Is It Safe For Solo Female Travelers in Catania, Sicily?

Traveling solo as a woman can be an empowering experience, but safety is always the top concern.

When I first started solo traveling, I was super anxious about everything: safety, sitting alone in a restaurant, getting lost, whether I would get lonely, sad, bored, you name it!

But once I started to get comfortable with myself, I really embraced it and continued to all the places that were deemed safe by other travelers.

This post will highlight my experience and uncover if Catania is safe for solo female travelers.

We will cover key aspects such as crime rates, local culture, safe neighborhoods, tips for staying safe, and my personal opinion.

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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 secure to explore the city center alone, even at night.

There are some things to consider if you are going alone. I will highlight all my findings below so you are well prepared.

Crime Rates in Catania

Is Catania a dangerous city? When looking into the crime rates in Catania, I also want you to compare them to those in your own city.

I was surprised to find out that the city I lived in was rated worse than the cities I was planning to visit.

Numbeo is a site I use to look at current crime rates for cities. While the statistics look a bit concerning, comparing it to other places I have been, it put things into perspective.

For example, the crime rates in Catania are very similar to those in Athens, Greece, where I lived.

Stats such as petty theft, corruption, and worries about car theft are all marked as high.

This is something to consider if you want to rent a car in Sicily, but it is common in most cities these days.

I did not experience or see anything that made me uncomfortable or made me feel unsafe.

Theft

Pickpocketing and purse snatching are more common in crowded areas and markets of most big cities these days.

So, this warning to stay alert in Catania shouldn’t alarm you in any way.

Keeping vigilant is key. Use crossbody bags or money belts to always keep your items closer to you.

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

Street Harassment

Italians have earned some reputation for catcalling, but to be honest, I have never seen it.

I don’t know anyone who has ever encountered it in a real way, like in the movies.

During my week in Catania, I did not experience any unsolicited attention.

However, the waiters were more talkative and friendlier than in other places I visited.

Violent Crime

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

Now, I know that there are whispers about the Mafia being present in Sicily, and while I have no confirmation on whether that is true or not, it should not concern you as a solo traveler.

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.

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

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.

Catania Local Emergency Contacts Cheat Sheet

Emergency Numbers

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

Local Services

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