Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Palma di Montechiaro
Sicilia
Historical town near Agrigento, known for Baroque architecture, sandy beaches, and agricultural heritage.
Quality of Life Score
64
Quality of Infrastructure
49
Quality of Economy
57
Summary
Palma di Montechiaro, a town located near Agrigento in Sicily, offers a blend of historical significance and cultural richness, appealing to foreign expats and retirees seeking a serene environment. Known as the “City of the Leopard,” it boasts a picturesque landscape with proximity to beautiful sandy beaches, just a short drive away. Key attractions include the impressive Mother Church, exemplifying Sicilian Baroque architecture, and the Ducal Palace, associated with the historical Tomasi family. The town’s agricultural heritage underpins its local economy, with a focus on producing fresh and robust Sicilian cuisine.
While Palma di Montechiaro enjoys a walkable environment and excellent air quality, expats may encounter challenges such as limited healthcare facilities and connectivity options. However, its historical sites, vibrant community traditions, and the welcoming atmosphere make it a noteworthy destination for those contemplating a slower pace of life in Italy.
✅ Pros
– Mild Mediterranean climate year-round, ideal for outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and appreciate.
– Opportunities for local integration and community engagement.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Relatively low tourist presence allowing for authentic local experiences.
– Access to local markets and fresh produce options.
– Scenic landscapes and proximity to beautiful Sicilian coastlines.
– Basic healthcare services available, though with room for improvement.
– Transportation options available for travel within Sicily and beyond.
– Growing digital infrastructure supporting internet connectivity improvements.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality may leave you longing for a miracle cure.
– Limited educational facilities for families seeking quality schooling options.
– Transportation connections can be sporadic and occasionally unreliable.
– Unemployment rate slightly above the national average concerns job seekers.
– Infrastructure development is lacking, making daily life somewhat challenging.
– Internet speed could frustrate those reliant on high connectivity.
– Air quality is less than ideal for respiratory sensitivities.
– Limited social activities may lead to boredom on quiet days.
– The local economy may offer few job opportunities for expats.
– High summer temperatures could test your love for Mediterranean climate.
Palma di Montechiaro Demographics
Population
21400
Real Population (5km band)
26200
Births Per 100 Deaths
70.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Not Touristic
Income per capita (2023)
13300
Income rank in Italy (2023)
7651 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
106min(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
135min(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
137min(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 Licata
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
22min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Licata includes regional rail lines primarily operated by Trenitalia. The key destinations with direct train connections are Catania, Palermo, Ragusa, Agrigento, and Caltanissetta Centrale. Departures are typically scheduled at a frequency of several trains per day rather than at more frequent intervals, such as every 30 minutes. The station serves regional trains only, with no high-speed train services currently available.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Agrigento Centrale
Connectivity Score
5
Driving Time
28min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Agrigento Centrale includes several regional train services provided mainly by Trenitalia. The rail lines serving the station connect Agrigento with major cities such as Palermo and Caltanissetta. Direct trains to these destinations are relatively frequent, with the Palermo connection offering around 17 trains each day, taking approximately 2 hours to travel. The service has regional trains only, with no high-speed rail options currently available at the station. Departures typically occur hourly during peak times, with fewer services during off-peak hours.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Agrigento Bassa
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
29min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Agrigento Bassa includes regular connections primarily serviced by Trenitalia. The station is part of regional rail lines, with trains to prominent destinations such as Agrigento Centrale, Palermo Centrale, and Messina Centrale.
### Key Details:
– **Rail Lines**: The station mainly serves regional lines.
– **Key Destinations**:
– Agrigento Centrale (approx. 7 minutes, 17 trains per day)
– Palermo Centrale (approx. 1 hour 53 minutes, 15 trains per day)
– Messina Centrale (approx. 3 hours 52 minutes, 18 trains per day)
– Roccapalumba-Alia (approx. 53 minutes, 15 trains per day)
– Acquaviva-Casteltermini (approx. 30 minutes, 15 trains per day)
– Bagheria (approx. 1 hour 41 minutes, 15 trains per day)
– **Train Operators**: Primarily Trenitalia.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Services depart approximately every 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route.
– **Services Offered**: The station does not offer high-speed train services, focusing instead on regional and intercity connections.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
22
Bars
64
Cafes
15
Cinemas
3
Dentists
2
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
3
Health Clinics
3
Hiking Trails
21
Historical Sites
118
Libraries
0
Museums
3
Parks
1
Pharmacies
5
Restaurants
56
Shopping Centres
47
Supermarkets
11
Spas
16
Beach
Name
Punta Tenna
Driving Distance
5mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Piano Battaglia
Driving Distance
131mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
28
Nearest Hospital Name
San Giacomo d'Altopasso
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
20 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
5
Local Public Healthcare Provider
ASP AGRIGENTO
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Sicily, the health authority demonstrates high overall efficiency. However, the quality of local hospital care is considered low. Emergency responses to bone fractures are exceptionally prompt, while interventions for heart attacks within critical time frames perform slightly below the national median. Heart failure management shows above-average outcomes, whereas services for heart attack readmissions fall short. Minimally invasive breast cancer surgery is underutilised, and brief hospital stays post-operation are more common. Expats and retirees should evaluate these aspects to make informed decisions regarding healthcare services in the region.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
28
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
2
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
0
Car Insurance Price Index
87.065
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
Relatively Low
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
182
Median
226
Third Quartile
288
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Very Walkable
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
65
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
76
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
60
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Bottom 20%
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palma di Montechiaro | 11 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 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)
6.6
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
31.3
Climate Description
Palma di Montechiaro offers a pleasant and stable climate beneficial for expats and retirees seeking a consistent, warm environment. With no snowfall throughout the year, the town is ideal for those wishing to avoid colder weather activities and maintenance. Sunshine is abundant, facilitating various outdoor pursuits such as hiking and coastal walks, enhancing the quality of day-to-day life. Temperatures range from mild to warm without extremes, making it comfortable to enjoy both the historic and natural beauty that this Sicilian town offers year-round. This climatic balance supports not only usual living conditions but also favors vineyards and olive groves that dot the landscape.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palma di Montechiaro | 6,70 | 6,60 | 8,20 | 10,60 | 13,40 | 17,60 | 20,10 | 20,90 | 18,60 | 15,80 | 12,40 | 8,00 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palma di Montechiaro | 13,8 | 13,90 | 16,00 | 19,30 | 22,90 | 28,00 | 31,00 | 31,30 | 27,00 | 23,20 | 18,70 | 15,00 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palma di Montechiaro | 60 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 88 | 85 | 73 | 56 | 49 | 63 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Good
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
84
Air Quality Description
In Palma di Montechiaro, Italy, the air quality generally ranks as commendable. The town’s atmosphere benefits from good levels of particulate matter, with both PM10 and PM2.5 particles sufficiently low to meet healthful standards. Nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are also minimal, nurturing an environment that supports well-being. However, a modest concern arises with ozone concentrations which stand at fair conditions. For those considering relocation, especially retirees and expats seeking a cleaner, serene setting, Palma di Montechiaro offers a largely uncontaminated air profile aligning with ambient living and wellness.
In Palma di Montechiaro, Italy, the air quality generally ranks as commendable. The town’s atmosphere benefits from good levels of particulate matter, with both PM10 and PM2.5 particles sufficiently low to meet healthful standards. Nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are also minimal, nurturing an environment that supports well-being. However, a modest concern arises with ozone concentrations which stand at fair conditions. For those considering relocation, especially retirees and expats seeking a cleaner, serene setting, Palma di Montechiaro offers a largely uncontaminated air profile aligning with ambient living and wellness.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Palma di Montechiaro, situated in Sicily, is accessible via the SS115 road, linking it to nearby towns. The closest airports are Catania Fontanarossa and Falcone Borsellino in Palermo. Additionally, the town is served by two train stations, offering modest connectivity to the regional rail network, though infrastructure ratings suggest room for improvement.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Palma di Montechiaro boasts a rich culinary scene reflective of traditional Sicilian cuisine, featuring local staples such as seafood, fresh vegetables, and homemade pasta. Notable dishes include ‘caponata’, a sweet and sour eggplant stew, and various forms of ‘couscous’, particularly the fish variant popular in coastal areas. The dining landscape includes a variety of restaurants that serve both traditional dishes and modern interpretations, while also offering international influences, particularly in pizzerias that cater to diverse palates. Outdoor dining options often enhance the dining experience with scenic views. Notably, there is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the vicinity, illustrating the area’s potential for culinary excellence.
Shopping Overview
Shopping in this area is diverse, catering to various needs. Visitors can find local markets offering fresh produce and artisanal products, alongside supermarkets providing everyday essentials. Boutique shops feature local handicrafts and fashion, although options may be limited compared to larger cities. Shopping centres typically combine retail outlets and dining, creating a comprehensive experience for residents and visitors. The overall availability of shopping options reflects a balanced mix of convenience and local culture, suitable for both expats and retirees seeking to adapt to their surroundings.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Palma di Montechiaro in Sicily offers several options for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the Grotta Zubbia, a notable cavern in the area. The nearby Cala Vincenzina provides a beach experience. For hiking, the local trails offer routes such as those leading to the Punta Bianca Nature Reserve, which is located approximately 20 km south of Agrigento. Additionally, cycling tours, including routes to historical sites like the Castellp di Montechiaro, enhance the active lifestyle opportunities in the region.
✅ Pros
– Mild Mediterranean climate year-round, ideal for outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and appreciate.
– Opportunities for local integration and community engagement.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Relatively low tourist presence allowing for authentic local experiences.
– Access to local markets and fresh produce options.
– Scenic landscapes and proximity to beautiful Sicilian coastlines.
– Basic healthcare services available, though with room for improvement.
– Transportation options available for travel within Sicily and beyond.
– Growing digital infrastructure supporting internet connectivity improvements.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality may leave you longing for a miracle cure.
– Limited educational facilities for families seeking quality schooling options.
– Transportation connections can be sporadic and occasionally unreliable.
– Unemployment rate slightly above the national average concerns job seekers.
– Infrastructure development is lacking, making daily life somewhat challenging.
– Internet speed could frustrate those reliant on high connectivity.
– Air quality is less than ideal for respiratory sensitivities.
– Limited social activities may lead to boredom on quiet days.
– The local economy may offer few job opportunities for expats.
– High summer temperatures could test your love for Mediterranean climate.
FAQs
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