Even for those who have never stepped foot in Sicily… The TV Series “Inspector Montalbano” is definitely an inspiration and an open invitation to explore the magic of this amazing destination.
Recently 33 out of the 37 episodes were made available through Netflix in our region. And I have to admit that after managing to watch them all in the course of a week, I am just about ready to start all over again. Maybe because we miss Sicily… Or maybe because the characters are so well expressing the Sicilian culture… But no matter what the real reason is, what we can say with confidence is that all of the 37 episodes are showcasing and honoring the region and its people.
If you too happen to be one of the fans of Inspector Montalbano, and planning a trip to Sicily consider including visits to some or all of the filming locations…
Here are a few of our Montalbano Location
But let’s start our virtual journey with clarifications. Valid for anyone who has not yet watched this series.
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Vigata, the place that is mentioned repeatedly in the series, is not a real place. It does not exist and you will not find it no matter how hard you search for it. So don’t start looking. However, the house of Commissario Montalbano is there and so is his veranda with splendid views and proximity to the sea. In the series the location name is Marinella but in real life, the location is Punta Secca. A seaside village by the Mediterranean Coast, between Punta Braccetto, Kaukana, and Casuzze, and next to Marina di Ragusa. Today the property operates as a Bed and Breakfast.
A lot of the scenes were filmed in Ragusa Ibla. A place that should be visited and enjoyed not just because of Montalbano. Ragusa is famous for its Baroque architecture and together with seven other cities in the Val di Noto, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The offices of the detective on the other hand are located in the town of Scicli. And the building is no other than the town hall.
But his favorite restaurant “Enzo a Mare” is in Punta Secca and even if the series was fictional, the food at Enzo’s is real and is more than a delight for all palates.
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Honestly, even if you don’t care a bit about Detective Montalbano, enjoying a meal at Enzo a Mare is more than worth it.
Not sure if you too have wondered about the majestic houses that have been showcased. The one that impressed us a lot was where Montalbano was meeting with the Mafia boss. And that is no other than the Castello di Donnafugata. Open for visits to the public.
Other major filming locations include Modica, Donnalucata, Comiso, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Ispica, Pozzallo, Vittoria and Scoglitti. As a closing note, I would like to add that all the places are full of life all year long. Even if, in some of the episodes seem quiet and almost deserted. And all of them are worthy of visiting and not just for Montalbano’s adventures.
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