You wonder for your next trip to Sicily whether Catania is dangerous, if there are neighborhoods to avoid in Catania.

It is indeed legitimate to inquire because, just like Palermo , Catania has a reputation for being dangerous, particularly because of the presence of the Sicilian mafia.

But is it really justified in 2024? Are there really dangerous neighborhoods for tourists in Catania?

This is what we will see in this article which will tell you the list of neighborhoods to avoid in Catania with their Google maps location.

You will also find at the end of the article some advice on the best areas to stay in Catania.

Is Catania dangerous?

Catania is a city where there is insecurity. Indeed, Catania is not ranked among the safest cities in Europe ( Prague , Amsterdam , Vienna , Madrid , Lisbon ).

According to the Sicilian newspaper focusicilia-it , Catania is ranked the second most dangerous city in Italy for assaults after Naples and holds the record for thefts. A Spanish article claims Catania is the third most dangerous city in Europe.

According to Numbeo 's ranking of the most crime-ridden European cities, Catania is projected to be the 4th most dangerous city in Europe in 2024. Indeed, with its very high crime index of 62.56 , Catania is more crime-ridden than Marseille , Athens , or Brussels.

Catania dangerous for tourists?

YES and NO: It all depends on the districts of Catania and the behavior of tourists.

Located on the east coast of Sicily, at the foot of Mount Etna (Europe's largest volcano) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania attracts many tourists from all over the world. And even though the crime rate is high and increases every year, tourists don't risk their lives there as they do in South Africa , or in some of the favelas of Rio de Janeiro or Mexico City.

See the recommendations in the Rough Guide : “In large cities like Palermo and Catania, while it’s true that pickpocketing increases slightly during peak season, there’s no reason to become obsessed with it… Avoid wearing valuables ostentatiously and apply the same precautions as in any other major city or tourist site in France. As for the Mafia, while it’s still very active, it’s not tourists they target.”

The main insecurity problems for tourists in Catania are car theft, pickpocketing and mugging. Therefore, tourists should be very careful and avoid certain dangerous streets and neighborhoods in Catania (see list below).

Map of Catania neighborhoods

Administratively, there are 10 districts in the city of Catania (called municipalities):

1. Centro (Historic Center)
2. Ognina–Picanello
3. Borgo–Sanzio
4. Barriera–Canalicchio
5. San Giovanni Galermo
6. Trappeto–Cibali
7. Monte Po–Nesima
8. San Leone–Rapisardi
9. S. Giorgio – Librino
10. SG La Rena – Zia Lisa

To identify areas to avoid as well as the best places to stay, you can locate the main districts of Catania: Google Maps Catania

Catania's most dangerous neighborhoods

According to numerous press articles such as those from tellaroitaly.com , newsicilia , lasicilia.it , as well as travel blogs and forums, here are the neighborhoods considered to be the most dangerous in Catania:

The most dangerous Librino neighborhood in Catania

Librino is said to be the most dangerous neighborhood in Catania. It's considered the cradle of Sicilian crime. See Google Maps location

Neighborhoods to avoid in Catania – San Giovanni Galermo, San Cristoforo and San Berillo Nuovo

The neighborhoods of San Giovanni Galermo , San Cristoforo , Picanello , and San Berillo are also considered dangerous areas of Catania. They are known to be controlled by the mafia and for their drug and arms trafficking (see article on the newspaper lasicilia.it ).

Neighborhoods to avoid in Catania

Without being dangerous neighborhoods where tourists would risk their lives, here are the areas of Catania to avoid or not recommended for tourists, especially at night and areas without tourist interest:

• Nesima
• Villaggio Sant'Agata
• SG La Rena – Zia Lisa
• San Giuseppe la Rena
• St. George

Is the center of Catania dangerous?

Most of the neighborhoods in the center of Catania are quite safe, although you have to be careful, especially in isolated or poorly lit streets at night.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Catania

There are many very nice neighborhoods in Catania. Each has its own identity and atmosphere. But we can't name them all!

However, according to many websites and real estate agencies, the best areas to stay in Catania are:

• Downtown
• Course Italy
• Cibali
• Cliff

And if you are considering a tourist stay, here are the recommended areas to visit Catania and Etna below.

Where to stay in Catania for tourists?

You will discover below the 2 favorite neighborhoods of tourists in Catania:

• the best area to visit Catania,
• the best area for holidays in Catania.

Historic Center – Best area to visit Catania

The historic center of Catania, which is magnificent and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most touristic area of ​​the city.

This district is home to Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo (Cathedral), the famous Elephant Fountain, the Palazzo del Seminario dei Chierici, Via Etnea, Piazza dell'Università, and Piazza Stesicoro. See Google Maps location

Where to stay in the historic center of Catania?

Via Etnea is the main pedestrian street that runs through the entire historic center of Catania. This street offers breathtaking views of the volcano. It's a lively shopping street with numerous boutiques, bars, ice cream parlors, and restaurants.

Close to tourist sites, it is a good area to stay for tourists as well as around Piazza del Duomo.

Here is a well-located hotel on Via Etnea, ideal for visiting Catania (a 10-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo): Palace Catania

Lungomare – Best area for a seaside stay in Catania

In the Ognina-Picanello district, the seafront area is ideal for a holiday. See Google Maps location

Quieter than the historic center, the area is a little out of the way but well served by public transport. In terms of entertainment, you will find everything you need (shops, water park, restaurants, bars and clubs).

Here is a beautiful hotel with an ideal location in a safe area of ​​Catania and right on the seafront: Plaza Hotel Catania

How to visit Catania?

Here are some ideas for visits in and around Catania: Private tour of Catania – Excursion to Noto, Syracuse and Ortigia – Excursion to Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges

This guide was written by synthesizing a lot of data from blogs, forums, press articles and statistics. It is factual and does not involve any judgment or discrimination.