12-Day Road Trip Around Sicily, Italy (Part 4)
Noto / Modica / Ragusa – A Scenic Journey Starting from Syracuse (Siracusa), this picturesque road trip takes you through charming Baroque towns—Noto, Modica, and Ragusa—before ending in Chiaramonte Gulfi. Begin your morning in Syracuse, stop for lunch in Noto, and arrive in Ragusa by evening. Ragusa is the most captivating of these towns, rich in culture and cuisine, making it the perfect place to stay overnight. As mentioned in the first part of this series, the drive from Modica to Ragusa at dusk, when the lights begin to glow, is especially breathtaking. 🚗 Noto ⛱️ Things to Do: The drive from Syracuse to Noto takes about 1 hour. The town is easy to explore, with attractions lining the main street. The Noto Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Nicolò) is the most impressive landmark. The streets are lined with restaurants offering everything from quick bites to full-course Sicilian feasts. 🥗 Food Highlights: Gelato at Dolceria Corrado Costanzo – A must-try. Granita at Caffè Sicilia – A refreshing choice if the weather is hot. 🚗 Modica Detour: Marianelli Beach Before heading to Modica, take a 20-minute detour to Marianelli Beach. The last stretch of the road is narrow—just follow your GPS. Park at the end of the road (locals do the same) and walk 20-30 minutes to reach the beach. Bring swimwear & a towel—the water is unbelievably blue, like a slice of paradise. ⛱️ Things to Do in Modica: The drive from the beach to Modica takes ~50 minutes. The most beautiful church sits atop a hill, offering great photo ops. During my visit, a Fiat 500 vintage car meetup was happening—rows of colorful classic Fiats lined the streets, adding a nostalgic charm. 🍝 Food Highlights: Modica is famous for its chocolate. Visit Antica Dolceria Bonajuto (watch out for copycat shops with similar names!). 🚙 Ragusa There’s so much to recommend in Ragusa that it deserves its own dedicated post! #LifeAesthetics #Sicily #OffTheBeatenPathTravel #Italy #ItalianTravel #SicilyTravel #CulturalSights #FoodieAdventures #NaturalBeauty