nightlife and baroque architecture.
Did you get that morning buzz at La Pescheria, with the sun on the black lava stone making the whole piazza feel alive?
Hopped off the bus and ended up grinning as the black lava stone warmed my shoes while the chaos at La Pescheria smelled like the sea and somehow made me hungry for pasta alla Norma.
Grabbed pasta alla Norma by La Pescheria and the mix of lava-stone streets, fish smoke, and sea breeze made me smile.