There are many places in Sicily that have become famous for the film scenes shot there over the years, capturing the attention of curious travellers.
Sicily was featured at the 75th Cannes International Film Festival, receiving recognition as an ideal destination for film shooting thanks to its unique settings and mild year-round climate.

It is well known that our island has always been an ideal location for films and TV series, which have made it famous worldwide: from The Godfather, by American director Francis Ford Coppola, to Giuseppe Tornatore, the Palermo-born director who portrayed many Sicilian locations through the stories of his characters, and Inspector Montalbano, created by the great writer Andrea Camilleri. Many Sicilian places have become increasingly popular destinations for travellers eager to discover in person what they have seen on screen.

Action in Sicily: the films of Giuseppe Tornatore

We cannot mention them all—it would take an entire book—but we want to take you on a journey through some of these places that have made Sicily known all over the world.

Are you ready? Lights… camera… travel!

The emotions felt when watching a film are countless, and when thinking of a truly moving one, there is no doubt that the masterpiece of Palermo-born director Giuseppe Tornatore, Cinema Paradiso (1988), stands out. Filming took place in the beautiful setting of the well-known Cefalù, about 70 km from Palermo, and also in the lesser-known but equally charming town of Palazzo Adriano, located in the Sicani Mountains. This village is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage as a multicultural settlement, which since the 18th century has hosted part of the Albanian population who arrived following the Turkish advance in the East. Today it is a destination for travellers seeking an authentic Sicilian experience.

Since the cinema used in the film no longer exists, a museum has been opened in Palazzo Adriano with free admission, where several memorabilia from the film are displayed.

Ragusa, Marzamemi and Ortigia on the big screen

Tornatore also chose other stunning Sicilian locations for his films. One example is The Star Maker (1995), where he portrays beautiful Ragusa through the story of a con man travelling across the island promising fame in the entertainment world. The film also features Marzamemi, where La Balata—one of the village’s two small natural harbours—hosts the scene of the protagonist’s arrest.

Let us now move on to another iconic Sicilian film, also by Tornatore, which travelled the world all the way to China, becoming one of the symbols of our island. In the past, when asking Chinese visitors whether they knew Sicily, the answer was: “Yes, of course! Malèna!”

With Malèna (2000), Tornatore once again shows his brilliance, presenting the scenic Piazza Duomo in Ortigia, Syracuse, featuring Malèna’s (Monica Bellucci) solitary walk, followed by the curious and admiring glances of locals and young boys captivated by her beauty. Ortigia and the entire Val di Noto deserve at least a three-day visit to fully appreciate everything the area offers: monuments, archaeological sites, excellent food and local craftsmanship.

Bagheria, Baarìa and Coppola’s Sicily

Tornatore’s Baarìa (2009) must also be mentioned, set in his hometown Bagheria, where the main scenes were filmed. Due to production constraints, most of the film was shot in Tunisia, where the set was reconstructed to replicate Bagheria exactly. This small town near Palermo is still relatively unknown to tourists, but it offers an authentic welcome, made of genuine experiences where time seems to stand still. A must-see is the Guttuso Museum, along with its many villas, especially the famous Villa Palagonia, known for its grotesque statues of mythical creatures.

The Godfather and Sicily’s most iconic film locations

Finally, if there is one film that more than any other has made our island famous worldwide, it is undoubtedly The Godfather, by Francis Ford Coppola. Despite its controversial themes, it remains one of the greatest films in cinema history. Contrary to popular belief, most scenes were not shot in Corleone (near Palermo), but in small towns in the Messina area. Some scenes from The Godfather Part II were also filmed in what is now a highly sought-after event venue, Radicepura, in the province of Catania. Among the most iconic locations are the Castello degli Schiavi in Fiumefreddo, Savoca with the famous Bar Vitelli, and Forza d’Agrò, as well as the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, featured in The Godfather Part III.

So what are you waiting for? Choose your destination and come visit us in Sicily.

We will take care of suggesting activities and experiences to enjoy wherever you decide to go!

Photos from the web