Raganzino
Modica, Sicily: revealing the treasures of this baroque beauty.
02 November 2023 - Categorie: The places of the heart, Cities of Art and Villages, Cultural tourism Tags:
Among the various small diamonds set in our splendid Sicily we cannot fail to mention the beautiful Modica which, like a hidden treasure, waits to be found and explored. This fascinating city, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its Baroque architecture, rich history and delicious chocolate, offers a captivating mix of cultural and culinary experiences. This is why today we want to talk to you about it and we think it should be one of the undisputed destinations on your itinerary to discover the wonders of south-eastern Sicily.
Modica, located in the province of beautiful Ragusa, is first and foremost known for its stunning Baroque architecture, which has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is nestled in a deep limestone valley and is characterised by narrow, winding streets, ornate churches and charming squares. In fact, we recommend that you start your exploration of Modica by walking through its historic center. Not to be missed are the majestic facades of the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Church of San Pietro and to be explored (although you cannot enter), for the panoramic view of the city and the landscape, is undoubtedly the Conti Castle.
Modica is also known as the chocolate capital of Sicily. The city is famous for its traditional methods of chocolate production, influenced by Aztec techniques. Tourists or, in general, visitors can in fact explore the shops and the Chocolate Museum, where they can learn about the history and production of the characteristic Modica chocolate. And since we have now entered the topic of "food", it seems almost necessary to tell you where you could taste some Sicilian delicacies:
- Locanda del Colonnello: an elegant restaurant offering a mix of Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu is carefully crafted with locally sourced ingredients and the charming environment certainly offers a perfect starting point for pleasant evenings.
- Osteria dei Sapori Perduti: offers an authentic Modican culinary experience. This cosy restaurant is known for its homemade pasta, including the famous Modican specialty, "cavatieddi".
- Il Duomo Restaurant: located in the heart of the historic centre, it offers a delicious fusion of traditional Sicilian flavours with a modern touch. The innovative dishes and wide selection of wines make it the ideal choice for food lovers.
For those who don't want to walk among the baroque architecture or for those who perhaps need to work off the delicious lunch enjoyed in one of the above-mentioned restaurants or simply for lovers of the sun and the sea, here are the beaches we have thought for you:
- Pozzallo Beach: Located a short drive from Modica, Pozzallo Beach boasts pristine sand and clear waters. It's perfect for a day of relaxation and swimming. Nearby are numerous beach clubs and restaurants providing refreshments and services.
- Sampieri Beach: Another nearby gem, known for its picturesque views and natural beauty. The ancient fishing village of Sampieri adds to its charm.
- Marina di Modica: beach with wonderful fine golden sand and crystal clear waters. Due to its exposure, excellent for lovers of surfing and windsurfing.
Modica is a city that combines history, culture and cuisine in one captivating package. It also offers a base for exploring the different beauties of the south-eastern part of 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.And after enjoying its baroque architecture, its exquisite chocolate, tanning on its splendid beaches, inebriated by the charm of this Sicilian jewel that is Modica, you can also go and rest in one of our sensational luxury villas with private pool!
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.