Explore the south of Sicily



Sicily is Italy's largest island and lies proudly just off the mainland, in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Famed for its beautiful beaches, cuisine, and cultural melting pot, the island makes for an excellent destination for travellers who want to immerse themselves in its astounding beauty and rich history.

Whilst many travellers head to the popular hotspots of the north and east such as Taormina, Cefalu, Etna and Palermo, the south west part of the island can often be undeservedly overlooked. Take a look at our snapshot of some of the most outstanding towns in the South of Sicily;

Noto



The island is well known for its Baroque art and architecture, which are most evident in the eight towns of Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the southeast.  The town of Noto itself is located at the foot of the Iblean Mountains. The town offers numerous palaces and religious buildings, the most notable of which is the Noto Cathedral. The town also has plenty of archaeological sites that date back to 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The Villa Romana del Tellaro, one of the oldest Roman villas in Sicily, was built during the late Roman Empire.  The famed Baroque churches, and palazzo are must-see destinations.



Nature seems to have endowed all its wonders to this area; mountains and hills surround the area and above all the sea, with its incredible colours and crystal-clear water is unforgettable.  For wild unserviced beaches, the stretches in the Vendicari near Noto, Eloro, Calamosche are amongst the best in Sicily.

Siracusa



Syracuse or Siracusa as it is known in Italian is a lively coastal town, overflowing with amazing remnants from its long history. Romans, Vandals and Normans are but a few of those who ruled here after the Greeks. In the harbour, the old City which is known as Ortygia Island offers many attractions, including the 17th cathedral and the Fountain of Arethusa. Its charming ancient and medieval streets offer great sightseeing and shopping alike.  Here you will find the ruins of ancient Greek walls that were built by Dionysius the Great, and see the Apollo temple in Piazza Pancali.


The Piazza del Duomo is the town’s beautiful central square, with plenty going on as well as lots of places to sit back and watch the world go by. Just outside the town, the area is blessed with some beautiful beaches. Arenella is popular with the locals and offers a sandy beach and cliffs. Fontane Bianche is further south and is a popular resort with lots of restaurants and bars and perfect if you are looking for a full service beach. If you prefer a rural nature reserve, again try Vendicari.


Ragusa



Set amidst the rocky peaks northwest of Modica, Ragusa is a town, which is effectively split into two. On the top of the hill is Ragusa Superiore, the busy and ‘working’ part of the town, while further down on the hillside is Ragusa Ibla, its historic centre. This part is absolutely outstanding; a labyrinth of alleyways, quaint stone houses and baroque palazzi and architecture, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Its history and culture makes it fascinating but the sight of the town clinging to the hill upon its approach is really quite breath-taking.


The beaches near Ragusa are spectacular – it has half the blue flag beaches of Sicily - here you will find golden sand, clear water and clean and uncrowded beaches. Marina di Ragusa is the most popular and lively resort, Sampieri and Marina di Modica are both perfect for families and Modica also offers a bay which is windsurfers’ paradise.  Further afield in Pozzallo, you will find some beautiful coastline with crystal-clear water and a great Mediterranean backdrop.

Is the south of Sicily for me?



All in all, the southern part of Sicily is a real gem.  Unique and intense sceneries, scents and flavours of uncontaminated nature, the land is surrounded by green olive groves, almond trees, citrus orchards and vineyards that stretch out to the sea. Its town and cities are rich with history and amazing monuments. The locals are proud of their traditions, which is why the entire Province offers a calendar rich in fairs and festivals.


To come here simply for a beach holiday and not explore would be a shame but you will find the best of both worlds. Amazing scenery and food, which is blessed by the land and sea and some very interesting culture and history right on your doorstep. The apartments in Sicily are lovely and many offer sea views and the villas in Sicily and out of this world. A great combination for a holiday in Italy…

Accommodation


Looking for your perfect home away from home in Sicily? Holiday Homes in Italy offers a great selection of holiday homes, villas and apartments in the south of Sicily:

View villas and apartments in the south of Sicily



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