Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Modica
Sicilia
Renowned for Baroque architecture, chocolate production, agriculture, and cultural festivals; commuting challenges exist.
Quality of Life Score
71
Quality of Infrastructure
54
Quality of Economy
73
Summary
Modica, a charming town in Sicily, is renowned for its rich Baroque architecture and vibrant history. Located in the southeastern part of the island, it offers a temperate climate, historical landmarks like the Cathedral of San Giorgio, and a thriving local culture steeped in traditions such as chocolate making. The town’s industries predominantly involve agriculture and artisanal foods, attracting those interested in authentic Italian culinary experiences. Modica also boasts a variety of festivals that celebrate its cultural heritage.
However, challenges exist for foreign expats. The local bureaucracy can be cumbersome, and public transport is often unreliable, making personal vehicles necessary for daily commuting. Additionally, basic amenities such as shopping may require a drive, as the town’s walkability is limited. Expats might also face language barriers, as English is not widely spoken. These factors can affect the quintessential Sicilian lifestyle, but again, the town’s allure often lays in its distinct cultural character.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available for residents.
– Mild climate ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Opportunities for integration into the local community.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
– Unique culinary experiences, especially famous chocolate.
– Scenic landscapes with stunning views and nature nearby.
– Moderate tourism ensures a balance of tranquility and activity.
– Accessible public transportation options for nearby travel.
– Growing digital infrastructure for reliable internet connectivity.
❌ Cons
– Limited job opportunities for newcomers not in tourism or agriculture.
– Air quality could be better for those with respiratory issues.
– Public transportation may not be as frequent as desired.
– Infrastructure improvements needed for smoother day-to-day activities.
– Digital infrastructure still developing; occasional connectivity hiccups expected.
– Language barrier might hinder full community integration.
– Hot summers; prepare for the heat—even gelato can’t help!
– Local shop hours vary; spontaneity can lead to disappointment.
– Educational facilities may not meet all international standards.
– Some may find the pace of life too slow.
Modica Demographics
Population
53500
Real Population (5km band)
210100
Births Per 100 Deaths
70.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Some Tourism
Income per capita (2023)
17700
Income rank in Italy (2023)
5581 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
75min(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
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.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Falcone Borsellino (Palermo)
Connectivity Score
9
Driving Time
173min(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 Modica
Connectivity Score
5
Driving Time
10min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Modica comprises mainly regional trains, operated primarily by Trenitalia. The station is serviced by several key rail lines, connecting Modica to significant destinations.
### Rail Lines:
– **Ragusa Line**
– **Siracusa Line**
– **Catania Centrale Line**
– **Noto Line**
– **Pozzallo Line**
### Key Destinations:
– **Ragusa**: Approx. 21 minutes; 9 trains daily.
– **Siracusa**: Approx. 1 hour 38 minutes; 6 trains daily.
– **Catania Centrale**: Approx. 2 hours 57 minutes; 9 trains daily.
– **Noto**: Approx. 1 hour 1 minute; 6 trains daily.
– **Pozzallo**: Approx. 30 minutes; 6 trains daily.
– **Palermo**: Approx. 4 hours 42 minutes; 7 trains daily.
### Train Operators:
– **Trenitalia** (primary operator)
– **Italo**
### Frequency of Departures:
Trains depart frequently throughout the day, with intervals ranging from every 30 minutes to hourly, depending on the destination.
### Train Type:
The services primarily consist of regional trains with no high-speed trains available at this station, focusing on local and regional connectivity.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Rosolini
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
13min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Rosolini provides connections primarily through Trenitalia. The key destinations served include Siracusa, Catania, Ragusa, Catania Centrale, Noto, and Vittoria. Direct trains are available to these locations with the following details:
– **Rail lines that stop here**: Trenitalia regional services are the predominant lines stopping at Rosolini.
– **Key destinations connected by direct trains**:
– **Siracusa**: Approximately 51 minutes, 8 trains per day.
– **Catania**: Approximately 2 hours 4 minutes, 9 trains per day.
– **Ragusa**: Approximately 1 hour 12 minutes, 6 trains per day.
– **Catania Centrale**: Approximately 2 hours 4 minutes, 9 trains per day.
– **Noto**: Approximately 13 minutes, 8 trains per day.
– **Vittoria**: Approximately 1 hour 56 minutes, 5 trains per day.
– **Train operators**: Trenitalia is the sole operator providing services at this station.
– **Frequency of departures**: The frequency of departures varies by destination, typically ranging from 5 to 9 services per day.
– **Train types**: The services provided are regional only, with no high-speed trains available at this station.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Ispica
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
15min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Ispica offers regional connections primarily on the Trenitalia network. The key rail lines that stop here connect Ispica to various destinations in Sicily.
**Key Destinations Connected by Direct Trains:**
– Siracusa
– Pozzallo
– Noto
– Ragusa
– Catania
– Rosolini
**Train Operators:**
– Trenitalia (regional services, with no high-speed options available).
**Frequency of Departures:**
– Generally, there are about 6 trains per day to destinations like Siracusa, Pozzallo, Noto, and Ragusa, with additional services to Catania (approximately 9 trains per day). Most of these routes operate with trains starting around 5:45 and the last trains leaving around 21:36.
**Type of Services:**
– The services available are regional only, with no high-speed trains departing from this station.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
25
Bars
1
Cafes
2
Cinemas
1
Dentists
1
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
6
Health Clinics
3
Hiking Trails
20
Historical Sites
107
Libraries
4
Museums
3
Parks
19
Pharmacies
56
Restaurants
271
Shopping Centres
26
Supermarkets
81
Spas
74
Beach
Name
Spiaggia ''Macanuco''
Driving Distance
19mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Etna Sud - Nicolosi
Driving Distance
103mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
94
Nearest Hospital Name
Maggiore
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
9 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
12
Local Public Healthcare Provider
ASP RAGUSA
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Sicily, the local healthcare system presents an uneven performance landscape. While local hospital care faces challenges, rapid responses to bone fractures and prompt interventions in acute heart conditions suggest efficiency. Minimally invasive breast cancer surgeries and heart attack readmission rates underperform, indicating potential areas for improvement. However, shorter postoperative stays illustrate effective recovery processes. The overall healthcare quality in this region places the system just above the national median, reflecting a mixed capacity to address diverse medical needs. Prospective residents should weigh specific healthcare needs against these varying indicators.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
High Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
35
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
2
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
0
Car Insurance Price Index
96.514
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
High
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
531
Median
833
Third Quartile
1228
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Car-Dependent
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
173
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
231
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
66
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modica | 15 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | N/A | 3 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Sunshine
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Snowfall
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
6.6
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
30.7
Climate Description
Modica experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm, sunny summers. The town enjoys an abundant amount of sunshine throughout the year, ensuring clear skies for the majority of days. Precipitation is moderate and mostly confined to the cooler months, keeping the landscape lush without excessive rainfall. Despite its southern location, Modica witnesses a rare dusting of snow on occasion, adding a brief, enchanting contrast to its typically temperate setting. Ideal for retirees and expats looking for a comfortable climate year-round, Modica offers a serene environment with minimal temperature fluctuations, fostering enjoyable living and leisure conditions.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modica | 6,60 | 6,80 | 8,30 | 11,00 | 13,70 | 18,20 | 21,20 | 21,70 | 19,10 | 16,00 | 12,30 | 8,20 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modica | 12,8 | 13,10 | 15,40 | 18,60 | 22,50 | 27,60 | 30,70 | 30,70 | 26,60 | 22,50 | 17,90 | 14,20 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modica | 65 | 56 | 62 | 65 | 73 | 79 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 51 | 50 | 65 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Fair
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
74
Air Quality Description
In Modica, Italy, residents enjoy generally good air quality. The concentrations of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide remain low enough to be classified as good. Particularly noteworthy is the quality regarding more coarse particulate matter (PM10), which also falls into good territory. However, finer particles (PM2.5) and ozone levels present a fair rating, suggesting occasional periods where vulnerable groups might notice some impact, though generally manageable for most of the population. This backdrop contributes to a comfortable environment conducive to both long-term living and leisure, aligning with expectations for a serene retirement setting.
In Modica, Italy, residents enjoy generally good air quality. The concentrations of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide remain low enough to be classified as good. Particularly noteworthy is the quality regarding more coarse particulate matter (PM10), which also falls into good territory. However, finer particles (PM2.5) and ozone levels present a fair rating, suggesting occasional periods where vulnerable groups might notice some impact, though generally manageable for most of the population. This backdrop contributes to a comfortable environment conducive to both long-term living and leisure, aligning with expectations for a serene retirement setting.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Modica is accessible via the A18 highway, connecting it to Catania and Siracusa. The nearest airports are Catania Fontanarossa and Tito Minniti in Reggio Calabria. In addition, two train stations are located nearby, offering moderate connectivity. The town’s overall infrastructure rating is 54 out of 100.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Modica’s culinary scene is characterized by its rich tradition of local dishes and a variety of dining options. Notably, Modica is famous for its unique chocolate, known as the Chocolate of Modica, which is produced using ancient Aztec methods. Traditional Sicilian seafood dishes are prevalent in various establishments around the town, showcasing fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant scene offers a diverse array of options, from casual eateries serving rustic fare to sophisticated venues where chefs experiment with innovative interpretations of traditional cuisine. International influences are present, reflecting Sicily’s historical trading routes. Among the dining establishments, Accursio Ristorante stands out with its Michelin star, underscoring the high culinary standards in Modica. This restaurant brings together flavors from different regions of Sicily, offering guests a refined gastronomic experience. Overall, Modica’s culinary landscape is an engaging blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to both locals and international visitors.
Shopping Overview
The city offers a diverse shopping environment, categorised into historical boutiques, contemporary fashion outlets, supermarkets, and artisan shops. Notable areas include the commercial centre, housing department stores and shopping centres, while local markets provide fresh produce and regional delicacies. The main shopping street features a mix of designer stores and traditional culinary shops, showcasing local specialities such as chocolate. A variety of crafts and handmade souvenirs are available, particularly in the historical centre, benefiting tourists seeking authenticity.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Modica, located in Sicily, offers a variety of outdoor activities appealing to expats and retirees. Notable trails include the Cava dei Servi ring tour, a 7-kilometer route known for its accessibility, and the Catacomba della Larderia – Cava d’Ispica loop, which provides a more intermediate challenge over 5.68 kilometers. Additional trails such as the Castello dei Conti loop offer a scenic 8-kilometer exploration of the region’s historical architecture. These trails highlight Modica’s unique landscapes, combining natural beauty with cultural heritage. Moreover, the Parco Urbano Padre Basile serves as a central green area for leisurely outdoor enjoyment.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available for residents.
– Mild climate ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Opportunities for integration into the local community.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
– Unique culinary experiences, especially famous chocolate.
– Scenic landscapes with stunning views and nature nearby.
– Moderate tourism ensures a balance of tranquility and activity.
– Accessible public transportation options for nearby travel.
– Growing digital infrastructure for reliable internet connectivity.
❌ Cons
– Limited job opportunities for newcomers not in tourism or agriculture.
– Air quality could be better for those with respiratory issues.
– Public transportation may not be as frequent as desired.
– Infrastructure improvements needed for smoother day-to-day activities.
– Digital infrastructure still developing; occasional connectivity hiccups expected.
– Language barrier might hinder full community integration.
– Hot summers; prepare for the heat—even gelato can’t help!
– Local shop hours vary; spontaneity can lead to disappointment.
– Educational facilities may not meet all international standards.
– Some may find the pace of life too slow.
FAQs
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