The first time I went to Cefalù I felt a strange sensation. As I looked at the small beach in the town centre, surrounded by the pretty buildings with mismatched windows and intriguing arches, it seemed like I had been there before. I couldn’t understand it. Carrying on, slightly perplexed, it then hit me. I had seen this place before. But not in real life, in film. A scene from Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (a film I had watched just before I moved to Sicily) had been shot there. It was reassuring and exciting to see somewhere from an Oscar-winning film in real life, in my new home.
This wouldn’t be the last time I visited somewhere one of the many film locations in Sicily. Sicily’s varied beauty and warm climate make it a haven for film-makers. All over the island you can catch a glimpse of well-known filming locations in Sicily. Here are just a few. Why not try and visit some during your holiday.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Sicily was the filming location for the fifth instalment of the legendary Indiana Jones series. Filming began in Syracuse, but the majority took place in Cefalù, making use of its beautiful main piazza and narrow characteristic streets, as well as the lungomare. The film crew also made the most of western Sicily, visiting Marsala, Castellamare del Golfo, and the Temple of Segesta for important scenes. The large archaeology park in Syracuse was also used, most notably the evocative Ear of Dionysus cave, where prisoners were once kept and spied on. The use of Sicily as a filming location for Indiana Jones shows how varied the island is. Watch the film and see if you recognise some of the locations! Our villas near Syracuse are a great place to start if you want to see some of the sights from this film.
Il Gattopardo (2025)
In 2025, a new Netflix series of Il Gattopardo came out. In this new version, Palermo shines, with scenes being shot in the Quattro Canti (considered Palermo’s historic centre), at the cathedral, in Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza Bellini. These are all within walking distance from each other, so you can easily stroll around and see each place in a morning, perhaps with a cannoli from the local Santa Catarina bakery as a snack! Outside of Palermo, the Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria was used as the main residence of the noble family, and scenes were also shot in Syracuse’s main piazza. For the exquisite dancing scene, the producers chose Palazzo Biscari with its rich Baroque décor. To get a real feel for The Gattopardo’s filming locations in Sicily, a villa near Palermo is a great choice. Head into town and you’ll feel like you’re in the series!
The White Lotus (2022)
The second series of The White Lotus is set in Taormina. The production company made use of this beautiful seaside town to the max! San Domenico Palace hotel was the White Lotus Hotel. This impressive hotel has hosted VIPS like Oscar Wilde, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor. Pop in for a coffee to have a look! The Greek Theatre, Isola Bella beach, and Porta Messina also all make appearances in the series, showing off Taormina’s real beauty! The series also takes viewers to Cefalù with its impressive Norman Cathedral, and Noto with its limestone Baroque church and palaces. Teatro Massimo in Palermo plays a role when guests go to the opera! It’s easy to visit many of the filming locations of The White Lotus series 2 during your holiday in Sicily. Our villas near Taormina are ideal for a White Lotus holiday!
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso is a film set in Sicily, considered to be one of the best Italian films of all time. Filming took place almost exclusively in Sicily, principally in Bagheria – a town to the west of Palermo, famous for its Baroque palazzi – but also in Cefalù. Palazzo Adriano, a small town in the heart of Sicily’s countryside, was the set of the town square, with its beautiful baroque fountain dating from 1608. Nuovo Cinema Paradiso is a beautiful Italian film that is well worth watching, and it won Best Foreign Language film at the 1989 Academy Awards. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to see a charming, nostalgic Sicily in all its Mediterranean glory. Why not book one of our villas near Cefalù? You can easily visit some of the filming locations from this well-known film!
The Godfather Trilogy (1972-1990)
Francis Ford Coppola filmed much of The Godfather films in Sicily. It is easy to visit many of the filming locations immortalised in these three classic films. Savoca – a hilltop town above Taormina – represented Corleone. When you arrive in Piazza Fossia you will see a statue of Coppola opposite Bar Vitelli, used in several scenes of the film. Stop off at the bar and enjoy a granita to cool off! The Church of San Nicolò in Savoca was the wedding scene. Nearby Forza d’Agrò was also used included. Taormina, Acireale, Segesta, and Fiumefreddo di Sicilia can all be seen. Plus, Part III’s dramatic finale was filmed at Teatro Massimo in Palermo. Mainly found in east Sicily, the filming locations of The Godfather films show small-town Sicilian life. It’s a fun day out trying to visit them all if you’re staying at one of our villas near Acireale.
Too Many Films to Mention
These are just a few of the most famous films shot in Sicily, but the list goes on and on. Woody Allen filmed scenes from Mighty Aphrodite at the Greek Theatre in Taormina. One scene from Ocean’s Twelve was filmed at the Tonnara in Scopello. A Bigger Splash is set in Pantelleria. Whilst Il Postino was filmed on Salina, one of the Eolian Islands. Many other Italian language films have made use of Sicily’s beauty too! Plus, not to mention the hit TV series Inspector Montalbano that films all over southwest Sicily to great effect. To see many of the Inspector Montalbano filming locations in SIcily, we recommend one of our villas in southeast Sicily.
Our Villas in Sicily
Wherever you go in Sicily, you’ll be met with film-worthy scenery. The island’s beauty makes it the perfect backdrop to any film, or even just a holiday photo! We have villas all over Sicily, so you can enjoy a picture-perfect holiday in true Sicilian style. Our villas are close to the beach, have private pools and barbecue areas, and are havens of peace and tranquility. Browse through our collection of villas and find your perfect holiday location. Then book and start looking forward to your next Sicilian adventure! If you need any advice, our team are full of local knowledge that we love to share! Get in touch and we’ll be happy to share all that we know about Sicily to ensure you have an unforgettable holiday. We look forward to seeing you in Sicily!
