Why Savoca and Forza d'Agrò?
Francis Ford Coppola filmed several of the most memorable Sicilian scenes for The Godfather in and around these two hilltop villages near Taormina, not in Corleone itself (which had modernised too much by the 1970s to look the part). The result is that Savoca and Forza d'Agrò remain some of the best-preserved, most cinematic villages in this part of Sicily — worth visiting for the scenery alone, even without the film connection.
Bar Vitelli — the legendary stop
The bar where a pivotal scene was filmed still operates today in Savoca, and it leans into its history without feeling like a tourist trap. It's a genuine, atmospheric stop for a coffee or a granita while taking in the village.
📍 Bar Vitelli on MapsWhat else to see in Savoca
Beyond Bar Vitelli, Savoca is worth wandering slowly — narrow stone streets, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, and views across the surrounding hills toward the coast. It's a small village, easily covered in an hour or two.
Forza d'Agrò
A short distance from Savoca, Forza d'Agrò offers more dramatic hilltop views and its own well-preserved medieval character, with several other film scenes shot in and around the village.
How to get there
Most visitors join a guided Godfather-themed tour that combines both villages, often with hotel pickup from Taormina — the easiest option given the winding mountain roads. Independent driving is possible if you're comfortable with narrow Sicilian hill roads and limited parking in the villages themselves.
Combining it with wine tasting
Several tour operators pair the Godfather villages with an Etna wine tasting on the same day, since the route passes near Etna's eastern vineyards — a good way to make the most of a full day out.