Is Sicily Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Being a solo female traveler to Sicily, largely comes with a feeling of safety. Like most places, it generally enjoys a lower crime rate as compared to many international cities. The locals are generally warm, friendly, and willing to help tourists. However, there can be occasional instances of petty theft, primarily related to pickpocketing and purse-snatching, especially in crowded places like markets and public transportation. Also, extra care should be taken late at night in less busy streets or unfamiliar areas. In general, as long as you follow standard safety protocols and stay alert, Sicily offers a relatively safe travel experience.

Safety rating

3.8 /5

Based on 10 experiences from female travelers

3.8 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is Sicily?

Safety at night:Moderate

Sicily, like many places, varies in safety depending on the area. Tourist-heavy locations and larger cities can potentially be host to petty crime such as pickpocketing, especially during the evening. However, most locals are friendly and the island is generally well-policed. If you practice typical travel safety measures such as avoiding unlit or lonely areas at night, and keeping a close eye on your belongings, you should have a fairly safe experience.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Sicily is generally safe. Buses and trains are regularly used by locals and tourists alike. However, at peak times they can become overcrowded, and while not common, pick-pocketing incidents can occur. Overall, just maintain a level of awareness of your belongings, as you would when traveling anywhere. Late at night, it is recommended to use reliable taxi services or well-known ride-hailing apps.

Street harassment:Moderate

Sicily, while being a part of Italy with strong character and full of passionate people, generally does not pose significant difficulties when it comes to street harassment. However, it also depends on the particular city and the cultural norms prevalent in that area. You can occasionally encounter catcalling, but the overall attitude towards women is not overly aggressive or problematic. It is still recommended to take the basic precautions such as avoiding poorly lit and isolated areas, particularly at night, and adapting to local dress codes for respect and safety.

Petty crimes:Low

Sicily, like many popular tourist destinations, does have occurrences of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly in crowded areas or public transportation. However, the risk is relatively low if you maintain vigilance over your valuable items. Always remember to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist-heavy regions.

Is Sicily worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 10 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3/5

Miriam

Germany

Solo travel

Sicily is a beautiful place with everything you can desire. Cities are cultural gems, nature is wild and ancient, the food is absolutely mouthwatering, and the people are as hearty as their pasta. You have Etna, the volcano, which means you can combine mountain hikes and natural wine tasting with beach days and aperitivo time.

Posted: April 16, 2025Experienced: June, 2021

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Group travel

Sicily is a beautiful but expensive place. The food is very good, the Italian food is amazing. Getting around by car is quite an adventure, and it's not very safe. Some cities aren't very safe, and some areas are best avoided. During the day, it's not a problem.

Posted: March 23, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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Anna

Austria

Family travel

The visit was so awesome 🥰 Catania and Palermo are very beautiful and fun, also the smaller cities are very beautiful. As an Austrian, it was also for the nicer weather a perfect escape to gain some sunny endorphins 😎

Posted: February 16, 2025

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Family travel

I stayed at am Airbnb in the center of Palermi with my father. It was a great experience to explore the city for a whole week. People are not particularly friendly and you should watch out for your personal belongings. The architecture ist beautiful

Posted: January 15, 2025

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Adéla

Czech Republic

Couple travel

I traveled with my good friend (female as well). We had bought interrail ticket and went with the flow, which got us to Sicily. It was last year in February. It was off season, so finding acomodation was quite easy and very affordable. We tried local weird food, Stigghiola for example (google it lol). But as we did not eat in any fancy restaurants or stuff like that, I can't say that it felt safe, eating some of the street crazy stuff. I must recommend visiting Ragusa. Beautiful place, especially at night. Taormina as well (and dont be lazy, take the stairs, it is worth it). Palermo was okay, we did not have much time, so I cant really say. Catania was nice, but we got a super cheap hostel right next to the ghetto and it was quite dangerous. We had to be cautious. But at the same time it was exciting. All the little streets, small vendors, grandma with delicious cake. Great experience. So over all.. I recommend going to Sicily.. please pick your hostels carefully, dont pet the dogs obviously and if you feel bad about some street or a road, dont go. Trust your intuition. ♥️

Posted: August 6, 2024

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Family travel

Sicily is very beautiful! Excellent food, sea’s to swim into. I like the authentic vibe and the beautiful mountains. And the air itself also. It breaths nice haha. I recommend eating arancini. Also it feels very safe to be there, even the whole night

Posted: July 25, 2024

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Solo travel

I felt very safe in Sicily. I easily traveled with trains and buses. I also rented an e-bike. Palermo and the Arab architectural influence was great. In the south, the valley of the temple was wonderful, I suggest traveling outside the holiday season and being there for the sunset to see the temples with the daylight and the lights at nigh. To get both experience. Cefalu and the castle were very charming. I was in youth hostel, airnb, and tent in camping.

Posted: June 23, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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Couple travel

I spent 2 weeks in Sicily and it was incredible. Firstly, we stopped in Taormina, from where we explored this part of the coast. Then we took a bus to Palermo and made trips to all these small towns. With the trains and buses, it was super easy, each town was amazing.

Posted: November 8, 2023

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Solo travel

I was in Sicily last spring and absolutely loved it there. I stayed in Palermo, Syracuse, and Catania. Lots of history, incredible architecture, and food. I did one-day trips from Catania to Agrigento, which are Greek ruins from the 4th century BC, and to Piazza Armerina, which is a Roman villa from the 4th century AD with mosaics. I also did one-day trips to Taormina. I highly recommend Sicily.

Posted: May 24, 2023

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Solo travel

I spent three weeks in Sicily and every minute was wonderful. Palermo was not as great as I expected. It's incredibly crowded, dirty and at times I felt unsafe. I wouldn't recommend spending much time there. But it's worth it for the good food and many historical attractions. Cefalu is great, by the water, amazing small restaurants, it's nice to walk around there. Taormina is amazing but at the same time very expensive and full of tourists. I took part in a sunset boat tour and saw dolphins up close. That is one of my best memories from the trip. Noto is a must-see. This small town is absolutely charming and I used it as a base for exploring the region. In Portopalo di Capo Passero, there are really cool beach clubs. It was really great to drive around this area through lemon orchards and colourful flowers everywhere. I also made a quick visit to Modica. Ortigia is a must as well. Great food, amazing atmosphere at night as well as a lot of history. I strongly advise against Catania, due to the safety of tourists. I met many people there who regretted adding it to their itinerary.

Posted: November 28, 2022

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