What People Say About Living in Catania

When people think of Sicily, the first things that usually come to mind are: the sea, the sun, and the food, even though there are be countless other aspects worth mentioning. 

If you’re drawn to these features but want the convenience and energy of a big city, living in Catania might be a good option. With a population of around 300,000 (and a greater metro area reaching nearly 800,000), the city sits at the foot of Mount Etna, one of Sicily’s active volcanoes. 

But what’s everyday life like here? We’ve gathered insights from locals and data to give you a realistic picture.

Life in Catania: What People Say

What locals like about Catania is its lively atmosphere, in fact, the city is know for its energy and constant flow of people, day and night. You’ll never be short of things to do: whether it’s dining, nightlife, cultural events, or concerts:

“Catania is a lively and vibrant city, full of events and things to do all year round… from cultural happenings to nightlife, there’s a bit of everything.” – Riccardo P.

“It offers plenty of leisure opportunities, has a mild climate, amazing traditional food, and an airport.” – Lucio R.

However, several residents say it can be chaotic, especially because of the traffic and the weather, as summers in the historic center can be oppressively hot. So if you value a slower pace and cleaner surroundings, living just outside the city may be a better option.

“In my opinion, it’s become more chaotic… there’s always traffic, except maybe early in the morning or late at night. But there’s also always something going on.” – Simone C.

Transport and Connectivity in Catania

Transport in Catania is limited but functional. The city has a small but quite efficient metro line that’s expanding, and it’s relatively easy to navigate within central areas. However, buses remain unreliable for many locals, especially those living outside the city. 

“We now have a metro… for the few stops it has, it works well. Buses remain pretty unreliable.” – Simone C.

If you’re considering living in the Etna towns (known locally as paesi etnei), owning a car is almost essential. Public transport in these areas is limited, and daily commutes can be tiring,  especially for students or workers with early start times. Still, Catania is well-connected by major roads including a ring road and tangenziale (bypass), making driving relatively straightforward, albeit often slow due to traffic.

On the plus side, Catania is home to the busiest airport in Southern Italy, making travel convenient and accessible. With a wide range of flight options, it’s easy to reach many destinations across Europe.

“Catania Airport is undoubtedly one of the busiest in Southern Italy and the most important in Sicily. It offers numerous direct flights to a wide range of destinations. Currently, there are two active terminals, one of which is entirely dedicated to the airline EasyJet.” – Pietro R.

Getting to the airport is also fairly straightforward: the Alibus shuttle service runs every 20 minutes from 5 am to midnight, stopping at various points around the city. However, travel times can vary due to unpredictable traffic. A one-way ticket costs €4 and can be purchased at the airport, directly on the bus (in cash or by card), or at authorized AMTS vendors.

Where to Live in Catania: Housing & Cost of Living

Housing options in Catania vary widely depending on the neighborhood, both in terms of lifestyle and price. When it comes to choosing where to live, locals are split between the convenience of the city and the comfort of the surrounding towns.

Here’s a breakdown of average prices for renting and buying a 70 m² apartment:

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

For some people, central areas near Corso Italia are still livable, especially in terms of safety. Living here means being right in the heart of the city, with easy access to amenities, shops, and nightlife. However, expect higher noise levels, intense summer heat, and parking challenges.

Also, even though it’s in the center, some people recommend being cautious in areas like San Cristoforo and around Castello Ursino/Fortino, although there are actually several B&Bs in this area. Outside the city, neighborhoods like Librino are often seen as less secure.

For a quieter lifestyle, many locals recommend the paesi etnei, small towns like San Giovanni La Punta or Aci Bonaccorsi. These areas often offer villas or gated apartments with private parking, good access to shops, and a more relaxed pace of life. However, if you have children, especially those approaching university age, keep in mind that commuting into the city can be challenging without a car. Living outside the city center may mean dealing with long, inconvenient travel times, especially if they rely on public transport.

“There are many small towns around San Giovanni La Punta where housing is still affordable and widely available. I wouldn’t say there are any specific areas to avoid, I’ve always lived in this part of the province and never had a negative experience. Technically, these are considered outskirts, but in Sicily, the concept of “outskirts” feels different. Even in the smaller towns, you’ll typically find everything you need: a pharmacy, bakery, supermarket, post office, and more.” – Barbara D.

Challenges of Living in Catania

Beyond traffic and public transportation, which, as I mentioned before, are one of the biggest challenges of living in Catania, another common complaint is cleanliness.

“Street cleanliness is unfortunately one of the city’s major shortcomings, but it really depends on the neighborhood you’re in.” – Riccardo C.

Another downside of living in Catania involves employment. While the city is often considered better than many others in the region when it comes to job opportunities, the market is still somewhat limited. He adds:

“Like the rest of Southern Italy, Catania suffers from economic challenges, and finding a job can be difficult. However, I’m cautiously optimistic about the future: tourism, food, and agriculture are showing promising signs of growth. In my opinion, if you want to succeed professionally in Catania, unless you’re a public employee, work for a major company in the industrial area, or run a shop downtown, you’ll need imagination, originality, good taste, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Catania by the Numbers: Key Data

• Quality of Life: Good (83/100)
• Air Quality: Good
• Safety: Moderate Earthquake Risk
• Healthcare: Osp. Garibaldi-P.S. Ostetr. Pe (12 min.)
• Internet Speed: Very good (average of 304 Mbps)
• Rent: ~ €600 (70 m²)
• Transport: Limited but functional
  • Airport: Catania Fontanarossa (8 min.),Tito Minniti, Reggio Calabria (84 min.), Falcone Borsellino, Palermo (107 min.)
  • Train Stations: Stazione di Bicocca (5 min), Stazione di Catania Centrale (15 min), Stazione di Lentini (19 min.)

For more detailed information about Catania and its services and infrastructure, visit the Magic Towns city profile.

Is Catania Right for You?

✅ Choose Catania if you want:

• A vibrant city with constant activity and cultural events
• Close proximity to the sea and Mount Etna
• Affordable housing options compared to northern cities
• Access to a major university and airport

❌ Think twice if you want:

• Efficient and reliable public transport
• Quiet, clean urban environments
• A wide range of job opportunities
• Smooth driving and short commute times

Final Thoughts

Catania is a great choice if you want to settle in Sicily and are looking for a lively city close to the sea that offers job opportunities, even though the job market is less varied than in other places. However, quality of life can be affected by heavy traffic, cleanliness issues, and a public transport system that still needs improvement. If you prefer a quieter, more spacious environment, the Etna towns and suburban areas offer appealing housing options, though a car is usually necessary for getting around.

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