Is Catania Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Catania is a city located on the eastern coast of Sicily at the foot of Mount Etna, the biggest volcano in Europe.

It is the second-largest city in Sicily with the metropolitan area reaching one million inhabitants, a major transport hub, an economic center and a university city where you will enjoy a busy downtown and an active nightlife.

Travelers come here to see particular baroque architecture and urban design.

The downtown area is a World Heritage Site.

Tourists are exciting landmarks that are easily accessible from this city: large fish market and bustling food and clothes, Mount Etna, The Elephant Fountain, and La Plaja, sandy beaches south of the town along the bay.

Warnings & Dangers in Catania

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Skating is safe enough for tourists. However, you should especially monitor your belongings, bags, and wallets. Valuable items and jewelry will certainly attract thieves. If you are a road user - turn your head 360 degrees - the traffic here is a little crazy.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is reasonably comfortable and safe, but you need to keep an eye on your pockets, especially on crowded buses. If you need a taxi, you can usually find one in taxi ranks at train and bus stations or by telephone for one. If you book a taxi by phone, you will be charged for the trip the driver makes to reach you.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Don't wear expensive jewelry. Be sure your bags (purse and camera) are slung across your body and do not carry with you a lot of cash. Be alert and aware of pickpockets, and motorcycle-riding snatch thieves targeting handbags, wallets, and mobile phones. Generally avoid walking at night and take a taxi, like around the train station.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Catania lies in the middle of the eastern Sicily coast, one of the most seismic and tsunami-prone areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, the region is prone to earthquakes and floods. Read weather information before visiting this region.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Armed attacks and robberies are frequent in Catania. Avoid being on the streets of the city late at night and do not walk in poorly lit streets. It is also better to travel in groups and not attract the attention of robbers with expensive things and values.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorist attacks in Italy can’t be ruled out. Since terrorist attacks often occur in Europe, especially in large or tourist cities, there is also the possibility of terrorist attacks in Catania.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

In skating, fraud with overpriced prices for everything for tourists is common. Also, make sure that you have agreed on a price for the service/excursion/purchase in advance - otherwise, you may be deceived. Take only licensed taxis and require the inclusion of a taximeter.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women traveling alone can safely be in Catania. Follow common sense, do not wander the streets late at night, do not attract too much attention, putting on immodest clothes, do not wear a lot of jewelry on yourself, and you will be safe.

So... How Safe Is Catania Really?

Catania is quite a tourist city.

However, it should be borne in mind that the crime index is high and growing every year.

The main problems are related to car theft, picketing, robbery, and corruption.

Mainly you need to keep track of your bags and wallets.

There are many cases when thieves ride scooters and grab bags from the hands of tourists.

If you need to carry a bag with you, consider bringing one that has a long strap you can cross over your body.

Cross-body purses are harder to get away from you.

You can also make yourself less likely to be targeted by keeping any valuables at home.

You must also be careful at pedestrian crossings and on the road as a whole.

Drivers here are not very neat; they rarely let pedestrians pass at the crossing.

And if you will be driving, then you will encounter crazy traffic: in Catania, they rarely follow the rules of the road and locals behave very aggressively on the road.

Some residential areas can be unsafe at night; travelers should avoid the area around Castello Ursino.

Stay in the main tourist areas around piazza Duomo and via Etnea.

How Does Catania Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Italy is a member of the Schengen Area. The visa policy allows nationals of certain countries to enter the Schengen Area via air, land, or sea without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Nationals of certain other countries are required to have a visa either upon arrival or in transit. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The Euro is the official currency for Italy. A sign is €; code: EUR. The euro is divided into 100 euro cents. Italy uses the “lira” as its currency before adopting the euro in 1999.

Weather

The best times to visit Catania for ideal weather are April to mid-June or September to the end of November. The temperatures feel very nice much of the year but hot in the summer and cold in the winter, with a meager chance of rain or snow throughout the year.

Airports

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is an international airport 5 km southwest of Catania, the second-largest city on the Italian island of Sicily. It is the busiest airport in Sicily and the fifth busiest in Italy.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Catania Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Italy - Safety by City