Last updated on November 26th, 2024.
From our base in Noto, we made the 40-minute drive to the small cities of Ragusa and Modica.
These smaller cities in the south of Sicily are fascinating for so many reasons.
Not only do you get a taste of how life used to be, but you also see first hand the incredible architecture that still remains today. In this post, I’ll be sharing the top things to do in Ragusa and Modica in one day.
Both cities make a great addition to your Italy bucket list and for your East Sicily itinerary. Use this to help plan your trip to Italy.
How to get around Sicily
It goes without saying that hiring a car is essential for how to get around Sicily.
Living in Sicily (intermittently), there is public transportation in larger cities like Catania and Palermo. Traveling outside these places, however, is a different story.
Your best bet is to search for national bus services like Flixbus or to book a guided tour.
There are plenty to choose from, including an excellent baroque tour of Noto, Ragusa and Modica from Catania.
Alternatively, you may prefer trying a food and wine tour of Mount Etna or a private tour of Palermo.
The drive from Noto to Ragusa is a pretty one.
Take note of the endless lemon and olive trees, as well as the old stone structures that whizz past your window. These are called muragghi. They were stone constructions built to keep rocks from clogging up the field.
Things to do in Ragusa and Modica in 1 day
When you eventually spot Ragusa in the distance, it almost feels like a mirage.
From afar, the city looks majestic, with a sense of mystery and intrigue that builds the closer you get. It’s a feeling that intensifies when you’re on the winding road driving up to 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 Sicilian Baroque style. However, it’s still also possible to see the older pre-earthquake buildings.
Walking around and exploring the city tops the list of things to do in Ragusa. Just start your travels earlier than later, as the Sicilian sunshine takes no prisoners.
See Duomo di San Giorgio in Ragusa
The number one attraction most people flock to is the mesmerizing Duomo in the city. The Duomo is the principal church or cathedral that you find across every Italian town or city.
Ragusa has 2 notable churches: the Duomo San Giorgio in Piazza Duomo and the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista. Both are perfect examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
More than a church
Duomo San Giorgio is dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of Ragusa.
The original church that stood on the site of the Duomo San Giorgio was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. It was rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style between 1738 and 1775.
Inside, the decor has an almost theatrical feel. Deep red full-length curtains married with golden-brown fringing greet you as you step inside.
The interior itself is impressive as is the striking painted ceiling. While we would’ve liked to explore further, preparations for a wedding were taking place at the time of our visit. Because of this, we decided to pay our respects by quietly exiting the church.
A second cathedral in Ragusa
The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista (Cathedral of St. John the Baptist) was built in the 18th century.
The façade of the cathedral features a grand staircase and a central portal flanked by two bell towers.
Inside are elaborate frescoes, ornate altars and a silver statue of St. John the Baptist. Dating to the 14th century, it steals the limelight the moment you lay eyes on it.
Both cathedrals are one of the best things to do in Ragusa and Modica and shouldn’t be missed.
Explore the streets of Ragusa
As I mentioned above, walking the streets of Ragusa is the best way to see the city.
While getting lost in the side streets, we came across a workshop selling, and restoring, local crafts. We spotted a traditional carrotero (Sicilian cart) and a Fiat 500 adorned in colorful Sicilian print.
Map of Sicily
Have lunch at Locanda Don Serafino
When in Italy, finding somewhere good, and something delicious to eat, is never hard. And, if you’re looking for the best place to eat in Ragusa, I encourage you to try the exquisite Locanda Don Serafino.
The restaurant’s located adjacent to the UNESCO site of La Chiesa del Miracoli, a church dating to the 17th century. With 2 Michelin stars to its name, the quality, as well as the prices, is worth every Euro.
The food here is nothing short of excellent, which I think you can see from my photos.
On top of this, the ambience matches the restaurant’s high standard, in no less than a cave-style environment.
If you fancy extending your time here, Locanda Don Serafino is also part of the striking boutique hotel of the same name.
Booking.comMap: things to do in Ragusa and Modica in 1 day
Discover churches and chocolate in Modica
The pretty town of Modica is around 20 minutes by car from Ragusa. It’s much smaller in size, but has just as much character as its bigger neighbor.
Modica used to be an old walled town during the time of Arab rule. However, the era of baroque architecture would soon replace any signs of its former rulers.
One of the most interesting features of Modica is its unique layout. The town’s divided into 2 parts, Modica Alta (Upper Modica) and Modica Bassa (Lower Modica). Both are separated by a deep valley.
The two sections are connected by a series of winding streets and staircases, making a picturesque and mysterious scene.
Come for the chocolate — things to do in Ragusa and Modica
But, aside from the baroque architecture and unique layout, Modica’s most famous export is its chocolate.
And, undeniably one of the best things to do in Modica is to try some. A production that dates to the 16th century, the chocolate’s made using a traditional method. This involves grinding roasted cocoa beans with sugar and cinnamon on a heated stone slab.
The result is a distinctive grainy texture and a rich, complex flavor.
You’ll see plenty of shops selling it when walking around town, but the best quality is at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. With a grainy texture and robust taste, it may not be to everyone’s palate.
We, on the other hand, ended up taking home 3 chocolate bars. This included Massa di cacao 100%; Cioccolato Salinae and Cioccolato Mascobedo.
Visit Duomo di San Pietro
It’s pretty impossible to miss the Duomo di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Cathedral) in Modica.
Like in Ragusa, the Duomo di San Pietro was also built on the site of an earlier church destroyed in the earthquake.
Its striking baroque edifice and stone sculptures are so impressive that they demand your full attention. With 250 steps to reach the top, be sure to have your ‘Rocky’ moment when you get there.
Inside is one of the finest examples of Baroque organ building in Italy. Dating to the 18th century and with over 2,500 pipes, it’s still in use to this day.
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, to the intricate detailing inside, it’s one Duomo you shouldn’t miss.
Another selling point about visiting this Duomo, is that it wasn’t as crowded as other churches in Sicily.
It was a big difference to the crowds we’d seen at Palermo Cathedral and nearby Monreale.
After our visit, Modica quickly became one of my favorite cities to visit in Sicily. Small it is, but there’s something alluring in visiting these places over the busier cities.
Where to stay near Ragusa
Make the most of your time exploring Noto, Ragusa and Modica with a stay at the fabulous Seven Rooms Villadorata. This boutique hotel in the heart of the historic center in Noto makes a good base for your Sicily travels.
Booking.comAlternatively, consider checking into a hotel surrounded by nature at IUTA Glamping & Farm. Around 2km from Noto city center, it’s your opportunity to experience glamping in Sicily.
Booking.comWould you like to visit Ragusa or Modica? Which sights would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
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!