Fans of the hugely popular detective series, Inspector Montalbano, broadcast by BBC TV between 2008 and 2013, will be overjoyed to hear that a 10th series is in the pipeline.

Filming of the series, based on the best-selling detective novels of Andrea Camilleri, has already resumed in Ragusa, putting the spotlight firmly back on this stunning area of south-eastern Sicily where Sicilian specialist, the Massimo Villa Collection has a tempting selection of some 40 quality rental properties.

Although the stories are set in the fictional Sicilian town of Vigàta, much of the show is filmed in the province of Ragusa including the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa while Montalbano's own headquarters are shot in neighbouring Scicli. 

Last year it was announced that Sicily was at risk of losing the cult series after the production team threatened to decamp to Puglia, following a disappointing lack of support from the Sicilian regional government.

A Sicilian born and raised, Massimo Provenza, MD of the Massimo Villa Collection, comments, “It would have been a massive loss for the island with Salvo Montalbano having become a literary icon of our region and a hugely positive influence on tourism. So it was wonderful to spot Luca Zingaretti, aka Inspector Montalbano, on a flight returning to Sicily and to witness the filming once more in Ragusa.”

The Baroque towns, rugged beauty and abundance of historical sites in the Val di Noto and the surrounding region have long been drawing visitors to this alluring corner. Now, with Montalbano back in production as well as the region's thriving arts scene and an array of Michelin starred restaurants, the area is attracting a new type of visitor. Among 40 villas offered by the Massimo Villa Collection that are within reach of Montalbano's south-eastern Sicily are:

Villa Liberty
This grand private residence within Noto itself, sleeping 10 guests, is surrounded by extensive private grounds with mature gardens, wide terraces and a large pool. Ornate stonework on the building's exterior gives the villa an air of theatrical grandeur with a wide stone staircase that sweeps down from the villa to the pool, framed by palm, lime, orange and lemon trees. Beautifully restored, the interiors combine traditional elegant furnishings with modern comforts, antique furniture and stunning high ceilings.
Price: The Massimo Villa Collection (+44(0)20 3529 8013, massimovillas.com) offers one week's self-catering rental for 10 people from €3,250.

Villa Gelsomino
Close to both Scicli and Ragusa, the villa blends old world character with modern comforts and touches of luxury. With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, the airy rooms with high ceilings and white-washed walls are designed with a contemporary twist and rustic simplicity. After a day on the Montalbano trail, the lovely swimming pool, illuminated at night and set in the lawned gardens, is an inviting setting for ultimate relaxation.
Price: The Massimo Villa Collection (+44(0)20 3529 8013, massimovillas.com) offers one week's rental for 10 people from €1,650.

Villa Hena
A traditional rustic farmhouse surrounded by vast lawns, fruit orchards and ancient olive trees, Villa Hena is in the heart of Val di Noto's quintessential Sicilian countryside. Renovated to a high standard and furnished mixing traditional and contemporary touches, the villa comfortably sleeps up to eight in four bedrooms with wooden beams and brilliant views. The master bedroom offers balconies with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the impressive pool below..
As well as visiting Ragusa, Modica and Scicli, Montalbano enthusiasts should not ignore what is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Sicily. Price: The Massimo Villa Collection (+44(0)20 3529 8013, massimovillas.com) offers one week's self-catering rental for 8 people from €2,500.

PRESS ENQUIRIES:

Rachel Agnel, Massimo Villa Collection, T: 020 3529 8013 or 07983 801 337 rachel@massimovillas.com

Julia Spence, Annabel Owen or Natalie Postlethwaite, Julia Spence Public Relations, T: 01491 824524 or 07802 443113 Email juliaspence.pr@gmail.com