Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Gela
Sicilia
Coastal town known for archaeological sites, affordable living, decent healthcare, but limited public transport.
Quality of Life Score
78
Quality of Infrastructure
61
Quality of Economy
73
Summary
Gela, situated on Sicily’s southern coast, offers a compelling blend of history and modern living, making it of interest to expats and retirees. With its scenic locale overlooking the Mediterranean, Gela features ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The town is known for its rich archaeological heritage, including ancient ruins reflecting a storied past, while its excellent beaches attract those seeking coastal leisure. Furthermore, Gela boasts a low cost of living and decent healthcare facilities, enhancing its appeal for potential residents.
However, challenges exist; public transportation options may be lacking, and local educational services are not highly rated. The climate offers long, hot summers and mild winters, which can be a draw for many but may also prove uncomfortable during peak summer months. Overall, Gela presents a unique proposition for those wishing to embrace Sicilian rural life, balancing charm and modernity amid its potential drawbacks.
✅ Pros
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop to explore and enjoy.
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Opportunities for integration in a friendly, welcoming community.
– Good air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Access to basic healthcare facilities with local services available.
– Lower tourist presence allows for a more authentic experience.
– Reasonable transportation options connecting to major Sicilian cities.
– Diverse local cuisine showcasing traditional Sicilian flavors.
– Affordable cost of living compared to other Italian towns.
– Quaint coastal town with beautiful surrounding natural landscapes.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality may not meet higher standards expected abroad.
– Limited advanced medical facilities for serious health issues.
– Public transportation can be infrequent and unreliable at times.
– Job opportunities may be scarce for new arrivals.
– Internet speeds can be inconsistent, affecting connectivity.
– Educational facilities might not cater to international standards.
– Higher unemployment rate compared to national average.
– Infrastructure could use improvements for better living conditions.
– The economy may feel stagnant and less dynamic overall.
– Language barrier may complicate integration for non-Italian speakers.
Gela Demographics
Population
70900
Real Population (5km band)
108900
Births Per 100 Deaths
80.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Not Touristic
Income per capita (2023)
18200
Income rank in Italy (2023)
5308 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
77min(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
125min(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
Tito Minniti (Reggio Calabria)
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
150min(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.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Gela
Connectivity Score
4
Driving Time
6min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Gela includes regional trains primarily operated by Trenitalia on the Siracusa-Gela-Canicattì and Catania-Caltagirone-Gela lines. Key destinations connected by direct trains include Syracuse, Catania, Ragusa, Caltanissetta, Palermo, and Licata. The frequency of departures is not specified, but regional trains do not operate at very high frequencies, typically offering a few services per day. Gela station does not have high-speed train services and operates only regional connections, as it is not electrified and serves primarily local and regional routes.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Vittoria
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
35min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Vittoria features the following key details:
– **Rail lines that stop here**: Primarily served by regional lines connecting various local destinations.
– **Key destinations connected by direct trains**: Major connections include Catania, Ragusa, and Palermo.
– **Train operators**: The main operators are Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Frequency of departures**: Trains typically run several times a day to major destinations, with a frequency of around every 30 to 60 minutes.
– **Type of trains**: The station primarily offers regional train services, with some high-speed options available via Italo on certain routes.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Caltagirone
Connectivity Score
5
Driving Time
40min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Caltagirone includes the following key details:
– **Rail Lines**: Trains primarily serve regional routes, connecting Caltagirone to major cities in Sicily.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect Caltagirone with Catania, Palermo, Gela, Ragusa, and Siracusa.
– **Train Operators**: The main operators at this station include Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Train departures vary by route:
– Catania: 2 trains per day
– Palermo: 6 trains per day
– Gela: 3 trains per day
– Ragusa: 5 trains per day
– Siracusa: 3 trains per day
– **High-Speed Services**: The station mainly offers regional trains, with no high-speed services.
This structure indicates a focus on regional connectivity rather than high-speed transit options, accommodating a steady flow of daily departures to key Sicilian destinations.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
1
Bars
1
Cafes
1
Cinemas
2
Dentists
1
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
1
Health Clinics
0
Hiking Trails
3
Historical Sites
20
Libraries
2
Museums
20
Parks
0
Pharmacies
23
Restaurants
107
Shopping Centres
46
Supermarkets
44
Spas
40
Beach
Name
Lido Conchiglia
Driving Distance
10mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Etna Sud - Nicolosi
Driving Distance
100mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
42
Nearest Hospital Name
Vittorio Emanuele-Pronto Socco
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
15 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
1
Local Public Healthcare Provider
ASP CALTANISSETTA
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Sicilia, healthcare provision exhibits varied efficiency. Hospital care is below the national average, and overall health services rank similarly. Heart attack readmissions fare inadequately, and emergency procedures for severe heart conditions are notably slow. Fracture treatment and breast cancer surgeries reflect modest performance. Conversely, recovery periods for surgeries are commendably minimal. Heart failure readmissions show strong outcomes, underscoring specific proficiency. Expats and retirees should weigh these disparities in healthcare services when considering relocation.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
Moderate Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
63
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
0
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
4
Car Insurance Price Index
90.439
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
High
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
338
Median
641
Third Quartile
897
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Very Walkable
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
230
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
266
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
193
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Bottom 50%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Bottom 30%
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gela | 17 | 20 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Sunshine
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Snowfall
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
7.7
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
30.9
Climate Description
Gela, located in southern Italy, enjoys a predominantly sunny climate which bolsters its appeal as a destination for retirees and expats. The weather here is characterized by mild, pleasant winters and warm, sun-filled summers. Notably, the region virtually never experiences snow, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to escape colder climates. Temperature variations are moderate throughout the year, contributing to a comfortable living environment that encourages outdoor activities and leisure. This stable weather pattern not only enhances the daily quality of life but also simplifies year-round planning for both residents and visitors.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gela | 7,80 | 7,70 | 9,20 | 11,80 | 14,40 | 18,30 | 20,90 | 21,80 | 19,80 | 16,90 | 13,40 | 9,30 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gela | 14,4 | 14,70 | 16,70 | 19,80 | 23,00 | 27,60 | 30,50 | 30,90 | 27,30 | 23,70 | 19,30 | 15,70 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gela | 62 | 55 | 61 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 87 | 85 | 73 | 57 | 49 | 65 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Good
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
84
Air Quality Description
Gela, Italy presents a congenial atmosphere with commendable air quality throughout the year. Major pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are consistently rated well within acceptable levels, providing a clean and safe environment. Ozone levels stand at a moderate rating, occasionally influenced by seasonal variations typical of southern climates but generally pose minimal bother. The town’s adherence to environmental standards ensures that its air remains predominantly fresh, benefiting everyone from young families to retirees looking for a healthy lifestyle. This positive aspect significantly enhances Gela’s appeal as a promising relocation choice for expatriates seeking both tranquility and vitality.
Gela, Italy presents a congenial atmosphere with commendable air quality throughout the year. Major pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are consistently rated well within acceptable levels, providing a clean and safe environment. Ozone levels stand at a moderate rating, occasionally influenced by seasonal variations typical of southern climates but generally pose minimal bother. The town’s adherence to environmental standards ensures that its air remains predominantly fresh, benefiting everyone from young families to retirees looking for a healthy lifestyle. This positive aspect significantly enhances Gela’s appeal as a promising relocation choice for expatriates seeking both tranquility and vitality.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Gela is connected via the A18 and A19 highways, facilitating road access to Catania and Palermo airports. Local train stations provide limited connectivity, with scores indicating moderate service levels. Overall, Gela’s infrastructure rating reflects potential challenges in transport connectivity.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Gela’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from traditional Sicilian dishes and a variety of international influences. Traditional dishes such as grissini, granite di mandorle (almond granita), caponata (a signature sweet and sour aubergine stew), and rigatoni alla norma highlight the local gastronomy. The town offers a diverse array of dining establishments, where traditional Sicilian flavors coexist with modern culinary creativity. Restaurants serve fresh seafood, expertly crafted pizzas, and hearty pasta dishes, appealing to a wide range of palates. Among these, there are notable Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing Gela’s commitment to high culinary standards. Overall, the dining landscape reflects both the rich heritage and contemporary evolution of Sicilian cuisine.
Shopping Overview
The shopping landscape features several supermarkets and shopping centres, with notable formats including large retail complexes and local boutiques. Expats and retirees can find diverse options such as modern malls, traditional markets, and specialty stores catering to various needs. Key venues typically offer a mix of grocery, clothing, and household goods, creating a comprehensive shopping experience suitable for everyday requirements and leisure. Additionally, local shopping areas provide cultural goods and artisan products, enriching the retail atmosphere.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
In Gela, Sicily, outdoor enthusiasts can access various activities and trails. Notable trails include Periplo della Sicilia, Tappa 10 and Gela – Macchitella – Montelungo, which offer moderate difficulty for hiking, biking, and trail running. Gela features parks like Parco di Montelungo for biking and exploring nature. The Riserva Naturale Biviere is a regional natural reserve offering birdwatching opportunities. The local beaches such as Lungomare Federico II di Svevia provide areas for jogging and relaxation. These facilities cater to a range of skill levels and offer both historic and scenic exploration opportunities.
✅ Pros
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop to explore and enjoy.
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Opportunities for integration in a friendly, welcoming community.
– Good air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Access to basic healthcare facilities with local services available.
– Lower tourist presence allows for a more authentic experience.
– Reasonable transportation options connecting to major Sicilian cities.
– Diverse local cuisine showcasing traditional Sicilian flavors.
– Affordable cost of living compared to other Italian towns.
– Quaint coastal town with beautiful surrounding natural landscapes.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality may not meet higher standards expected abroad.
– Limited advanced medical facilities for serious health issues.
– Public transportation can be infrequent and unreliable at times.
– Job opportunities may be scarce for new arrivals.
– Internet speeds can be inconsistent, affecting connectivity.
– Educational facilities might not cater to international standards.
– Higher unemployment rate compared to national average.
– Infrastructure could use improvements for better living conditions.
– The economy may feel stagnant and less dynamic overall.
– Language barrier may complicate integration for non-Italian speakers.
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