Magical Baroque charm and great natural sites
The south-eastern side of Sicily is an ark full of architectural gems. Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and Noto are all bound together by a subtle, indelible and visible fil rouge. The towns of the Val di Noto, included in the prestigious Unesco World Heritage List since 2002, bring visitors from all over the world thanks to their Late Baroque attractions. After the violent earthquake in 1693, which caused the urban structure to collapse and reduced the major centres to ashes, the Val di Noto saw the Baroque architectural and decorative style flourish in its territory.
The beautiful old town of Ragusa is a small crib characterised by clusters of houses, narrow streets and alleyways, from which the Basilica di San Giorgio stands out, the balconies decorated with anthropomorphic figures of Noto with its long tree-lined avenue and characteristic Palazzo Ducezio, the famous 164-step staircase leading up to the Duomo di San Giorgio di Modica, surrounded by lush hanging gardens, and the charming villages of little Scicli.
This is where the successful RAI series ‘Il Commissario Montalbano‘ was set. Between a swim in Donnalucata, characterised by a long golden beach, and his investigations in the districts of the Sicilian quadrangle, the character created by Agrigento writer Andrea Camilleri has been so successful that dedicated tours are organised to visit this irresistible policeman’s iconic places. But Val di Noto is not only a treasure trove of art and culture. Here you will find protected nature reserves such as Cava Grande del Cassibile with its small lakes and steep valleys, the Oasis of Vendicari where the remains of an ancient tuna fishery can still be seen, and the River Irminio, a quiet corner away from summer chaos.
You cannot leave Val di Noto without tasting Modicano Chocolate. The recipe dates back to Aztec tradition and its special cold processing makes the chocolate grainy and with strong hints of cocoa. You can taste it in various flavours! Don’t miss other genuine local gastronomic products, such as fresh fish and homemade pasta!
Festivals in Sicily
Sicily is a land of age-old traditions and spectacular celebrations when it comes to festivities as heartfelt as Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Discover all our tips on how to spend your Christmas holidays in Sicily and make your trip unforgettable!