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 as Palermo, Catania has the reputation of being dangerous in particular 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 are going to 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 neighborhoods to stay in Catania.
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.
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 would be ranked the second most dangerous city in Italy for muggings after Naples and would hold the record for flights. And according to a spanish article, Catania would be the 3rd most dangerous city in Europe.
On the Numbeo and its ranking of the most criminal European cities, Catania would be the 2024th most dangerous city in Europe in 4. Indeed, with its very high crime index 62.56, Catania is more criminal than Marseille, Athens ou Brussels.
Catania dangerous for tourists?
YES et NOT : It all depends on the neighborhoods of Catania and the behavior of tourists.
Located on the east coast of Sicily, at the foot of Etna (the largest volcano in Europe) and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Catania attracts many tourists from all over the world. And even if the crime rate is high and increases every year, tourists do not risk their lives there as in South Africa, in certain rio de janeiro favelas or Mexico City.
See the recommendations of Guide du Routard : “In large cities like Palermo and Catania, while it is true that in high season the rate of pickpocketing increases a little, there is no reason to become obsessed with it... Avoid carrying valuable objects in a ostentatious and apply the same rules of caution as in any other large city or tourist site in France. As for the Mafia, although it is still very active, it is not tourists that it attacks. »
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):
- Centro (Historic Center)
- Ognina–Picanello
- Borgo–Sanzio
- Barriera–Canalicchio
- San Giovanni Galermo
- Trappeto–Cibali
- Monte Po–Nesima
- San Leone–Rapisardi
- S. Giorgio – Librino
- SG La Rena – Zia Lisa
Regarding the districts, there are 34 of which you will find the complete list on Wikipedia.
In order to identify the areas to avoid but also 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 that of tellaroitaly.com, newsicilia, lasicilia.it, blogs and travel forums, here are the neighborhoods known to be the most dangerous in Catania:
The most dangerous Librino neighborhood in Catania
Librino would be the most dangerous district of Catania. This neighborhood is said to be 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 et San Berillo would also be dangerous areas of Catania. They are reputed to be in the hands of the mafia and for their drug and arms trafficking (see newspaper article lasicilia.it).
Click on the links for Google Maps locations.
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:
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.
It is in this area that the Piazza del Duomo, el Duomo (the Cathedral), the famous Elephant Fountain, the Palazzo del Seminario dei Chierici, Via Etnea, University Square and Stesicoro Square are located. . See Google Maps location
Where to stay in the historic center of Catania?
La Via Etna is the main pedestrian street that crosses the entire historic center of Catania. This street offers a breathtaking view of the volcano. It is a busy shopping street with many shops, 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.
Which hotel in the historic center of Catania?
Here is a hotel well located on Via Etnea and 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 district of Ognina-Picanello, 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).
Where to stay on the seafront in Catania?
Here is a beautiful hotel with an ideal location in a safe area of Catania and on the seafront: Plaza Hotel Catania
How to visit Catania?
Here are some ideas for visits to do in Catania and around Catania:
Catania and Sicilia non sono pericolose “per la Mafia. », anzi nemmeno ti accorgerai che la mafia esista (also se purtroppo esiste, ma si manifesta in altre forme). Sono pericolose per la micro-crime che non ha nulla a che vedere con la mafia… Anzi pesso la mafia punishes la micro-criminalità perchè lede ai suoi affari.
Grazie Stefano per questo useful commento.