What to see in Ragusa and Modica: duomos, cave restaurants and chocolate
From our base in Noto, we passed through the cities of Ragusa and Modica. Going in with a blank canvas, I’d no idea what to expect, but then again, that’s exactly how I like to travel — with no expectations.
There’s really no way of getting around Sicily other than by car, so I suggest either hiring one, or finding a local tour company to take you. The journey takes around 50 minutes from Noto, and you’ll see plenty of the arid yet pretty Sicilian countryside. Take particular note of the seemingly endless stream of lemon and olive trees, as well as the old stone structures that whizz past your window. These are muragghi — stone constructions that were built to keep rocks from clogging up the field.
What to see in Ragusa and Modica
When you eventually spot Ragusa in the distance, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping back in time. From a distance, the city looks majestic, and a sense of mystery and intrigue builds the closer you get. You’ll feel this even more when you’re on the winding road driving up into the heart of the city.
The earthquake in Ragusa 1693 split the city of Ibla in 2, with some of the buildings re-built in Baroque style. That said, it’s still possible to see the older pre-earthquake buildings too. Walking around and exploring the city is a must — just try to do this early morning, before the sun gets too hot.
Day trip to Ragusa — points of interest
The number one attraction most people flock to are the awe-inspiring duomos in the city. The Duomo is the principal church or cathedral in every Italian town or city. You can find the Duomo San Giorgio in Piazza Duomo, or the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista. Both are perfect examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and I must have spent at least 5 minutes in the blazing sun simply staring at the former.
Inside the Duomo San Giorgio, there’s almost a theatrical feel, with the deep red full-length curtains married with the golden-brown fringing. The interior itself is impressive and don’t forget to look up to admire the wondrous ceiling. Upon visiting, we were witness to the preparations for a wedding and so decided to pay our respects by leaving!
If you have no itinerary to stick to, I’d highly recommend just strolling around the town. On doing so, we came across a workshop that was not only selling local crafts, but also restoring them. We spotted a traditional carrotero (Sicilian cart) and a Fiat 500 adorned in colourful Sicilian print.
“The number one attraction most people flock to are the awe-inspiring duomos in the city”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“We spotted a traditional carrotero (Sicilian cart) and a Fiat 500 adorned in colourful Sicilian print”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Locanda Don Serafino — the restaurant in a cave
When in Italy, finding somewhere good, and something delicious to eat, is never hard. Saying that, it seems my gastronomic experience was about to get 1,000% better when we stopped for lunch at the exquisite Locanda Don Serafino.
You’ll find it adjacent to the UNESCO heritage site of La Chiesa del Miracoli, a church built in the 17th century. With 2 Michelin stars to its name, you can assume that the quality, as well as the prices, will be higher than a regular trattoria.
The food here is nothing short of excellent, which I think shows from my photos! On top of this, the ambience matches the restaurant’s high standard, in no less than a cave-style environment. Locanda Don Serafino is also part of the beautiful boutique hotel of the same name. For an equally luxurious accommodation experience, click here to find the best deals.
Day trip Ragusa, Modica: Modica — chocolate tasting and baroque
The pretty town of Modica is around 20 minutes by car from Ragusa. It’s much smaller, but with just as much character. It used to be an old walled town when the Arabs ruled, but elegant baroque architecture soon replaced any signs of its former rulers.
Modica’s most famous export is its chocolate. You’ll see plenty of signs selling chocolate when walking around the streets, but the best quality is at Antica Dolceria Bonajuato. The chocolate has a grainy texture to it, and a robust taste, so may not be to everyone’s palate.
I took 3 types of chocolate home: the Massa di cacao 100%; Cioccolato Salinae and Cioccolato Mascobedo. As I write, only 1 bar remains…!
Day trip Ragusa, Modica — Duomo di San Pietro
It’s pretty impossible to miss the Duomo in Modica, and trust me, you won’t want to. It’s striking baroque edifice and stone sculptures stop you in your tracks, demanding your full attention. With a whopping 250 steps to reach the top, be sure to have your Rocky ‘dancing on the spot’ moment when you get there!
“Another selling point about this Duomo, is that there were no tourists there! ”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
The Duomo di San Pietro, for me, is on par with the cathedral in Siena and also in Florence. From the stained yellow façade of the stone outside, to the intricate detailing inside, I spent around 15 minutes trying to take it all in. Another selling point about this Duomo, is that there were no tourists there! Seriously, no one!
All in all, seeing Ragusa and Modica is possible to do in one day, and is the perfect day trip if staying in Noto.
Have you ever visited Ragusa or Modica? If so, what were your highlights?
Stay here
Make the most of your time exploring Noto, Ragusa and Modica with a stay at the fabulous Seven Rooms Villadorata. This boutique hotel’s in the heart of the historic centre in Noto, and a good base for your Sicily travels!
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Ragusa and Modica are definitely off the beaten track in Italy! They serve up some pretty interesting travel experiences though, like the restaurant in the cave and the chocolate tasting. Also, that cart is so astoundingly detailed! Just lovely! 🙂
They’re both such pretty cities, and really not overrun with tourists! The chocolate’s a little bitter, but very good for baking 😀
This place is something new for me. I have never heard about it before. I really liked the place and enjoyed the colorful pictures you have shared 🙂
Thank you, I appreciate your comments.
Day trip to Ragusa and Modica is definitely the most beautiful one in Italy due to historic and architectural beautiful buildings. That colorful Silician cart is my favorite and good to see Fiat 500 car which was basic car when people started to drive cars. I never heard these places were so near to Sicily in Italy, but now I can really plan to go over again.
That’s wonderful to hear! Ragusa and Modica are both wonderful places to visit, and I can’t recommend both enough.
Never heard of these places before. Been to italy 6 years ago but I guess it was too much to expect that time. These destinations seems iconic and historic. Loved the architecture of the buildings. I will love to explore them soon
You should, they’re so beautiful and you won’t be disappointed!
Ragusa and Modica look like amazing places to visit. I hadn’t heard of them, but now they are on my list! The cave restaurant looks delicious and it has such a cool atmosphere. Like you, I like strolling around towns and seeing what I see.
That’s great to hear! There’s so many little hidden treasures around, and the food in Don Serafino is excellent!
Ragusa and Modica – I’ve never heard of both of these cities! I am curious now, thanks to you! I love the architecture too, and you are right it does feel like you are stepping back in time. I can only imagine how gorgeous the city is to marvel at in person!
They’re both so pretty and you can’t imagine how much better it is in person. Make sure to add it to the list 😀
I met a guy from Sicily yesterday and I told him about your blog and how I’d read about Syracuse. How the cathedral there looks so beautiful. His recommendation to me was to drive around the Island which is exactly what you’re doing here! I’m visiting Malta next week and I’m tempted to get the ferry over to Sicily. The Duomo di San Pietro looks stunning and I think the fact that there are no tourists will make it a better experience than others in the country!
It’s so great and very easy to drive around Sicily. Around this time should be even less busier (I hope), so perfect for taking plenty of photos. You must do the ferry from Malta! That’s on my list the next time I return 🙂
Wow! I haven’t heard of this cities Thanks for introducing them to me and showcasing their impeccable beauty… Whole of Italy is filled with so much of beauty… A restaurant inside a cave?? Whoa! The chocolate is making me drool. The food looks yummm. I hope to head to Italy again, this time for these places.
You’re welcome! The restaurant is excellent, not just for the food but ambience too. Lol, I always like to make readers drool over the chocolate. I hope you get to visit for yourself!
I’m actually quite ashamed to say that I’ve never heard of these two cities before! This is literally a lesson in Geography for me. The red Sicilian cart in your pictures looks so pretty! Thanks for this post, I learned about new Italian cities today 🙂
You’re so welcome! I love Sicily, its vibrance and people, so it’s always nice to read I’ve introduced it to other people 😀
Ragusa and Modica seem like they are in a time warp. It is a great detour for those who are visiting Sicily. The restaurant in cave sound so interesting. I hope they had vegan food also on their menu.
I’ll be honest with you…Italy isn’t so big (yet) on vegan, and I’m a meat eater, so I didn’t really look for the options! However, I’m sure there’s plenty of veggie things you could eat there.
Oh my goodness I’m so excited you got to dine at Locanda Don Serafino! I’ve heard of this place and the chef is pretty much a rock star! I’m so happy that you enjoyed your food, and yes, the pictures are drool-worthy. What could be more exciting than dining in a cave?? Especially one where you step back in time!
That’s amazing you’ve heard of it! Locando Don Serafino is soooo good, and the atmosphere is just the icing on the cake 😀
Loved your photographs of the huge Duomos and the Sicilian cart. It is so colorful and creative. The restaurant in the cave seems to be a really interesting concept. Hope you had a good time in Ragusa.
Thank you. It’s a colourful place and the restaurant is wonderful!
I have not heard about this place but it looks just amazing! The pictures looks pretty with these building and architecture. I would love to visit that cave restaurant! It looks unique 🙂
It’s very unique! I’m glad I managed to introduce you to a new place!
These cities are I guess a part of the offbeat travel destinations in Italy cause I haven’t heard of them too often. Nevertheless the pictures are driving me crazy. The Food, Cave & Chocolate tasting are pulling me… 🙂
Great! That’s what I like to read. Yes, they’re not as popular as Rome, Milan etc, but in my opinion, they offer so much more 😀
I have friends that are traveling through Italy and will be heading to Sicily in the next couple of week, I will be sure to pass this post onto them, they would both love this 😀 I’ve been in a few caves during my travels but never in any cave restaurants that would be an amazing experience 😀
Aww that’s really nice of you! I hope they have just as good an experience as I did. It’s very beautiful there 🙂 Tell them Buon Viaggio from me!
Ahh, how gorgeous is that cart and car?! I would love everything about your trip, I’m a big fan of quirky restaurants and this tops the list! Have you been to Cappadocia in Turkey- they have a city of underground caves! What was your favourite thing you ate in Sicily?
Thanks Hannah! I haven’t yet been to Cappadocia, but I’d love to. Honestly, it’s so hard to choose one thing, but I would have to say the seafood. It’s so fresh, and with so many varieties. If you like seafood, try the totano. It’s like squid, but more tender 🙂
Are there many motorcycles or scooters around?
I think I would like the grainy chocolate. Hmm.. maybe I should look into where I can get that around here haha
Actually no! It’s not like Naples with the motorcycles, it’s very peaceful here, which I much prefer. Good luck on finding your grainy chocolate!
My dad was Italian and I visited Italy a lot growing up but had never heard of these two cities. What a gem you have found. Love the architecture inside and outside of the duomo. And the food looked out of this world. It is always a great experience to eat at a Michelin rated restaurant. Oh and that chocolate place is a dream come true. I would have had a hard time picking what to take home. Fantastic!!
It was really hard Joella, so I took home 5 bars of different varieties of chocolate! Aww, where was your dad from in Italy? Ragusa and Modica are so pretty, and still very authentic places to visit. I hope you get to visit for yourself.
Who knew there was such beautiful gems to be discovered in Sicily! I have only seen Catania and Taormina and promised that I will be back! The restaurant in the cave from Ragusa looks so atmospheric and the food seems delicious! I have never dines in a Michelin restaurant before but I can imagine the food is outstanding. I had no idea that Sicily was producing chocolate! I’d like to experience a chocolate tasting in Modica as well. You can tell I’m a foodie, right? 🙂
Oh yes, I could tell when I read your wonderful article on Sorrento! The chocolate is good, but I find it really good for baking. Locanda Don Serafino was excellent, and I wish I could return tomorrow! You need to add Ragusa and Modica to the list 😉
how cool is it that they have a restaurant in a cave! the food looks so delicious too. Ragusa looks beautiful and so fascinating that it was actually split into 2 from an earthquake. great photos too!
Thank you! The food was so good, I couldn’t just put one photo!
Your photos are stunning. I enjoy seeing architectural details of the buildings (Duomo). And wow, the colors and details of that cart are wonderful. This is a good resource for visiting Ragusa Modica.
Thanks Jamie, I really appreciate your comments. Ragusa and Modica are so worth visiting, and as a photographer, you’ll have endless angles to capture!
Sicily is really pretty and the day trips you mentioned here seems like a plus while visiting there. I would love to see the older pre-earthquake buildings, that might literally drive into the 16th century. Is there a restaurant in the cave, is it for real?? Wow just wow!! Thanks for introducing me to a wonderful place.
You’re very welcome 🙂 Ragusa and Modica are both incredible, as is the restaurant in the cave!
The restaurant at the cave looks like something I would love to do. I love visiting Duomos when I am in Italy. But Ragusa was not on my list till this post. It looks like a charming city.
It’s incredible and the food was heavenly too! You won’t be disappointed.
First hearing about Ragusa or Modica but they sound lovely. The duomos are beautiful and would love to eat in a cave.
They’re pretty incredible and the cave restaurant is divine!
We are yet to explore this part of Italy. Most of the architecture of churches and buildings you shared reminds us of our visit to Malta.We have a great fascination for history and architecture and these places Ragusa and Modica look great for history buffs. Hope to visit soon.
You’re very right about these places being perfect for history buffs. I hope you get to visit one day soon!
It has been my dream to visit Italy! Looking at your pictures makes me want to book my tickets right now! Dining in a cave must be a memorable experience. Chocolate tasting sounds fun – we did something similar in Mexico and we loved it!!
Aw then you got to go! It’s a beautiful place, and these 2 cities are like stepping back in time 🙂
Well, you had me at chocolate but I would absolutely love to eat in that restaurant in the cave. Italy is one of my favorite countries, and everything is just so beautiful. We haven’t visited this area yet but your photos make me want to pack right now!
I’m delighted to read that Lois! You’re so right about Italy, and I hope you get to visit Ragusa and Modica one day soon.
I had never heard about the cities of Ragusa and Modica. They look so amazing and I am sure exploring them must have been like having a date with history. The cave restaurant sounds cool and food looks great. I have eaten in once such cave like ambiance in Muscat in Oman.
You’re spot on about the eating in the cave being a part of history. Both Ragusa and Modica have something unique to offer travellers, and you won’t be disappointed!
I love your pictures, what amazing historical cities. I have not eaten in a cave only slept in a few so that must be a wonderful experience I would love to try. Looks like you really enjoyed your experience
Thanks Lisa! The cave restaurant is a one-off experience and I really recommend you try it 🙂
I have never eaten in a Michelin star restaurant! But OMG! This cave restaurant is definitely on my bucket list now. But with or without Michelin stars, Italian food is the best <3
You’re very right, and I hope you get to try a restaurant as good as this on your travels in the future 😀
I have to admit Lisa, I’d never heard of Ragusa and Modica before – looks like I’ve been missing out though! What beautiful places 🙂 Definitely adding these to the bucket list! x
Wonderful, that’s what I like to read! You won’t be disappointed, they’re both such beautiful Sicilian cities.
Ohh Sicily, if I ever get the chance to step my feets on that island I would definetely visit Ragusa and Modica! I wish you had shown us more photos of the village but the one we see made me going WOW. First I thought it was in Greece of all those white building but then I read further. Ragusa has a very interesting history aswell. Love to have a stoll in Ragusa soon!
Aww I’m sorry! I should have posted more photos! If you really want more information on travelling there, I’m happy to send you something directly to your inbox 🙂
You’ve got some amazing pictures here Lisa, excellent job! That workshop in Ragusa is a little gem and the Modica chocolate is sooo good! Sounds like you had a great trip in my beloved Sicily!
Thanks Val! I had an amazing time, and really enjoyed my time there x
I do love visiting churches along my travels, but I would skip everything else to enjoy a meal in the cave restaurant. The ambiance and that food, look like an amazing meal. And to follow it up with chocolate sounds heavenly!
Locanda Don Serafino is incredible! The food, service and the wine is a must, and the hotel’s beautiful too.
Oh wowsers I am in love with this idea, chocolate and Sicily in one combination. The pictures are utterly stunning. Sicily has definitely jumped up my bucket list based on what you have shared. It looks divine.
It’s an amazing place, and really worth visiting!
I would absolutely love to explore Ragusa and Modica based on what you’ve shared! Overall I love visiting beautiful places that are just off the beaten path, but aside from that, I’m in love with the architecture (and the large, elaborate doors) of the duomos, as well as the idea of eating in that gorgeous Michelin star restaurant in a cave. Your detailed descriptions and gorgeous photos really sold me on this experience! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Aisha! I’m glad you enjoyed it, and hope you visit the cave restaurant one day, it’s so worth it x
I visited Italy and returned without seeing Sicily. After reading your post, I feel as if I made a huge mistake. I console myself with the thought that this at least gives me incentive to visit again. I really enjoyed your description and look forward to taste the chocolates when I visit.
That sounds like a good plan! Sicily’s beautiful and the chocolate in Modica is very good!
I’m dying to go to Sicily. I’m from NYC and Sicilian foods are very popular here. My favorite dessert (cannoli) is from Sicily. The Duomo really is stunning. I can’t drive, though, so I’d have to find a tour company.
Aw you must visit one day! Nothing beats Sicilian food as it is in Sicily 🙂
I never knew about these places until I read your blog. And now after reading this post I feel like planning a trip to this place . Thanks for sharing your thoughts and inspiring us to travel
You’re welcome, hope you go one day.
OMG You are making me so excited to push my Italy trip very soon! I don’t know which place should I visit first. But definitely I will add Ragusa to my itinerary.
That’s what I like to hear! Ragusa’s beautiful and so is Sicily in general 🙂
I am completely spell bound by what these places have to offer. And the absence of crowd at these monuments and the town in general is what is even more attractive. The Duomos definitely need that quiet and lots of time for one to absorb all those stories around the place. I loved that Sicilian cart. So intricate and beautiful. I admit that this is the first I have heard of the place but I assure you that I am on to finding out more. Amazing pics Lisa and a lovely write up too.
Thanks Ami! I appreciate you taking the time to read it. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my time here, but I highly suggest people to visit – you won’t be disappointed.
Wow, I had never heard of these places. There are so many beautiful places in the world to see in a lifetime. Absolutely stunning photos. Those chocolates are making me drool
Thank you! I’m lucky to return to Sicily every year, so happy to share these amazing places with you.
This is an absolutely beautiful post and I am hankering for a wonderful Italian meal like you show here. I have so much more of Italy to explore in the future. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome! I love Sicily, and I know you will too.
Ragusa and Modica both sounds definitely worth a visit! The local craft of Ragusa looks amazing and so do the photos of Modica. Good to know Modica’s most famous export is its chocolate. Will definitely try the chocolate of Antica Dolceria Bonajuato while going there. Will also try to hike all the 250 steps up to the top of
Duomo di San Pietro. This sounds like an amazing experience!
It really is! And we took home a few flavours of the chocolate, it’s very good, even in cakes 🙂
That comfortable feeling like as though you’re stepping back in time while ambling around the heart of the City in Ragusa is something I look forward to experience If I get the chance to visit this place. Truly, after knowing that Modica’s most famous export is its chocolate have made me more excited to traipse my feet in this town. I will surely visit these interesting and stunning places you’ve mentioned in this post. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I hope so too! It’s a beautiful city in Sicily, and not overrun with tourists either 😉
Wow, I’d never even heard of Ragusa or Modica before this, but now I want to go. I’ve been reading lots of posts on Italy lately, maybe it’s a sign that it’s time to head back there! And I would definitely like to have a meal at Locanda Don Serafino. It looks delicious and so very ambient!
It’s an incredible restaurant, and the food’s amazing and very local too 😀
I haven’t explored that part of Italy. It looks absolutely gorgeous! And loved how someone decorated Fiat car
It’s a lovely city, and really worth seeing!
To be honest I have never heard of either of these destinations. I must say they look amazing I love a good cathedral and their amazing architecture. The chocolates had my kids convinced as soon as they seen them lol.
Perfect! And the chocolate is even better when trying it in person 🙂
Never heard of this place! It’s definitely a great destination to explore
Lovely pictures
I will pin this post for later!
Thank you!
I’ve always been curious about Sicily as I heard it was really different from the rest of Italy. This post definitely gives me some insight into the island. The Sicilian print looks so colorful and vibrant – I love it! And the restaurant you ate at looks divine! I would love to try a few of those dishes.
Ragusa and Modica are truly great places to visit. And the food’s even better in person!