Books about Sicily abound. You can read about the crumbling glamor of the aristocracy in The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, or if mysteries are your thing, the very popular Inspector Montalbano novels by Andrea Camilleri will keep you busy. Although it can be difficult to find books in English, there is usually a small shelf hidden away, just ask. Here we have rounded up some of the best bookstores to visit on Sicily.
laFeltrinelli
Bookstore
Novecento
Bookstore
Flaccovio
Bookstore
Libreria Sellerio
Libreria Sellerio
If you are spending day at the beach in Mondello, this small seafront bookshop is worth a browse. You are sure to find the entire series of the Inspector Montalbano mysteries by Andrea Camilleri (in Italian), which include some history of the town.
Libreria Sellerio, Viale Regina Elena, 59, Palermo, Sicily, +39 091 684 1612
Modusvivendi Libreria
Bookstore
Via Vittorio Emmanuele
Bookstore
Via Vittorio Emmanuele
If you love the hunt, head to the Via Vittorio Emanuele, a street full of small bookshops with used books of all kinds.
Via Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo, Sicily
Italian Bookstore | ©Arne Kösel/Flickr
Square Books
Square Books
An initiative of Gammazita, an organization that redevelops urban spaces in Catania, Square Books is an open-air book and newspaper swap, where people leave and lend books in a public space. There is also a small café, Wi-Fi is available, and occasionally events are held here too.
Square Books, Piazza Federico di Svevia, 92, Catania, Sicily
Castello Ursino Bookshop
Museum
Castello Ursino Bookshop
The Castello Ursino Bookshop is located inside the historic and quirky Castello Ursino castle in the center of Catania. In addition to a carefully curated collection of titles, there is a small gallery space for art and photography shows, as well as occasional workshops for children.
The Castello Ursino Bookshop, Piazza Federico II, Catania, Sicily, +39 389 831 1925
Taobuk
Taobuk
In mid-summer, the Sicilian town of Taormina hosts the Taobuk book festival. In addition to the many titles available, there are author talks, theatre performances and other events held in the dramatic setting of the Greek theatre, as well as in piazzas and smaller venues throughout the festival.
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