I Traveled Solo to Catania, Italy: Is It Actually Safe for Women?

Traveling solo as a woman can be incredibly empowering, but let’s be honest, safety is almost always the first concern.

When I first started traveling alone, I worried about everything: personal safety, sitting alone in restaurants, getting lost, and whether I’d feel lonely or out of place.

Over time, as I became more comfortable traveling solo, those fears eased, and I started choosing destinations that other travelers considered safe.

Catania is one of those places that often sparks mixed opinions, which is exactly why I wanted to write this post.

In this guide, I’m sharing my firsthand experience traveling solo in Catania and breaking down whether it’s actually safe for solo female travelers.

We’ll cover crime concerns, local culture, neighborhoods to know, practical safety tips, and my honest personal opinion.

Is Catania Safe To Visit Solo?

Generally speaking, yes. I found solo traveling in Catania to be safe. As a solo female traveler, I felt comfortable exploring the city center on my own, including in the evenings.

That said, there are a few things to be aware of if you’re traveling alone, and I’ll walk through all of them below so you can feel prepared and confident.

And if you love the idea of visiting Sicily but feel more comfortable traveling with built-in support, I also offer a women-only small group tour of Sicily that includes Catania.

Crime Rates in Catania

Is Catania dangerous? That depends largely on what you’re comparing it to.

When I research a destination, I always encourage readers to compare crime rates to their own city, not just other places in Italy. When I did this for Catania, I was honestly surprised. Cities I had lived in or felt comfortable in actually ranked worse than some of the destinations I was planning to visit.

One tool I often use is Numbeo, which provides user-reported data on crime and safety worldwide. At first glance, some of Catania’s statistics can look concerning. However, once I compared them to other cities I’ve visited or lived in, they felt much more reasonable.

For example, Catania’s crime levels are very similar to those in Athens, a city where I lived and navigated daily without feeling unsafe.

Petty theft, corruption, and car-related crime tend to rank higher here, which is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re considering renting a car in Sicily.

That said, these issues are common in many cities and don’t necessarily translate to danger for travelers who use basic precautions.

Personally, I never experienced anything that made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe while traveling solo in Catania.

Theft

Pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in crowded areas in Catania, especially around markets and busy streets, which is true in most tourist-friendly cities. It’s worth being aware of, but it’s also very manageable with a few simple habits.

Keeping vigilant is key. Use cross-body bags or money belts to always keep your items closer to you. This is my favorite anti-theft bag!

I had no issues with theft on my solo trip to Catania.

Street Harassment

People sometimes worry about street harassment in Italy. Personally, I didn’t experience any catcalling or uncomfortable attention in Catania.

I did notice that waiters and locals were generally more talkative and friendly than in some other destinations, but it never felt pushy or inappropriate.

Violent Crime

It is important to note that violent crime is relatively rare in Catania.

You may hear mentions of organized crime in Sicily. For travelers, this usually isn’t something you’ll encounter directly.

What matters more day-to-day is petty theft, tourist scams, and staying aware at night, the same basics you’d use in most cities.

Summary of My Experience with Crime in Catania

During my week alone in Catania, I freely explored the tourist areas during the day and into the early evening with no concerns for my safety.

I didn’t see or experience anything that made me uncomfortable, and I would visit again in a heartbeat.

GOOD TO KNOW: I don’t stay out late when I am traveling alone. I am generally back in the hotel by 21:00-22:00 at the very latest.

Safe Neighborhoods in Catania

If I am being honest, Catania is a bit of a gritty-looking city. It is not as beautiful as neighboring towns such as Taorimia and Siracusa.

It is important to know when going in so you aren’t surprised by how rundown some areas appear.

Historical Center (Centro Storico)

It is likely, not surprising, that the city center is one of the best areas in Catania for staying solo.

This is where I stayed on my solo trip, and I would stay in this neighborhood again.

Here, you will find the city’s main attractions, such as the Piazza del Duomo, the Catania Cathedral, and the famous fish market (La Pescheria).

This well-policed area is full of activity and safe for solo female travelers. I found some of the city center’s best restaurants and wine bars.

Via Etnea

Running through the heart of Catania, Via Etnea. This street is filled with shops, cafes, hotels, and historical landmarks.

The areas around Via Etnea, including Bellini Garden and Villa Bellini, are well-lit and safe for tourists.

It is a great area to stay in because you are central and close to public transit.

Borgo-Sanzio

I would also consider staying solo in the residential neighborhood of Borgo-Sanzio. Located just north of the historical center, it is safe and quiet.

Staying here is good for anyone looking for a “local experience.” The neighborhood has some cool shops, markets, and traditional eateries.

Ognina

If you are looking for a safe place to stay near the sea, I recommend Ognina. But I must warn you, Catania is not a beach destination.

Even in Ognina, there isn’t much beach access. It is just a safe and quiet neighborhood with a relaxed vibe.

There is one beach pavilion you could check out called Solarium Ognina Catania.

Areas to Be Extra Cautious (Especially at Night)

Overall, I felt safe in Catania, but like any city, there are a few situations where I’d be more aware if you’re walking alone at night.

I’d be extra cautious around Catania Centrale, especially late in the evening. If you’re arriving at night, I recommend sticking to well-lit streets and considering a licensed taxi rather than walking far from the station.

Quiet side streets and back alleys can also feel uncomfortable once the city empties out. Even in otherwise safe neighborhoods, I always choose busier roads over shortcuts at night.

Busy nightlife areas are another place to stay alert, not because they’re dangerous, but because crowds and alcohol can attract petty theft or unwanted attention.

Areas around markets, like La Pescheria, are lively during the day but can feel less comfortable once they close and clear out in the evening.

Finally, I avoid using ATMs late at night whenever possible. If I need cash, I withdraw money during the day or use an ATM inside a bank in a busy area.

My personal rule: if a street is poorly lit or empty, I skip it. I’d rather walk a few extra minutes than feel uneasy.

Tips for Staying Safe in Catania

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General Safety Tips

1. Don’t Advertise You Are Solo– I never tell people I am traveling alone unless it’s another solo female traveler. If someone asks, I always say my friend is back at the hotel with a headache.
2. Keep Alcohol to a Minimum- Don’t drink too much when traveling by yourself. You want to make sure you have your wits about yourself. And who wants to be hungover on vacation?
3. Avoid Empty Streets- I always recommend walking on more populated streets and skipping the back alleys, even if Google Maps tells you to go that way. Go the longer route, it is worth it.

READ NEXT:

• Top Concerns for Solo Female Travelers
• Ultimate Solo Travel Guide for Females
• Best Apps for Solo Female Travel

Using Public Transport

Walking alone in Catania to the major attractions is easy on foot once you have reached the city center.

But you may need public transit to get you there from the airport and the main train station.

Rideshare Apps & Taxis

I used Uber once when I was in Catania. It was very expensive, and there were not many drivers, which I wasn’t expecting. You can also try Bolt and Free Now.

If you take a taxi from the Catania airport, ensure it is licensed. To spot a licensed taxi, look for a white car with the TAXI sign on the roof. Expect to pay around 30€ for a 15-minute drive.

Radiotaxi: +39 095 330966 Night-time service: +39 095 386794

Public Buses

I took the bus from the airport to Via Etna, where my hotel was, and felt safe.

I purchased the ticket in cash on the bus for 4€. They do not take credit cards, so they have cash available.

This bus was called ATMS. Below is the ticket and validation machine you used on the bus.

Here you will find the timetable for the bus schedule. Below is a screenshot of the map.

You can download the AMTS App to access the schedule.

Metro

The metro in Catina is new, clean and safe. It is just very short with only 9 stops.

I would be extra careful on the metro at night, but you shouldn’t worry about using it.

Tips For Choosing Accommodations

As a solo female traveler, I spend a little extra on my hotels to ensure a great travel experience.

I understand staying on budget is important, but if you cheap out on your hotel and stay in an “iffy” area, you might have a horrible time.

My biggest tip for booking a hotel or apartment is to READ REVIEWS! Don’t just read the first couple; be sure to look at the date they were posted.

I have noticed that some reviews don’t even show the most recent reviews first.

Another trick to ensure the area is good is to look for high-end stores in the neighborhood.

Gucci isn’t going to be located in a bad neighborhood—99% of the time.

Hotels I Recommend in Catania

• Il Gattopardo House
• Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze

My Expereince In Catania

After spending a few days solo in Rome, I traveled to Catania alone in June 2024; I arrived mid-day at the Catania International Airport with a small carry-on suitcase.

Since I arrived at midday, I felt comfortable taking the bus alone. If I had arrived in the evening, I would have scheduled an airport pick-up or taken a taxi.

I stay in the historical city center off Via Etnea at Gattopardo House. The hotel was comfortable and affordable.

I spent 14 days in Sicily, 5 of them in Catania. I felt safe enough to travel alone to nearby cities such as Taormina, Cefalu, Palermo, Noto, and Siracusa.

The train and bus system in Sicily is better than I was expecting in terms of its reach.

I could get to most places I wanted to go. The only downside is they were not always direct routes, but changes trains was very easy and not stressful.

I would highly recommend Sicily as a destination for solo female travelers!

Tours I Recommend for Solo Travelers in Catania

• This food tour, because how could you not go to Italy and eat lots of food.
• Tour to Mt Etna! This tour allows you to book as a single person.

Emergency Numbers in Catania

Emergency Type	Number
Police (Polizia)	112
Carabinieri (Military Police)	112
Medical Emergency (Ambulance)	118
Fire Department (Vigili del Fuoco)	115

Local Emergency Services in Catania

Service	Address	Phone
Questura di Catania (State Police)	Piazza Giovanni Verga, 95129 Catania	+39 095 736 7111
Polizia Municipale (Municipal Police)	Via Etnea, 248, 95131 Catania	+39 095 531 333
Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital	Piazza S. Maria di Gesù, 95123 Catania	+39 095 759 4000
Cannizzaro Hospital	Via Messina, 829, 95126 Catania	+39 095 726 1111

Do You Still Have Concerns About Solo Travel To Catania?

If you are still concerned about visiting Catania, I would love to answer any questions you might have! Seriously, just use the contact form and send me a message!

Where to Next?

I had a hard time choosing where to go after Catania! There are so many choices.

Taormina for a couple of days is a great choice! It is located about an hour from Catania!

The only thing to consider if visiting Taormina is the high prices; they are about double what you pay in Catania.

You could also consider visiting Siracusa. Base yourself in the historic old town of Ortigia!

Or, if you are ready to hit mainland Italy, consider flying to Puglia! I had a great solo trip to Bari!

From Catania, you can take the train or ferry to the mainland as an alternative to flying.

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