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.
RELATED ARTICLE: 'What
should you know about hidden gem Modica in Sicily?'
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…
Where to stay in south Sicily?
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, browse all accommodation here.
If you need any guidance finding your dream Italian villa,
contact us at info@holidayhomesinitaly.co.uk and
one of our Italy specialists will be more than happy to
help!
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