Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Barrafranca
Sicilia
Small Sicilian town known for historical architecture, local cuisine, and a strong sense of community.
Quality of Life Score
67
Quality of Infrastructure
58
Quality of Economy
59
Summary
Barrafranca, nestled in the heart of Sicily, offers a unique blend of warmth and culture, appealing to expats and retirees seeking a slower pace of life. This small town boasts a rich history infused with influences from Arabs, Greeks, and Spaniards, evident in its architecture and culinary delights. The local cuisine is marked by fresh seafood, local pastries, and a wealth of traditional dishes, such as arancini and pasta alla Norma, contributing to the town’s vibrant food scene.
Barrafranca’s welcoming community fosters a strong sense of belonging, essential for newcomers looking to integrate. While the town is approximately 68 minutes from the nearest airport and 41 km from excellent-quality beaches, its amenities are more limited compared to larger cities, potentially posing challenges for some expats. However, its picturesque landscapes and slower lifestyle can make it an attractive location for those who value serenity and community engagement.
✅ Pros
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop enhances daily living experience.
– Mild climate with warm summers and mild winters.
– Opportunities for integration into local community and culture.
– Access to healthcare facilities, though quality may vary.
– Air quality is relatively good, promoting healthier living environment.
– Affordable cost of living compared to other Italian towns.
– Scenic countryside and beautiful landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
– Moderate infrastructure supports essential services and connectivity.
– Unique local cuisine offers delicious dining experiences.
– Charming, small-town atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality is low, access may be challenging.
– Public transportation options are limited and not very reliable.
– Economic opportunities are scarce, unemployment is higher than average.
– Educational facilities may lack resources and modern amenities.
– Internet connectivity can be inconsistent, speeds may vary greatly.
– Limited entertainment and cultural events for social engagement.
– Language barrier may complicate integration for non-Italian speakers.
– Weather can be too hot in summer for some.
– Rural isolation may feel stifling for urban dwellers.
– Local bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating to navigate.
Barrafranca Demographics
Population
11700
Real Population (5km band)
32600
Births Per 100 Deaths
50.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
No Data
Income per capita (2023)
14500
Income rank in Italy (2023)
7308 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
68min(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
Falcone Borsellino (Palermo)
Connectivity Score
9
Driving Time
96min(s)
Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) is located in Cinisi, about 35 km northwest of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, Italy. It is the second largest airport on the island, handling over 8 million passengers annually. The airport primarily serves destinations across Europe and offers seasonal flights to New York City. Notable airlines include Aeroitalia, Ryanair, and Volotea, indicating a strong focus on budget-friendly travel options.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Birgi (Trapani)
Connectivity Score
5
Driving Time
127min(s)
Trapani-Birgi Airport (Vincenzo Florio Airport) is situated between Trapani and Marsala, on the western coast of Sicily. It primarily serves as a low-cost hub with connections to various European destinations, including major cities such as Rome, Venice, and Naples. The airport is a key point for travellers heading to and from Sicily, offering both regular and seasonal routes mainly through Ryanair, with destinations including London, Manchester, and Milan, amongst others.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Caltanissetta Centrale
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
36min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Caltanissetta Centrale offers a range of train services primarily operated by Trenitalia. The station is served by regional trains and, notably, there are no high-speed train services available.
**Rail Lines**: The main rail lines serving Caltanissetta Centrale connect to the Sicilian railway network, facilitating travel to various key destinations.
**Key Destinations**: Direct train services link Caltanissetta to major cities such as Palermo, Catania, and Agrigento. Additionally, connections to other regional destinations are available.
**Train Operators**: The primary operator is Trenitalia, which runs the regional services in this area.
**Frequency of Departures**: Train departures typically occur on an hourly basis, though the frequency may vary throughout the day, with some times of the day seeing fewer trains.
**Train Types**: The station primarily handles regional services, with no high-speed train offerings to this location, catering mainly to local and regional travellers.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Villarosa
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
36min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Villarosa provides a variety of regional links primarily operated by Trenitalia. The key destinations connected by direct trains include:
– **Palermo Centrale**: approximately 1 hour 44 minutes, with 11 services daily.
– **Caltanissetta Xirbi**: around 11 minutes, with 13 services daily.
– **Catania**: roughly 1 hour 37 minutes, with 16 services daily.
– **Cefalu**: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, with 11 services daily.
– **Enna**: about 10 minutes, with 8 services daily.
The frequency of departures varies, with most routes operating multiple times throughout the day, ensuring reasonable connectivity.
Stazione di Villarosa does not host high-speed trains but focuses on regional services, making it a critical stop for local travel within Sicily.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Campobello-Ravanusa
Connectivity Score
3
Driving Time
37min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Campobello-Ravanusa includes the following details:
– **Rail Lines**: Primarily, the station is served by Trenitalia.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect to Agrigento Centrale and Licata.
– **Train Operators**: The main operator is Trenitalia, providing regional services.
– **Frequency of Departures**: There are limited services, with trains operating approximately twice daily to Licata and a similar frequency to Agrigento.
– **Train Types**: The services mainly consist of regional trains, with no high-speed train services available.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
38
Bars
7
Cafes
9
Cinemas
1
Dentists
9
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
7
Health Clinics
10
Hiking Trails
3
Historical Sites
104
Libraries
0
Museums
8
Parks
1
Pharmacies
5
Restaurants
65
Shopping Centres
29
Supermarkets
76
Spas
18
Beach
Name
Foce Rio Desusino
Driving Distance
33mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Piano Battaglia
Driving Distance
92mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
12
Nearest Hospital Name
Santo Stefano
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
16 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
4
Local Public Healthcare Provider
ASP ENNA
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Sicily, the local healthcare system presents a mixed picture of efficiency and quality. It shows moderate overall performance when compared nationally, but the quality of hospital care is relatively limited. Post-operative care is particularly efficient, with brief hospital stays being common, and there is high efficiency in managing heart failure readmissions. However, the speed in treating severe heart attacks is lacking. Emergency orthopaedic care and the management of heart attack readmissions perform moderately well. Conversely, breast cancer surgeries with minimally invasive approaches are less prevalent. Overall, healthcare provision demonstrates variation in both strengths and weaknesses.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
11
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
1
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
0
Car Insurance Price Index
80.99
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
Relatively Low
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
149
Median
317
Third Quartile
521
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Very Walkable
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
90
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
121
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
48
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Bottom 10%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Bottom 10%
Counts of School
Town/City | Primary Schools | Kindergartens | Comprehensive Schools | Medium High Schools | Scientific High Schools | Technical Commercial Schools | Classical High Schools | Industrial Technical Schools | Higher Education Institutes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barrafranca | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Sunshine
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Snowfall
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
3.5
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
31.9
Climate Description
Barrafranca enjoys a predominantly sunny climate, with ample sunshine throughout the year, providing a bright backdrop for daily activities. Winters are mild, rarely seeing snowfall, which makes it an appealing destination for retirees and expats seeking to escape harsher climates. Summer temperatures are warm but not oppressive, encouraging outdoor pursuits and leisure. Rainfall is modest, mostly distributed evenly across the year, ensuring lush landscapes without the inconvenience of frequent wet spells. Overall, Barrafranca offers a balanced climate that supports a comfortable lifestyle and diverse interests for the Magic Towns readership.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Min Temp Jan | Min Temp Feb | Min Temp Mar | Min Temp Apr | Min Temp May | Min Temp Jun | Min Temp Jul | Min Temp Aug | Min Temp Sep | Min Temp Oct | Min Temp Nov | Min Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barrafranca | 3,50 | 3,80 | 5,20 | 8,20 | 11,00 | 15,70 | 18,50 | 19,10 | 16,20 | 13,10 | 9,40 | 5,00 |
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Max Temp Jan | Max Temp Feb | Max Temp Mar | Max Temp Apr | Max Temp May | Max Temp Jun | Max Temp Jul | Max Temp Aug | Max Temp Sep | Max Temp Oct | Max Temp Nov | Max Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barrafranca | 11,8 | 12,20 | 14,90 | 18,60 | 22,70 | 28,60 | 31,90 | 31,70 | 26,50 | 22,10 | 17,00 | 13,30 |
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Sunny Days % Jan | Sunny Days % Feb | Sunny Days % Mar | Sunny Days % Apr | Sunny Days % May | Sunny Days % Jun | Sunny Days % Jul | Sunny Days % Aug | Sunny Days % Sep | Sunny Days % Oct | Sunny Days % Nov | Sunny Days % Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barrafranca | 55 | 48 | 55 | 62 | 70 | 78 | 85 | 81 | 68 | 52 | 44 | 58 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Good
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
84
Air Quality Description
Barrafranca, nestled in the heart of Italy, offers air quality that expatriates and retirees would find conducive to a healthy lifestyle. The particulate matter commonly referred to as PM10 and PM2.5, which can affect respiratory health, consistently measures at levels categorized as good. Likewise, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels are significantly low, maintaining a good classification and posing minimal health risks related to air pollutant exposure. Ozone, however, delivers a fair rating, drawing attention to moderate concentrations that may warrant consideration for those with sensitivity to this gas, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
In Barrafranca, the air is largely inviting, characterized by satisfactory particulate matter readings for both PM10 and PM2.5; these particles are known for penetrating deeply into the respiratory tract but remain within safe exposure levels here. Additionally, the town shows commendable control over gases like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide – both well within the range that is beneficial for uninterrupted daily activities. Ozone presents a slightly varied narrative with its fair assessment, signaling occasional peaks that could influence outdoor activities.
Barrafranca’s atmosphere presents well-maintained air quality standards. The concentrations of fine particulates (PM2.5) and coarser particles (PM10) are consistently recorded at good levels, promoting an environment supportive of respiratory well-being. The minor gases— nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide—also register at minimal and non-threatening measures. Concerning ozone, the rating is fair, suggesting that while occasional higher levels may occur, they are generally not a constant concern, ensuring a quality of air that supports both leisure and everyday living comfortably.
The environmental backdrop of Barrafranca is bolstered by its commendable air quality indices. Fine and coarse particulate levels are notably good, an advantage for those particularly sensitive to airborne particles. Both nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide pose little to no risk in their remarkably low concentrations, favoring long-term health benefits. Ozone levels hover at a fair mark; it’s adequate but advises caution during high ozone events which might affect sensitive individuals slightly more.
Barrafranca, nestled in the heart of Italy, offers air quality that expatriates and retirees would find conducive to a healthy lifestyle. The particulate matter commonly referred to as PM10 and PM2.5, which can affect respiratory health, consistently measures at levels categorized as good. Likewise, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels are significantly low, maintaining a good classification and posing minimal health risks related to air pollutant exposure. Ozone, however, delivers a fair rating, drawing attention to moderate concentrations that may warrant consideration for those with sensitivity to this gas, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
In Barrafranca, the air is largely inviting, characterized by satisfactory particulate matter readings for both PM10 and PM2.5; these particles are known for penetrating deeply into the respiratory tract but remain within safe exposure levels here. Additionally, the town shows commendable control over gases like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide – both well within the range that is beneficial for uninterrupted daily activities. Ozone presents a slightly varied narrative with its fair assessment, signaling occasional peaks that could influence outdoor activities.
Barrafranca’s atmosphere presents well-maintained air quality standards. The concentrations of fine particulates (PM2.5) and coarser particles (PM10) are consistently recorded at good levels, promoting an environment supportive of respiratory well-being. The minor gases— nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide—also register at minimal and non-threatening measures. Concerning ozone, the rating is fair, suggesting that while occasional higher levels may occur, they are generally not a constant concern, ensuring a quality of air that supports both leisure and everyday living comfortably.
The environmental backdrop of Barrafranca is bolstered by its commendable air quality indices. Fine and coarse particulate levels are notably good, an advantage for those particularly sensitive to airborne particles. Both nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide pose little to no risk in their remarkably low concentrations, favoring long-term health benefits. Ozone levels hover at a fair mark; it’s adequate but advises caution during high ozone events which might affect sensitive individuals slightly more.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Barrafranca is accessible via the A19 motorway linking Catania and Palermo. The nearest major airport is Catania Fontanarossa, approximately 68 minutes away, while Falcone Borsellino in Palermo is 96 minutes distant. Local train stations offer service, with moderate connectivity scores reflecting the town’s infrastructure rating of 58 out of 100.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Barrafranca, located in the heart of Sicily, boasts a rich culinary scene deeply influenced by its historical and geographical context. Traditional dishes reflect the region’s diverse heritage, with staples such as `arancini` (stuffed rice balls), `caponata` (eggplant salad), and `pasta alla norma` (pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta) being prominent. The town offers a mix of local dining establishments that serve Sicilian specialties alongside Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing seafood, fresh produce, and traditional baking methods. While the international dining scene is growing, it remains limited compared to the robust local fare. Notably, there are currently no Michelin-starred restaurants in Barrafranca, indicating an opportunity for culinary development and recognition in the future.
Shopping Overview
The local retail landscape offers a blend of shopping options. Visitors can find large shopping centres, including well-known retail parks, and outlets, which typically house a range of fashion and home goods. Supermarkets provide essential grocery items, while boutiques cater to niche markets, often featuring local artisanal products. Frequent farmers’ markets enhance shopping diversity, presenting fresh produce and regional specialities. Additionally, various street markets and independent shops promote local craftsmanship, enriching the overall shopping experience.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Barrafranca, located in Sicily, offers various outdoor activities suitable for retirees and expats seeking recreational options. The region features several hiking trails, including the challenging “Barrafranca – Piazza Armerina” trail, offering a 13-mile route with significant elevation changes. Another notable path is the Trk Monte Navone, spanning approximately 4.6 miles. Green spaces such as Parco delle Rimembranze provide local residents with accessible natural settings. These spaces serve as ideal locations for leisurely walks and community gatherings, enhancing the area’s appeal to those seeking an active lifestyle or relaxation amid natural surroundings.
✅ Pros
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop enhances daily living experience.
– Mild climate with warm summers and mild winters.
– Opportunities for integration into local community and culture.
– Access to healthcare facilities, though quality may vary.
– Air quality is relatively good, promoting healthier living environment.
– Affordable cost of living compared to other Italian towns.
– Scenic countryside and beautiful landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
– Moderate infrastructure supports essential services and connectivity.
– Unique local cuisine offers delicious dining experiences.
– Charming, small-town atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality is low, access may be challenging.
– Public transportation options are limited and not very reliable.
– Economic opportunities are scarce, unemployment is higher than average.
– Educational facilities may lack resources and modern amenities.
– Internet connectivity can be inconsistent, speeds may vary greatly.
– Limited entertainment and cultural events for social engagement.
– Language barrier may complicate integration for non-Italian speakers.
– Weather can be too hot in summer for some.
– Rural isolation may feel stifling for urban dwellers.
– Local bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating to navigate.
FAQs
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