The most dangerous place in Europe, also called the "black city", has been named

By TravelWiseAug 7, 2023 17:15 PMNews
Share:
The most dangerous place in Europe, also called the "black city", has been named
Catania is recognised as the most dangerous city in Europe. Source: Pexels

Catania, an Italian city in the Sicily region, is considered the most dangerous location in Europe. It is also known as the "black city", but not only because of the high crime rate and illegal activities of mafia families.

The city is located near Mount Etna, so the houses are blackened by volcanic ash. According to the Daily Star, crime in Catania has not decreased over the years, despite the efforts of law enforcement.

Due to the influence of local mafia families, the city has a problem with drug trafficking. Earlier this year, a large-scale drug seizure - two tonnes of cocaine - took place off the coast of Catania, which became the most high-profile incident in Italian history.

The most dangerous place in Europe, also called the "black city", has been named
Catania is considered the most dangerous city in Europe. Source: Pixabay

In addition, another crime is rampant in the city - theft. Pickpockets deceive gullible tourists, while other thieves snatch bags and backpacks from their hands. Car theft is also a common phenomenon in Catania.

Travelsafe-abroad, a website that helps tourists travel safely, advised visitors to the city not to wear jewellery, carry a lot of cash and keep personal belongings securely. It also advised guests of Catania not to walk alone at night and to use taxis.

The most dangerous place in Europe, also called the "black city", has been named
Buildings in the city turned black

The atmosphere in Catania is very tense. You can see a lot of rubbish and suspicious people on the streets, with whom it is not advisable to contact.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Princess Cruises ship sailing at sunset

Cruise Holidays Face Calls for a €15 Port Tax

Jul 13, 2026 21:54 PM
Converted Great Western Railway carriage interior

Retired Railway Carriages Become a Countryside Stay Near Ely

Jul 13, 2026 21:41 PM

Europe’s €20 Travel Permit Faces Another Delay

Jul 13, 2026 21:38 PM

Eurostar Prepares for 55C Summers

Jul 13, 2026 21:25 PM
Luxair aircraft taking off over the coast

Luxair Opens Scotland’s New Link to Luxembourg

Jul 12, 2026 23:22 PM
Colourful seaside village on the Italian coast

Stansted Now Flies to 30 Italian Destinations

Jul 12, 2026 23:19 PM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft approaching for landing

TAP Restores Venezuela Flights via Valencia

Jul 12, 2026 23:06 PM
Ryanair aircraft parked before departure

Passenger Nearly Pulled Through Ryanair Window

Jul 12, 2026 22:53 PM
TUI Airways Boeing 737 in flight

TUI Cuts Free Alcohol on Long-Haul Flights

Jul 11, 2026 20:57 PM

San Sebastián Turns Old Cinema Into Hotel

Jul 11, 2026 20:44 PM

Lake Como Village Bans Shirtless Tourists

Jul 11, 2026 20:31 PM
Bilbao city view with mountains and red sign

Wrocław Gets a Direct Route to Basque Country

Jul 11, 2026 20:29 PM
Aerial rendering of the planned Port Polska airport terminal

Poland’s New Mega Airport Finally Moves Ahead

Jul 11, 2026 20:16 PM
Eurostar train at London St Pancras International

Eurostar Launches £35 Summer Rail Sale

Jul 11, 2026 20:03 PM
Kavala coastline with old aqueduct and sea

Eurowings Opens Berlin’s Route to Kavala

Jul 10, 2026 05:18 AM

Hilton Heads for Thessaloniki’s Old Brewery

Jul 10, 2026 05:05 AM

Glasgow Lands a Direct Tromsø Winter Route

Jul 9, 2026 23:02 PM
German flag outside the Reichstag in Berlin

Vilnius–Berlin Flights Join Wizz Air’s Winter Map

Jul 9, 2026 22:57 PM
Lobby at Fortuna of Cappadocia hotel

A Hilltop Marriott Arrives in Cappadocia

Jul 9, 2026 22:44 PM
Woman packing travel essentials in a suitcase

Brits Still Pack Home in the Suitcase

Jul 9, 2026 20:41 PM
Eiffel Tower seen from Champ de Mars

The Eiffel Tower Turns Into a Free Cinema

Jul 9, 2026 20:39 PM
Copenhagen Nyhavn harbour lit up at night

Newcastle–Copenhagen Flights Stay for Winter

Jul 8, 2026 23:16 PM

TAP Cuts Fares to Canada, US and Brazil

Jul 8, 2026 23:03 PM

New Design Hotel Opens in One of Munich’s Most Local Neighbourhoods

Jul 8, 2026 22:58 PM
UK airport terminal sign for all gates

Eight-Year-Olds Can Now Use UK eGates

Jul 8, 2026 22:45 PM
Yellow car parked on a Salzburg street

Salzburg Puts Tourist Cars on Pause

Jul 7, 2026 22:42 PM