The Duomo di San Giorgio in Modica is absolutely stunning! It’s a beautiful example of Sicilian Baroque style and sits high up on a massive staircase with 250 steps, giving you amazing views of the city. The church itself has this grand, three-tiered façade and a really intricate interior, full of details that show off Modica’s rich history and artistic flair. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is pretty cool. If you’re fit enough to tackle the steep stairs, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Modica’s terracotta rooftops. Definitely a must-see if you’re ever in the area!

The Chiesa di San Giorgio offers a distinct and rewarding experience compared to other Modica churches. Located high up in Modica Superiore, the journey to the entrance is half the reward: you ascend via a series of majestic, tiered staircases, which were beautifully covered with blooming flowers during our visit, making the climb feel incredibly scenic. Once you reach the top, the panoramic view of the city of Modica, with its Baroque rooftops spilling down the hillside, is spectacular and completely worth the effort. Crucially, the church felt noticeably less crowded than its counterpart, Chiesa San Pietro. This provided a much more contemplative and peaceful atmosphere, allowing us to fully appreciate the dramatic architecture and the quiet grandeur of the surrounding urban landscape. San Giorgio is considered one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture and is often hailed as a masterpiece of the style, particularly by the famed architect Rosario Gagliardi. The imposing façade, which seems to rise organically from the staircase, is truly breathtaking. If you only have time for one Baroque masterpiece in Modica, or if you prefer a quieter, more scenic visit with an incredible payoff view, San Giorgio is the absolute must-see.

The Cathedral of Saint George stands as a majestic testament to Sicilian Baroque architecture, captivating visitors with its ornate facades, elaborate sculptures, and soaring domes. Dating back to the 14th century, the cathedral has undergone various renovations and expansions, each adding to its grandeur and historical significance. Stepping inside the play of light on marble surfaces and the intricate detailing of the interior create an atmosphere of reverence and wonder. One of the highlights of a visit to Modica Cathedral is ascending its bell tower, offering panoramic views of the cityscape below. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Sicilian craftsmanship and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural tapestry of this region.

Duomo di San Giorgio is a stunning Baroque cathedral in Sicily, known for its dramatic façade and rich history. A must-see for architecture and culture lovers.

A must-see sight in Modica. Wonderful flowers and bushes around, very well maintained building, one of Modica's landmarks.

Fantastic views of Modica from the bell tower

2€for bell tower well worth it

A visit to Castello di Donnafugata in Ragusa is truly a magical experience. I highly recommend purchasing the full package, as it allows you to enjoy every part of this unique site. The Costume Hall is a real highlight, showcasing a fascinating collection of costumes from different eras – a journey through history brought to life with elegance and detail. The castle itself is beautifully preserved, giving you a glimpse into its grandeur and the stories hidden within its walls. Stepping outside, the gardens are simply outstanding. Take your time to explore the lush greenery, the charming pathways, and the grand terrace, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. A must-try activity is the labyrinth in the garden – fun, a little mysterious, and perfect for both adults and children. From history and culture to nature and play, Castello di Donnafugata offers it all. A place where the past meets beauty, making it an unforgettable stop in Ragusa. 🌿🏰✨

Absolute must see. Beautiful costume museum and 29 well furnished rooms to get a sense how Sicilian nobles lived. Charming garden with a labyrinth.

A great experience! I recommend this castle. For a small fee, you are busy for at least 3 hours. A very interesting & informative costume display, a big tour inside the castle rooms with very detailed info panels that guide you and a very nice and big garden to wander in. The garden especially is very attractive and entertaining. Access is given even to the labyrinth of the castle. I hope they will start working on upkeeping/restoring the rooms in the castle to prevent more decay, it would be a pity otherwise.

So interesting history and so many things to do there. It was definitely one of the highlights for our trip. You pay only 4€ to go inside the castle and another 3€ to go at the gardens and higher at the tower. For me it's a must visit place!

Wonderful place where you can easily spend the whole day, especially if you have kids. Both the neo-gothical castle and the surrounding areas offer various activities and things to see and learn. Part of the ground floor of the castle is dedicated to a fashion exposition that has many original historic garments and dresses on display. Its well worth visiting if only from the historical perspective. The self-guided tour of the castle itself will take you through many different rooms containing various pieces of vintage furniture and decorations. Some of the rooms are nicely restored, but some are in dire need of maintenance. Afterwards, we were directed to visit the vast castle gardens, which are beautiful and well maintained and feature interesting structures, like the intricate labyrinth. In addition, a small cafe/souvenir shop is located directly in the castle, while a couple of restaurants and a gelateria can be found just at the entrance to the castle. However, we didn't visit either of them. There is also a small cattle farm and even a tiny playground behind the restaurants. If arriving by car, you can park for free on the access road, but you stand a better chance to park on the paid parking for €2.50/day per vehicle. Overall, we enjoyed the visit to the Donnafugata cadtle and definitely recommend this place if you are in the area.

A fantastic Castello of history and also the Meseo of Costumes was such a great insite to what was worn dating back many hundreds of years. Very original furniture which was a pleasure to see first hand. The massive gardens that surrounded the Castello was great too

Very good experience; castle is nice outside, rooms inside are very well preserved….it seems a little royal palace. Each room has a description. Garden is pleasant, it is not huge but you can spend time outside and enjoy…also the labyrinth.

Superb monument. Looks great from all nearby streets. Wonderful backdrop to the town of Ibla. Do yourself a favour and go visit this church even if to only stick your head inside for a few minutes.

Beautiful church that leaves a lasting impression on you. It looks out over a square which is also a great place to hang for a while. There weren’t many people around so it was very pleasant.

Ornate The Duomo di San Giorgio in Ragusa is a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, perched at the top of a dramatic flight of stairs. Entry is free, making it a must-visit landmark. The ornate façade and peaceful interior offer a memorable cultural and spiritual experience, with beautiful frescoes and intricate details. A true highlight of Ragusa!

A truly imposing church in Ragusa. It can be seen from the lower side of the square and gives you a sense of superiority. I visited it during Holy Week and also attended the rehearsals for the church organ. It is worth seeing. The place does not have a ticket.

Beautiful Church with amazing photo opportunities both inside and out

Make sure to visit during sunset or early evening. The colors look amazing.

Pay 3 euro to access the spiral staircase to get above the church,

Beautiful and well maintained garden featuring a small playground for children. It makes a good starting point for your exploration of the historical part of Ragusa, especially if you park your car at the adjacent paid parking area. Definitely worth the visit.

Beautiful park with impressive architecture and plenty of seating in the sun as well as in the shadows. Lots of cats, dogs are allowed and the cats are fine with it, no drama.

A lovely garden with amazing views of the valley below . You will find washrooms on the site . A good array of flowers but it depends on the time of year you visit . The site is well maintained and a great place for kids to play in the playground. Take a break and relax .

Nice garden with great views on the valley. It's clean and it has several benches to sit down and enjoy the weather and the breeze. Nice place to relax for a bit and charge the battery in Ragusa Ibla. We are happy we visited.

Nicest, cleanest, only well-maintained Park I have seen in Sicily in the past 10 days!

Well manicured, plenty of places to sit, a beautiful fountain. A great place to take a break from the heat when walking around Ragusa Ibla.

To go place when visiting Ragusa. You can park on nearby parking places. Be sure to pay the parking as there is lady comming regularly checking license numbers for valid ticket. You can see the whole park and go by walk to old city which is just next to it. Lot of cafeteria and restaurant and shops. This is the nicest park of Ragusa.

Just visited for the evening. And watch the sunset

Absolutely idyllic place to stay. Breakfast on the gorgeous terrace provided by the wonderful Vanessa and her delicious cakes couldn't be better. Our room was bright and spotlessly clean with everything you need for a few days holiday. Pefect location.

Great location direct access to a beach. Very clean and tidy, facilities are good, cooking facilities, fridge/freezer, utensils etc. Lovely shower room and wc area. Plenty of wardrobe space and hangers shelves and drawers.

The place is stunning, the view is breathtaking. The rooms and bathrooms are clean and welcoming. Breakfast on the terrace of Montalbano with a spectacular view is not to be missed. Furthermore, the whole team was very welcoming, nice, and always available. Too beautiful, we will return :)

One of the undoubted highlights of my life. The location, the views, and the sunsets are outstanding. The rooms and use of the living room, dining room and terrace make this an immense joy to stay here. Ivana and her colleagues make you feel very much at home. Punta Secca is a small but perfectly formed place, may it and Casa Montalbano never change.

La Casa Di Montalbano was an absolutely charming little BnB! Ivana and her team—Simone and Agata—were so warm and welcoming, and extremely available for our every need. The rooms were spacious and clean, and the breakfast was delicious. We took our mom here for her 70th birthday, as she is a big Montalbano fan, and it was so fun to stay in the house and get the full Montalbano experience. There are also some AMAZING restaurants in Punta Secca. But that wasn't all there is! Punta Secca is very well connected to the southeast part of Sicily. We took day trips to Siracusa, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Arminaria (to see the Villa del Casale Romano), and we also managed to squeeze in a beach day at Marina di Ragusa. All in all, we had an amazing tip and would highly recommend this BnB to any lovers of Montalbano, or even just of Sicily!

Simply the best place on earth ! Very welcomed team, very clean, apartment equipped of beach front umbrellas and chairs, fully equipped kitchen and given sea towels too ... I cannot recommend this place more than ever. With the best view and located ON THE BEACH, you will have a dream coming true time ... We spent our honeymoon with our kids, we will be coming back very soon ... Best place EVER ... thanks to Ivana, Daria and the Owner Pietro ... you all made our time the best memorie to look for ...

Small fee to get in as expected. Very good example of a church built in the time period. Some exceptional paintings.

Our visit to the Chiesa San Pietro in Modica was marked by an unexpected glimpse into the vibrant, elegant life of the community. We visited on a Sunday, and the church was fully packed, clearly hosting a major special event—complete with the presence of national TV (RAI), high-ranking police chiefs, politicians, and a congregation that was incredibly well-dressed and chic. It offered a beautiful, lively contrast to the quiet stone streets. The church itself is a beautiful example of Modica's impressive Baroque architecture. The façade, bathed in the Sicilian sun, looked stunning, creating a perfect photo opportunity. The most striking element is the monumental staircase leading up to the entrance, flanked by the statues of the twelve Apostles. Inside, the church is nicely styled in the Baroque tradition, featuring rich ornamentation, marble altars, and intricate stuccowork, providing the characteristic grandeur expected of a Sicilian Duomo. Even without the special event, the church is a must-see for its historical and architectural value. However, catching it during a day of local celebration gave us a unique feeling of being part of Modica's cultural and spiritual heart, showing a vibrant, sophisticated side of the city. Highly recommended for a visit, especially if you can catch a local event in progress!

One of my most memorable churches visited while in Sicily and probably the most easily accessible Modica church which is located on one of its main streets. This is another church which fits into a category in my mind of “hidden treasure chests”. Somewhat unassuming on its exterior, yet splendorous within. The altar is stunning and early evening was a superb time to see it!

I’m from Tuscany, a region filled with Renaissance masterpieces and world-renowned landmarks—but Sicily never stops amazing me. The Duomo di San Pietro in Modica is truly one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever stepped into. The interior is majestic, peaceful, and surprisingly refreshing. There’s a sense of grandeur without being overwhelming, and the Baroque details are simply stunning. If you’re traveling through Sicily and have the chance to pass by Modica, don’t miss it. This cathedral is an absolute gem—both spiritually and architecturally.

The Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle is a magnificent church, a symbol of Sicilian Baroque. The facade, with its staircase and statues of the apostles, is imposing and evocative, especially when illuminated at night. The interior is impressive for its decorations, stucco and peaceful, meditative atmosphere. A place of worship worth visiting if you find yourself in Modica.

Artistic Mastery Passed this during our walk through Modica’s historic center. A close-up of the statue of St. Peter standing proudly before the Duomo of San Pietro in Modica captures the spiritual heart of this Baroque city. Set against a vivid blue sky, the intricately sculpted figure adds a dramatic focal point to the church’s grand staircase. The detailing of the statue, from the flowing robes to the symbolic keys, reflects deep religious significance and artistic mastery.

The Duomo di San Pietro Apostolo showcases magnificent Baroque architecture, featuring a stunning staircase adorned with statues of the twelve apostles in front of its facade.

100% recommended if you’re in the area! Guaranteed to be a fantastic and unique evening, offering a great glimpse into the business of Enrico and his wife. He guides you through the tour with passion and serves delicious food!

Just had a wonderful tour of this beautiful family garden/ farm. They truly provided a wonderful experience and delicious meal. Thank you for a lovely experience.

This is a sensory experience of smell, taste and natural beauty presented by the most informative host Enrico and his beautiful chef wife Rita who open their hearts to you with their hospitality The herb farm is remarkable with many different varieties of herbs which are reflected in the food prepared by chef Rita best of all you can take the experience home with you in the delicious products they offer for sale enjoy the sea and sunset along with the aroma of fresh herbs

A wonderful experience that fills all the senses! An incredible view, the scent of a huge array of beautiful herbs and the taste of wonderful food prepared with love as is the Sicilian way! Enrico gave the tour in the most natural bilingual way I’ve ever seen, with humour and warmth. His passion for what he does is obvious. We enjoyed every minute.. in fact we were the last to leave after our delicious lunch because it’s the sort of place you’d just stay in all day. Can’t wait to come back!

Wow. What an experience and amazing find during our trip to Sicily! The property is gorgeous and smells amazing. We were greeted with the most amazing mint water and herb almonds upon arrival and everything was even better from there. Enrico led a wonderful tour and it’s so clear how passionate he is about his mission. He’s hysterical and it was amazing to watch him flip from Italian to english quickly. Then we were served one of the best meals I’ve had family style after the tour. Wine on tap, ending in dancing to a great dj. What a night 10/10. Go here!!!

In my nearly 2 week tour of Sicily this was the highlight. Enrico and Rita are very welcoming. The herb farm is beautiful. The views as well. Rita treated us to a special lunch. The Pasta with Anchovies was superb! Thank you. Will see you in NY.

Enrico and Rita provided my family with the most amazing lunch and tour experience. Enrico’s humor, passion and knowledge blends together seamlessly as he walks us through thousands of herbs, encouraging us to taste and smell, quizzing us on what we tried. His business vision is truly neat to experience firsthand. Rita’s cooking was delicious, encapsulating many of the scents and flavors we just experienced! We took home beautiful preserves to enjoy at home. A must-do and true highlight on our Sicilian vacation

Marisco features a simple interior. The premises are clean, and modern music is played, often at a louder volume. The service at Marisco was good. The waitress was friendly. Orders were taken and served promptly. The presentation of the dishes was simple but appealing. The quality of the ingredients was good, reflected in the taste of the dishes. We enjoyed an appetizer, a first and second course, accompanied by sparkling wine for the appetizer and white wine for the main course. The price-performance ratio is aligned with the restaurant’s location. The high foot traffic and the prime location are reflected in the prices. A unique feature is the option to choose fresh lobster or crayfish from an aquarium for personal preparation. Marisco is a good restaurant in a prime location. It is a great place to have dinner after a long day at the beach.

You know those evenings when everything goes wrong and the night is ruined? That was exactly our experience here. The red prawns were squashed, and I had definitely eaten fresher ones just a couple of days earlier in Syracuse. Nobody cleaned the prawns properly — the vein was still there. The wine list is small, and not all the wines were available (for example, no Donnafugata). Service is focused on quantity, not quality. They brought the appetizers but forgot the plates. Cutlery was not completely clean. Dishes took a long time to arrive. Throughout the whole evening I just wanted to leave. They spoiled both the evening and my appetite. Dirty plates are only taken away if you put them on the edge of the table — otherwise, the waiters just ignore them when they pass by. We were seated between two tables full of kids who were screaming, shouting (honestly, it felt like having dinner with wine in a kindergarten) and watching cartoons on their phones. Not exactly a romantic dinner. Please, create some zoning — couples separately, families with kids separately. And if that’s not possible, at least warn your guests in advance. How does this place have a 4-star rating? It should be around 3.3 at best. For mass tourism — maybe okay. In the end, this felt more like a noisy family canteen on the beach than a seafood restaurant. Fine if you just want to eat quickly and feed the kids — but it’s the embodiment of the worst side of Sicily. Owners, what did you expect when you seat people this way without informing them? You deserve this remark and this review. And don’t even dream of the Michelin Guide — this is not your league.

We called in here as we were passing at about 8pm (off season), no issues getting a table. Food was delicious, as was the recommended wine. The staff were friendly and helpful. The prices are good and value for money.

Matisco was able to accommodate a group of 12 hungry cyclists at the end of our first day. The selections on the menu were vast and the staff were helpful even with the language barrier. The freshest seafood and pasta. I had the muscles and the seafood ravioli with pistachio sauce. Very delightful.

Great spot, food fantastic I'd recommend booking.

This is predominantly a seafood resturant. We rere a party of 6 and everyone had different dishes with the same consensus thathey would definately re order the same next time. Staff were attentive and helpful Reasonably priced for the high quality of food

the food is really really great, the service is good aswell and the ambient has rlly good music, it looks modern and the bathrooms are also clean.

We had a very nice visit to this unique gem. 100% worth a stop if you are visiting this region of Sicilia. The little lady does her very best at explaining everything and she is the one who makes the experience unique in nature as it is part of her family history. There is also a guesthouse, B&B on the same property. Very modern and newly built (see pictures for booking details)

A fascinating little museum off the beaten track near Ipsica. We were shown around by the owner who was charming. An excellent audio tour and really informative history of rural Sicilian life.

Very fun experience. A unique old water mill that has been in the family for generations. The old miller's house, washing room, and collection of items used by these miller's are nice to see. To see the mill in action is quite impressive!

Very well kept museum, the mill is in full working order and the flour produced can be bought from the museum shop. Super friendly and well informed staff, and beautiful area to visit ❤️

Fantastic place. We slept at the accommodation which is in the middle of the peaceful sicilian countryside and then had a private tour of this fascinating mill. It is a family run place built into the natural rock. It is both a museum and a beautiful accommodation. The owners are extremely hospitable. Highly recommended.

Small forth generation privately owned cave flour mill. The last one of 26 in existence in the workd. For those interested in the old ways of producing what we eat, this is a living museum owned, lived in and operated by the same family. Alessandro and his mother are the guides. It is a window in to a world of a quickly disappearing past. You can buy the flour there, ground right in front of you. We bought one for making bread and pizza and a more finely ground flour for making fresh pasta. This museum gives you a glimpse into how in relatively modern times people lived, still live, had families and worked in some of the hillside caves. This is a place worth supporting by visiting and buying some of its flour...it is 2.50 euros a kilo. What a great gift for the baker in your life. Please visit and give them your supprt.

Absolutely great. We loved it, including the kids. They also have an extra 2 euro a great audio system that explains for each room what needs to be known. They have also a coffee and a small shop which sales local products like olive oil, cheese, etc. Rarely seen such a commitment and perfection in a family museum. Definitely and’ experience to do

Large open expanse on beach. Clean and the sea was beautiful. We are parked easily on the free car parking area and there was also plenty of space on the road side. There are showers as well. Take an umbrella and sunscreen as there is very little shade.

Nice wide beach, but very few restaurants

Very empty. Free parking on cross streets and on the shoulder of the road. Free showers. You may have to walk over the dunes depending where you park but paths have been made were the showers are located. No shade, so bring your own. Water is very clean and they had raked the beach. The wind was high at 18 but we put ourselves against the dune and brought rope to stake our umbrella. We set up a distance from the lido and we're entertained by the sail boats and kite surfers. The lido plays loud music so keep this in mind for proximity. A lovely few hours of peace with our own umbrella, folding loungers and pareas and clothes pins to create more shade. Highly recommend this blue flag beach.! We saw many fish jumping out of the water. No trash containers so please pack out everything you bring in.

There is almost nobody during this time of the year. Beach was not very clean, my kids have found 5cm piece of glass in the sand in water. In general the beaches are not clean in Sicily, at least not in this part. Parking was a bit difficult to find because there is no parking directly where the navigation leads. It is just a middle of the street with no option to enter the beach. Btw, I've found this particular beach as one of the top 7 beaches of Sicily.

Beautiful public beach. Soft sand, sand dunes with greenery, and not too crowded. You have to park by the side of the road, but there are plenty of spaces later in the afternoon. There are no cafes or amenities, but that's a minor issue given everything else.

Very nice place for swiming and stay vacancy there

Nice beach. Quit and pretty clean. I would definitely go there again.

Intricate The Antico Portale di San Giorgio in Ragusa offers a striking glimpse into medieval history. This ornate 13th-century gothic doorway, all that remains of the original church, stands beautifully preserved in the sun. Near the Giardino Ibleo, it’s a quiet, scenic stop perfect for photos and adds a thoughtful moment of reflection on the passage of time.

Impressive but currently covered in scaffolding. Glad it is being protected and restored.

Great piece of history

Amazing

Famous place 🤷🏻‍♂️

Close to the gardens, worth a stop :)

Beautiful

Nice, tiny private museum, where Sig Carmelo enthusiastically shows how was the life of the family of his grandfather, who lived in the caves over the town. On display there are many old items from their daily life and his workshop where he creates various artistic and souvenir bits. One cave includes a nice, elaborate Nativity scene. A surprising place definitely worth the short walk upstairs from the town..

We had a unique and authentic experience visiting Carmelo and his space. Definitely a worthwhile visit while in Ragusa! Grazie, i tuoi amici di New York City!

Carmelo is a pleasure. Despite not speaking any English, he manages to make the story of his family come alive in the grotto where they lived for the past 150 years. He is most passionate about his spinning tops and the other crafts that he makes by hand and sells in the grotto. He would be elated to demonstrate how they work.

This kind of museum really needs to stay around. It shows not just older people but also the younger ones how life in Sicily used to be. It’s something you don’t get to see every day, and it makes us appreciate even more what we had. Thanks, Carmelo, for the stories and for welcoming us into your museum. Multe multumiri din Romania

Carmelu is the most wonderful, kind, empathetic soul you could imagine. He gives you a detailed explanation (in Italian, but understandable either way) of his family history in the cave as well as all the works he has produced and hand made there since. I can only sincerely recommend you go to this very personal and special place. Grazie Mille Caremlu - nni videmu!

Ron Carmelo is such a kind soul. My husband and I enjoyed learning about his family and seeing all the various knick knacks collected over the years. He doesn’t speak any English, but we got by with the very limited Italian I know. Even with the language barrier, the tour of his home and hearing about his family history was one of the highlights of my trip.

The owner/grandson of the family who lived in the cave was very nice and gave a very detailed explanation of how his ancestors used to live. This visit is highly recommended as it is an authentic experience and the owner also shared a game with us that he used to play as a child. He now makes and sells this game 🙂

The Penna Furnace was built between 1909 and 1912. The site of "Punta Pisciotto" was chosen for several reasons: the sufficiently deep seabed for ship docking, the presence of a nearby railway, a clay quarry about 200 meters away for raw materials, and ample water availability from a local karstic spring. The facility produced bricks, exported to many Mediterranean countries. Operations ran from sunrise to dusk, May to September, and ceased with the onset of rain. The furnace's activity ceased on the night of January 26, 1924, due to an arson that destroyed it within hours. A discarded letter attributed the act to socialists.

An interesting piece of industrial heritage overlooking some splendid sea views. A must visit for all Montalbano fans as it was filmed as the notorious 'mannara'.

This place has a history and a mysterious one too as to why it closed. It's just ruins but the panoramic view from there at sunset is breathtaking!

very nice place just at the end of sampieri beach. there are fences so you cant really get in, for safety purposes, but is just nice to walk around if you are in the area.

Interesting location and the history of why this place has been burned down to stop industrialisation. This place was giving work to a hundred people and somebody thought this was not good! Stunning beach around and no facilities. So bring your water!

Really nice view, good place for having lunch and fly the drone:)

Worth a visit if you like Inspector Montelbarno