itineraries
Sicily's Baroque Southeast
7 days — Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Modica, and Ragusa, with Etna and the temples.
Curatorial note
The most rewarding single week in Sicily. Catania as base, Syracuse for Greek ruins, Noto–Modica–Ragusa for the baroque hill towns, a day on Etna, and the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento. A car is essential.
Town · Sicilia
Catania
Catania is worth a night as the base for Etna and the east coast. It is grittier than Palermo but has a great fish market and a Baroque center built from Etna's lava stone. Use it as a hub.
Town · Sicilia
Modica
Modica is worth a half-day on the Val di Noto circuit. The town is stacked in a ravine, and the chocolate — cold-pressed, grainy, and unique — is the reason to stop. Pair with Ragusa.
Town · Sicilia
Ragusa
Ragusa is worth a half-day on the Val di Noto circuit. Ragusa Ibla, the lower old town, is the beautiful part — a cascade of Baroque facades down a hillside. Pair with Noto and Modica.
Town · Sicilia
Noto
Noto is worth a half-day on the Val di Noto Baroque circuit from Syracuse. The cathedral and the streets of golden stone are the most unified Baroque town in Sicily. Go at golden hour.
Town · Sicilia
Syracuse
Syracuse is worth two nights. Ortigia, the island old town, is one of the most beautiful evening walks in Sicily. The archaeological park is essential. Pair with Noto and the Val di Noto.
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