In the Footsteps of Montalbano: a One-Day Itinerary Through South-East Sicily
In the south-east of Sicily, there is a part of the island that many travellers recognise before they can name it. A certain light, a rhythm, a sequence of baroque towns and open coastal landscapes — familiar, almost instinctively.
This is the world of Inspector Montalbano.
Not a constructed setting, but a real territory between Ragusa, Scicli and the sea, where everyday life and cinematic narrative overlap with surprising naturalness.
This itinerary is not designed as a checklist of filming locations. It is conceived as a way to move through this landscape with coherence — following light, distances and atmosphere, just as the series itself unfolds.
A one-day Montalbano itinerary in Sicily
Punta Secca: where Montalbano lives
Start your day in Punta Secca, the small seaside village that became famous as the home of Inspector Montalbano.
Early morning is the perfect moment to experience it. The sea is calm, the promenade is still quiet, and the village moves at the slow rhythm that characterises so much of the series. More than a filming location, Punta Secca represents Montalbano’s private world: the place where each investigation begins and ends.
From here, follow the coast towards Donnalucata and Sampieri.
The coast to Sampieri: the Sicily behind the stories
This stretch of coastline is less about individual filming locations and more about atmosphere.
Fishing villages, sandy beaches and open Mediterranean landscapes create the backdrop that gives the series its unmistakable identity.
One essential stop is Fornace Penna, better known to fans as La Mannara. Standing alone by the sea, the abandoned industrial building is one of the most recognisable and symbolic locations in the entire series, representing the darker and more mysterious side of Sicily.
Scicli: walking through the real Vigata
Continue inland to Scicli, perhaps the place where fiction and reality merge most naturally.
Its Town Hall became the police station of Vigata, while Via Mormino Penna appears repeatedly throughout the series. Walking through the historic centre often feels like stepping directly into an episode of Montalbano.
Take your time. This is not a town to rush through.
Lunch at La Taverna del Lupo
From Scicli, continue towards Ragusa for lunch.
La Taverna del Lupo is exactly the kind of restaurant that fits the spirit of this itinerary: traditional Sicilian cooking, seasonal ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere where meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Ragusa Ibla: Montalbano’s baroque Sicily
Spend the afternoon exploring Ragusa Ibla.
Although the Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral of San Giorgio appear in several episodes, the real beauty of Ragusa Ibla lies beyond individual scenes. The town itself becomes part of the narrative, especially in the late afternoon when the warm light transforms its limestone façades.
Rather than following a map, allow yourself to wander through its streets and stairways.
Donnafugata: power and mystery
Leaving Ragusa, make a short stop at Castello di Donnafugata.
In the series it appears as the residence of mafia boss Balduccio Sinagra, adding another layer to Montalbano’s universe. In reality, it is one of the finest historic residences in south-eastern Sicily and well worth a brief visit before returning towards the coast.
Marina di Ragusa: an aperitivo by the Mediterranean
Before returning to Punta Secca, make one final stop in Marina di Ragusa. While it is not one of the series’ main filming locations, its seafront promenade appears in several episodes during everyday scenes and investigations, offering another glimpse into the coastal Sicily that defines Montalbano’s world.
Walk along the Lungomare Andrea Doria, where locals gather every evening for a stroll before dinner.
If you’re in the mood for a gelato, Caffè delle Rose, overlooking Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi, is widely considered one of the finest gelaterias in the area.
For travellers looking for something a little different, Eretico Vineria offers natural and small-production Sicilian wines, vinyl records playing in the background and one of the most relaxed atmospheres you’ll find along the coast.
If you prefer to sit overlooking the boats, Fresco, beside the tourist marina, combines excellent service with beautiful harbour views. It is a lovely place to end the afternoon, although in August and on summer weekends it can become very busy.
Sunset back in Punta Secca
End the day where it began.
As the sun sets over Punta Secca, the atmosphere becomes remarkably similar to the closing scenes of many episodes. The light softens, the sea grows quiet, and the village returns to its natural rhythm.
It is a fitting ending to a day spent discovering not just filming locations, but the authentic landscapes that inspired one of Italy’s most beloved television series.
Moving through this part of Sicily
What makes this route work is not the number of locations, but the way they connect.
The coast in the morning, historic towns at midday, baroque Sicily in the afternoon, an aperitivo by the sea and finally the quiet of Punta Secca at sunset.
In this corner of Sicily, the journey is defined as much by the transitions as by the destinations themselves.
This itinerary is circular and can be started from any point along the route, following the same sequence.
A route inspired by real travellers
Every itinerary we publish begins with a real journey.
This one was originally designed for our travellers Joe & Clara, who wanted to spend a day exploring the landscapes and filming locations of Inspector Montalbano.
After returning home, they kindly shared some of their favourite photographs from along the route. We’re delighted to feature a selection of them in this article, offering a glimpse of the experience through the eyes of travellers who enjoyed it themselves.
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