Italy
Holiday home Ragusa
The province of Ragusa
The province of Ragusa covers the southernmost part of Sicily and encompasses all the urban and natural landscapes that will allow us to appreciate and understand the essence of this beautiful island.
The city of Ragusa is considered the 'capital' of the late Sicilian Baroque architectural style. It is a city of very ancient origin. Many archaeological finds have been made in the Ragusa region. Here you find the oldest signs of human presence in Sicily, dating back 60.000 years. Over the millennia, this area subsequently saw countless dominations, including the Sicilians, the Romans, the Arabs, and the Normans, and each left behind traces of civilization. Much of this great heritage was destroyed by the terrible earthquake of 1693 known as the Val di Noto earthquakeThis event was the crossroads in the history of all of Southeast Sicily. In the eighteenth century, the most famous architects participated in the reconstruction of this area and were able to bring magnificent cities to life, jewels of typical late Baroque architecture, including Ragusa Ibla, which today forms the historic part of Ragusa, and all the municipalities of the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
The city of Ragusa is built on three hills separated by valleys and is divided into two main districts: Upper Ragusa en Ragusa IblaRagusa Superiore is the most modern part of the city; it is also known as the city of three bridges, precisely because of the bridges that connect the city from one side of the valleys to the other: Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Nuovo, and Ponte S. Giovanni XXIII, all built in the 1900s. Ragusa Ibla, however, is the pride of the city. It was rebuilt on the hill on the medieval foundations of the destroyed city. It has preserved the old structure, consisting of small streets, many churches, squares, and ornamental buildings that make it truly unique. When visiting the city, among the many churches, you should Cathedral of San Giorgio and do not miss the beautiful square surrounded by the most important noble palaces. Other churches to see are the Cathedral of San Giovanni and the church of Santa Maria dell'Itria, which stands out due to the dome of the bell tower with an intense cobalt blue color.
De San Paolo neighborhood is also worth a visit, very characteristic, if we are not afraid of stairs and small streets going up and down. To relax at a green and panoramic spot, it is nice to go to the Iblean Garden to visit, a very beautiful park, with tree-lined avenues with palm trees and typical Mediterranean plants, stone benches, and a beautiful panoramic terrace overlooking the Iblei mountains. The city center is easy to visit on foot, but due to the differences in elevation, it is also possible to use the city bus lines or the numerous private bus tours. In recent years, Ragusa Ibla has also become famous as it served as the setting for the Italian television series 'Commissario Montalbano', based on the novels by Andrea Camilleri. Nowadays, there are actual 'Montalbano' tours, given the great tourist interest.
The surroundings of Ragusa in Sicily
The province of Ragusa lies for the most part in the Iblei Mountains, a large hilly area, and extends into the south of Sicily.
In the immediate vicinity of Ragusa, a visit to the Donnafugata castleLocated about 18 km from the city, do not miss it. It is a very large 19th-century aristocratic residence with 120 rooms, a large park with exotic plants, and a labyrinth.
Other extremely interesting historical centers in the Ragusa area are Scicli, a fantastic Baroque center and Modica, which, besides its architecture, is famous for its special chocolate rich in pure cocoa and cold-processed, i.e., without melting the cocoa.
For nature lovers, there is the vast Iblei Mountains, a large hilly area, with rolling and very panoramic hills. A paradise for lovers of walk en misuse. It will be very pleasant to drive along the small secondary roads between flowery fields and typical 'dry stone wallsto walk or cycle. There are numerous routes to visit small urban centers, such as Buccheri of Monte Rosso Almo. Other paths lead to numerous quarries and white stone caves, such as the Cave of the Giant or for Cava d'Ispica.
In this part of the island, naturally, the sea is not lacking either. First to be mentioned is the beach of Marina di RagusaBorn from an old fishing village, it is nowadays an increasingly important tourist center. It features 2,5 kilometers of beach with golden sand and a clear sea. There are bathing facilities and areas with free access, located from the tourist harbor to the end of the Lungomare Andrea Doria. The Lungomare area has a bicycle path and is equipped with numerous restaurants and clubs to spend lively summer evenings.
Along the coast we find many other beaches, some better equipped, others wilder, including Pozzallo, Sampieri, DonnalucataFor surf enthusiasts, we call Marina Di Modica and the beach of Maganuco, characterized by frequent wind.
Culinary specialties
The Ragusa region has a perfect Mediterranean climate. This climate makes it particularly perfect for the production of DOP olive oil and tasty tomatoes, including the sweet variety. 'cilieginoThe cherry tomato is very well known. Many products based on dried or oil-preserved tomatoes originate from this production. Homemade bread with dried tomato 'capuliatu' is an excellent snack. Other typical products include the famous Provola Ragusana, a cheese with the typical pear shape made from local cow's milk from free-grazing cows, Caciocavallo, and ricotta. But wine cannot be missing in Italy; here you can taste Eloro, the DOC wine of the region. Other typical products are carob honey, a common tree here, the sweet Giarratana onion, and Scicli beans.
Very flavorful dishes are created from all these products, such as the tasty Ricotta Ravioli with fresh tomatoes, Broad Bean Soup, Bean Soup, main courses of meat and fish, and fantastic desserts including Cassatelle, Cannoli, and sweets with a Modica chocolate base.
And so… Welcome to Ragusa!
Find the most beautiful accommodations in Ragusa here
Discover the other destinations
FAQ
Do you have a question? You can find a quick answer on the right. Is your question not listed? Feel free to contact us or check the FAQ page
Yes, our accommodations are very suitable for families with children. Many accommodations feature spacious family rooms, safe play areas, and sometimes even child-friendly facilities such as a swimming pool, entertainment, or baby cots. There are also often fun activities for young and old in the surrounding area. If you have specific requests, we are happy to help you find a solution!
Yes, absolutely. Many of our holiday homes in Sicily have a private pool or a shared pool on a small-scale estate. It is wonderful to start the day with a refreshing dip, or to sit by the water in the evening with a glass of wine while the sun sets behind the hills or the sea. Some pools offer panoramic views, are situated in the heart of nature, or are extra child-friendly thanks to a shallow section or a fence. Whatever your wishes, we are happy to help you find your ideal place.
Absolutely! Many holiday homes in Sicily also welcome pets. And with its vast landscapes, peaceful walking routes, and less crowded beaches outside the high season, the island is a wonderful destination for your dog too. Whether you stay inland or on the coast, there is always a place to walk, play, or simply enjoy the outdoors together. Let us know that you are bringing your dog, and we will select a holiday home where you both feel at home.
Yes indeed, you can still find a last-minute getaway in Sicily. Especially outside the high season, beautiful houses regularly become available for a spontaneous holiday. We always have a few great options in reserve. You can find the current selection on our website, but you can also give us a call or send us an email for personal advice. Who knows, you might be lying under the Sicilian sun this very week, with a book in your hand and the scent of lemon trees all around you.
Sicily is a delightful destination almost all year round. In spring (April-May), the island blossoms with fragrant flowers and pleasant temperatures. The summer months (June-August) are warm and sunny, perfect for beach days and balmy evenings. Those who prefer to travel away from the crowds are well-served in September or October: the seawater is still warm, tourist spots are quieter, and the wine harvest brings life and local festivities everywhere. Even in winter, Sicily is surprisingly mild. Ideal for those who want to combine culture and nature without masses of tourists.
Sicily is an island of contrasts and character. You will find azure seas, active volcanoes, lively cities, and quiet villages where time seems to stand still. You can have breakfast on the beach, lunch in a mountain village, and dinner with a view of the smoke plume from Mount Etna. Sicilian cuisine is rich, pure, and full of tradition, featuring fresh fish, citrus fruits, arancini, and, of course, cannoli.