Southeastern Sicily
In the south east of Sicily the baroque heredity encounters a marvelous countryside protected with true natural reserves. In the same way, the returning tracts to the Magna Grecia and the ancient culinary traditions encounter each other.
Here are the ingredients that make Modica, Ragusa and Syracuse the next stops on your trip in Sicily and the first places to look for a villa to rent.
- Baroque routes in the deep south: the Noto Valley
- History, art and nature: Syracuse and surroundings
- The Hyblaean area: Modica and Ragusa
- White sand and a transparent sea: the southernmost shores of Sicily
- Nature reserves and archaeological sites: an itinerary
- South-eastern Sicily delicacies
The landscape of south-eastern Sicily is pleasant and varied: from the hills of the Noto Valley, studded with enchanting baroque towns, to the white sandy beaches of the seaside, where the water is clean and the shores are idyllic; the fascinating sceneries of the Hyblaean Mountains are made of yellowish hills with carob and almond groves separated by typical dry-stone walls, and house marvellous ancient cities sided by steep gorges and valleys such as Modica and Ragusa. Nature reserves like Vendicari and Plemmirio are true paradises rich in rare flora and fauna, and the seabed is varied and interesting – perfect for diving addicted.
The Baroque Towns of the Noto Valley are all UNESCO-protected: their artistic value is extraordinary and each one of them has its own character and peculiarities. Noto, Palazzolo Acreide and Scicli are a must-see, together with Modica, the city of chocolate, and Ragusa, with its stunning bridges and authentic atmosphere.
And then there is the marvellous, timeless city of Syracuse, with its outstanding archaeological park and museum, the most visited site in Sicily, and its beautiful historical centre set on the little island of Ortigia, where streets are sided by elegant palaces and squares are graced with lovely baroque buildings. The most important Greek colony of “Magna Grecia” is a city of mythology and striking landmarks, and its seaside promenade is best enjoyed while tasting some delicious local mulberry granita.
Beaches are stunning, no matter which one – from Calamosche to San Lorenzo, from Marina di Ragusa to Donnalucata; you can even visit the southernmost point of Sicily’s mainland in Portopalo di Capopassero – a tropical white sandy beach and a tiny island, Isola delle Correnti, where the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea meet.