Martin Scorsese was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, where he celebrated his Sicilian heritage. Reflecting on his roots, he said his childhood in Manhattan’s Little Italy felt like “a Sicilian village.” The director, whose grandparents are from Polizzi Generosa, is filming a documentary on Sicilian shipwrecks and two religion-themed projects, one involving Pope Francis. A restored Taxi Driver screened at Taormina’s ancient Greek theater. Scorsese also paid tribute to U.S. immigrants, noting most Americans are descendants of immigrants. Source: Variety #Scorsese #Sicily #TaorminaFilmFest

The Aeolian Islands, located northeast of Sicily, have captivated filmmakers since the 1950s due to their dramatic volcanic landscapes and rustic charm.

Once home to fishermen and farmers living in near-19th-century conditions, the islands have modernized with electricity and holiday villas, yet retain a timeless quality.

The archipelago, consisting of seven inhabited islands, is celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and cinematic history, particularly highlighted by films like Roberto Rossellini’s Stromboli and Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Avventura. The article emphasizes the islands’ appeal as a serene, visually stunning destination, with a focus on Stromboli and Panarea.

Check out ItalianTourism.us for cruises and tours to Sicily.

• Cinematic Legacy: The islands have been a backdrop for Italian neo-realist films since the 1950s, with Stromboli notably featured in Rossellini’s 1950 film Stromboli and Panarea’s nearby islets in Antonioni’s 1960 film L’Avventura.
• Natural Beauty: The islands boast “savage” volcanic landscapes, “sugar cube” whitewashed houses, and crystal-clear waters, maintaining a timeless allure despite modern developments.
• Stromboli’s Volcanic Activity: Stromboli, a towering conical volcano, has been erupting almost continuously since 350 BC, best viewed from Panarea for its dramatic effect.
• Panarea’s Exclusivity: Panarea, the smallest inhabited island with only 300 residents, offers peace, natural beauty, and is a magnet for the “superyacht crowd.”
• Activities and Exploration: Visitors can enjoy walking ancient shepherds’ paths on Panarea, boat trips to nearby rocky islets with Roman villa mosaics, and the islands’ broader appeal for hiking, swimming, and cultural exploration.
• Cultural and Historical Significance: The islands’ rugged landscapes and historical elements, like Roman villa remnants, enhance their cinematic and tourist appeal.
• The article underscores the Aeolian Islands as a blend of raw natural beauty, historical richness, and cinematic inspiration, making them a unique Mediterranean destination.

Militello in Val di Catania won Italy's Borgo dei Borghi 2025 title, celebrating its stunning Baroque beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. For more about visiting visit the Sicily tours page.

Militello is a hidden gem that encapsulates Sicily’s cultural depth, from its ancient roots to its flamboyant Baroque architecture and gastronomic traditions.

For travelers ready to explore beyond Sicily’s popular destinations, this destination is a must visit. 

In Sicily’s Madonie region, farmers like Giulio Gelardi harvest manna, a sweet sap from ash trees, echoing the biblical food that sustained the Israelites. Once valued for its medicinal properties, this white, sugary delicacy is now a culinary gem, celebrated in Pollina’s Museum of the Manna.

Are you a “Set-Jetter”?

Explore the filming locations of Netflix's series "The Leopard," adapted from Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel "Il Gattopardo." Set in 1860s Sicily during Garibaldi’s unification efforts, the series showcases stunning Sicilian backdrops that are inspiring "set-jetting" — travel to visit film locations.

Key sites include:

• Palermo: Features the iconic Baroque square Quattro Canti and the Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi, where the Salina family’s lavish scenes were filmed.
• Catania: The Palazzo Biscari, a grand 18th-century palace, serves as a backdrop for aristocratic settings, while the Calanchi del Cannizzola, a desert-like area near Mount Etna, represents the rural Donnafugata.
• Ortigia (Syracuse): This historic island’s Piazza Duomo stands in for Donnafugata’s town center, offering a mix of 17th to 19th-century architecture.

The article highlights how these picturesque locations enhance the series' appeal, enticing viewers to explore Sicily’s rich history and landscapes in person. To schdeule you set-jetting trip to Sicily click ItalianTourism Sicily Tours

Favignana, a small island off the coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is gaining attention as an underrated gem, often compared to Santorini for its scenic beauty and whitewashed aesthetic. Part of the Egadi archipelago, it’s a 30-minute hydrofoil ride from Trapani. The main town, also called Favignana, features low-rise, cubic buildings in light sand or off-white tones, reminiscent of Santorini, especially along the waterfront with boutique hotels and renovated villas.

• Cala Rossa Beach: A peaceful sand-and-gravel beach backed by a limestone cliff, a scenic 20-minute bike ride from the main town.
• Trattoria da Papù: Offers affordable Sicilian delicacies like pasta and local wine, ideal for a relaxed meal.
• Tuna Cannery Museum: A former Florio family property, now a museum showcasing the island’s rich tuna fishing history, perfect for unique souvenirs.

For more information about planning a trip to Sicily check out ItalianTourism.us Sicily Tours.

Noto, Sicily’s Baroque masterpiece, shines with golden limestone architecture and UNESCO status. Rebuilt post-1693 earthquake, it’s a cultural gem perfect for history lovers and travelers. Click ItalianTourism.us Sicily tours for trips that include Noto.

• Stunning Baroque Architecture: Explore the Cathedral of San Nicolò and Via Nicolaci’s ornate balconies, showcasing Noto’s golden-hued limestone charm.

• Vibrant Cultural Scene: Experience the Infiorata flower festival and savor local Nero d’Avola wine or a refreshing granita on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

• Nearby Natural Beauty: Visit the pristine beaches and wildlife of Vendicari Nature Reserve, just a short drive away.

#Noto #Sicily #BaroqueTravel

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural treasures. Here are some of the most captivating destinations to consider: Palermo, Taormina, Syracuse, Cefalu, Agrigento, Ragusa, Noto, Aeolian Islands 

Each of these destinations highlights Sicily's diverse beauty, from historical landmarks to natural wonders, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveler.