Elevation
[?]
Elevation of a city refers to the height above sea level at which the city is located, measured in meters.
30
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
17800
Real Population (5km)
[?]
Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
187000
Air Quality Rating
[?]
Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
86
Region
Sicilia
Walkability
Very Walkable
Housing availability
[?]
Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.
Relatively Low
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
114
/ 55
Climate Description
Sunny, mild climate with warm summers, mild winters, rare snow, and modest rainfall.
Aci Castello
Sicilia
Historic town near Catania with a Norman castle, vibrant cuisine, and a friendly community.
Summary
Aci Castello, a charming town in Sicily, offers a blend of history and community, making it an attractive spot for foreign expats and retirees. The town is located close to Catania, ensuring easy access to both urban amenities and beautiful coastal views. At its heart lies the striking 11th-century Norman castle, which provides a historical backdrop to the lively piazza, a gathering place frequented by locals, especially on weekends.
Expats will appreciate the vibrant culinary scene with numerous restaurants serving local delights, particularly pizza. The nearby lungomare offers access to lidos for leisure, although these areas lack some visual appeal. While the town boasts adequate healthcare and solid internet speed, residents should be prepared for a less bustling cultural scene compared to larger cities. Nevertheless, Aci Castello’s friendly community and relaxed pace make it a compelling choice for those seeking a taste of authentic Sicilian life.
✅ Pros
– Mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage with beautiful architecture.
– Quality healthcare services available for residents and expats.
– Moderate tourism creates a vibrant atmosphere and local economy.
– Good transportation options for easy access to nearby cities.
– Opportunities for social integration with friendly local community.
– Air quality is generally good, promoting healthy living conditions.
– Educational facilities available for both children and adults.
– Sufficient internet connectivity for remote work and leisure.
– Scenic coastal views and proximity to beautiful natural landscapes.
❌ Cons
– Higher unemployment rate than national average may raise concerns.
– Limited job opportunities for expats looking for employment.
– Public transportation schedules may not always be reliable.
– Tourist crowds can disrupt local peace during peak seasons.
– Some bureaucratic processes can be slow and complex.
– Limited shopping options compared to larger cities nearby.
– Language barrier may pose challenges for non-Italian speakers.
– Occasional regional economic instability affects local businesses.
– Beaches can get crowded, especially in the summer months.
– Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings with locals.
Aci Castello Demographics
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
17800
Real Population (5km band)
[?]
Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
187000
Births Per 100 Deaths
60.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
[?]
Calculation of tourist density index for the city, comparing its total tourist number to the overall average tourist number of the region
relative to its own population.The index indicates how a location’s tourist density compares to the average, with values above
100 representing higher-than-average density and values below 100 representing lower-than-average density.
Moderate Tourism
Income per capita (2023)
[?]
This is an estimation of average income per resident for this town, based on 2023 data from the Italian Ministry of Finance.
23800
Income rank in Italy (2023)
[?]
This is a ranking of the town's average income per resident, against the full list of townships in Italy.
1066 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
7
Driving Time
23min(s)
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is situated in Sicily, Italy, and serves as a significant air travel hub in the Mediterranean. This airport facilitates connections to numerous European cities such as Rome, Munich, Amsterdam, and London, with key routes including Catania to Rome, one of Italy’s busiest. Notably, it accommodates low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, making it accessible for budget travellers and providing direct flights to leisure destinations. Recent terminal expansions enhance passenger experience, although the airport experienced a temporary disruption in July 2023 due to a fire in the terminal.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Tito Minniti (Reggio Calabria)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
6
Driving Time
83min(s)
Reggio Calabria Airport, also known as Tito Minniti (IATA: REG), is located in the southern part of Calabria, Italy, approximately 7 km from Reggio Calabria city centre. As one of the busiest airports in Calabria, it offers regular flights within Italy to destinations like Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino, and international seasonal services to Tirana. Known for serving as an access point for the Strait of Messina region, the airport connects travellers primarily through ITA Airways and Ryanair, catering to both domestic and select European routes.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Lamezia Terme (Lamezia)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
5
Driving Time
115min(s)
Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) is located in Calabria, southern Italy, approximately 9 km south of the city of Lamezia Terme. It overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is especially busy during the summer months, accommodating over 2.6 million passengers in 2022. The airport is a hub for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and WizzAir, offering connections to major Italian cities like Rome and Milan, as well as seasonal flights to destinations like Toronto, Vienna, and Cologne. Notably, the airport does not emphasize any particular hub designation but offers significant connectivity for both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travellers seeking both leisure and business routes.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Cannizzaro
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
6
Driving Time
5min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Cannizzaro includes the following features:
– **Rail Lines**: The station is located on the Messina-Siracusa line.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect Cannizzaro to major destinations like Siracusa and Catania.
– **Train Operators**: The primary operator serving this station is Trenitalia.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Trains typically run every 30 minutes to hourly, depending on the time of day.
– **Train Types**: The station accommodates regional trains and also participates in the metropolitan train service of Catania, though it does not handle high-speed trains.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Acireale
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
7
Driving Time
7min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Acireale includes the following:
– **Rail Lines**: The station primarily serves the Trenitalia regional lines, including connections to Catania and Messina.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect Acireale with major destinations such as Catania, Messina, and Palermo.
– **Train Operators**: Trenitalia is the primary operator, with some high-speed services provided by Italo.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Trains depart approximately every 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours, while frequency may be lower during off-peak times.
– **Types of Trains**: The station services a mix of regional trains and high-speed trains, offering both local and rapid transport options.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Catania Centrale
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
9
Driving Time
18min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Catania Centrale includes:
– **Rail Lines**: Major lines include connections to Messina, Siracusa, Palermo, Taormina, and Giarre.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct train services connect to Messina (1h 20m), Siracusa (1h), Palermo (2h 50m), Giarre-Riposto (20m), and Taormina-Giardini (35m).
– **Train Operators**: The primary operators are Trenitalia and Italo, providing both regional and intercity services.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Departure frequencies vary by destination; there are up to 32 departures daily to Taormina-Giardini, 25 to Messina Centrale, 14 to both Siracusa and Palermo Centrale, and 36 to Giarre-Riposto.
– **Type of Services**: Catania Centrale offers a mix of regional, fast regional, and Intercity trains, accommodating various speeds and service types.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
245
Bars
322
Cafes
83
Cinemas
100
Dentists
169
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
224
Health Clinics
143
Hiking Trails
139
Historical Sites
254
Libraries
33
Museums
195
Parks
143
Pharmacies
124
Restaurants
636
Shopping Centres
256
Supermarkets
406
Spas
327
Beach
Name
Cannizzaro Via Pezzana 18
Driving Distance
4mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Etna Sud - Nicolosi
Driving Distance
19mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
[?]
Evaluates hospital/clinic access, drive time to care, and regional quality rankings. Higher scores mean better healthcare.
67
Nearest Hospital Name
Cannizzaro
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
6 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
132
Local Public Healthcare Provider
ASP CATANIA
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Sicily, the health services exhibit a mixed performance. While overall quality is above average nationwide, local hospital care is notably suboptimal. Emergency treatment for severe conditions varies, with heart attack and heart failure readmissions being low but swift STEMI intervention being moderately effective. Orthopaedic emergency care is handled adequately, and postoperative stays are generally brief. However, the response to specific cardiac emergencies is limited. Surgical approaches to breast cancer incorporate some advanced techniques but remain less than optimal. Potential residents should carefully evaluate these aspects against their healthcare needs when considering relocation to this region.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
[?]
Official seismic zones classify areas based on earthquake risk.
Moderate Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
[?]
Calculation of road accidents per 10,000 people based on the number of deaths and injuries registered in roads for year 2022 for the city.
43
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate landslide risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.
2
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate flood risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.
3
Car Insurance Price Index
[?]
The car insurance price index is a measure of how a city's average car insurance premium compares to the national average,
expressed as a percentage. A value of 100 indicates that the city's premium is equal to the national average.
Values above 100 show higher premiums, while values below 100 show lower premiums.
105.288
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
[?]
Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.
Relatively Low
Property Prices per m²
[?]
Calculation of property sale prices per square meter for apartments, houses in the city.
Median (50th Percentile): The midpoint price, where half the values are above and half below.
First Quartile (25th Percentile): The price below which 25% of properties fall.
Third Quartile (75th Percentile): The price below which 75% of properties fall.
First Quartile
1302
Median
1595
Third Quartile
2307
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Very Walkable
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
[?]
This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking at all the indicators provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year. Note that figures are only provided by the ministry at the school catchment area level, and therefore several schools may be grouped together.
Bottom 50%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
[?]
This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking the students' results in national standardised tests. The data is provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year.
Bottom 30%
Counts of School
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
[?]
Based on daily climate data for precipitation from OPEN-METEO this parameter indicates how a city's annual precipitation compares to others
in terms of percentage, with values ranging from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest). For example, a percentile rank of 0.75 means the city's
total precipitation is higher than 75% of other cities.
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Sunshine
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Snowfall
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Climate Description
Aci Castello, located on the picturesque eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, enjoys a predominantly sunny climate, which is advantageous for retirees and expats seeking year-round mild weather. The town experiences a rare dusting of snow, adding a brief magical touch to the landscape without causing any significant inconvenience. Summers are typified by warm to hot temperatures, making it ideal for enjoying the local beaches and historic sites. Winters remain mild, with the temperatures rarely dropping to cold extremes, ensuring outdoor activities remain pleasant. The modest rainfall helps maintain the lush surroundings without leading to excessive wet periods.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
[?]
PM10 levels indicate Good air quality at 0–20 µg/m³, Fair at 20–40 µg/m³, Moderate at 40–50 µg/m³, Poor at 50–100 µg/m³, Very Poor at 100–150 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 150–1200 µg/m³.
Good
PM2.5
[?]
PM2.5 is Good if PM2.5 levels are between 0–10 µg/m³, Fair between 10–20 µg/m³, Moderate between 20–25 µg/m³, Poor between 25–50 µg/m³, Very Poor between 50–75 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor between 75–800 µg/m³.
Fair
NO2
[?]
NO₂ levels are considered Good at 0–40 µg/m³, Fair at 40–90 µg/m³, Moderate at 90–120 µg/m³, Poor at 120–230 µg/m³, Very Poor at 230–340 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 340–1000 µg/m³.
Good
SO2
[?]
SO₂ levels indicate Good air quality at 0–100 µg/m³, Fair at 100–200 µg/m³, Moderate at 200–350 µg/m³, Poor at 350–500 µg/m³, Very Poor at 500–750 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 750–1250 µg/m³.
Good
O₃
[?]
For O₃, the air is Good at 0–50 µg/m³, Fair at 50–100 µg/m³, Moderate at 100–130 µg/m³, Poor at 130–240 µg/m³, Very Poor at 240–380 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 380–800 µg/m³.
Fair
Air Quality Rating
[?]
Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
86
Air Quality Description
Aci Castello, a picturesque town on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, boasts an overall commendable air quality environment that aligns well with the health-conscious retiree or discerning expat. The town’s levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) rank within the ‘Good’ to ‘Fair’ categories, indicating moderate air cleanliness crucial for those concerned about respiratory health. Equally reassuring are the low concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, both classified as ‘Good’. The ozone levels, often fluctuating seasonally, generally attaining a ‘Fair’ rating, suggest occasional mild deviations but nothing that detracts significantly from this idyllic setting.
Aci Castello, a picturesque town on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, boasts an overall commendable air quality environment that aligns well with the health-conscious retiree or discerning expat. The town’s levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) rank within the ‘Good’ to ‘Fair’ categories, indicating moderate air cleanliness crucial for those concerned about respiratory health. Equally reassuring are the low concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, both classified as ‘Good’. The ozone levels, often fluctuating seasonally, generally attaining a ‘Fair’ rating, suggest occasional mild deviations but nothing that detracts significantly from this idyllic setting.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Aci Castello is accessible via the A18 motorway, linking it to Catania and other Sicilian cities. The town benefits from proximity to two train stations, providing moderate rail connectivity. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the nearest air travel hub, enhancing regional access.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Aci Castello, nestled in the scenic region of Sicily, showcases a vibrant culinary scene deeply rooted in traditional Sicilian cuisine. The town is known for its seafood, with dishes that often feature fresh local fish and shellfish. Traditional offerings include ‘arancini’ (rice balls stuffed with various fillings), ‘scacce ragusane’ (stuffed flatbread), and ‘sfincione’ (a type of Sicilian pizza). These dishes reflect the island’s rich agricultural heritage and utilize local ingredients like seafood, citrus, and olive oil. In terms of dining options, Aci Castello houses a mix of local trattorias and more upscale restaurants, some of which focus on innovative interpretations of Sicilian classics. Notably, the town boasts Michelin-starred venues, including Faraglioni, which is celebrated for its chef’s creative dishes that blend tradition and modernity. Other prominent culinary spots embrace both local flavors and international influences, catering to the tastes of both residents and visitors alike. Overall, Aci Castello presents a diverse dining landscape where traditional Sicilian flavors coexist with contemporary culinary practices.
Shopping Overview
The area offers diverse shopping options, including various supermarkets catering to daily needs and several shopping centres featuring a mix of retail outlets. Notable centres provide a comprehensive range of stores, from fashion boutiques to electronics. Markets offer local produce and goods, supplementing the retail landscape. The combination of high-street shopping, specialised stores, and convenient supermarkets creates a balanced shopping experience suitable for expats and retirees seeking both convenience and variety.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Aci Castello offers a range of outdoor activities focused on its coastal and marine environment. Key attractions include the “Area Marina Protetta Isole Ciclopi,” a protected marine area known for its biodiversity and geological features. “Isole dei Ciclopi” and “Isola Lachea” provide opportunities for tours and educational visits. While not predominantly focused on large green spaces, the area provides access to unique coastal hikes. Access to nearby Mount Etna expands opportunities for more vigorous outdoor pursuits, including guided hikes to summit craters. The local offerings align well with outdoor enthusiasts looking for marine diversity and hiking adventures.
✅ Pros
– Mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage with beautiful architecture.
– Quality healthcare services available for residents and expats.
– Moderate tourism creates a vibrant atmosphere and local economy.
– Good transportation options for easy access to nearby cities.
– Opportunities for social integration with friendly local community.
– Air quality is generally good, promoting healthy living conditions.
– Educational facilities available for both children and adults.
– Sufficient internet connectivity for remote work and leisure.
– Scenic coastal views and proximity to beautiful natural landscapes.
❌ Cons
– Higher unemployment rate than national average may raise concerns.
– Limited job opportunities for expats looking for employment.
– Public transportation schedules may not always be reliable.
– Tourist crowds can disrupt local peace during peak seasons.
– Some bureaucratic processes can be slow and complex.
– Limited shopping options compared to larger cities nearby.
– Language barrier may pose challenges for non-Italian speakers.
– Occasional regional economic instability affects local businesses.
– Beaches can get crowded, especially in the summer months.
– Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings with locals.
FAQs
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