Five cities that are worth a visit during a trip to southern Sicily. Sea, but also UNESCO heritage, culture and historical and architectural beauties not to mention naturalistic ones. The list of cities in the post.
La Sicily it is a wonderful Italian island, which meets the tastes of many people, Italians but also foreigners. A holiday in Sicily means relaxation by the sea, but also activities and trekking perhaps on Etna, fun with the nightlife of some very famous and recognized cities for this and pleasure of the table thanks to all the delicacies available.
Southern Sicily, in my opinion, is the part of the island that deserves the most in terms of cuisine, history and scenic beauty. Among the cities that I recommend, there are five in particular which can all be visited during a holiday with fixed accommodation, because they are very close or during an on the road.
Ragusa, city of Sicilian Baroque
One of the many reasons to visit Ragusa is undoubtedly for its most characteristic and most "precious" part, let's call it this way: Ragusa Ibla. Many of its monuments are declared by theUNESCO World Heritage SiteBut that's not all, here you can admire the Belvedere of the Church of Santa Lucia, the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Giardino Ibleo, the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista and the Donnafugata Castle, the latter is located about 15km from the center of Ragusa. For those who want to relax by the sea, Ragusa also includes Marina di Ragusa with the beaches of Ibleo coast perfect both for family days with children, and for fun evenings for children and young people.
Noto, the baroque city of the Val di Noto
The city of Noto, also famous for its Sicilian baroque, given the great artistic and historical heritage it holds, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. During a visit to Noto, not to be missed is undoubtedly one of the symbols of the Baroque of the Val di Noto, the Minor Cathedral of San Nicolò with its imposing eighteenth-century staircase. The hermitage of S. Corrado Fuori le Mura then, includes the caves and the sanctuary dated 1800 which today houses the footprints of the saint. Those who love the sea cannot miss the Vendicari Wildlife Oasis Nature Reserve which is located a short distance from Noto city. Inside the Reserve it is possible to visit the ruins of the Sveva Tower, a piece of history that, until 1945, saw bluefin tuna fishermen in activity. Inside the Reserve there is also the famous Calamosche beach.
Modica, the city of chocolate
Modica it has largely been included in the list of assets protected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A curious thing that not everyone knows is that between 1700 and 1800 there were 17 bridges here. A fact that made it look like the Venetian city of Venice. One of the best known and most beautiful Baroque churches in Modica is the Church of St. George, embellished with a staircase of 250 steps. Modica is also defined as the city of chocolate for some workshops that are located here, some since 1880, such as that of Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. Also in the town of Modica is located Marina di Modica which is also accessible by public transport for those traveling without a car. Marina di Modica is a typical summer holiday resort, where it is frequent, among other things, to meet surfers more than in other beaches of Sicily.
Marzamemi, the poetry of Sicily
Marzamemi is a seaside resort, but more than anything else I would define it almost poetic. Among the many things found here, there is the Tonnara which is among the most important in all of Sicily and dates back to the time of Arab domination. Marzamemi is located just 2km from the city of Pachino which is known precisely for Pachino tomato IGP which takes its name from the town of which Marzamemi is a fraction. Marzamemi is a small fishing village, you can stay there for a short time if you like to visit it, or for a whole day if you want to do some sea. Between Marzamemi and Noto there is the Nature reserve oriented to the Vendicari Fauna Oasis. Here you can admire the Sveva Tower and Tuna of Vendicari, then if you are lucky and you are in period, you can witness the migration of birds thanks to the presence of marshes that are a resting place for birds in southern Sicily.
Agrigento and its Valley of the Temples
La city of Agrigento is very famous for the archaeological site la Valley of the Temples. The city is definitely further away than the others described above, but it is a place that must be visited during a trip of this type in Sicily. In addition to the Valley of the Temples, largest archaeological site in the world which since 1997 is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can also admire and experience other beauties. A place to experience is the historic center of Agrigento, which alone hosts a dozen between churches and monasteries of enormous historical value, such as: the Monastery of Santo Spirito, the Cathedral of San Gerlando, the Church of Santa Maria Dei Greci, the Bishop's Palace with its Diocesan Museum and more. Those who love the beach can not miss a visit to the wonderful Scala dei Turchi, located in the town of Realmonte, less than 30 minutes by car from Agrigento. The famous staircase is located overlooking the sea is a real one natural monument.
The packages in fact include flight and accommodation and give the right serenity to those who have decided to fully enjoy the beauties of southern Italy.
