Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its rich history, stunning coastlines, ancient Greek temples, and vibrant culinary traditions. A crossroads of civilizations for millennia, it bears the cultural imprints of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish conquerors. Today Sicily enchants visitors with its baroque cities, volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and some of Italy's finest cuisine.
Sicily is generally a safe destination for tourists, with most visits passing without incident. Standard urban precautions — being aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and not leaving valuables in cars — are the most relevant safety considerations for most visitors.
Current safety advisory
Low
Sicily is rated as a standard safe European destination. The US State Department includes Italy at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism risk applicable across Italy, not specific to Sicily. The UK FCDO advises normal precautions. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is the most common issue for tourists, concentrated in urban markets and tourist hotspots.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to terrorism risk applicable across Italy. No specific Sicily advisory.
Normal precautions
Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Sicily.
Consiglio di viaggio — normale attenzione
No specific safety advisory for domestic travel within Sicily.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep valuables (passport, cards, cash) in a concealed money belt, especially in busy markets like Ballarò and Vucciria in Palermo
Use only official licensed white taxis from taxi ranks or book via the ItTaxi app — never accept rides from unlicensed drivers approaching you at airports or tourist sites
Never leave items visible in a parked car — break-ins targeting tourist vehicles do occur in city centre car parks
Be aware of your surroundings in Palermo's Ballarò and Vucciria markets and around Catania's Pescheria — pickpocket risk is elevated in crowds
On Mount Etna, always hike with a certified volcanic guide above 2,900m altitude — conditions change rapidly and solo access to the craters is prohibited and dangerous
Check the Italian Civil Protection Agency (protezionecivile.gov.it) for Etna volcanic activity status before planning a summit visit
At sea, observe local flag warnings on beaches — red flag means do not swim; yellow means caution; follow lifeguard instructions
Wear high-SPF sunscreen and carry plenty of water during summer (June–September) — temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and dehydration is a real risk
When driving in Sicily, be prepared for aggressive driving habits — maintain larger than usual following distances and be cautious at uncontrolled intersections
In ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) areas in historic centres, do not drive unless specifically authorised — fines arrive by post months later and can be substantial (€80–400)
The mafia (Cosa Nostra) presence in Sicily is real but poses no direct threat to tourists — avoid engaging with or photographing individuals who seem to object
Be cautious on mountain and coastal hiking trails after rain — rocky paths become extremely slippery; wear appropriate footwear
At the Scala dei Turchi (white rock cliffs), the marl rock surface is treacherously slippery when wet — wear water shoes and walk carefully
Ocean currents can be unexpectedly strong around the Aeolian and Egadi Islands — check local conditions before swimming in remote coves
Carry a copy of your passport/ID and keep the original secure in hotel safe — ID checks do occur
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial taxi drivers
At Palermo and Catania airports, and near major tourist sites, unofficial drivers may approach offering rides at seemingly cheap rates that escalate significantly
How to avoid: Only use official white licensed taxis from marked taxi ranks, or pre-book via hotel or ItTaxi app
Overpriced tourist menus
Some restaurants near major tourist sites offer poor-value fixed 'tourist menus' — the quality rarely matches the price
How to avoid: Walk one or two streets away from tourist zones for significantly better quality and value
Fake police checks
Rare but reported — individuals posing as plainclothes police ask to check wallets for counterfeit currency
How to avoid: Real Italian police carry ID and will not insist on handling your wallet; call 113 if you feel threatened
Parking attendant scam
Unofficial 'parking attendants' in tourist areas demand payment for watching your car
How to avoid: Use official paid car parks (parcheggio) where possible; if on a public street you are not obligated to pay unofficial attendants
Overpour/drinks bill inflation
Some tourist-facing bars add items to the bill that weren't ordered, particularly in areas like Taormina's Corso Umberto
How to avoid: Always check your bill carefully and query any charges you don't recognise before paying
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required for Sicily beyond routine EU travel health recommendations. Ensure standard vaccines (tetanus, MMR, hepatitis A) are up to date.
- Water
- Tap water (acqua del rubinetto) is safe to drink in all Sicilian cities and most towns. In some rural areas and during summer heat, locals prefer bottled water. Bottled water is inexpensive (€0.30–1 per litre).
- Food
- Food safety standards are very high throughout Sicily. Street food from busy stalls is generally safe — high turnover ensures freshness. Raw seafood (crudo, ricci di mare) is popular and very fresh; those with compromised immunity should exercise caution.
- Facilities
- Sicily has public hospitals (ospedale) in all main cities. Private clinics (clinica privata) offer faster service but are expensive without European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC for EU/UK citizens). Farmacia (pharmacies) are widely available — the green cross sign indicates an open pharmacy. Emergency: 118.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Sicily is generally very safe for solo travellers. The Sicilian culture of hospitality (including to strangers) means solo travellers are often welcomed warmly. Take standard precautions in cities — don't walk alone in poorly lit areas late at night, keep your bag close in markets, and let someone know your itinerary when hiking remote trails on Etna or in the Zingaro Reserve.
Female travellers
Sicily is safe for female solo travellers with normal precautions. While southern Italian machismo culture means you may receive unwanted attention (especially in smaller towns), this rarely escalates beyond verbal. Dressing modestly (especially when visiting religious sites) is culturally respectful. Evening socialising in tourist areas is safe; avoid empty streets late at night.
Families
Sicilians are extremely family-oriented and children are welcomed with exceptional warmth. The main practical safety concerns for families are sun protection, hydration in summer heat, and keeping young children away from cliff edges at scenic viewpoints. Most beaches have lifeguards in summer.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Italy and same-sex civil unions recognised. However, Sicily — particularly outside Palermo and Catania — is a conservative Catholic society where public displays of same-sex affection may attract attention. Palermo has an active LGBTQ+ scene and hosted European Pride in 2022. Catania also has LGBTQ+ venues. Generally safe but read the room in rural areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 113 (Polizia di Stato) or 112 (Carabinieri — military police)
- Medical
- 118 (ambulance) or 112 (European emergency number)
- Embassy
- US Embassy in Rome: +39 06 46741; UK Embassy in Rome: +39 06 4220 0001; Australian Embassy in Rome: +39 06 852 721. Palermo has some consular representation — check your country's foreign ministry website.
- Tourist Police
- Polizia Turistica operates in Palermo and Catania during summer; tourist assistance available at main police stations (Questura)