The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Catania: Sicily’s Hidden Gem for Remote Work
Picture this: You’re working from a sun-drenched café, sipping an authentic Sicilian espresso, with Mount Etna in the background and the Mediterranean breeze floating through the streets. Welcome to Catania—one of the most underrated yet incredible digital nomad destinations in Europe. This Sicilian city offers affordable living, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, delicious food, and an emerging digital nomad scene. It’s perfect for remote workers looking for a blend of history, beach life, and adventure.
Valentina Mazzone
4 min read
Why Choose Catania as Your Digital Nomad Base?
✔ Affordable Cost of Living – You can live comfortably for €1,000/month or less.
✔ Reliable Wi-Fi – Many coworking spaces & cafés offer 100+ Mbps speeds.
✔ Year-Round Sunshine – Mild winters, hot summers, and coastal breezes.
✔ Close to Nature – Work from the city, hike Mount Etna, or relax at La Playa beach.
✔ Authentic Italian Lifestyle – Enjoy aperitivo culture, historic streets, and incredible food.
✔ Great Visa Options – Many nationalities get 90 days visa-free, with long-term options available.
Catania is a mix of affordability, adventure, and Sicilian charm—an ideal base for remote work.
Where to Live: Best Neighborhoods & Coliving Options
🏡 Best Areas for Digital Nomads in Catania
Centro Storico (Old Town) – The heart of the city, full of historic charm, vibrant nightlife, and local markets.
Borgo-Sanzio – A quieter, residential area with great cafés and fast Wi-Fi.
Playa & San Giovanni Li Cuti – Beachfront neighborhoods, perfect for those who love working by the sea.
Canalicchio & Ognina – More upscale, with beautiful sea views and a calmer vibe.
🏠 Best Coliving & Long-Term Rentals
Coliving Catania – A newly opened space designed for remote workers with shared offices and events.
Eco-House Catania – A sustainable coliving option with strong Wi-Fi and a digital nomad-friendly vibe.
Facebook Groups & Airbnb – Look for monthly rentals for €400–€700/month.
Pro Tip: Centro Storico offers the best cultural experience, but if you need peace and quiet, Borgo-Sanzio or the seaside areas are better.
Coworking Spaces & Cafés with Excellent Wi-Fi
Catania is becoming a remote work-friendly city, and while coworking spaces are not yet as abundant as in Milan or Rome, there are still great options!
💻 Best Coworking Spaces in Catania
🔹 Impact Hub Catania – A fantastic coworking space with networking events, high-speed Wi-Fi, and great coffee.
🔹 Isola Coworking – A chic, modern space near the city center with meeting rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
🔹 LAB Coworking – A quieter, productive workspace with ergonomic seating and an excellent community.
☕ Best Cafés for Remote Work
Savia – A Catania institution! Great coffee, fast Wi-Fi, and famous arancini (stuffed rice balls).
Caffè Europa – A spacious café with reliable internet and an excellent selection of pastries.
Mono Catania – A modern hipster café with a creative atmosphere, strong coffee, and good Wi-Fi.
Chiosco Bellini – A fantastic outdoor café in Villa Bellini Park, perfect for working in the fresh air.
👉 Pro Tip: Many cafés have strong Wi-Fi, but avoid peak hours (especially mornings), as locals love their long coffee breaks! Also take into consideration that cafés in Italy are always very noisy environments: I'd recommend to get noise cancelling headphones.
Community & Networking: How to Meet Other Digital Nomads
While Catania’s digital nomad scene is still growing, there are plenty of ways to connect with like-minded professionals.
🤝 Best Ways to Meet Digital Nomads in Catania
🔹 Impact Hub Networking Events – Regular meetups, workshops, and happy hours.
🔹 Facebook Groups ("Digital Nomads in Sicily") – Great for finding housing, events, and co-working buddies.
🔹 Meetups & Language Exchanges – Hosted at places like First Lounge Bar and Boheme Mixology Bar.
🔹 Outdoor Adventure Groups – Join hiking groups for trips to Mount Etna, Taormina, and the Sicilian countryside.
Beyond Work: Best Things to Do in Catania
Catania is a city full of history, adventure, and food—you’ll never get bored here!
🏞️ Top Outdoor Activities
Hike Mount Etna – Explore Europe’s most active volcano (and try some Etna Rosso wine!).
Relax at San Giovanni Li Cuti Beach – A black volcanic sand beach close to the city.
Day Trip to Taormina – A gorgeous coastal town with ancient Greek ruins.
Boat Trip to Aci Trezza – Discover stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.
🏛️ Cultural & Foodie Experiences
Visit the Fish Market (La Pescheria) – A lively market full of Sicilian flavors.
Explore Piazza del Duomo – See the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Agatha.
Eat Cannoli & Arancini – Try Pasticceria Savia or Prestipino for the best local treats.
Take a Sicilian Cooking Class – Learn how to make homemade pasta & traditional Sicilian dishes.
Local Etiquette & Practical Tips
✅ Learn some Italian phrases – "Buongiorno" (Good morning), "Grazie" (Thank you), "Quanto costa?" (How much?).
✅ Tipping isn’t mandatory – But rounding up your bill is appreciated.
✅ Use cash for small purchases – Many small businesses don’t accept cards.
✅ Public transport is limited – Renting a scooter or bike is the best way to get around.
✅ SIM Cards – Get Airalo eSim (use the code VALENT2242 to get a discount), TIM or Vodafone for great coverage.
Staying Healthy & Balanced
🏋️♂️ Fitness & Well-Being
Virgin Active Catania – A modern gym with a swimming pool.
Yoga at Villa Bellini – Outdoor yoga sessions perfect for unwinding.
Thermal Baths in Acireale – Try a relaxing spa day at Terme di Acireale.
🛒 Healthy Eating & Markets
La Fiera (Local Farmers Market) – Buy fresh fruits, veggies, and Sicilian specialties.
La Pescheria (the fish market) - Fresh fish, cheese, fruits and veggies the whole morning.
NaturaSì – A great organic supermarket for health-conscious nomads.
Quick Recap: Your Digital Nomad Checklist
✔ Stay in Centro Storico, Borgo-Sanzio, or by the beach.
✔ Work from Impact Hub, Isola Coworking, or cafes like Savia.
✔ Network at local meetups & Facebook groups.
✔ Explore Mount Etna, Taormina, and Aci Trezza.
✔ Eat arancini, cannoli, and fresh seafood.
Final Thoughts: Why Catania is a Hidden Gem for Digital Nomads
If you’re looking for an affordable, culturally rich, and adventure-filled destination, Catania is an amazing base for remote work. With fast Wi-Fi, delicious food, and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, it’s a perfect mix of work and play.
So, when are you packing your bags for Sicily? 🇮🇹🌞
👉 Have you worked remotely from Catania? Drop your tips in the comments! 😊🚀