Catania Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Catania.
Healthcare System
Catania operates under Italy's public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN), which provides emergency care to all visitors regardless of nationality. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive free or reduced-cost treatment, while non-EU visitors will be charged for services.
Hospitals
Main hospitals include Policlinico Universitario 'G. Rodolico-San Marco' (Via Santa Sofia 78), Ospedale Garibaldi Centro (Piazza Santa Maria di Gesù 5), and Ospedale Garibaldi Nesima (Via Palermo 636). Private clinics like Casa di Cura Musumeci offer faster service for non-emergency care. Emergency departments can have long wait times for non-urgent cases.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) are identified by a green cross and are widely available throughout Catania. Pharmacists are highly trained and can recommend over-the-counter medications for minor ailments. Pharmacies operate on a rotation system (turno) for night and weekend coverage - check the posted schedule or ask your hotel. Many common medications require prescriptions in Italy that might be over-the-counter elsewhere. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and mandatory for non-EU citizens. EU citizens should carry their EHIC or GHIC card. Insurance should cover medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical repatriation. Without insurance or EHIC, medical costs must be paid upfront.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry your EHIC/GHIC card (EU citizens) or proof of travel insurance at all times
- Bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you're carrying, with generic names in Italian if possible
- The Italian word for pharmacy is 'farmacia' - look for the green cross symbol
- For minor issues, pharmacists can provide excellent advice and some medications without a doctor visit
- Keep receipts for all medical expenses for insurance reimbursement
- Download the offline map location of the nearest hospital to your accommodation
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Catania, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and on public transportation. Thieves often work in groups, with one person creating a distraction while another steals belongings. Bag snatching by motorcycle thieves (scippo) occasionally occurs.
Theft from parked cars, especially rental vehicles which are easily identifiable, is relatively common. Thieves target cars with visible luggage or valuables. Complete vehicle theft is less common but does occur.
Catania's traffic can be chaotic with aggressive driving, frequent disregard for traffic signals, and numerous motorcycles and scooters weaving through traffic. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected. The historic center has narrow streets with mixed pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Summer temperatures in Catania regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) with high humidity. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks, particularly for those not accustomed to Mediterranean heat. The black lava stone streets and buildings absorb and radiate heat, making it feel even hotter.
Mount Etna is an active volcano with frequent minor eruptions and occasional larger events. While closely monitored and rarely dangerous to the city itself, ash falls can occur, affecting air quality and transportation. Lava flows and volcanic activity pose risks to those visiting the volcano.
Some beaches near Catania have strong currents, rocky areas, and occasional jellyfish. Not all beaches have lifeguards. Water quality can vary, with some areas affected by urban runoff.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants add items you didn't order to the bill, charge inflated prices for 'cover charges' (coperto) or bread/water, or bring expensive items you didn't request. The bill may be presented without itemization, making it difficult to verify charges.
Unlicensed taxi drivers approach tourists at the airport or train station offering rides at 'fixed prices' that are highly inflated. Licensed taxis may take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken, or refuse to use the meter. Some add fake surcharges.
Street vendors, particularly selling roses, bracelets, or trinkets, approach tourists and place items in their hands or on their person, then demand payment. Some become aggressive if you refuse to pay. The quality is usually very poor and prices highly inflated.
Unofficial tour guides approach tourists offering tours of Mount Etna, city tours, or archaeological sites at inflated prices or with poor quality service. Some sell fake tickets or add hidden fees. Tours may be rushed or not deliver what was promised.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card data and PIN codes. Alternatively, someone creates a distraction while you're using the ATM (dropping coins, asking questions) while an accomplice steals cash or cards.
Someone approaches offering friendship and ties a bracelet or string around your wrist while talking. Once attached, they demand payment for the 'gift,' sometimes becoming aggressive or claiming you've damaged it if you refuse.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separate from originals and in cloud storage
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables you don't need daily
- Carry only the cash you need for the day; use ATMs in secure locations
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it
- Keep your phone charged and save emergency numbers
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations in well-reviewed, central areas when possible
- Verify the address and legitimacy of vacation rentals before arrival
- Use door locks, chains, and safes provided
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through peephole or hotel reception
- Know the emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep ground floor and accessible windows locked
- Don't advertise your room number publicly
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis (white with taxi sign and meter) or pre-booked transportation
- If renting a car, familiarize yourself with Italian driving rules and ZTL (limited traffic zones) to avoid fines
- Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic
- Be extremely cautious as a pedestrian; drivers may not stop for crosswalks
- On buses, keep bags in front of you and zipped closed
- Avoid isolated bus stops late at night; use taxis instead
- When using ride-sharing, verify the driver and vehicle details before entering
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in Catania, but many prefer bottled water
- Choose busy restaurants with good turnover for freshest food
- Be cautious with raw seafood in hot weather
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Street food is generally safe if freshly cooked and from busy vendors
- Be aware that Sicilian portions are often large; pace yourself in the heat
- If you have food allergies, learn key Italian phrases to communicate them
Beach and Outdoor Safety
- Check beach conditions and flags before swimming; red flag means no swimming
- Don't leave belongings unattended on the beach
- Wear reef shoes on rocky beaches to protect feet
- Apply and reapply sunscreen; Sicilian sun is intense
- Stay hydrated when hiking or visiting Mount Etna
- Don't venture off marked paths at archaeological sites or on Etna
- Bring appropriate footwear for walking on lava rock and uneven ancient streets
Money and Valuables
- Divide cash and cards among different pockets/bags
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep small bills for markets and small purchases; many places don't accept large notes
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts
- Photograph or record serial numbers of valuable items
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and backup cash
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting churches (covered shoulders and knees)
- Learn basic Italian phrases; effort is appreciated even if imperfect
- Be patient with the Sicilian pace; service may be slower than you're used to
- Respect siesta time (roughly 1-4pm); many shops close
- Don't photograph people without permission, especially in markets
- Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; round up or leave small change
- Be respectful in residential areas; avoid loud behavior late at night
Communication
- Download offline maps before arriving (Google Maps, Maps.me)
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card or international data plan
- Save important addresses in Italian for showing taxi drivers
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants
- Learn emergency phrases in Italian
- Keep your hotel's business card with address for easy returns
- Emergency number 112 has English-speaking operators
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women traveling to Catania can generally do so safely, though the experience may include catcalling and unwanted attention, particularly from younger men. Solo female travelers are not uncommon, and violent crime against women tourists is rare. However, street harassment (compliments, stares, comments) is more common than in Northern European or North American cities and is generally considered a cultural norm by locals, though this doesn't make it acceptable. Most interactions are harmless if annoying, but it's important to stay alert and trust your instincts.
- Dress modestly to reduce unwanted attention; avoid revealing clothing, especially away from beach areas
- Wear sunglasses to avoid extended eye contact which may be interpreted as interest
- Ignore catcalls and comments; responding often encourages more attention
- Walk confidently and purposefully; appearing lost can attract unwanted 'helpers'
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas or deserted streets after dark
- Use official taxis at night rather than walking, especially if alone
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers; watch your drink being prepared
- Consider joining group tours to meet other travelers and have company
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- If someone is persistently bothering you, enter a shop or restaurant and ask for help
- Learn key Italian phrases: 'Lasciami in pace' (Leave me alone), 'Vai via' (Go away)
- Be firm and assertive if declining unwanted attention; being polite may be misinterpreted
- Beaches can attract more attention; consider beach clubs with facilities over isolated spots
- Take note of women-only train compartments if traveling by train regionally
- Solo dining is perfectly acceptable; choose well-lit, busy restaurants
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Italy with the age of consent equal to heterosexual relationships (14). Same-sex civil unions have been legal since 2016, though same-sex marriage is not recognized. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. However, Italy does not have comprehensive hate crime legislation specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, especially outside known LGBTQ+-friendly areas
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some hotels are more welcoming than others
- The Ognina neighborhood has some LGBTQ+-friendly venues and is generally more accepting
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ groups online before visiting for current advice and recommendations
- Be aware that conservative attitudes are more prevalent in Sicily than in Northern Italy
- If experiencing harassment, move to a busy public area or seek help from police
- Some religious sites and traditional areas may be less accepting
- Catania's limited LGBTQ+ nightlife is mostly concentrated in specific venues; research before going out
- Consider timing your visit with LGBTQ+ events if seeking community connections
- Hotel staff are generally professional regardless of sexual orientation
- Use discretion when discussing relationships with strangers or service providers
- Sicily Pride events occur in Palermo; Catania has occasional LGBTQ+ cultural events
- Online dating apps are used but exercise caution when meeting people
- Trans travelers may face additional challenges; carry identification and consider legal advice if concerned
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Catania and should be considered mandatory, not optional. While EU citizens can access public healthcare with an EHIC/GHIC card, this doesn't cover medical repatriation, private treatment, or non-medical issues. Non-EU citizens will pay full price for medical care, which can be very expensive. Beyond healthcare, insurance protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft (which is relatively common), and volcanic activity affecting flights. Mount Etna's activity can cause flight disruptions, making cancellation/delay coverage particularly valuable.
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