The Islands: News archives from Italian islands

Sardinia wildfire forces evacuations. Image creit: Corpe Forestale

Sardinia wildfire spreads to second town

August 29, 2026August 29, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Sardinia wildfire in Ogliastra forces evacuation of psychiatric care home residents. The fire front later shifts towards neighbouring Elini.

Antonello da Messina masterpieces stolen during Assumption festival

August 19, 2026August 19, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Four works by Renaissance master Antonello da Messina have been stolen from a museum in his native Messina, Sicily, in a daring raid that police believe may have involved someone with inside knowledge.

Etna eruption with lava and ash - still from video di Vigili del Fuoco on X

American hiker dies after lightning strike on Mount Etna

August 18, 2026August 19, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

An American hiker has died after being struck by lightning on Mount Etna as thunderstorms swept across Italy following a prolonged period of extreme heat.

Building collapse in Messina - three confirmed dead, four missing

Messina building collapse: death toll rises to three

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Shop assistant Alessandra Frazzica, 21, has been confirmed as the third victim of the building collapse in Messina. Prosecutors have placed three people under investigation for negligent disaster as searches continue for the remaining four missing.

Horrific animal cruelty as puppies left to die in 43º without shade or water

Four puppies die of heat exposure in Sicily

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Left on a terrace in Sciacca without water or shade as temperatures hit 43°C, the deaths of the puppies have reignited calls for tougher penalties for animal cruelty in Italy.

Government scraps Tavolara Bay luxury glamping project

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Rome revokes Special Economic Zone authorisation for the Tavolara Bay glamping development at Cala Finanza, two days after a municipal council U-turn and a mass protest on the beach.

Villa Certosa has been purchased by the Qatari Al Thani family

Qatar’s Al Thani dynasty acquires Berlusconi’s Sardinian villa

June 26, 2026June 26, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Villa Certosa, the extravagant Costa Smeralda estate that served as the late prime minister’s playground for politicians, billionaires and Bunga Bunga parties, has found a buyer three years after Berlusconi’s death. The Qatari Al Thani royal family has made the winning bid.