Donnafugata Castle
Exploring the enchanting beauty of Ragusa, Sicily: what to see and where to go.
20 October 2023 - Categorie: The places of the heart, Cities of Art and Villages, Sea, beaches, coasts and islands Tags:
If we were to think of an idyllic place to recommend to any type of tourist, be it national or international, be it interested in the natural landscape, the sea, food or architecture, the wonderful province of Ragusa would certainly have the primacy among the numerous options for anyone who has decided to make our splendid Sicily their favourite holiday destination.
Indeed, when it comes to unforgettable destinations on our beautiful island, few places can compete with the charm and beauty of Ragusa: a historic city of fascinating architecture, delicious cuisine and breathtaking beaches. In short, Ragusa has something to offer every traveller. For this reason, we want to take you by the hand and accompany you among its unmissable places, first-rate restaurants and pristine beaches that make this Sicilian jewel a true paradise for tourists.
Among the places to visit, you certainly cannot miss the following:
- Ragusa Ibla: how could you start this journey in search of the beauties of south-eastern Sicily if not in the historic heart of Ragusa, in the picturesque town of Ragusa Ibla? This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its Baroque architecture, narrow, winding streets and breathtaking views. The Duomo di San Giorgio, a magnificent cathedral, and a beautiful walk in the enchanting Piazza Duomo for a taste of local life cannot be missed.
- Ragusa Superiore: Known as Ragusa Superiore, it is the highest part of the city that will offer you even more breathtaking architecture and lively streets. Here you will find the beautiful Giardino Ibleo, a peaceful garden offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Donnafugata Castle: For history buffs, a visit to Donnafugata Castle is a must. This grand palace is a masterpiece of neoclassical and baroque architecture, and its elegant rooms and lush gardens are open to the public.
- Chocolate Museum: Ragusa is famous for its chocolate, so be sure to visit this Museum to learn about the city's sweet history and indulge in some delicious treats.
From the Chocolate Museum it seems almost mandatory to recommend some excellent restaurants also because we were feeling a bit peckish:
- Duomo Restaurant: A spokesperson for the art of fine dining in the heart of a historic setting, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a true culinary gem, offering a fusion of Sicilian and Mediterranean flavours that will delight your taste buds.
- Trattoria da Luigi: for all those who want a more familiar environment without losing the thrill of trying authentic Sicilian cuisine, we certainly recommend Trattoria da Luigi. This family-run restaurant serves delicious dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
- Locanda Don Serafino: Located in a historic building in Ragusa Ibla, this Michelin restaurant not only offers you the opportunity to taste Sicilian delicacies but also has an extensive wine list with over 2000 labels.
Naturally, the majority of tourists who land in Sicily cannot help but be interested in our splendid sea and beaches of fine, golden sand. In this regard, and here the choice would be truly vast, we would like to recommend the following locations:
- Marina di Ragusa: A short drive from Ragusa, Marina di Ragusa offers golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It is a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
- Punta Secca: a more than charming fishing village with a sandy beach, a very blue sea and the iconic lighthouse made famous by the Italian television series "Inspector Montalbano" based on the novel of the same name by Andrea Camilleri.
- Sampieri: Absolutely known for its natural beauty and clear sea, the splendid and panoramic beach of Sampieri is sheltered by a pine forest, extends for about 2 km and ends in a high cliff from which it is possible to dive and snorkel in its crystal clear sea.
Marina di Ragusa
Beach Costa di Carro
Punta Secca
Ragusa, in Sicily, is a true hidden treasure that captures the essence of the culture, cuisine and coastal beauty of this part of the island. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to relax on the beach, Ragusa has something special to offer every traveller. So, pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible charm of this Sicilian treasure and if you are wondering where to stay, you will be spoiled for choice among our luxury villas with private pools in south-eastern Sicily.
Recommended villas
Donnafugata Domus: Right next to the splendid Castello di Donnafugata, a sumptuous noble residence from the end of the 19th century that overlooked what were the possessions of the rich Arezzo De Spuches family, in the heart of the village of Santa Croce di Camerina in the wonderful province of Ragusa, this delightful villa with a taste contemporary but immersed in the colorful and fragrant countryside of south-eastern Sicily. An exclusive and uncontaminated place from which you can enjoy a unique view of the valley and the sea. A real oasis of peace and serenity, far from the chaos of the city but, at the same time, not too far from the splendid beach of fine and golden sand of Kamarina.
Villa Santa Croce: In the heart of the Ragusa countryside, surrounded by 7 hectares of olive, orange and carob trees, stands this delightful villa, recently renovated and furnished with taste and attention. Suitable for large families or groups of friends, this residence is ready to give you unforgettable moments of quiet and relaxation, inebriated by the colors and scents of Sicily. Cool off in its private pool surrounded by Mediterranean plants or enjoy a delicious aperitif in the shade of its spacious patio.
Villa Verdese: Wonderful residence with a modern taste located a few kilometers from the golden sandy beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa. The villa is located on one of the most characteristic promontories of the Ragusa countryside whose panorama will leave you speechless while immersed in the fresh waters of the private swimming pool surrounded by a fantastic solarium and a shady patio of 180 square meters.
La Memoria dell'Acqua: Breathtaking villa a few kilometers from the Baroque city of Scicli, in the beautiful south-eastern Sicily. The dwelling will give you spoiled for choice on how to spend your holidays: you can enjoy its swimming pool right in front of the living area and its large windows or you can take advantage of the wonderful golden sandy beach, 8 km long and still hidden from tourism. of mass, a few tens of meters. Or you can visit the beautiful Baroque cities such as Noto or Modica.
Azucena: Majestic villa that silently rises with its 15 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms in the Ragusa area, halfway between the city and the marina. The residence is ready to give you great holidays with family or friends, in full privacy and relaxation with its spectacular infinity pool surrounded by a garden adorned with Mediterranean plants and prickly pears that will inebriate your senses. There are many courtyards and shady areas where you can enjoy silence and peace in the hottest hours or easily reachable, a few kilometers away, the wonderful beaches of Playa Grande, Pozzallo and Marina di Ragusa among their free areas and the infinite shores.
Flora: Located in the residential area of Marina di Ragusa adjacent to the Irminio River Nature Reserve, this splendid villa is ready to give you a holiday dedicated to privacy but with fun just a few steps away. In fact, easily reachable on foot, it is a lovely and secluded beach within the Reserve or, for lovers of summer and sparkling nightlife, the golden sandy beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa are just a few hundred meters away! Or you can simply decide to stay at home and enjoy the fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by a well-kept garden with a Mediterranean flavor and organize a nice outdoor barbecue with friends and / or family.
Afrodite: Supreme villa with a contemporary taste located on the Hyblean plateau that will give you a breathtaking view of this little jewel of Ragusa. With its wonderful infinity pool, tennis court, barbecue and bowling green, you will be spoiled for choice on how to spend your holidays in south-eastern Sicily! And if you ever want to get out of this wonderful residence, just 15 km away you will find the spectacular beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa and again, 30 minutes by car, you can reach the wonderful villages and beaches of Polla, Modica and Ispica too. awarded the Blue Flag 2022.
La Forma dell'Acqua: Fantastic residence located 100 meters from the fine golden sand beach of Donnalucata and surrounded by a garden of over 3,500 square meters on the coast of south-eastern Sicily. With its various shaded areas with equipped gazebos, its children's play area and its swimming pool with hydrojets, it is the ideal home for a holiday full of fun and relaxation for all ages.
Gisolfo: If you were looking for a splendid residence with a modern taste, simple but elegant, with a beautiful private swimming pool overlooking the splendid, colorful and fragrant countryside of Ragusa, Gisolfo is the villa for you. Let yourself be lulled by the quiet and relaxation that surround the house and by the smell of olive trees, carob trees and citrus fruits that will inebriate your senses. Just 12 km away, the splendid golden sandy beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa will keep you company.
Càrcara: This marvellous Sicilian historic “baglio” is located in the heart of the unspoilt Ragusa countryside and surrounded by the colours and scents of Sicily. It is really difficult to try to describe in words the emotions one experiences during a holiday in this unprecedented place, surrounded by nature and relaxation. Càrcara is ready to give you that splendid and much sought-after balance between body and soul, far from the chaos of the city and the stress of everyday life. With 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a fantastic and refreshing private swimming pool with spacious solarium, this incredible property is really suitable for everyone, from the big ones to the little ones, whether you are with family or friends. What are you waiting for? Come and relax in Ragusa.
Villa Santa Croce: In the heart of the Ragusa countryside, surrounded by 7 hectares of olive, orange and carob trees, stands this delightful villa, recently renovated and furnished with taste and attention. Suitable for large families or groups of friends, this residence is ready to give you unforgettable moments of quiet and relaxation, inebriated by the colors and scents of Sicily. Cool off in its private pool surrounded by Mediterranean plants or enjoy a delicious aperitif in the shade of its spacious patio.
Villa Verdese: Wonderful residence with a modern taste located a few kilometers from the golden sandy beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa. The villa is located on one of the most characteristic promontories of the Ragusa countryside whose panorama will leave you speechless while immersed in the fresh waters of the private swimming pool surrounded by a fantastic solarium and a shady patio of 180 square meters.
La Memoria dell'Acqua: Breathtaking villa a few kilometers from the Baroque city of Scicli, in the beautiful south-eastern Sicily. The dwelling will give you spoiled for choice on how to spend your holidays: you can enjoy its swimming pool right in front of the living area and its large windows or you can take advantage of the wonderful golden sandy beach, 8 km long and still hidden from tourism. of mass, a few tens of meters. Or you can visit the beautiful Baroque cities such as Noto or Modica.
Azucena: Majestic villa that silently rises with its 15 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms in the Ragusa area, halfway between the city and the marina. The residence is ready to give you great holidays with family or friends, in full privacy and relaxation with its spectacular infinity pool surrounded by a garden adorned with Mediterranean plants and prickly pears that will inebriate your senses. There are many courtyards and shady areas where you can enjoy silence and peace in the hottest hours or easily reachable, a few kilometers away, the wonderful beaches of Playa Grande, Pozzallo and Marina di Ragusa among their free areas and the infinite shores.
Flora: Located in the residential area of Marina di Ragusa adjacent to the Irminio River Nature Reserve, this splendid villa is ready to give you a holiday dedicated to privacy but with fun just a few steps away. In fact, easily reachable on foot, it is a lovely and secluded beach within the Reserve or, for lovers of summer and sparkling nightlife, the golden sandy beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa are just a few hundred meters away! Or you can simply decide to stay at home and enjoy the fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by a well-kept garden with a Mediterranean flavor and organize a nice outdoor barbecue with friends and / or family.
Afrodite: Supreme villa with a contemporary taste located on the Hyblean plateau that will give you a breathtaking view of this little jewel of Ragusa. With its wonderful infinity pool, tennis court, barbecue and bowling green, you will be spoiled for choice on how to spend your holidays in south-eastern Sicily! And if you ever want to get out of this wonderful residence, just 15 km away you will find the spectacular beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa and again, 30 minutes by car, you can reach the wonderful villages and beaches of Polla, Modica and Ispica too. awarded the Blue Flag 2022.
La Forma dell'Acqua: Fantastic residence located 100 meters from the fine golden sand beach of Donnalucata and surrounded by a garden of over 3,500 square meters on the coast of south-eastern Sicily. With its various shaded areas with equipped gazebos, its children's play area and its swimming pool with hydrojets, it is the ideal home for a holiday full of fun and relaxation for all ages.
Gisolfo: If you were looking for a splendid residence with a modern taste, simple but elegant, with a beautiful private swimming pool overlooking the splendid, colorful and fragrant countryside of Ragusa, Gisolfo is the villa for you. Let yourself be lulled by the quiet and relaxation that surround the house and by the smell of olive trees, carob trees and citrus fruits that will inebriate your senses. Just 12 km away, the splendid golden sandy beaches of Playa Grande and Marina di Ragusa will keep you company.
Càrcara: This marvellous Sicilian historic “baglio” is located in the heart of the unspoilt Ragusa countryside and surrounded by the colours and scents of Sicily. It is really difficult to try to describe in words the emotions one experiences during a holiday in this unprecedented place, surrounded by nature and relaxation. Càrcara is ready to give you that splendid and much sought-after balance between body and soul, far from the chaos of the city and the stress of everyday life. With 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a fantastic and refreshing private swimming pool with spacious solarium, this incredible property is really suitable for everyone, from the big ones to the little ones, whether you are with family or friends. What are you waiting for? Come and relax in Ragusa.