For those of us who can’t travel to Sicily right now, here’s a suggestion. Check out Detective Montalbano, a series of detective novels by Andrea Camilleri turned into a television series. In the United States, it’s available by subscription on the MHz Choice app. Our hero, Salvo Montalbano, solves crimes in his fictional hometown of Vigata, Sicily. Think of a sexier, more fun Law and Order.
Vigata is inspired by Camilleri’s birthplace of Porto Empedocle in Agrigento Province; however, the show is filmed all over Sicily, mostly in the Baroque and beautiful Val di Noto (southeastern Sicily). (I like to keep score of how many places I recognize as I watch each episode!) The gorgeous scenery is a benefit certainly, but once you meet the characters (and develop a crush on actor Luca Zingaretti, like I have), you’ll be hooked.
Buon divertimento!
