Province of Ragusa · Sicily · Italy

Where Stone
speaks in Gold

Three UNESCO cities. Seven thousand years of history.
The most beautiful baroque in the Mediterranean.

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South-Eastern Sicily

The Val di Noto
Baroque Triangle

⸻ ❧ ⸻

In the far south-east corner of Sicily lies a land unlike any other in the Mediterranean. Rebuilt after the catastrophic 1693 earthquake, the cities of Ragusa, Modica and Scicli rose from the rubble as masterpieces of late baroque architecture — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond the stone grandeur lies a province of cliff-side beaches, ancient cave dwellings, world-class Cerasuolo wine, and a culinary tradition so deeply rooted it has inspired chefs across the globe.

3UNESCO Sites
12Destinations
160kmof Coastline
300+Days of Sunshine

The Unmissable

Places to Discover

From golden baroque piazzas to hidden sea caves, each corner of the Ragusa Shire reveals a new wonder.

Ragusa Ibla

UNESCO · Baroque Capital

Ragusa Ibla

The ancient lower city with over 100 Catholic churches, honey-golden domes and cobblestone lanes. The 1858 garden overlooking the Irminio valley is magical at sunset. Set of countless Italian films and the beloved TV series Il Commissario Montalbano.

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Modica

UNESCO · Chocolate Capital

Modica

Built across two dramatic ravines, famous worldwide for ancient cold-process chocolate. The Duomo di San Giorgio with its majestic staircase dominates the skyline. Bonajuto, the oldest confectionery in Sicily since 1750, is a must.

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Scicli

UNESCO · Dolce & Gabbana's Favourite

Scicli

One of Italy's most romantic cities, beloved by Dolce & Gabbana. The police HQ of Inspector Montalbano's Vigata. Summer restaurants under the stars and baroque churches open until midnight make it unforgettable.

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Sampieri

Coast · Beach · Photography

Sampieri

A small seaside town with beautiful beaches and the legendary ruined tonnara — an icon of the Ragusa Shire coast. Appeared repeatedly in Commissario Montalbano. Home of the beloved Vota Vota fish restaurant.

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Punta Secca

Coast · Montalbano's Home

Punta Secca

The iconic village where Inspector Montalbano's house stands in front of the sea. A small jewel on the coast with a charming lighthouse and crystalline water — the most photographed place in the entire Shire.

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Donnalucata

Coast · Fishing Village

Donnalucata

An authentic fishing village with a lively dock, local fishermen and excellent fresh seafood restaurants. The Retró restaurant here is a hidden favourite featured on Ragusa Shire.

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Ragusa Ibla detail
Modica panorama
Sampieri coast
Ragusa Shire landscape
Ibla view

"Ragusa Shire is the result of a deep love for our homeland and the desire to share its magic with every person who has not yet experienced it."

— ragusa-shire.it

Montalbano's house Punta Secca Scicli Vigata

On Screen

The Land of
Montalbano

The globally beloved detective series Il Commissario Montalbano was filmed entirely across the Ragusa Shire. Translated into 19 languages and watched by millions worldwide, it transformed this corner of Sicily into one of Italy's most sought-after destinations. The fictional district of Vigata is in reality a patchwork of real locations — come and walk in Montalbano's footsteps.

Punta Secca — his house Scicli — police office Ragusa Ibla — city scenes Modica — market scenes Marina di Ragusa — the port Sampieri — the dock

Taste the Land

A Gastronomy
Like no Other

The Ragusa province is one of Italy's great culinary secrets. Ancient Arab and Norman influences, rich Iblean soil and a generous sea produce flavours of extraordinary depth and originality.

  • 01

    Cioccolato di Modica

    Cold-processed Aztec-method chocolate — grainy, pure, spiced. Bonajuto, founded 1750, is the temple. Stop for a cannolo while staring at the Duomo di San Pietro.

  • 02

    Caciocavallo Ragusano DOP

    A stretched-curd cheese aged in natural caves by Iblean farmers. Sharp, complex, irreplaceable — eat it fresh with local olive oil or aged as a table cheese with Cerasuolo.

  • 03

    Scaccia Ragusana

    The ultimate Shire street food — thin dough folded over tomato, cheese or broccoli. The Ragusa al Forno bakery on Via Archimede makes the finest in town.

  • 04

    Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG

    Sicily's only DOCG wine — a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato from Vittoria. Silky, cherry-scented, dangerously drinkable. Visit COS or Valle dell'Acate for cellar tours.

  • 05

    Cremolata di Modica

    A granita-style iced dessert lighter than gelato, made with seasonal fruit. The Rosy Bar in Modica serves what many consider the finest in town — seek it out.

Must-try Street food Ragusa Shire

Street Food in the Shire

The Shire is famous for its restaurants but street food is equally compelling. Arà in Marina di Ragusa serves exceptional arancinas — with fish, meat, vegetables and even Nutella. Risiu in Ibla offers fresh cannolo with ricotta that is never a bad idea.

Autumn tradition Frutta Martorana

Frutta Martorana

On 2nd November, Sicilians celebrate All Souls' Day with marzipan sculpted into hyperrealistic fruit — as beautiful as they are delicious. A deeply local tradition not to miss in autumn.

Experience LoveSicily cooking school Modica

LoveSicily Cooking School

A special cooking school in Modica where you learn traditional Sicilian recipes hands-on. An unforgettable experience that sends you home with recipes, stories and a deeper love for the Shire.

From the Shire Blog

4 Street Food Insider Tips

If your visiting time is limited or you enjoy eating while walking through tiny streets, these are the right spots for traditional Shire street food.

01

Ragusa al Forno

Ragusa Superiore · Via Archimede, 498

One of the best scaccias in town alongside traditional bread, salty rustici and sweets. A beloved local institution.

02

Arà

Marina di Ragusa · Via Tindari, 15

The best arancina selection in the area — vegetables, meat, fish and Nutella. A stop you will not regret.

03

Pescheria Stoffa

Modica · Via del Campo Sportivo, 4

A family business with the freshest fish and seafood. Order a cup of fried fish — a tasteful, memorable experience.

04

Risiu

Ragusa Ibla · Via dei Normanni, 13

A new concept celebrating local dairy: hot ricotta scuffle, mozzarella creations, and a fresh cannolo with ricotta that is always a good idea.

Where to Eat

Tables Worth Travelling For

★★★★★

Duomo

Ragusa Ibla · Fine Dining

Chef Ciccio Sultano's two-Michelin-star restaurant — the pinnacle of Sicilian haute cuisine. The tasting menu is a journey through the island's history. Booking essential months in advance.

Michelin ★★Tasting MenuBook ahead
★★★★☆

Ristorante Ai Lumi

Ragusa Ibla · Steps from San Giorgio

Featured on Ragusa Shire — a well-loved restaurant just steps from the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Ibla. Excellent Sicilian cuisine with warm local atmosphere and a beautiful baroque setting.

Local FavouriteIbla CentreSicilian
★★★★★

Accursio

Modica · Creative Sicilian

Chef Accursio Craparo's Michelin-starred restaurant in Modica. A refined interpretation of Sicilian-Moorish flavours using heritage ingredients. The bread course alone is worth the visit.

Michelin ★CreativeWine List
★★★★☆

Retró

Donnalucata · Seafood

A seafood restaurant in the heart of Donnalucata, featured on Ragusa Shire as a hidden gem. The freshest catch from local fishermen, beautifully prepared. The antipasto di mare alone is a reason to visit.

SeafoodDonnalucataLocal Catch
★★★★☆

I Banchi

Ragusa Ibla · Bistro & Deli

Described by Ragusa Shire as an excellent experience on a budget — a bistro and deli in Ibla that captures the essence of Sicilian tradition. Outstanding pasta, remarkable antipasti and a take-home counter.

Budget FriendlyDeliIbla
★★★★☆

Fattoria delle Torri

Modica · Historic Setting

Set in a 16th-century masseria with original stone vaulting. Traditional Ibleo recipes presented with elegance. The couscous alla trapanese speaks beautifully to the Arab heritage of the region.

Historic VenueTraditionalModica

Where to Stay

Sleep in History

From B&Bs in the heart of Ibla to countryside masserias and seaside residences — accommodation here is part of the experience.

Epoca B&B Ragusa Ibla Editor's Pick

B&B · Ragusa Ibla

Epoca B&B

A charming B&B in the very heart of Ragusa Ibla — featured on Ragusa Shire as one of the finest small stays in the province. Beautifully restored rooms blending historic character with contemporary comfort. The ideal base for exploring the baroque centre on foot.

From €80 / night

Terrazza dei Sogni

B&B · Ragusa Ibla

Terrazza dei Sogni

A dreamy terrace B&B with spectacular views over the Iblean valley. Wake up to the panorama of the Shire. Intimate, personal and beautifully maintained.

From €70 / night

Casina Grotta di Ferro

Countryside B&B · Ragusa

Casina Grotta di Ferro

A B&B in the Ragusa countryside, close to the seaside. The perfect combination of rural Sicilian charm and proximity to the coast — ideal for those wanting both the interior landscape and the Mediterranean.

From €75 / night

La Dimora di Spartivento

Hotel · Modica & Ragusa area

La Dimora di Spartivento

A well-appointed hotel with a beautiful terrace, featured on Ragusa Shire as a reliable, characterful base for exploring both Modica and the whole province. Great for families, with attentive service and excellent local breakfast. Read on ragusa-shire.it →

From €110 / night

Ragusa Ibla
Modica from above
Sampieri sea
Ibla church
Old furnace Sampieri

Practical Guide

Essential Travel Tips

✈️

Getting Here

Fly into Catania Fontanarossa (1h 30min drive) or Comiso Airport — just 15km from Ragusa. Comiso is the perfect gateway into the heart of the Shire.

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Getting Around

A car is essential — the Shire is spread across hills and coast. Rent at the airport and download offline maps. Train connections exist but are slow and infrequent.

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Best Season

April–June and September–October: perfect temperatures (20–27°C), fewer crowds, lower prices. July–August: hot, busy and perfect for the beaches.

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Unmissable Moments

Sunset on San Giorgio's steps. Granita con brioche for breakfast. Walking Scicli at night. The Ibla valley from the 1858 garden. These are moments you will not forget.

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Etiquette

Cover shoulders and knees for churches. Greet with "Buongiorno". Sunday mornings: join the locals' passeggiata through the baroque piazzas.

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Beach Guide

Sampieri, Donnalucata, Marina di Ragusa, Punta Secca and Scoglitti are all stunning. Arrive before 10am in July–August to claim a spot.

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Budget Tips

Lunch is the main meal — a full menu del giorno at a trattoria costs €12–18. Many churches and viewpoints are free. Avoid August for lower accommodation prices.

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Keep Exploring

Visit ragusa-shire.it for constantly updated local tips, hidden gems, accommodation reviews and insider food guides written by people who truly love this land.