Belpasso, Sicily: Homes and Plots for Sale on Mount Etna

Belpasso is a hill town with volcanic-stone buildings, orchards and views of the crater, within reach of Catania for work, hospitals and flights. The volcano is active, so ask about lava-flow and ash exposure and check that the insurance covers it. Summers are hot and winters mild at lower levels. Buyers are a mix of locals upgrading, Catania commuters and foreigners wanting a cheap Sicilian base.

Non-EU buyers can purchase subject to reciprocity rules, and everyone needs an Italian tax code (codice fiscale). The usual path is a reservation, a preliminary contract (compromesso) with a deposit, then the notarial deed. Resale purchases of second homes typically pay about 9% registration tax on the cadastral value plus notary fees; first-home rates are lower. Verify rates locally. Our Italy buying guide and financing overview explain more.

Nearby: Mascalucia, Misterbianco, Paternò, San Giovanni la Punta, Aci Catena and the city of Catania. The Italy overview covers other regions.