Moving to NAS Sigonella
Naval Air Station Sigonella is a Mediterranean hub for U.S. Navy and NATO air operations, set on the plain south of Mount Etna in Sicily. It is made up of NAS I and NAS II plus the nearby Marinai housing area. Families get hot summers, volcanic scenery and rich Sicilian food, balanced against Italian bureaucracy and tricky driving.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Catania, Sicily |
| Airports | Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA), about 30 minutes away |
| Climate | Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild winters; Etna ash and sirocco winds happen occasionally. |
| On-base housing | Government family housing including Marinai Village, and leased housing such as the 205 Housing Complex; the rest live on the economy |
| Medical care | U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella (NAS I) |
| Family support center | Fleet and Family Support Center Sigonella |
Where families live
Marinai Village
Navy family housing area with a youth complex and child development center; popular with families who want a US-style community.
205 Housing Complex
Off-base leased housing close to NAS I that suits those who want an easy commute.
Motta Sant'Anastasia and Misterbianco
Nearby towns with houses and apartments favored by many newcomers.
Belpasso and Mascalucia
Villas and larger homes on Etna's slopes with views, with longer drives on winding roads.
Catania
Sicily's second city, with apartment living, nightlife and historic sights, at the cost of traffic.
Schools
DoDEA Sigonella Elementary and Sigonella Middle/High School serve military children, and enrollment is online. The School Liaison Officer helps with transitions, and homeschooling is available for eligible sponsors. Check bus routes before signing an off-base lease.
- DoDEA Sigonella schools — Elementary and Middle/High School serving Navy families.
On the installation: Sigonella Elementary School, Sigonella Middle/High School
School Liaison Officer, Fleet and Family Support Center Sigonella
Things to do near NAS Sigonella
- Mount EtnaoutdoorsEurope's most active volcano offers guided hikes and winter skiing.
- Taorminaday-tripA hilltop town with an ancient Greek theater and sea views.
- Syracuse and OrtigiamuseumGreek and Roman ruins plus a charming island old town.
- Catania markets and old townfoodThe fish market and baroque streets are famous for street food.
- Aci Trezza and Aci CastellofamilyCoastal towns with a medieval castle and swimming spots.
- Valley of the TemplesmuseumImpressive Greek temples near Agrigento, reachable on a longer day trip.
- Noto and baroque townsday-tripA UNESCO-listed baroque town in southeastern Sicily.
- Cave and gorge walks at AlcantaraoutdoorsA river gorge with basalt walls and cold-water walks.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows NAS Sigonella?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedReal estate offices
- NAS Sigonella Housing OfficeSigonellaOfficial source for government housing, approved realtors and the Homes.mil inspected listings.
- Homes.milCatania regionLists inspected economy rentals; realtors must be approved through the Housing Office.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- 205 Housing Complexproperty managementSigonella
- Care-Move4Petspet boardingItaly (pet transport)
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at NAS Sigonella? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Fleet and Family Support Center SigonellaRelocation help, job search support and School Liaison services for incoming families.
PCS tips for NAS Sigonella
- Ship your vehicle roughly 6 to 8 weeks before you PCS; a maximum of three vehicles per active-duty member can be registered.
- Register pets with the base vet clinic and Housing Office within 10 days of arrival; a 15-digit microchip, rabies and leptospirosis vaccines are expected.
- Get your Codice Fiscale early because it is needed for leases, utilities and big purchases.
- Infant slots at the Child Development Center can have months-long waitlists, so apply through MilitaryChildCare before you move.
- Watch for processionary caterpillars in spring and leishmaniasis risk for dogs; keep pets away from pine litter.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Europe & Türkiye
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.