Latest news with #Agrigento
France 24
3 days ago
- France 24
Searchers seek missing after deadly Italy migrant shipwreck
As many as a dozen or more people are still unaccounted for following Wednesday's disaster, according to testimony from among the 60 survivors, mostly from Somalia. Three minors, including a newborn baby, and seven women and 13 men were among the dead, according to the prosecutor's office in Agrigento, on Sicily. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that those 23 died of drowning, according to the ANSA news agency. UN officials said 27 people were confirmed dead so far. The two boats had left Tripoli, Libya, earlier on Wednesday, Italy's coastguard said. It is believed one of the boats started taking on water, causing people to climb onto the other boat, which then capsized. At Lampedusa's cemetery on Thursday evening, where many of the bodies are being kept, some women came and left flowers, and prayed for the dead. "It seemed fitting, at least to stop by and say a prayer for these people who were seeking a better life," said Donata, a holidaymaker visiting the island who declined to give her family name. "They did nothing, and they died," she told AFP. 'Waves took them both' An Italian helicopter had spotted a capsized boat and several bodies in the water on Wednesday about 14 nautical miles off Lampedusa. One Somali woman lost her son and husband, according to an account reported by the Corriere della Sera newspaper. "I had my son in my arms and my husband beside me. I don't know how, but we found ourselves in the water. The waves took them both away from me," she said. Lampedusa, just 90 miles (145 kilometres) off the coast of Tunisia, is often the first point of arrival for people trying to reach Europe in leaky or overcrowded boats. But it is also a tourist hotspot, famed for its white sand beaches. On Thursday, it was filled with holidaymakers visiting for Friday's Ferragosto public holiday, with pleasure boats using the same port as the vessels searching for the missing. Deadly crossing Two of the survivors were taken by helicopter to Sicily for treatment, while the other 58 were being cared for in the reception centre on the island, according to the Red Cross. Twenty-one of them are minors and "generally in good health", said Imad Dalil, the Red Cross official who runs the reception centre. He said the majority of the survivors are Somali, with a few Egyptians. Around 95 people were on the boats, UN officials reported initially, but ANSA said it appeared there may have been more, perhaps 100 to 110 people. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, had earlier confirmed the toll of 27 dead. "Over 700 refugees and migrants have now died in 2025 in the Central Mediterranean", which the UN judges to be the world's deadliest maritime migrant crossing, he wrote on social media. "All responses -- rescue at sea, safe pathways, helping transit countries and addressing root causes -- must be strengthened," he said. Despite the tragedy laying bare the risks, the migrant boats kept coming. Four others were intercepted off Lampedusa overnight, according to the Red Cross, while more migrants arrived during Thursday. More than 260 people were being held in the reception centre waiting for processing as of Thursday evening, ANSA said. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered her "deepest condolences" to the victims and vowed to step up efforts to tackle migrant traffickers. Her hard-right government took office in 2022 vowing to cut the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe. More than 38,500 people have arrived on Italian shores so far this year, according to interior ministry figures. This is slightly up on last year but well below the 100,000 reported by the same time in 2023.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
The perfect holiday in Sicily, Italy's island of rich history, food and culture
Through the ages Sicily has been a crossroads and crucible of Mediterranean culture. The island today is a fascinating palimpsest, its history and abundant natural wonders ensuring that there's something for everyone: the historic cities of Palermo, Catania and Siracusa; the Etna region with its volcanic landscapes, fertile wine country and picture-perfect Taormina; Ragusa, Modica and the other honey-hued baroque towns of the south; the Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta; Roman sites like Piazza Armerina; miles of sandy beaches and secret rocky coves. And don't get us started on the food – from the couscous of Trapani to the pastries of Noto, it's a reason to visit in itself. With parts of the island on the same latitude as the north African coast, Sicily has a mild climate that makes it an attractive destination for much of the year: spring and autumn are a sheer delight and though high summer (July and August) temperatures really do soar, sea breezes in coastal areas take the edge off the heat. For further Sicily inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, beaches and things to do. How to spend your weekend When should I visit Sicily? Where to stay in Sicily Essential information: what to know before you go You'll need your own transport for exploring: apart from very few train routes, public services are scarce. On the east of the island, there's no getting away from the snowcapped silhouette of Sicily's very active volcano, Mount Etna. Its fertile lower skirts are a patchwork of drystone-walled vineyards, orchards and citrus groves sloping seawards. Hugely knowledgeable geologist-guides at Sicily Into Nature offer a range of trekking itineraries, which can be personalised on request. There's a meaty theme to restaurant Dai Pennisi in Linguaglossa, which calls itself a 'butcher's with kitchen'. Since 1960 the delightful Pennisi family has been a neighbourhood purveyor of some excellent locally produced meats. Now, they serve scrumptious steaks and the kind of hamburgers that put anything else peddled under that label to shame. Etna Rosso wine has come on apace in recent years, earning itself the moniker 'the Burgundy of Italy'. Explore its volcanic charms with knowledgeable American sommelier Benjamin Spencer of the Etna Wine School who leads winery visits and tastings but will also bring his Etna master classes to clients' hotels or rental villas. If anyone's still standing after the afternoon's wine experience, head into Taormina and splash out on a Bellini cocktail on the terrace of elegant Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – gents, wear that linen suit for the full effect. Afterwards, head to Tischi Toschi, which serves authentic island dishes such as caponata (a sort of Sicilian ratatouille) and pasta con le sarde (with sardines, wild fennel and raisins). For more restaurant recommendations, see our guide. The beach in the nature reserve of Foce del Belice, east of Selinunte, is a marvel – kilometres of golden sand and azure water. There are no ranks of umbrellas and deckchairs, and precious few beach bars in the area: put together a picnic and enjoy it in glorious seaside solitude. The further you're prepared to walk along the coast, the fewer people you'll encounter. For more beach recommendations, see our guide. The archeological site of Selinunte – a Greek city overthrown by Carthage in 409BC – occupies a spot with extraordinary sea views on the south-western coast. The tumbled ruins (the only standing temple is a reconstruction) are best visited with a guide: book one of the highly qualified art, archaeology and history specialists from island-wide network Passage to Sicily. If you're feeling adventurous, seek out the poorly sign-posted Cave di Cusa, located to the north-west of Selinunte. This was the city's abruptly abandoned quarry, where part-hewn and carved column sections stand in a romantic flower-strewn landscape. For dinner, indulge in some well prepared seafood at the super-friendly Ristorante Boomerang in Marinella di Selinunte: the menu consists of whatever came off the fishing boat that morning. Nearby Sciacca is a lively port town with a glorious baroque centro storico. The evening passeggiata brings the whole town out into the main drag. Finish up with a superlative lemon granita at the Bar Roma. Although sights in Sicily are very spread-out, it is (just) possible to 'do' parts of the island without hiring a car. For example, if you're based in historic seaside Cefalù, Palermo is 50 minutes and €7.10 away by train, while the two-hour trip to Agrigento will set you back just €10.50. Consult the Trenitalia website. Sicily is full of unexpected delights, like the almost entirely untouristic, historic town of Gangi in the Madonie hills, about 80km south of Palermo. After a look at the macabre mummified priests in the crypt of the church of San Nicolò, stroll through the lanes to Pasticceria Mantegna (via Giuseppe Fedele Vitale 120) to sample owner Natale Mantegna's legendary cucchie (almond and dried fruit pastries). To beat the crowds in Agrigento's spectacular Valle dei Templi arrive punctually for the 8.30am opening and park at the Temple of Juno entrance at the highest point of the archeological area. You'll have the whole place to yourself for half an hour, and even then, most visitors will be making their way through from the other direction. The Foresteria Planeta is a suavely chic hotel in Menfi, set amid vineyards and with a glorious view out to the distant Med. Even if you're not staying there, drop by for a cooking class with chef Angelo Pumilia. The freshness of the all-local ingredients is astounding. Even more than the rest of Italy, Sicily is a cash economy. Don't expect to be able to pay with credit cards in bars and cafés, and save a few euro notes for the final fill-up if you're taking a hire car back to the airport. Sicily has a mild climate that makes it an attractive destination for much of the year. Bear in mind that Sicily has a much longer warm-weather season than northern and central Italy. If you're lucky, it's possible to sunbathe and swim in the sea well into November, and spring starts early: in many areas, the ground is carpeted with wild flowers at the end of February. The best spa in Sicily sprawls across 4,000 modernist metres in the swish Verdura Resort on the little-visited south coast. There are also two 18-hole golf courses. West of the charming baroque town of Sciacca, the hotel is ideally placed for visiting two of Sicily's most impressive Greek temple complexes: Agrigento and Selinunte. Double rooms from €350 (£300) Seven Rooms Villadorata is a devastatingly gorgeous feast for the senses housed in a wing of the most extravagant baroque palazzo in Sicily. Expect high ceilings, soaring windows with white shutter doors and heavy linen curtains, original encaustic tiled floors, and on your supremely comfortable beds, delicately puckered white silk quilts and blue alpaca throws. Double rooms from €340 (£291) British embassy in Rome: 00 39 06 4220 0001; Tourist offices and information: The official Regione Sicilia tourism website is at Tourist information offices can be found at all three Sicilian airports, at ferry ports, and in the main towns. Three of the more useful are: Palermo ( Catania ( and Taormina ( Emergency services: Dial 112 (Carabinieri); 113 (State Police) Currency: Euro Telephone codes: From the UK, dial 00 39 plus the area code with the zero Time difference: +1 hour Flight time: From London to all three Sicilian airports is just under three hours Organised crime is, regrettably, in Sicily's DNA but most visitors to the island will never be aware of it. It's the locals – and especially local businesses – who suffer most, and protection rackets are a harsh reality. AddioPizzo (farewell to protection payments) is a civil society group grouping businesses, organisations and individuals who refuse to hand over money to the Mafia. There's a handy map of participating companies on the website. Drivers are required to keep a reflective yellow/orange bib inside the car, to be worn if they break down or have an accident and need to get out of the car (they come as standard with hire cars). When driving outside of built-up areas, you are legally required to keep your headlights on at all times, even during the day. Italians always say hello and goodbye in social situations – including when entering or leaving shops, bars etc. A simple 'buongiorno' in the morning or 'buonasera' in the afternoon or evening goes a long way (and it covers both hello and goodbye). If you're invited to dinner, flowers (not chrysanthemums, which are only for funerals) or chocolates for the hostess are a more usual gift than a bottle of wine. Anne Hanley and Lee Marshall have lived in Italy for 40 years, first in Rome and now in the Umbrian countryside. Anne designs gardens and writes; Lee writes and cycles. They are both passionate about Sicily – its wine, its food and its extraordinary culture. Plan the ultimate two-week tour of Sicily with our expert's itinerary here. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Local Italy
28-05-2025
- Health
- Local Italy
REVEALED: The Italian cities with the 'best' quality of life for retirees
Want to get the most out of your retirement in Italy? Look to the north. That's the main takeaway from a ranking of the best Italian cities for residents aged over 65 published by Italian financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore on Monday. All of the top ten-ranked cities were in the north of the country, with the top three concentrated in the northeastern Triveneto area. At the head of the pack was the city of Bolzano, near Italy's border with Austria, which regularly tops quality of life rankings. South Tyrol's capital scored highly for its above-average social spending on the elderly, life expectancy, and availability of libraries, as well as low rates of use of medication for chronic health conditions and anti-obesity drugs. In second place came Treviso, north of Venice, which performed well in all areas except for the number of nurses per 100,000 inhabitants. The Veneto city was followed by Trento, which topped the list for life expectancy. Rounding out the top ten were Como, Cremona, Verona, Vicenza, Lodi, Parma and Aosta. Of the top 40 towns and cities ranked, 38 were in the north, with the central city of Macerata appearing in 25th place, and Nuoro, Sardinia, ranked 39th. 36 of the bottom 40 cities, by contrast, were in the centre-south, with just Savona (74th place), Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (90th), Imperia (92nd) and Massa-Carrara (93rd) located in the north. Southern Italian towns and cities were penalised due to the lower availability of public services, including hospital beds, as well as lower amounts paid out in pensions in the poorer half of the country. At the very bottom of the list, in 107th place was the Sicilian city of Trapani, which performed poorly on almost all metrics including life expectancy, public spending on the elderly, and availability of libraries and green spaces. Agrigento, on Sicily's western coastline, came 106th, preceded by Reggio Calabria at 105th. They were joined in the bottom ten by Vibo Valentia, Messina, Crotone, Terni, Caltanissetta, Caserta and Cosenza. Rome ranked towards the middle of the pack at 63rd place, performing worse than Venice (24th), Bologna (27th), Milan (34th), and Florence (46th). Palermo came in a low 89th, but still managed to beat Naples (91st). While such rankings provide a clear picture of a town or city's social and health services and public amenities, they often fail to consider factors that may have an equally strong bearing on quality of life. Il Sole 24 Ore's survey, for example, didn't take into account climate, cost of living, or access to nature – all things that people looking to retire in Italy from abroad are likely to consider important. Readers responding to our surveys in the past have recommended southern or central Italy as the best place to retire, pointing to the warm weather, long stretches of coastline, and friendliness of locals.
