Go with a plan.
Numbeo's Safety Index puts Catania at 51/100 for crime — that makes it read sketchier than Italy's national picture overall (67/100 vs 70/100).
City page · part of Italy
The one number a country page can't give you
What people who actually live in Catania report
Numbeo aggregates thousands of resident-submitted perception surveys into a per-city Crime Index (higher = worse) and its inverse, a Safety Index — the only real city-granularity crime signal feeding this page, alongside Italy's national advisory, political, health, and police-trust data.
Crime Index
48.7
Safety Index
51.3
Sub-scores
Same real inputs as Italy's national page, with crime swapped for Catania's own Numbeo number above.
Local know-how
Staying safe in Catania, specifically
- • Catania is the safest major city in Sicily, even during the night as there are a lot of students and people around throughout the city centre.
- • Be careful not to look conspicuously touristy, exposing jewelry, large bags or photo gear that might entice fast pickpockets or robbers.
- • You may encounter some people asking for money. Just ignore them and say "Non ho niente, mi dispiace" (I don't have anything (=money), I'm sorry).
- • As in any other city avoid the station area, especially at night.
- • San Cristoforo is the most dangerous neighborhood in Catania and is located near the city centre, at the end of Via Plebiscito.
Legal status (national law)
Legal since 1890 + UN decl. sign.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country →Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
C / F / L · 230V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 112 / ambulance: 112 / fire: 112
Tipping
Tips (la mancia) are not customary in Italy but are offered when a special service is given or to recognise high quality service. Most restaurants, except those in Rome, have a price for the service coperto and waiters do not expect a tip; however, they will not refuse one. In cafés, bars, and pubs it's not uncommon to leave the change, saying to the waiter or to the cashier tenga il resto - "keep
SIM / Data
The mobile phone market developed in Italy as early as 1993, so reception is guaranteed in the whole of the country, including far off the coast, the tallest mountains, and the smallest villages. 4G internet connectivity is available from all major Italian carriers.
Cash vs. Card
Italy phased out the one- and two-cent coins in 2018, rounding prices to the nearest five-cent increment.
How this compares to Italy
Numbeo's Safety Index puts Catania at 51/100 for crime — that makes it read sketchier than Italy's national picture overall (67/100 vs 70/100).
See the full Italy page and all receipts →