Sicily Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Sicily.
Healthcare System
Sicily is part of Italy's public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN), which provides universal coverage. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare at reduced or no cost. Non-EU travelers will need to pay for services or use private insurance.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Policlinico Paolo Giaccone in Palermo, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele in Catania, and Policlinico G. Martino in Messina. Private clinics offer faster service and more English-speaking staff but at higher costs. Tourist areas have medical centers (guardia medica) for non-emergency situations.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) are marked with a green cross and widely available. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide advice for minor ailments. Many medications requiring prescriptions elsewhere are available over-the-counter. At least one pharmacy in each area operates on a rotation system (farmacia di turno) for nights and weekends—schedules are posted on pharmacy doors.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU citizens and advisable for EU citizens as supplementary coverage. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as specialized treatment may require transfer to mainland Italy.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry your EHIC card if you're an EU citizen, along with a valid ID
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging, plus a copy of your prescription
- The Italian word for pharmacy is 'farmacia' and for hospital is 'ospedale' or 'pronto soccorso' (emergency room)
- Summer heat can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion—stay hydrated and use sun protection
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in cities, though many locals prefer bottled water
- If you need medical care, ask your hotel to help arrange it, as they often have relationships with English-speaking doctors
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists in crowded areas. Motorcycle-mounted thieves (scippatori) may grab bags from pedestrians.
Sicilian driving can be aggressive and chaotic. Traffic rules are not always followed, parking is often creative, and roads in rural areas may be poorly maintained. Scooters weave through traffic unpredictably.
Beaches may lack lifeguards, currents can be strong, and rocky shores can cause injuries. Jellyfish are occasionally present in summer months.
Sicily experiences very hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), particularly in July and August. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real risks, especially for elderly travelers and children.
Mount Etna is an active volcano with frequent minor eruptions. While major eruptions affecting tourists are rare, ash clouds can disrupt flights and hiking on the volcano requires caution.
While Sicily has a historical association with organized crime (Mafia), this virtually never affects tourists. Criminal activity is targeted and internal, not directed at visitors.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants add unauthorized items to bills, charge excessive 'cover charges' (coperto), or bring unrequested items (bread, appetizers) then charge for them. Prices may differ from the menu.
Scammers posing as plainclothes police ask to check your wallet for 'counterfeit money' or your passport, then steal cash or information while 'inspecting' documents.
Unlicensed taxis or dishonest drivers take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, or charge inflated fixed rates, especially at airports and train stations.
Someone approaches offering a 'gift' (bracelet, rose, or trinket), ties it on your wrist or hands it to you, then demands payment aggressively. May work in groups to surround and intimidate.
Unofficial 'parking attendants' direct you to parking spots (often public and free), watch your car, then demand payment when you return, sometimes implying your car won't be safe without payment.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions with a map, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Property looks great online but in reality is in poor condition, different location, or owner tries to charge extra fees not mentioned in booking.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables you don't need daily
- Carry only the cash you need for the day; use ATMs inside banks during business hours
- Keep cards and cash in different locations on your person
- Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance, cards) and store separately
- Be discreet when handling money; don't count large amounts in public
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Use credit cards over debit cards for better fraud protection
- Be aware that not all establishments accept cards, especially smaller towns
Transportation
- Use official taxis with meters; avoid unmarked vehicles
- Book airport transfers through your hotel or reputable companies
- Be extra vigilant on crowded buses and trains, especially with luggage
- If renting a car, choose comprehensive insurance and photograph the vehicle before departure
- Avoid leaving anything visible in parked cars; use guarded parking when possible
- ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in historic centers have cameras; entering without permission results in fines
- Consider trains for intercity travel; they're safer and less stressful than driving
- Download offline maps as mobile service can be spotty in rural areas
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good recent reviews and secure entry systems
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- Use the door chain or safety latch when inside
- Note emergency exits and procedures upon arrival
- Don't advertise your room number publicly
- Store the hotel's business card or address in your phone
- Report any suspicious activity to hotel management immediately
Food and Water
- Tap water is generally safe in cities, though taste varies; bottled water is inexpensive
- Avoid ice in drinks if you're uncertain about water quality
- Choose busy restaurants with high turnover for freshest food
- Seafood should be thoroughly cooked in summer heat
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be cautious with street food in extreme heat
- If you have food allergies, learn key Italian phrases or carry a translation card
- Sicilian cuisine is generally safe, but pace yourself with rich foods if you have a sensitive stomach
Communication
- Learn basic Italian phrases; English is less common outside major tourist areas
- Download translation apps for offline use
- Keep your phone charged; carry a portable charger
- Purchase a local SIM card or ensure your international plan works in Italy
- Share your itinerary with someone at home
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Know your hotel's address in Italian for taxi drivers
- Take photos of important locations to show if you need directions
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees)
- Siesta time (roughly 1pm-4pm) means many shops close; plan accordingly
- Greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving stores
- Don't touch produce at markets unless invited; vendors will select for you
- Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service
- Respect photography restrictions in churches and museums
- Sicilians value courtesy; 'per favore' (please) and 'grazie' (thank you) go a long way
- Avoid discussing Mafia topics; it's a sensitive subject for locals
Beach and Outdoor Safety
- Don't leave valuables unattended on beaches; take turns swimming or use waterproof pouches
- Rent umbrellas and chairs at stabilimenti (beach clubs) for more security and amenities
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine environments
- Bring water shoes for rocky beaches and sea urchin protection
- Check weather and sea conditions before boat trips
- Hiking trails may be poorly marked; consider hiring guides for remote areas
- Tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time
- Bring more water than you think you'll need for outdoor activities
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Sicily is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Italian men may be flirtatious or complimentary, but this is usually harmless and part of the culture. However, women should take standard precautions, particularly in crowded areas and at night. Catcalling (usually verbal comments or whistles) can occur but rarely escalates to physical harassment. Most Sicilian people are respectful and will help if you appear uncomfortable.
- Dress modestly to blend in and avoid unwanted attention; Sicilian women typically dress stylishly but conservatively
- Wear sunglasses to avoid direct eye contact if you want to discourage interactions
- If someone is persistent, a firm 'No' or 'Lasciami in pace' (leave me alone) is usually effective
- Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit or isolated areas; use taxis after dark
- Sit in compartments with other passengers or near the driver on public transportation
- Don't feel obligated to be polite to someone making you uncomfortable; trust your instincts
- Consider staying in well-reviewed hotels or guesthouses rather than isolated accommodations
- Wearing a fake wedding ring may deter some unwanted attention
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- Book ground-floor accommodations carefully; higher floors may feel more secure
- If harassed, don't hesitate to make a scene; Sicilians will often come to your defense
- Beach clubs (stabilimenti) are safer than isolated beaches for solo women
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Italy, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law. Same-sex civil unions have been legal since 2016, though same-sex marriage is not currently recognized. Sicily follows Italian national law.
- Taormina is the most LGBTQ+-friendly destination in Sicily with several gay-friendly bars, hotels, and beaches
- Major cities like Palermo and Catania have small but growing LGBTQ+ scenes
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; look for 'gay-friendly' designations
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, especially outside major cities
- Rural and very traditional areas may be less accepting; adjust behavior accordingly
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ communities through apps or online forums for recommendations
- Sicily's Pride events are smaller and less established than in Northern Italy
- Hotel staff at gay-friendly properties can provide advice on safe venues and areas
- If you experience discrimination, contact tourist police or your embassy
- Most young Sicilians in tourist areas are accepting; issues are more likely with older, conservative individuals
- Beach clubs in Taormina and some areas near Catania are known to be LGBTQ+-welcoming
- Learn a few Italian phrases to handle uncomfortable situations diplomatically
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Sicily. While EU citizens have access to public healthcare, non-EU travelers must pay out-of-pocket for medical care, which can be expensive. Insurance also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft, and other unforeseen circumstances. Given Sicily's active volcano, summer heat risks, and adventure activities, comprehensive coverage provides essential peace of mind.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries