Updated September 2026
Italy is generally a safe country for residents and visitors, but safety varies considerably between large metropolitan areas, provincial capitals, small cities and rural communities.
According to the latest available provincial data, Oristano records Italy’s lowest overall rate of reported crime, followed by Potenza and Benevento. Several smaller provinces in Sardinia, Basilicata, Campania, Sicily and northern Italy also report comparatively low crime levels.
However, choosing one of Italy’s safest cities requires more than looking at a single ranking. A place may have relatively little violent crime but still experience burglary, fraud, traffic hazards or seasonal pickpocketing. Access to healthcare, transportation, lighting and emergency services can also affect how safe everyday life feels.
This guide examines Italy’s safest cities and provinces using the most recent official data available, while explaining what the figures mean for tourists, families, retirees and people considering a permanent move.
What Is the Safest City in Italy?
Oristano, on the island of Sardinia, can currently be described as Italy’s safest provincial capital based on the overall number of reported crimes relative to population.
The 2025 edition of Il Sole 24 Ore’s Crime Index—using crimes reported to law enforcement in 2024—recorded approximately 1,573 reported offenses per 100,000 residents in the province of Oristano. That was the lowest rate among the 106 provinces included in the index.
Potenza placed immediately behind Oristano, with approximately 1,983 reported crimes per 100,000 residents. Benevento followed with about 2,223.
These numbers do not mean that crime is absent. They indicate that the number of offenses reported to the authorities was lower relative to the resident population than in other Italian provinces.
Italy’s Ten Safest Provinces According to the Latest Crime Data
The following provinces recorded the lowest rates in the latest available national comparison:
| Position for lowest reported crime | Province and capital | Region | Reported crimes per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oristano | Sardinia | 1,572.7 |
| 2 | Potenza | Basilicata | 1,983.0 |
| 3 | Benevento | Campania | 2,222.6 |
| 4 | Enna | Sicily | 2,309.9 |
| 5 | Sondrio | Lombardy | 2,318.3 |
| 6 | Treviso | Veneto | 2,330.8 |
| 7 | Pordenone | Friuli Venezia Giulia | 2,368.1 |
| 8 | Cosenza | Calabria | 2,433.1 |
| 9 | Cuneo | Piedmont | 2,464.1 |
| 10 | Agrigento | Sicily | 2,466.3 |
Belluno followed closely, with approximately 2,476 reported offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.
The rankings refer to provinces rather than municipal boundaries. A province includes its capital city and numerous surrounding towns, villages and rural districts. Conditions can therefore differ substantially from one neighborhood or municipality to another.
How Italy’s Crime Ranking Is Calculated
Il Sole 24 Ore’s annual Crime Index uses information from Italy’s inter-agency public-security database. It counts crimes reported to judicial authorities by national and local law-enforcement bodies.
The total number of reported offenses is divided by the resident population and expressed as reports per 100,000 inhabitants.
This creates a useful national comparison, but it has important limitations.
First, the index measures reported crime, not every crime that occurs. Reporting behavior may vary between communities and categories of offense.
Second, the calculation uses the resident population. Large tourist cities receive millions of visitors who are not counted as residents but may become victims of theft, fraud or other offenses. This helps explain why destinations such as Milan, Florence, Rome, Venice and Rimini can record high per-capita figures without necessarily being broadly unsafe.
Third, the province with the fewest reported crimes is not automatically the best place to live. Employment, hospitals, public transportation, climate, housing prices and social opportunities must also be considered.
Oristano: Italy’s Lowest Reported Crime Rate
Oristano is a small city in western Sardinia surrounded by agricultural land, wetlands, archaeological sites and a relatively undeveloped coastline.
Its manageable size and low volume of reported crime make it attractive to people who value a quiet environment. The historic center is compact, traffic is limited compared with Italy’s major cities, and daily life tends to move at a measured pace.
Oristano may suit retirees, remote workers and families who do not require the extensive employment market or entertainment choices of a major metropolitan area. The trade-off is that air connections, specialized services and some professional opportunities are more limited than in Cagliari or mainland Italy.
Anyone considering Sardinia should distinguish between a pleasant vacation and year-round island life. Transportation, summer crowds and reduced winter services should all be evaluated before moving.
Potenza: A Quiet Southern Regional Capital
Potenza, the capital of Basilicata, recorded Italy’s second-lowest provincial crime rate in the latest index.
Built on steep terrain in the Apennines, Potenza is very different from the coastal destinations commonly associated with southern Italy. It has a modest population, a strong local identity and the administrative services expected of a regional capital.
The city may appeal to residents who want a quieter urban environment without living in an isolated village. Housing can be more accessible than in Italy’s famous northern and central cities.
Its disadvantages include hilly streets, limited international connections and fewer private-sector employment opportunities. A car can be useful when exploring surrounding Basilicata.
Nearby Matera is considerably more famous among international visitors. Its province also remains below the national average for reported crime, although it does not rank as highly as Potenza in the latest overall figures.
Benevento: A Smaller and Calmer Campanian City
Benevento offers a sharp contrast to the density and intensity of Naples. Located inland in Campania, it combines Roman remains, medieval architecture and a traditional provincial-city atmosphere.
The province registered approximately 2,223 reported crimes per 100,000 residents, placing it third among Italy’s lowest-crime provinces.
Benevento can be an interesting option for people attracted to southern Italy but reluctant to live in a large, congested city. It offers essential services and regional rail connections while remaining surrounded by countryside and small communities.
As elsewhere in inland southern Italy, prospective residents should investigate healthcare access, transportation and employment in relation to their personal circumstances.
Enna: Safety in the Center of Sicily
Enna occupies a dramatic hilltop position near the geographical center of Sicily. Its province recorded the fourth-lowest overall rate of reported crime.
The city’s compact scale and inland location produce a very different experience from Palermo, Catania or Sicily’s busy coastal resorts. It can feel calm outside major festivals and public events.
Enna may appeal to people looking for traditional Sicilian life, lower housing costs and access to archaeological and rural landscapes. On the other hand, it has fewer international services and weaker public transportation than Sicily’s major cities.
For a wider introduction to the island, consult Italia Mia’s guide to the best places to visit in Sicily.
Sondrio: Alpine Security and Outdoor Living
Sondrio is the highest-ranking northern province in the latest low-crime table. Located in Lombardy’s Valtellina, it offers access to mountains, vineyards, skiing areas and the Swiss border.
The provincial crime rate was approximately 2,318 reported offenses per 100,000 residents.
Sondrio is particularly attractive to people who value outdoor activities and smaller communities. Its relative distance from Milan helps preserve its quieter character, although rail connections make the regional capital accessible.
Mountain weather, limited housing in some valleys and dependence on a car outside the main transport corridors should be considered.
Treviso: Low Crime with Strong Northern Services
Treviso combines a handsome historic center with the economic and transportation advantages of the Veneto region. Its province registered approximately 2,331 reported crimes per 100,000 inhabitants.
Unlike some of the smallest cities in this guide, Treviso lies within a densely connected and economically active part of northern Italy. Venice is nearby, and the city has its own airport served by numerous European routes.
That combination makes Treviso one of the more practical choices for someone seeking relative safety without sacrificing connectivity, employment or urban services.
Visitors must still take normal precautions around stations, airports and busy central areas. A favorable provincial ranking does not eliminate opportunistic theft.
Pordenone: A Manageable City in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Pordenone ranked seventh among the provinces with the lowest overall reported-crime rates.
The city offers a walkable center, cultural events and access to both the mountains and the Adriatic. It is smaller and less internationally famous than nearby Venice, Trieste or Udine, which can be an advantage for residents seeking a less tourist-oriented environment.
Pordenone’s position within productive northeastern Italy also makes it more practical for employment than many rural low-crime areas.
Cosenza: A Lower-Crime Option in Calabria
Cosenza demonstrates that Italy’s lowest-crime provinces are not confined to the north. Its province recorded approximately 2,433 reported offenses per 100,000 residents.
The historic city stands beside the more modern urban area of Rende, home to the University of Calabria. Together they provide cultural, educational and commercial services that are not always available in smaller southern communities.
Road traffic, neighborhood conditions and access to services vary across the urban area, so anyone planning a move should inspect individual districts rather than relying solely on the provincial average.
Cuneo: Piedmontese Livability Near the Alps
Cuneo is a spacious, orderly provincial capital in southwestern Piedmont. Its province recorded approximately 2,464 reported crimes per 100,000 residents.
The city is surrounded by Alpine valleys and some of Italy’s most important food and wine districts. It offers an appealing compromise between urban convenience and access to the countryside.
Cuneo may suit families, active retirees and remote workers, although connections to Italy’s main high-speed rail network are less direct than those available from Turin.
Agrigento: Low Provincial Crime and Major Heritage
Agrigento’s province completed the ten lowest-crime areas in the latest data, with approximately 2,466 reported offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.
The city is internationally known for the Valley of the Temples, but the province also includes numerous smaller towns and coastal communities. The concentration of visitors around major attractions means that tourist precautions are still sensible even when the wider provincial rate is low.
Agrigento can offer sunshine, cultural heritage and comparatively accessible housing. Public transportation and the seasonal nature of some services require careful consideration for permanent residents.
Other Italian Cities Worth Considering
A crime ranking should not be treated as the only definition of safety. Some cities outside the lowest ten may offer a particularly strong combination of public services, healthcare, transportation and quality of life.
Belluno
Belluno narrowly missed the ten lowest provincial crime rates. Its Alpine location, compact center and access to the Dolomites make it attractive to people who prioritize nature and a calm daily environment.
Trento
Trento does not have as low an overall crime-report rate as Oristano or Potenza, but it regularly performs strongly in wider quality-of-life comparisons. It combines public services, educational institutions, transportation and access to the mountains.
Udine
Udine is a manageable northeastern city with a walkable center and good regional services. Its reported-crime rate remains well below those of Italy’s largest tourist and commercial cities.
L’Aquila
L’Aquila’s province recorded approximately 2,748 reported crimes per 100,000 residents. The city offers access to the mountains of Abruzzo and has undergone extensive reconstruction since the 2009 earthquake.
Italia Mia’s complete guide to Abruzzo can help visitors compare L’Aquila with the region’s coastal and rural destinations.
Siena
Siena is not among the ten lowest-crime provinces, but it can feel more manageable than Florence. Heavy visitor numbers around Piazza del Campo require normal tourist awareness, particularly during major events.
Are Rome, Florence and Milan Dangerous?
Milan, Florence and Rome recorded the highest overall rates of reported crime in the latest index. This does not mean visitors should avoid them.
All three are large destinations with enormous daily flows of commuters and tourists. These temporary populations are not fully reflected in the resident-based calculation. Theft, pickpocketing and fraud also contribute substantially to their totals.
For most visitors, the principal risks are opportunistic rather than violent:
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Pickpocketing on crowded public transportation
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Theft around railway stations and major attractions
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Distraction techniques
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Unofficial ticket sellers
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Overcharging or misleading services
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Theft from unattended vehicles
Travelers can reduce these risks by keeping valuables secured, avoiding unattended luggage, using licensed transportation and purchasing admission tickets from recognized providers.
Safest Italian Cities for Families
Families may find Treviso, Cuneo, Pordenone, Trento and Belluno particularly practical because they combine manageable dimensions with schools, public services and access to outdoor recreation.
Oristano, Potenza and Benevento have lower reported-crime rates, but the best choice depends on employment, healthcare, transportation and education requirements.
Families should investigate the exact neighborhood, school district and daily commute rather than choosing a home from a provincial ranking alone.
Safest Places in Italy for Retirees
Oristano may appeal to retirees seeking a quiet coastal region and mild Mediterranean conditions. Potenza and Benevento offer lower reported crime and potentially more accessible housing, while Treviso and Pordenone provide stronger connections to northern transport and healthcare networks.
Cuneo, Sondrio, Belluno and Trento are attractive to active retirees who enjoy mountains and cooler weather.
Before settling permanently, spend time in the destination outside the main tourist season. Renting for several months can reveal the realities of winter weather, healthcare access, public transportation and community life.
Readers planning a permanent relocation can also consult Italia Mia’s Moving to Italy as an Expat guide.
Practical Safety Advice for Italy
Even in a low-crime province, sensible precautions remain worthwhile:
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Use bags that close securely in crowded places.
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Keep passports, cards and excess cash out of easy reach.
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Do not leave luggage or electronics visible inside a parked car.
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Use official taxi ranks or recognized booking services.
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Check the walking route to accommodation before arriving late at night.
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Save digital copies of important travel documents.
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Learn the address of the nearest pharmacy and medical facility.
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Dial 112 for emergency assistance anywhere in Italy or the European Union.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest city in Italy?
Based on the latest provincial crime index, Oristano has Italy’s lowest number of reported crimes per 100,000 residents. The data apply to the entire province, not only the city center.
Which region of Italy is safest?
There is no single official ranking that makes one region the safest in every category. Sardinia performs particularly well because Oristano has the country’s lowest overall provincial crime rate. Low-crime provinces are nevertheless distributed across northern, central, southern and island regions.
Is northern Italy safer than southern Italy?
Not automatically. Several northern provinces report relatively low crime, but Oristano, Potenza, Benevento and Enna hold the first four positions in the latest low-crime comparison. Safety must be assessed locally rather than through a simple north-versus-south division.
Are small Italian towns safer than large cities?
Small towns often report fewer offenses, but this is not universal. They may also have fewer police stations, hospitals, public-transport services or well-lit streets. Personal safety and practical security are not always identical.
Is Italy safe for solo travelers?
Italy is generally suitable for solo travel. The most common concerns in major destinations are pickpocketing and other forms of opportunistic theft. Selecting centrally located accommodation and planning late-night transportation can reduce risk.
Is Italy safe for Americans and other foreign residents?
Foreign visitors and residents are not generally exposed to unusual safety risks simply because of nationality. Language difficulties, unfamiliar transportation and lack of local knowledge can nevertheless make newcomers more vulnerable to scams or poor decisions.
The Safest Place Is the One That Fits Your Life
The latest figures identify Oristano, Potenza and Benevento as Italy’s three lowest-crime provinces. They also show that relatively safe places can be found throughout the country, from Sardinia and Sicily to Lombardy, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Yet statistics should begin a decision, not complete it.
Someone moving to Italy should compare neighborhood conditions, medical facilities, transportation, housing, employment and opportunities for social connection. A quiet town can offer peace of mind but become impractical if essential services are too far away.
For travelers, Italy’s major cities remain entirely reasonable destinations when ordinary precautions are followed. For families and retirees, smaller provincial capitals may provide a particularly appealing balance of security, services and community.
External Sources
Il Sole 24 Ore – 2025 Crime Index
Il Sole 24 Ore – Complete Crime Index Tables
Il Sole 24 Ore – Quality of Life 2025 Dataset
European Union – 112 Emergency Number