Staying in Marina di Ragusa means having one of the most fascinating territories of southeastern Sicily within easy reach: the Iblean Baroque. Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli, all reachable in about half an hour's drive from Baia del Sole, form a perfect itinerary for a day away from the beach, amidst stone alleyways, monumental churches and unique flavours.
Ragusa Ibla, the Baroque jewel
Ragusa Ibla is the ancient heart of the city, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake according to the canons of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through its alleys means discovering the majestic Cathedral of San Giorgio, the noble palaces, and the panoramic gardens overlooking the valley. It is the ideal place for a stroll with stops in the artisan shops and typical venues of the historic centre.
Modica, between alleys and PGI chocolate
A few kilometres from Ragusa, Modica unfolds along a spectacular valley carved into the rock, with two overlapping historic centres connected by striking stairways. In addition to its Baroque heritage, with the Cathedral of San Giorgio as its most iconic landmark, Modica is world-renowned for its cold-processed chocolate, a Protected Geographical Indication: a delightful stop not to be missed during your visit.
Scicli: The Locations of Inspector Montalbano
Scicli completes the triptych of Iblean Baroque with a more compact but no less charming historic centre, also made famous by the filming of the Inspector Montalbano television series. Palazzo Beneventano, the Church of Santa Maria La Nova, and the three hills overlooking the town offer evocative views, perfect for photography enthusiasts too.
How to organise your day starting from the hotel
The three towns are only a few kilometres apart, allowing you to visit them all in a single day, starting from Baia del Sole. You could dedicate the morning to Ragusa Ibla, the early afternoon to Modica for lunch and a chocolate snack, and the late afternoon to Scicli before returning to your hotel for dinner by the sea. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, each town can be combined with half a day by the sea and relaxing on the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iblean Baroque
How far are Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli from Marina di Ragusa?
The three towns are a 20 to 35-minute drive from Marina di Ragusa and Hotel Baia del Sole, and are easily connected to each other.
Is it possible to visit them all in one day?
Yes, with good time management, it's possible to visit Ragusa Ibla, Modica, and Scicli in a single day, although to enjoy them more leisurely, you could dedicate half a day to each, spreading the visit over two days.
What not to miss under any circumstances?
The Cathedral of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla, the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica with its monumental staircase, the PGI Modica chocolate and the historic centre of Scicli with Palazzo Beneventano are the most representative stops.
Is it worth travelling by car?
Yes, the car is the most convenient way to connect the three cities on the same day, although the historic centres are strictly visited on foot.
Book your stay at the Baia del Sole Hotel in Marina di Ragusa and use the structure as an ideal base to explore the Iblean Baroque, with a mix of sea, relaxation, and culture.