Authentic experiences: our local tips
To make your stay even more special, we have collected some tips on what to see and where to eat in the surrounding area. From the wonderful baroque churches to the villages rich in history, to the restaurants where you can taste the real Sicilian cuisine, here you will find authentic suggestions for an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a lover of art, nature or good food, we have something for you!
01
Punta Secca: Montalbano's house
If you are a fan of Inspector Montalbano or simply a lover of Sicilian beauty, Punta Secca is a unique stop. This small seaside village, with its golden beach and quiet atmosphere, has become famous thanks to the house of the famous commissioner of the TV series. The building, overlooking the sea, is now a B&B, but you can admire it from the outside and take a photo on the terrace made iconic by the fiction.
Another symbol of the village is its majestic lighthouse, 34 meters high, built in the 19th century and still in operation today. During the day it dominates the landscape with its white silhouette, while in the evening it lights up creating a suggestive atmosphere. Perfect for a walk at sunset or to take breathtaking panoramic photos.
After exploring Punta Secca, treat yourself to a refreshing granita or a plate of fresh fish in one of the sea-view restaurants, for an authentic Sicilian experience.
02
Noto
If you love art, architecture and elegant atmospheres, Noto is a must-see. Known as the "Capital of Baroque", this splendid city in the Val di Noto is a UNESCO heritage site and a true jewel for the eyes.
The beating heart of the city is Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a scenic avenue lined with the most important historic buildings. Here you will find the majestic Cathedral of San Nicolò, with its iconic honey-colored facade that lights up with a golden light at sunset. Not far away, Palazzo Nicolaci, with its incredible decorated balconies, is a perfect example of Sicilian Baroque splendor.
If you visit Noto in May, don't miss the Infiorata, a spectacular event where Via Nicolaci is transformed into a carpet of colorful flowers, arranged to create wonderful artistic designs.
For a tasty break, try the granita with brioche in one of the historic pastry shops in the center, such as Caffè Sicilia, famous for the quality of its desserts and for the tradition it has carried on for generations.
Noto is a city to be experienced calmly, allowing yourself to be enchanted by its timeless beauty and the charm of its golden stones.
03
Buffalo mozzarella braid
If you love genuine products and want to taste the best of the Sicilian dairy tradition, I recommend you stop by Azienda Agricola Magazzé, located in the countryside near Marina di Ragusa. This family-run company specializes in the production of dairy products and cheeses made from buffalo milk, offering a unique and authentic gastronomic experience.
Here you can taste fresh buffalo mozzarella, burrata, ricotta and many other dairy products made with the highest quality milk, coming directly from the company's farms. Every bite tells the flavor of the most genuine Sicily, thanks to a production process that combines tradition and respect for animals.
In addition to cheeses, Magazzé also offers home cooking with typical dishes prepared with fresh and local ingredients. The agritourism restaurant is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch in the open air, where you can taste dishes based on buffalo and zero-mile products, all immersed in the tranquility of the Iblean countryside.
If you are looking for an authentic experience between good food and nature, a visit to Magazzé is absolutely recommended. Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends who want to discover the true flavors of Sicily!
04
Ragusa Ibla
If you want to immerse yourself in the most authentic and evocative Sicily, Ragusa Ibla is an unforgettable stop. This fascinating historic district of Ragusa, nestled between hills and rocky gorges, is one of the most extraordinary examples of Sicilian Baroque and is part of the UNESCO heritage of the Val di Noto.
Walking through its stone alleys, you will find yourself surrounded by elegant historic buildings, majestic churches and views that seem to come from a postcard. The heart of the city is Piazza Duomo, dominated by the splendid Cathedral of San Giorgio, with its imposing baroque façade and panoramic staircase.
One of the most suggestive spots is the Giardino Ibleo, an oasis of peace with a spectacular view of the valley, perfect for a romantic walk or a relaxing break.
If you are a fan of the Inspector Montalbano series, you will recognize many corners of Ragusa Ibla, used as sets for the investigations of the famous commissioner.
After exploring the city, treat yourself to dinner in one of the typical restaurants, where you can taste the cavatelli ragusani, the scaccia or the famous chocolate of Modica. The combination of baroque architecture, magical atmosphere and authentic flavors makes Ragusa Ibla one of the most fascinating destinations in Sicily.
05
Modica
Divided into Modica Alta and Modica Bassa, the city is characterized by scenic stairways, winding alleys and imposing monuments that tell of its glorious past.
One of the most beautiful symbols is the Duomo di San Giorgio, a baroque marvel that dominates the city from above with its imposing staircase. The Duomo di San Pietro, located in the lower part of Modica, is also an architectural masterpiece not to be missed.
In addition to its artistic beauty, Modica is famous throughout the world for its artisanal chocolate, prepared with an ancient Aztec technique that the Spanish populations brought to Sicily in the 16th century.
THE CHOCOLATE
Unlike common chocolate, Modica chocolate is processed "cold", without added cocoa butter, and retains a unique grainy texture, thanks to the sugar crystals that do not completely melt during processing. This artisanal method allows the intense flavor of cocoa to be enhanced and combined with natural ingredients such as cinnamon, chili pepper, vanilla, citrus fruits and even sea salt.
To savor it at its best, you can visit one of Modica's historic chocolate shops, such as Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily, or the shops that pass on this centuries-old tradition.
If you are in the area in December, don't miss ChocoModica, an event dedicated entirely to chocolate, with tastings, exhibitions and workshops to discover all the secrets of this specialty.
Modica is a city to be experienced calmly, allowing yourself to be conquered by its baroque elegance and the inebriating scents of its unique chocolate.
06
Marzamemi
This picturesque seaside village, located on the south-eastern coast of the island, between Pachino and Noto, enchants visitors with its golden stone houses, colorful boats and timeless atmosphere.
The beating heart of the village is Piazza Regina Margherita, surrounded by ancient fishermen's houses, characteristic places and the historic Tonnara di Marzamemi, one of the oldest in Sicily, which once represented the hub of the country's economy. Today the tonnara is a fascinating place where you can breathe in the history of tuna fishing, still very much felt in this area.
What to do in Marzamemi:
Stroll through the historic alleys and admire the contrast between the blue of the sea and the warm tones of the stone houses.
Enjoy an aperitif or a dinner with a sea view in the many restaurants that serve very fresh fish dishes, such as red tuna, bottarga and pasta with sea urchins.
Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of nearby beaches, such as San Lorenzo or the Vendicari Reserve, a natural paradise just a few kilometers away.
Buy typical products, such as the famous Pachino PGI tomato, artisanal tuna in oil and local wines, perfect as tasty souvenirs.
07
The Donnafugata Castle
If you want to immerse yourself in a fairytale atmosphere, the Donnafugata Castle, located a few kilometers from Ragusa, is an extraordinary destination. Despite its name, it is not a real medieval castle, but an elegant 19th-century noble residence, surrounded by an immense 8-hectare park with gardens, statues and a fascinating stone labyrinth.
The building, with its spectacular neo-Gothic façade and over 120 rooms, tells stories of Sicilian aristocracy, between luxury and mystery. The interiors, which can be visited, preserve period furnishings, frescoes and decorations that testify to the prestige of the ancient Arezzo de Spuches family, who lived there. The white stone labyrinth is one of the most curious attractions in the castle garden. Built with low limestone walls, it seems inspired by the labyrinths of European noble villas, even if it is much smaller than the monumental English or French ones. The entrance leads to an intricate path of alleys that test the visitors' sense of direction.
It is said that the labyrinth was used for games and challenges between nobles of the time, who enjoyed getting lost and finding themselves within its walls. Today it is a little gem for those who visit the castle, a perfect place to take suggestive photos and live a fun experience, especially for the little ones.
If you visit the castle, don't miss the chance to enter the maze and try to find the exit!
08
Scicli
Scicli is one of the pearls of the late Sicilian Baroque, included in the list of UNESCO sites of the Val di Noto. This small village in the south-east of Sicily fascinates with its elegance, its imposing churches and noble palaces carved in the golden stone typical of the area. Walking through the streets of the historic center, you will find yourself immersed in a timeless atmosphere, among scenarios that were the backdrop to the famous series Inspector Montalbano and glimpses that tell centuries of history and culture.
One of the most fascinating symbols of Scicli is the Palazzo Beneventano, defined by many as the most beautiful baroque palace in Sicily. Built in the 18th century, it stands out for its elaborate decorations: grotesque masks, cherubs and animal figures carved with incredible mastery on the facade. The elegant wrought iron balconies, supported by carved brackets, seem to tell stories of a sumptuous past, while its sinuous lines blend perfectly with the warm light of the local stone.
For those who love art and craftsmanship, a visit to the shop "I Colori del Sole" is an experience not to be missed. Located in the heart of Scicli, this atelier is an explosion of creativity and tradition, where you will find hand-painted canvases, brightly colored tapestries and fabrics that tell the story of Sicily through their textures and patterns. Each piece on display is a unique work, made with ancient techniques and natural materials, ideal for taking home an authentic memory of the island. Here you can breathe the passion for art and the desire to keep alive a centuries-old tradition, linked to the colors and culture of the Mediterranean.
WHERE TO EAT IN THE AREA
VoteVote
Andrea Doria Promenade, 97010, Ragusa Marina
Four Quarters
Mediterranean Seafront, 97100 Marina di Ragusa, Ragusa, Sicily Italy
Eduardo Pastry Shop
Via Roma 55, 97017, Santa Croce Camerina, Sicily Italy
BEACHES
23 km away you reach the beach of Sampieri, overlooked by sand dunes with typical Mediterranean vegetation.
Punta Cirica, Santa Maria del Focallo can be reached in 50 km.
A 15-minute drive will take you to the splendid Cava Randello Integral Nature Reserve with its woods equipped for picnics.
A 10-minute drive will take you to the uncontaminated Foce del Fiume Irminio Nature Reserve.
​