Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Mascalucia
Sicilia
A town near Catania known for traditional crafts, historical sites, and moderate healthcare access.
Quality of Life Score
84
Quality of Infrastructure
63
Quality of Economy
70
Summary
Mascalucia, located just outside Catania, Sicily, is an appealing choice for expats and retirees seeking a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Renowned for its vibrant local culture, it is famous for traditional handicrafts, particularly handmade woolen carpets and wrought iron art. The town boasts significant historical sites, including churches and monuments where one can immerse themselves in its rich heritage.
Its proximity to both Catania and stunning beaches enhances its allure, though access to healthcare services may vary, and the quality ranks moderately. Additionally, while the town offers an admirable walking score and access to good internet connectivity, expats might find the local cuisine and customs require some acclimatization. Nevertheless, Mascalucia’s blend of tradition and community spirit provides a welcoming environment for those looking to experience authentic Sicilian life.
✅ Pros
– Warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop to explore and enjoy.
– Opportunities for integration into a welcoming local community.
– Quality healthcare services available within the town and nearby.
– Relatively low tourist presence for a more authentic experience.
– Good air quality, promoting a healthier living environment.
– Access to local markets and fresh, high-quality produce.
– Convenient transportation options for exploring the surrounding region.
– Community events fostering social connections and friendships.
– A tranquil lifestyle in a picturesque Sicilian setting.
❌ Cons
– Limited job opportunities compared to larger Italian cities.
– Healthcare score indicates room for improvement in services.
– Internet connectivity may lag behind major urban areas.
– Infrastructure score suggests some public services may need enhancement.
– Mild winters still can be quite damp and chilly.
– Local education options might not suit all expat children.
– Public transport schedules may not always be reliable.
– Economic conditions may hinder long-term financial stability.
– Fewer entertainment and dining options than in tourist hotspots.
– Occasional bureaucratic challenges can frustrate newcomers.
Mascalucia Demographics
Population
32100
Real Population (5km band)
237400
Births Per 100 Deaths
100.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Not Touristic
Income per capita (2023)
20400
Income rank in Italy (2023)
3964 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
22min(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
6
Driving Time
87min(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
Falcone Borsellino (Palermo)
Connectivity Score
9
Driving Time
118min(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.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Santa Maria di Licodia Sud
Connectivity Score
4
Driving Time
17min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Santa Maria di Licodia Sud includes the following details:
– **Rail lines that stop here**: The station is served by the Ferrovia Circumetnea, a narrow-gauge railway.
– **Key destinations connected by direct trains**: The station connects to several key destinations including Catania Borgo, Paternò, Biancavilla, Adrano, and Riposto, as well as other locations along the Circumetnea line.
– **Train operators**: The primary operator is Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE).
– **Frequency of departures**: Specific frequency information is not readily available, but departures typically vary.
– **Type of services**: The services are primarily regional with a focus on local stops, operating on a narrow-gauge railway (950 mm).
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Paternò
Connectivity Score
4
Driving Time
18min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Paternò includes the Ferrovia Circumetnea line, which serves as a narrow-gauge railway. The station primarily facilitates regional travel within Sicily, connecting passengers to nearby destinations such as Catania and the town of Adrano. Train services are operated by Trenitalia, focusing mainly on local and regional routes.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Biancavilla Poggio Rosso
Connectivity Score
4
Driving Time
21min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Biancavilla Poggio Rosso includes:
– **Rail Lines**: The station primarily serves the R line, which connects Randazzo and Paternò.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect Biancavilla Poggio Rosso to Randazzo and Paternò.
– **Train Operators**: Trenitalia operates services at this station.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Trains generally run from 06:57 AM to 16:50 PM, with a frequency of approximately every hour.
– **Train Types**: The station facilitates regional trains only, with no high-speed services available.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
248
Bars
408
Cafes
146
Cinemas
103
Dentists
196
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
245
Health Clinics
162
Hiking Trails
134
Historical Sites
266
Libraries
33
Museums
214
Parks
168
Pharmacies
129
Restaurants
579
Shopping Centres
294
Supermarkets
408
Spas
345
Beach
Name
Capo Mulini - Fine Baia
Driving Distance
22mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Etna Sud - Nicolosi
Driving Distance
5mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
67
Nearest Hospital Name
Osp. Garibaldi-P.S. Ostetr. Pe
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
16 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
153
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)
Moderate Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
32
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
0
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
10
Car Insurance Price Index
105.288
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
Relatively Low
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
1124
Median
1359
Third Quartile
1691
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Very Walkable
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
71
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
76
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
45
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Top 10%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Top 50%
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mascalucia | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Sunshine
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Snowfall
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
5.7
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
29.8
Climate Description
Mascalucia, Italy presents a climate that caters well to those seeking relatively mild and sunny living conditions. The locale enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, ensuring that days are generally bright and inviting. Winters are gentle, marked by minimal snowfall, which typically contributes to the scenic beauty rather than causing any substantial disruption. Summers in Mascalucia are pleasantly warm but not excessively so, offering a comfortable environment for both daily activities and leisurely pursuits. Overall, the climate is moderate with rainfall spread evenly over the year, ensuring lush landscapes without the discomfort of severe weather extremes.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mascalucia | 5,70 | 5,80 | 7,50 | 10,30 | 13,50 | 18,10 | 21,20 | 21,60 | 18,50 | 15,00 | 11,30 | 7,30 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mascalucia | 11,9 | 12,40 | 14,90 | 17,70 | 21,30 | 26,70 | 29,80 | 29,80 | 25,90 | 21,30 | 16,80 | 13,20 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mascalucia | 61 | 52 | 58 | 64 | 72 | 80 | 86 | 82 | 69 | 52 | 47 | 62 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Fair
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
86
Air Quality Description
Mascalucia, Italy offers generally commendable air quality that supports a comfortable lifestyle for expats and retirees seeking a healthier living environment. The town experiences satisfactory levels of finer particulate matter (PM2.5), which remains within a fair range, ensuring outdoor activities are mostly enjoyable throughout the year. The broader particulates (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide levels are also well-controlled, classified as good, reflecting the area’s limited industrial activities and moderate vehicular traffic. While ozone levels are reasonable, they fluctuate seasonally, remaining in the fair category. Sulphur dioxide levels are very low, contributing to the overall pleasant air quality in Mascalucia.
Mascalucia, Italy offers generally commendable air quality that supports a comfortable lifestyle for expats and retirees seeking a healthier living environment. The town experiences satisfactory levels of finer particulate matter (PM2.5), which remains within a fair range, ensuring outdoor activities are mostly enjoyable throughout the year. The broader particulates (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide levels are also well-controlled, classified as good, reflecting the area’s limited industrial activities and moderate vehicular traffic. While ozone levels are reasonable, they fluctuate seasonally, remaining in the fair category. Sulphur dioxide levels are very low, contributing to the overall pleasant air quality in Mascalucia.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Mascalucia is accessible via the A18 motorway, linking it to major cities in Sicily. The nearest significant airport is Catania Fontanarossa, approximately 22 minutes away. The town features two train stations within close proximity, with moderate connectivity ratings.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Mascalucia in Sicily showcases a vibrant culinary scene deeply rooted in traditional Sicilian cuisine. Among its hallmark dishes are pasta alla Norma, arancini (rice balls), and various seafood specialties, reflecting the region’s coastal heritage. The dining options range from rustic trattorias to casual pizzerias, offering both local and Italian fare, with influences from international cuisines due to the area’s multicultural history. The presence of a Michelin-starred restaurant, indicative of the quality of culinary experiences available, further enhances the town’s gastronomic reputation. Restaurants emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with menus frequently changing to highlight seasonal produce.
Shopping Overview
The local shopping landscape features several shopping centres offering diverse retail options, including fashion, electronics, and groceries. Large supermarkets provide essential food and household items. In addition, smaller boutiques and specialty shops complement these larger venues, catering to unique tastes and preferences. Popular shopping centres in the vicinity house a mix of popular brands and local shops, enhancing the shopping experience for residents, including expats and retirees seeking convenience and variety.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Mascalucia, situated in the shadow of Mount Etna, offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Guided tours such as EtNative explore the volcanic landscapes of Etna, appealing to trekking enthusiasts. Adventure seekers can engage in activities at ETNA FLOW, which includes sports camps and amusement facilities. The town’s proximity to several hiking trails makes it an ideal location for walkers, and it benefits from nearby natural attractions including Park Monte Ceraulo, known for its outdoor spaces suitable for picnics and leisurely outings.
✅ Pros
– Warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop to explore and enjoy.
– Opportunities for integration into a welcoming local community.
– Quality healthcare services available within the town and nearby.
– Relatively low tourist presence for a more authentic experience.
– Good air quality, promoting a healthier living environment.
– Access to local markets and fresh, high-quality produce.
– Convenient transportation options for exploring the surrounding region.
– Community events fostering social connections and friendships.
– A tranquil lifestyle in a picturesque Sicilian setting.
❌ Cons
– Limited job opportunities compared to larger Italian cities.
– Healthcare score indicates room for improvement in services.
– Internet connectivity may lag behind major urban areas.
– Infrastructure score suggests some public services may need enhancement.
– Mild winters still can be quite damp and chilly.
– Local education options might not suit all expat children.
– Public transport schedules may not always be reliable.
– Economic conditions may hinder long-term financial stability.
– Fewer entertainment and dining options than in tourist hotspots.
– Occasional bureaucratic challenges can frustrate newcomers.
FAQs
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