What to visit
Boat trips
Daily excursions or overnight on motoryatch through the clear waters of the Gulf of Noto, including archeological sites, small islands and Tonnara, the tuna fishing traps. The departure point is from Marzamemi and it is possible to have lunch on a boat with fresh fish in one of the beautiful natural areas of the coast.
The Sicily of Inspector Montalbano
Those who want to discover the views and locations of the famous italian tv series Inspector Montalbano, and go in search of Vigata, Marinella and Montelusa, will have to take a tour where the Hyblaean countryside meets the sea. Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli (seat of the police station), the Castle of Donnafugata and the delightful Punta Secca (place of countless swims of Montalbano) will be the destinations not to be missed. A gathering of colors, flavors and traditions to lose yourself the atmosphere of the most beloved fiction in Italy. If you have more days to spend, Ispica and Noto, are a must see for a real movie trip!
On mount Etna
Among the many natural beauties of Sicily should certainly be considered Etna. The “mountain”, rising above sea level 3350 meters (10,990 ft), is the largest active volcano in Europe. Giving its vastness, to plan a visit you need to consider the time you have at your disposal. Among the most evocative tours there is the one to discover the craters at the summit of Etna. Via cable car you will arrive at the top where a jeep will take you to the starting point of the 3-hour and a half walking tour in a breathtaking landscape that will make you believe to be on another planet. If you are lucky, you will be able to admire, at a distance, the amazing volcano eruptions in all their powerful beauty.
The landscapes of the Iblei
For a different experience from the usual, three young hiking guides enrolled in the AIGAE, the Italian Association for Professional Interpretive Nature Guides, and moved by the love for the peculiarity of the Hyblaean territory and for its history, will make you spend a day in absolute contact with an uncontaminated nature. The possible routes are different, to be chosen together with the guide according to your needs.
Castle of Donnafugata
Surrounded by the typical vegetation of the area, the Castle of Donnafugata looks like a large residential villa. The building owes its appearance to Corrado Arezzo de Spuches, baron of Donnafugata and political figure of the nineteenth century. Inside the castle you can admire the rooms, the halls and the magnificent furnishings of the time. Outside you can be amused to take a walk through the labyrinth, entirely made of drywall and local white stone.
Malta (full day 8-21)
By catamaran from Pozzallo in a short time you can reach the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”. Malta is a perfect combination of art and nature. In Valletta, the city-fortress, you can visit the Cathedral with the works of Caravaggio, other museums, palaces and baroque art. Medina, the ancient capital, is rich of history. And finally, the colossal temples of Ggantija and Gozo, built before the Stonehenge complex. If you wish you can make a visit by coach with a stop in the most significant places of the history of Malta.
Modica
The largest of the cities of the County, Modica is 16 kilometers from the Hotel. Every corner of the historic center is rich in history and beauty and the view from the city from the Church of San Giorgio, one of the most important artistic masterpieces, in Baroque style, is breathtaking. Here you will also have the opportunity to taste typical local products including the famous Modica chocolate cold worked with an ancient Aztec formula.
Noto
Noto is the capital of Sicilian Baroque, called “stone garden”. Here the warm honey-colored shades of the buildings give spaces and volumes unrepeatable harmonies. You can take a walk in the center, where you can admire the impressive staircases of the church of the Duomo, as well as the sumptuous geometries of the Sicilian Baroque, which finds in this town its maximum expression.
Ragusa Ibla
Once in Ragusa Ibla, along the narrow and winding streets, you will be amazed by the refined Baroque and Neoclassical architectural structures. The Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of San Giuseppe, the noble palaces Arezzo di Donnafugata, La Rocca, Cosentino and the Circolo di Conversazione are a must-see. Furthermore, among the small streets full of charm, it is impossible not to find a characteristic place to enjoy the Sicilian culinary tradition.
Scicli
A UNESCO World Heritage City, Scicli, with its late Baroque beauty is definitely worth a visit. Walking along the Via Mormino Penna in the light of the sunset, with its eighteenth-century buildings, is a truly evocative experience. Here are some points of interest: Palazzo Beneventano, Palazzo Spadaro, Church of San Bartolomeo and Santa Maria La Nova.
Syracuse
Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian… Syracuse is a city of art that offers a great variety of itineraries, both by sea and by land. The oldest part of the city, the old town is actually an island, the island of Ortigia, connected to the mainland by two bridges. Here, in a tangle of narrow streets, there are many of the most important monuments and museums, as well as many restaurants and clubs. The Temple of Apollo, the Arethusa springs and lake, the Maniace Castle, the Duomo are just some of the truly must-see tourist destinations of this incredible island.