Ispica - the holy city

The beautiful Baroque city of Ispica sits in the hills of the southern tip of Sicily. It is one of several towns in this area that was rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1693, restyled in a unique version of Sicilian Baroque. There are nature parks in the hills and an undeveloped coastline on the sea. A special park to see is the Archeological area called Parco Forza at Cava d'Ispica, reached by 100 steps hewn into the rocks. In this ancient place you'll encounter the so-called "city of caverns" that were used by prehistoric people, Greeks, Byzantines and early Christians, with a network of caves, necropoli, and catacombs. It is a must see if you love culture and breaktaking views!

Ispica is also known for its elaborate Holy Week observations and processions that draw people from all over Italy! They stage a special Living Nativity at Christmas time in the caves and rocks of Parco Forza. In contrast, summer brings food festivals and musical events. In general , the Noto Valley is primarily agricultural, with the cultivation of carrots, tomatoes, almonds, olives, carob and wine being important still. You can sample the local vintages made with Moscato and Nero d'Avola grapes and never want to leave! A trip to Ispica will surely leave you starstruck and very holy!

Ragusa - A city of sights

Sometimes, stepping into a place transports you into an ethereal world that you never knew could look so picturesque. Ragusa is just that, a beautiful and unique historical town in Sicily. Located on a hilltop, it’s famous for its unusual geographical layout and stunning Sicilian Baroque architecture. Ragusa is divided into two towns: Ragusa Ibla (lower old town) and Ragusa Superiore (upper town). These two parts of Ragusa are separated by a deep ravine. Narrow winding streets and staircases connect the two parts and taking a walk from Ragusa Superiore down to Ragusa Ibla opens up the most breathtaking views of Ragusa Ibla. You can see pretty much the whole town of Ragusa Ibla from that staircase. The views are amazing!

Scicli - the greenhouse capital of sicily

Less well-known than its prestigious neighbours (Ragusa, Noto and Modica) but just as fascinating and beautiful, Scicli is well worth a visit if you’re ever in south-eastern Sicily.

It sits in a gorge just a few miles from the long sandy beaches of Sampieri and Donnalucata and is overlooked by a towering rocky mass on which the Church of San Matteo sits. The town shares much of its history with the other UNESCO Heritage Site towns of the Val di Noto, most specifically the fateful earthquake of 1693, during which over 3,000 of the town’s population died. Scicli, like the towns in the area, was totally rebuilt in pure Sicilian Baroque style. Today, it is a joy to wander round. Scicli’s history, of course, long predates 1693, and it is thought to have taken its name from its founders, the Sicels, one of the three main tribes that inhabited Sicily before the arrival of the Greek colonists. Like the rest of the island, it was passed from one invading conqueror to another, reaching its economic and cultural peak during the Arab and Norman dominations. Today, Scicli is renowned for its many greenhouses producing the "early fruits" that are exported all over Italy!