Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore - Ispica
Exploring the hidden gems of Ispica, Sicily: beaches, restaurants and much more.
27 October 2023 - Categorie: The places of the heart, Cities of Art and Villages, Cultural tourism Tags:
Our beloved Sicily is known by hundreds and hundreds of tourists nationally and internationally for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes and cuisine so delicious that, just thinking about it, makes your mouth water. Right on the south-eastern coast of our beautiful island, lies Ispica: a charming town that often goes unnoticed by tourists, making it a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With its unique blend of historic architecture, pristine beaches and delicious food, Ispica offers a true taste of authentic Sicilian culture. And today we want to guide you around this town, showing you why it should be the undisputed destination of your trip to south-eastern Sicily and we will do so by telling you about the unmissable attractions, the most exquisite restaurants and the best beaches that Ispica has to offer.
Among the attractions not to be missed, the following are certainly noteworthy:
- The imposing Cava d'Ispica, a deep limestone gorge full of history. The site is home to numerous rock dwellings, catacombs and ancient rock-hewn churches. Exploring the caves and walking along the winding paths will transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there.
- The Loggiato del Sinatra is the square in front of the baroque church of Santa Maria Maggiore, it has an almost unique semi-elliptical shape, today it is used as a film set for famous productions.
- The historic Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, dating back to the 16th century, is a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The wonderful stone works and facades as well as the splendid frescoes inside are absolutely worth admiring. The church is a peaceful and spiritual place, offering a sense of serenity amidst the lively streets of the city.
- Bruno di Belmonte Palace, a grand 18th-century palace, boasts exquisite architecture and serves as a testament to the city's noble past. Even if you can't go inside, the outside alone is worth your time.
This splendid walk between one unmissable place and another, between one sun-kissed street and another, will bring you a lot of fame and that's guaranteed! So, to recharge your batteries and enjoy Sicilian delicacies, we recommend the following restaurants in Ispica:
- Al Carretto Restaurant is the ideal place for a delicious taste of Sicilian cuisine. The menu offers fresh fish, fresh handmade pasta and local delicacies. Enjoy your meal in the charming outdoor seating area for a true Mediterranean dining experience.
- Giardino dei Sapori, which is located in a splendid garden, offers a delicious mix of traditional and modern Sicilian dishes. The expertly prepared dishes, attentive service and charming setting make it the ideal place for a romantic dinner.
- Brigante Pizzeria Restaurant, because you always want an excellent pizza, is the place to go. Their wood-fired oven produces some of the best pizzas in Ispica and they also offer a variety of pasta dishes and seafood options. The friendly atmosphere makes it a great choice for families.
And after a feast of Sicilian delights, due to which we advise you not to even look at the scales during your holidays in Sicily, what better way to sober up than with a nice swim? In this regard, we thought we would recommend the following beaches:
- Santa Maria del Focallo: long sandy beach with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports. Numerous beach clubs and restaurants line the shore, offering refreshments and shade.
- Cirica beach: among the most beautiful beaches on the south-eastern coast with its fine, golden sand and crystal clear water that will make you feel like you are in a small corner of paradise on earth.
- Pantanello Beach: located within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, it is an uncontaminated paradise for nature lovers. The beach is part of a protected area, making it an ideal destination for bird watching and hiking as well as swimming and sunbathing.
Loggiato Sinatra - Ispica
Cava d'Ispica
Cirica
Ispica, as we said, offers a unique mix of history, nature and culinary delights but also an excellent starting point for exploring other fascinating stages of south-eastern Sicily including: Punta Secca, which is popular for its great beach and well-known as being the setting for the popular tv series of "Commissario Montalbano", based on the novels by the Sicilian writer Andrea Camilleri; the baroque towns of Noto, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla and Modica, all of them within a few kilometres; the nature reserves like Vendicari, Cava Grande del Cassibile and Pantalica. The charming fishing village of Marzamemi is worth a visit too. Whether you're exploring ancient rock dwellings, savouring delicious Sicilian dishes or sunbathing on its beautiful beaches, Ispica promises a memorable experience. Take the time to discover this hidden treasure and you will find yourself immersed in the authentic charm of Sicilian culture and, when you are finished, you can stay in our fantastic luxury villas with private pools in the area.
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.