Earthquake Risks in Italy: The Most Dangerous and Safest Areas Revealed

earthquake in Norcia Italy

We are often asked where the earthquake risk in Italy is at its most dangerous. Italy has 20 regions, so the earthquake risk does vary a lot. To get an answer for you, we've spent a lot of time researching all these regions and discovered not only the most at-risk regions but also the least-at-risk regions too. Simply scroll down and discover if the region of Italy you are visiting is at risk.

For volcano risk in Italy, click here.

High-risk earthquake regions

Overall, though, a few areas of Italy stand out when it comes to earthquakes; they are as follows:

1. The entire central mountain range area, but particularly the area running between Umbria and Le Marche in central Italy, is high-risk. This area has been badly hit in recent times with earthquakes, leading to extensive damage to property and loss of life. 
2. Southwestern part of Calabria;
3. Northeastern and southwestern coasts of Sicily;
4. The area north of Udine, bordering Slovenia, is Italy's far northeast corner, located in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Positano & the Amalfi Coast, shown in the photo, is not considered a high risk area.

Low risk of earthquake

The low-risk areas include:

1. Eastern parts of Piedmont are at low risk of earthquakes; however, Turin, the region's capital, is situated just outside this low-risk zone. As a result, the city falls into the next category, with a low-to-medium earthquake risk.
2. Most of Lombardy, the region where Milan is located, has a relatively low earthquake risk. However, Milan itself falls just outside the low-risk zone, placing it in the lower end of the medium-risk category, similar to Turin.
3. The eastern half of Trentino-Alto Adige.
4. The southern half of Puglia (from south of Bari to the southern tip of Puglia).

Earthquake Safety in Italy

While earthquakes in Italy are rare, they can happen, especially in certain regions like central and southern Italy. Knowing what to do in the unlikely event of an earthquake can help you stay safe and calm during your visit. But let me reassure you—over the last thirty years of traveling all across this beautiful country, including countless visits to high-risk earthquake zones, I’ve never experienced more than a minor tremor. That said, being prepared for the unexpected is always a good idea.

If you’re indoors during an earthquake, the golden rule is to drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and anything that could shatter or fall, like shelves or light fixtures. If you can’t get under a sturdy table or desk, shelter next to large, stable furniture like a couch or bed. These items can absorb falling debris, creating a "safe zone" beside them. Protect your head and neck with your arms and stay low. Avoid doorways unless you know for certain they are structurally strong (many in Italy’s historic buildings are not).

If you’re outside, move away from buildings, walls, and anything that might fall, like power lines or streetlights. Find an open area and stay put until the shaking stops. Italy’s historic architecture is stunning but can pose risks during earthquakes, so be mindful of falling debris.

If you’re driving, pull over to a safe spot away from overpasses, bridges, or tunnels, and remain in your car until the shaking stops.

After the quake, be prepared for aftershocks and follow local authorities’ guidance. Italians are experienced with earthquakes, so listen to locals—they often know the safest places nearby.

Earthquakes may sound daunting, but the chances of experiencing one during your visit to Italy are incredibly slim. With a little preparation and calm thinking, you’ll feel confident to explore Italy’s beauty, just as I’ve done for decades.

The Questions We Get Asked Most About Earthquakes in Italy

Where is there No Earthquake Risk in Italy?

When it comes to earthquakes, there is virtually nowhere on earth that is zero risk. In Italy, the region with virtually no risk of earthquakes is Sardinia. It is pretty much as safe as the safest corners of the globe.

Earthquake Risk Zones in Italy Mapped

Is the region of Italy you're visiting at risk? Have a look at the seismic risk map for Italy

Bari, is one of the least at risk cities in Southern Italy. Click photo for more about wonderful Bari.