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
Emirates aircraft operating Valentine’s Day themed flights

Emirates Adds Valentine’s Touches to Flights and Lounges

Feb 14, 2026 05:06 AM
Air Serbia aircraft in flight

Air Serbia Valentine’s Offer Brings Half-Price Companion Fares

Feb 14, 2026 04:53 AM

UK Airports Hit as Lufthansa Strike Cancels Hundreds of Flights

Feb 13, 2026 17:07 PM

Wizz Air Adds Easier Connections, But Transfers Stay Manual

Feb 13, 2026 16:54 PM
Lufthansa passenger aircraft flying above mountainous terrain

Germany Grounds Flights as Lufthansa Strike Hits Major Hubs

Feb 13, 2026 16:41 PM
People taking part in a quiet prayer gathering indoors

Quiet Space Lands at Leeds Bradford Airport

Feb 12, 2026 16:04 PM
SunExpress aircraft operating overnight service between Manchester and Dalaman

Midnight Departures Put Dalaman Closer to Manchester

Feb 12, 2026 15:55 PM
Interior of London Liverpool Street Station with platforms and trains

Liverpool Street Expansion Finally Approved After Years of Debate

Feb 12, 2026 15:42 PM
Historic buildings and gardens in central Glasgow

Glasgow–Hanover Flights Return for Summer 2026

Feb 12, 2026 15:39 PM

London–Kuala Lumpur Returns to Gatwick After 14 Years

Feb 12, 2026 02:56 AM

Salzburg’s Summer Flights Get a 2026 Refresh

Feb 12, 2026 02:43 AM
Passengers socialising inside a vintage railway carriage in the 1930s

1930s Glamour Rolls Back on the Rails This Summer

Feb 12, 2026 02:37 AM
Historic street scene in central Bucharest

Stockholm Gains a Fresh Eastern Europe Link

Feb 12, 2026 02:24 AM
Crowd holding Italian flags during a demonstration

Italy Braces for Nationwide Aviation Strike on 16 February

Feb 11, 2026 20:41 PM
Stranded traveller sitting at airport with suitcase after flight cancellation

Cuba Flights Halted as Fuel Shortage Disrupts Winter Plans

Feb 11, 2026 20:38 PM

Iberia Tightens Luggage Checks With New Fines at Airports

Feb 11, 2026 19:05 PM

Frankfurt Gets a New Short-Haul Player

Feb 11, 2026 18:42 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the apron

Ryanair Flags OTA Price Gaps in February Survey

Feb 11, 2026 18:39 PM
Wizz Air aircraft on the apron during ground operations

Wizz Air Rolls Out Extra Space Without Changing Its Cabin

Feb 11, 2026 14:06 PM
Passenger aircraft approaching a snowy mountain airport

Winter Trips Can Fail Before Take-off

Feb 11, 2026 10:43 AM
Air France widebody aircraft approaching landing

Paris–New York Gets Busier in Summer 2026

Feb 11, 2026 10:37 AM
WestJet Boeing 737 departing on a Canadian domestic route

WestJet Adds New Domestic Links as Summer 2026 Network Grows

Feb 11, 2026 10:24 AM

Spain’s Rail Strike Ends Early as Services Resume Nationwide

Feb 11, 2026 10:11 AM

Zurich Airport Becomes a Dancefloor

Feb 10, 2026 08:08 AM
Widebody aircraft positioned on the apron at Lisbon Airport terminal

Lisbon’s New Airport Project Moves Forward After Decades

Feb 10, 2026 07:55 AM
Coastal view of Antalya on the Turkish Riviera

Berlin–Antalya Flights Return With a Valentine’s Giveaway

Feb 10, 2026 07:42 AM