The Islands: News archives from Italian islands - Page 2 of 14

Giorgia Meloni visits landslide site at Niscemi

Meloni pledges €150 million for Niscemi after landslide

February 16, 2026February 17, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni returned on Monday to Niscemi, the Sicilian town devastated by a landslide last month, as she toured other areas hit by Cyclone Harry, which also caused extensive damage in Calabria and Sardinia. She was accompanied by Civil Protection Chief Fabio Ciciliano for a reconnaissance of the affected sites.

On this day in history: architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini born

February 3, 2026February 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, the architect whose work helped define the Baroque character of Catania, was born on 3rd February, 1702 in Palermo. His designs played a central role in shaping the rebuilt city following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693, which devastated large parts of eastern Sicily.

Nebrodi mountains where three hunters were killed.

Police probe deaths of three hunters in Sicily

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Police are investigating the deaths of three hunters whose bodies were found in the Nebrodi mountain range in north-eastern Sicily. The case has raised questions about whether the men were killed in an accident or during a violent dispute.

Niscemi landslide leaves town on cliff edge

Opposition presses Meloni over Niscemi landslide

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Opposition parties have called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to address parliament directly over the Niscemi landslide on Sunday. They argue that the scale and history of the disaster require intervention at the highest political level.

Niscemi above the Gela plain with houses teetering on the edge of the cliff.

Niscemi Landslide Crisis

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Sicilian town of Niscemi is facing an escalating geological emergency after a massive landslide triggered by Cyclone Harry left a hillside sliding towards the Gela plain. Italian authorities have warned that the situation remains highly unstable and that parts of the town may never be safe to re-inhabit.

Cyclone Harry storms damage tops €1bn in Sicily

January 23, 2026January 23, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Mediterranean cyclone Harry storms caused extensive damage across southern Italy, with Sicily alone suffering more than €1 billion in economic losses, ANSA and regional sources report.

Sardinia crowned a top global destination for 2026 by Lonely Planet

January 3, 2026January 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Lonely Planet and travel editors say the island’s mix of pristine coastlines, rich history and untamed interior sets it apart in the Mediterranean. Sardinia was included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list of the world’s 25 must-visit destinations, recognising its appeal for a broad range of travellers.

House arrest for former Sicilian governor Cuffaro

December 3, 2025December 3, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A Palermo judge on Wednesday upheld a request by prosecutors to place former Sicilian Governor Salvatore Cuffaro under house arrest. The measure concerns alleged corruption in public-contract procedures.

artist impression of messina Strait bridge project. Image credit: Webuild Messina bridge decree rewritten by government

Audit Court blocks third clause of Messina bridge plan

November 18, 2025November 18, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy’s Audit Court ruled illegitimate a third clause regarding the Messina Strait bridge on Monday, extending a pause on the long-discussed project. The decision followed last month’s rejection of the first two clauses governing the agreement between the transport ministry and the contractor, Stretto di Messina SpA.

Harvesting grapes by hand in the autumn on Sicily Fabio Ingrosso, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Autumn on Sicily: Flavours and Festivals

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Autumn in Sicily is not just a season—it is a celebration of flavour, colour, and ancient tradition. As the air cools and the land turns golden, the island’s markets and villages come alive with festivals dedicated to its most prized ingredients: pistachios from Bronte, capers from the Aeolian Islands, and the golden oils of the […]