Updated September 2026. I just purchased a home in Salemi, Sicily and will be sharing more travel tips and also house-buying tips. You can follow along on Instagram and YouTube.
Ciao amici! Are you planning a trip to the beautiful and historic island of Sicily? Then you may be wondering, is Sicily safe? From its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage, this incredible region has so much to see and do.
However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to be mindful of safety and security. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at crime rates, potential scams, areas to avoid, and the best places to stay in Sicily, and we will provide emergency contacts to keep on hand. So, let’s get started!
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TLRD: Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds for things you will need to book
Is Sicily Safe in 2026/2027?
Sicily is safe to visit in 2026 and 2027. It consistently ranks as one of the safer regions in southern Italy, and millions of tourists travel there each year without incident. Petty theft exists in busy areas as it does in any major European destination, but violent crime against tourists is rare. The concerns people search for are organized crime, scams, and unsafe neighborhoods. Many times are either overstated or easy to avoid with basic awareness.
What to know before Visiting Sicily
Knowing a few basic Italian phrases goes a long way, though locals in tourist areas often speak English.
- Getting around: Sicily’s buses and trains cover the main cities, but a rental car is the most practical way to explore the island at your own pace. If you drive, expect narrow roads, sharp bends, and locals who treat speed limits as suggestions.
- Food and drink: Sicilian food is some of the best in Italy — a mix of traditional southern Italian cooking with Arab, Greek, and Norman influences baked in over centuries. Try arancini (fried rice balls), cannoli, pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata), and fresh seafood wherever you are. A Sicilian cooking class is worth it if you want to take the recipes home.
- Climate: Sicily runs hot from June through August with almost no rain. Pack light clothing and sunscreen, book accommodation with air conditioning, and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning before temperatures peak.
- History: Few places in Europe pack in this much history. Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Arab-Norman cathedrals, and baroque town squares all exist within a few hours of each other. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the ancient city of Syracuse, and the Cappella Palatina in Palermo are the standouts.
- Staying safe: Sicily is a safe destination for tourists. Use the same common sense you would anywhere — keep valuables close in busy markets, avoid leaving things visible in a parked car, and stick to well-lit streets at night.
Safety and Crime in Sicily in 2026
Recent statistics show Sicily has a relatively low crime rate compared to other regions of Italy. However, it’s still a good idea to be cautious, especially in crowded tourist areas. To kick off this topic, look at this list of top scams you might encounter in Sicily.
By knowing these common scams, you can help ensure your trip to Sicily is both enjoyable and safe. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a local authority or tour guide.
Scams to Avoid in Sicily
- Pickpocketing: This is a common problem in tourist areas, so be sure to keep a close eye on your valuables and be especially cautious in crowded places like markets and public transportation.
- Fake police officers: Be wary of anyone claiming to be a police officer and asking to see your passport or money. If you’re ever in doubt, ask to see their official ID, and check with a local authority if necessary.
- Overpriced tours: Be cautious of tour operators who charge excessive prices for tours or excursions. Do some research ahead of time and compare prices to ensure you’re not overpaying.
- Fake merchandise: Be cautious when buying souvenirs and be aware that some street vendors may sell fake or low-quality goods.
- Restaurant scams: Be cautious of restaurants that charge exorbitant prices for mediocre food, especially in tourist areas. Do some research ahead of time and check online reviews to ensure you’re not overpaying.
Places to Avoid in Sicily
While Sicily is generally a safe place to visit, there are a few areas that you might want to avoid for safety reasons. Here are a few neighborhoods to watch out for and avoid:
- Ballarò: This neighborhood in Palermo is known for its street markets, but it can also be dangerous, especially at night.
- Brancaccio: This neighborhood in Palermo is considered to be one of the most dangerous areas in the city, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. Check out my post on Is Palermo Safe.
- Catania: While the city of Catania is home to many attractions and is generally considered safe, there are a few areas, such as the Stesicoro neighborhood, that you may want to avoid.
Best Places to Stay in Sicily
Sicily offers many wonderful options when you're looking for a place to stay. Listed below are a few of the area's top hotels:- Palermo: If you want to be near the action, think about staying in the city’s center. The Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, in the heart of the city, is one of many excellent hotels you can find there.
- Taormina is an attractive town on Sicily’s east coast, well known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Some of the best places to stay in Taormina include the Grand Hotel Timeo and the Villa Diodoro. It has gotten a lot of attention ever since it became the backdrop for White Lotus Season two. It was actually filmed in Cefalu as well.
- Another fantastic option for visitors is Syracuse, a historic city on Sicily’s east coast.
5 Star Hotels in Sicily in 2026-2027
Palermo Luxury Hotels
- Grand Hotel Villa Igiea – 5-star luxury hotel overlooking the bay. Centrally located near top attractions.
- Hotel Porta Felice – 4-star boutique hotel in an elegant palazzo in the historic center. Rooftop bar with views.
- Hotel Plaza Opera – 4-star hotel in a great location near the Teatro Massimo. Modern rooms and amenities.
- Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel This hotel has a rating of 4.5 with a total of 1334 ratings and is considered one of the best luxury hotels in Sicily
TLTR Important Tickets
👉🏼Find Awesome Sicily Hotels
👉🏼Palermo Street Food Tour
👉🏼Palermo Hop On Hop Off Bus
👉🏼Palermo Airport Bus Transfer
👉🏼Mount Etna Day Trip from Catania
👉🏼Catania Walking Tour
👉🏼Cefalu half day trip
👉🏼Taormina Boat Tour
👉🏼Taormina Sicilian Cooking Experience
Taormina Luxury Hotels
- Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – 5-star luxury hotel with stunning views of Mt Etna and the bay. Excellent service.
- Hotel Villa Sant’Andrea – 5-star boutique hotel on a private beach below the town. Gorgeous infinity pool.
- Hotel Metropole Taormina – 4-star hotel on Corso Umberto in the heart of town. Rooftop lounge with panoramic views.
- Mazzarò Sea Palace – VRetreats – is known for its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and dedicated service, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking a high-end experience in Sicily.
Photo Booking.com – Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
Syracuse Luxury Hotels
Ortea Palace Syracuse – Located in the heart of historic Syracuse, Italy
Offers first-class spa facilities and Sicilian cuisine.
Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel Syracuse – Located in a heritage building in the centre of the ancient town of Syracuse, Italy. Offers traditional Sicilian restaurants and family suites.
Also, check out The Best Hotels in Sorrento
Tips for Walking in Sicily at Night
Even though Sicily is generally a safe place to explore, it’s always a good idea to take a few extra safety measures when out at night. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- When walking at night, stick to well-lit streets and busy areas. This will not only give you more confidence, but it will also make it simpler for people to see you.
- It’s best to avoid walking through dark alleys or deserted areas at night in this city, as in any other. These areas may not only be more dangerous, but they may also make you a more appealing target for criminal activity.
- Always stay aware of your surroundings and watch for potential threats. Take a different route or find a well-lit area where you can call for help if you feel uneasy or notice someone following you.
- When out at night, it’s best to keep your valuables hidden to lower your risk of theft. For example, you might consider carrying a small cross-body purse instead of a large tote bag and keep your phone and other valuables in your pocket or inside your jacket.
Yes, you can walk safely after dark in Sicily, but be mindful of neighborhoods and surroundings. There’s so much to see and do in this incredible region, so I want to ensure you have a fabulous experience.
Is Palermo Safe?
Numbeo.com reports that Palermo, Sicily’s capital, has a moderate crime rate. Corrupt practices and bribery are associated with the highest recorded crime rate. We visited this year and felt very safe.
Corruption is a significant and unresolved problem in Sicily because of the mafia’s frequent involvement in political parties and institutions; however, as a tourist, this will not impact you, as these are crimes that happen behind closed doors.
More on that in the next section. In tourist areas, exercise the usual precautions, especially when out at night, and I highly suggest you avoid specifically the areas of Brancaccio and Ballarò and consider them unsafe. Check out is Palermo Safe? and Is Catania Safe.
Important Emergency Contacts
In case of an emergency, it’s always a good idea to know who to call. In Sicily, you should keep the following numbers handy:
- To contact emergency services in Sicily, dial 112.
- Police: To report a crime, you can call 113.
Hospitals in Sicily
The main hospitals in Sicily include Ospedale Cannizzaro and Garibaldi Nesima Hospital in Catania, as well as other healthcare institutions such as Gambro Healthcare Italia S.P.A. in Nissoria, Casa di cura igea srl in Partinico, and Presidio Ospedaliero Maria Immacolata Longo in Mussomeli.
Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Italy is also a notable hospital in Sicily. Under the Italian national healthcare system, emergency care is free, but non-residents of the European Economic Area must pay for inpatient and follow-up care.
If you need emergency care, you can dial tel. 113 for the police or tel. 112 for the Carabinieri, who can call an ambulance or assist in other ways.
Driving in Sicily: Safety Precautions
If you’re planning to rent a car and explore Sicily by road, there are a few important safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Road conditions: Because Sicily has winding roads, expect some difficult driving conditions. Some roads may be congested and dimly lit, so if possible, avoid driving at night.
- Be aware of Italy’s strict traffic regulations before you get behind the wheel. For example, it’s illegal to use your phone while driving, and you must wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Driving defensively: As in any new driving environment, it’s critical to pay attention to your surroundings and practice defensive driving techniques. Always give yourself enough space and time to react and be ready for other drivers to make sudden stops or turns.
- Use Discover Cars to find the best prices and value for renting a car in Sicily.
Read My the 411 of Driving in Italy Guide
Sicily’s Transportation Options
Sicily offers a variety of modes of transportation to choose from; however, most travelers recommend renting a car when visiting Sicily.
- Renting a car: As mentioned earlier, renting a car is a great option if you want flexibility and the ability to explore at your own pace. Just keep safety precautions in mind!
- Buses and trains: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might consider taking the bus or train. Sicily’s public transportation is not the best unless you are staying in the bigger cities, so double-check route schedules.
- Taxis: Cabs are another option, though they can be more expensive than other transportation. Be sure to use a licensed taxi and negotiate the fare ahead of time to avoid confusion.
The Mafia Presence in Sicily
You may have heard about the Mafia in Sicily on different sites online or in social media. Let’s examine them and how much danger they actually pose to tourists.
Sicily is home to the Cosa Nostra, also referred to as the Mafia. The Cosa Nostra is one of the most infamous criminal groups in the world, and it has a long history of extortion, violence, and corruption in Sicily.
Although the Mafia in Sicily and the Camorra in Naples share a history of organized crime, they differ in their structure and methods. The Cosa Nostra is known for using violence to uphold order and control, supported by a strict hierarchical structure.
The Camorra, by contrast, is less centralized and operates through a web of smaller criminal organizations.
The Cosa Nostra is still active and poses a serious threat to the region’s safety and security, despite efforts by law enforcement to eradicate organized crime in Sicily. To stay safe and avoid any Mafia involvement, tourists to Sicily should use common-sense caution.
The vast majority of Sicilians are law-abiding citizens who disapprove of the Mafia and its criminal activities, it’s important to note. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. The vast majority of tourists to Sicily won’t experience any issues involving organized crime.
Overall, I can’t wait to explore Sicily more. When I have future travel dates to Sicily, I’ll update this blog post, so bookmark it now.
Also, check out Best Catania Beaches for Families
5 Days in Sicily and Airports in Sicily Guide
TLRD: Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds for things you will need to book
FAQ Questions About Safety in Sicily
Yes, Sicily is safe for tourists. It is one of the most visited regions in Italy and the vast majority of visitors have no safety issues. Petty theft in busy tourist areas is the most common concern, but violent crime against tourists is rare. Watching your belongings in markets and on public transport is all that is needed for most visitors.
Yes. Solo female travelers visit Sicily regularly without problems. Unwanted attention can occur in some areas, particularly in smaller towns, but it is rarely more than verbal and easy to ignore. Staying in well-reviewed accommodation, keeping to busy streets at night, and dressing modestly when visiting churches goes a long way. Also make some friends at local stays and be careful at night while bar hopping, etc.
In the main tourist area: Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, walking at night is generally fine, and streets stay busy into the early hours. As in any city, avoid poorly lit side streets, keep valuables out of sight, and stick to where there are other people. I feel very safe in Salemi Sicil, where I purchased my home at night.
No. The Mafia exists in Sicily but its activities are almost entirely unrelated to tourists. Organized crime operates in areas like construction and local business, not in targeting visitors. The idea of Sicily as dangerous because of the Mafia is a media stereotype that does not reflect the experience of actually traveling there.
Yes. American tourists are common in Sicily and generally well-received. English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites. The US State Department does not have any specific travel advisories for Sicily beyond standard Italy guidance.
Driving in Sicily is manageable but requires adjustment. Sicilian drivers are assertive, speeds are high, and roads outside the main highways can be narrow. Tourists drive there every day without incident—the main risks are minor scrapes in tight spaces. Renting a smaller car and taking your time on rural roads makes the experience straightforward. Palermo is the craziest place we have seen for drivers, so they are extra careful there. Honestly, you don’t need a car if staying in Palermo.
There is no reason to expect Sicily’s safety situation to change by 2027. The island is a stable, popular tourist destination and has been for decades. Check the US State Department or UK Foreign Office website shortly before you travel for any updated guidance, but current conditions give no reason for concern.
