Retiring in Catania, Italy

Catania, nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, offers retirees a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle with its baroque architecture, rich cultural heritage, and excellent seafood cuisine. With its lower cost of living, year-round warm climate, and authentic Sicilian atmosphere, Catania provides an exciting retirement option with easy access to both beaches and mountains.

*Purchasing power compared to New York City (baseline = 100)

Pros

  • ✓ Lower cost of living
  • ✓ Rich cultural heritage
  • ✓ Excellent food scene
  • ✓ Year-round mild climate
  • ✓ Close to beaches
  • ✓ Mount Etna proximity

Cons

  • × Limited public transport
  • × Few English speakers
  • × Administrative challenges
  • × Urban maintenance issues
  • × Summer heat

Transportation & Connectivity

Local Transportation

Walkability score: 7/10

Available public transport: Metro, Buses, Regional Trains

Weather & Climate

Summer

Average temperature: 32°C / 90°F

Winter

Average temperature: 10°C / 50°F

Annual Climate Overview

Annual rainfall: 542mm

Sunny days per year: 310

Language & Communication

Language information coming soon

Visa Requirements

Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of income (minimum €31,000/year)
  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of accommodation

Application Process

Apply through Italian consulate in home country, then register at local anagrafe

Timeline

Estimated processing time: 3-6 months

Healthcare System

Public Healthcare

Good public healthcare system with teaching hospitals

Private Options

Several private clinics with modern facilities

Wait Times

2-4 weeks for non-urgent procedures

Major Hospitals

  • Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele
  • Ospedale Garibaldi Centro
  • Ospedale Cannizzaro
  • Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia

Lifestyle & Community

Expat Community

Small but growing international community

Activities

Beach activities Mount Etna excursions Food tours Historical walks Cultural events Market visits

Local Markets

  • La Pescheria
  • Mercato di Piazza Carlo Alberto
  • Fera 'o Luni
  • Mercato delle Pulci

Cultural Events

  • Festa di Sant'Agata
  • Catania Film Festival
  • Estate Catanese
  • Etna Wine Festival

Practical Information

Monthly Costs

  • Average Groceries €280
  • Utilities €110
  • Restaurant Meal €18

Banking Options

  • UniCredit
  • Intesa Sanpaolo
  • Banco BPM
  • N26 (Digital)
  • Wise (Digital)

Internet Providers

  • TIM
  • Vodafone
  • WindTre
  • Fastweb
  • Tiscali

Popular Areas

  • Centro Storico
  • Borgo-Sanzio
  • Ognina
  • Barriera
  • Cibali

Sources

Source: Numbeo Cost of Living (2024)
Source: Sicily Healthcare System (2023)
Source: Climate Data (2023)
Source: Immobiliare.it Market Report (2024)