Your Essential Guide to Ragusa: What to See, Do, and Eat
If you’ve checked out our guide to Taormina, you’ll know that one of the first things that inspired our trip to Sicily was White Lotus Season 2. The show didn’t just showcase Taormina’s breathtaking coastline—it also gave us a glimpse of the charming, historic Baroque towns of Val di Noto. But instead of heading straight to Noto, we discovered that the region is dotted with other stunning towns, all flaunting that beautiful beige Baroque architecture.
In search of something a little more off-the-beaten path, we found ourselves in the picturesque town of Ragusa. After spending 5 days soaking up its beauty, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Ragusa, the best day trips to take, tips on where to stay, and—most importantly—the tastiest spots to eat.
Let’s dive in!
Is Ragusa Worth Visiting?
So, the big question—is Ragusa worth visiting? Our answer: Yes!
This charming town is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, dotted with stunning Baroque architecture, churches tucked into almost every corner, mouthwatering local cuisine, and one of the most breathtaking staircase viewpoints you’ll ever lay eyes on—revealing a sweeping panorama of Ragusa Ibla nestled dramatically against the rugged mountain slopes.
What makes Ragusa truly unique is that it’s actually two towns in one—Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore—each perched on its own hilltop, separated by a deep ravine but seamlessly connected by a maze of narrow streets and scenic staircases.
The town was rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake, giving visitors the rare chance to admire incredible panoramic views of one town from the other—like stepping into a living postcard as you stroll through its streets.
While the region boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage towns, including Modica, Scicli, and Noto, we chose Ragusa for its dramatic landscape, rich history, and quieter, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
And it did not disappoint.
Ragusa Ibla Vs. Ragusa Superiore
Ragusa is actually two towns in one: Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore. Ragusa Ibla (on the Eastern side) is the historical heart, brimming with Baroque churches, charming piazzas, and winding medieval streets. In contrast, Ragusa Superiore (on the Western side) represents the newer, more modern side, with a spacious layout and grand architecture.
This dual identity derived from the devastating 1693 earthquake that rocked southeastern Sicily. Instead of rebuilding as a single town, the locals chose to create two distinct areas—Ibla rebuilt atop its original medieval foundations, while Superiore was founded atop a nearby hill.
Today, the two are seamlessly connected by narrow streets and steep staircases, making it easy to explore both and experience the fascinating contrast between old and new Ragusa. Although we chose to stay in Ragusa Superiore, we were walking back and forth between both towns everyday!
Best Things to do in Ragusa, Sicily
Here, we’ll share our favourite experiences exploring both Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore.
The two towns are just a 15-20 minute walk apart, though be prepared for some uphill and downhill climbs—those staircases can be quite a workout (but it’ll help burn off all those cannoli)!
While you won’t need a car to visit the main highlights within the towns, we’ve also included a ‘Day Trips’ section below with the best excursions you can take by car to explore the surrounding area.
1) Sunset at Percorso delle Scale
This was the main reason why we chose to visit Ragusa. After having stumbled upon a photo of the view from Percorso Delle Scale online, I knew it was a view like none other in Sicily!
Perched high in Ragusa Superiore, right before the staircase leading down to Ibla, this viewpoint offers a sweeping vista of Ragusa Ibla perched dramatically on the rugged mountain slopes. It feels like being transported back in time and living in a fairytale story.
This was the perfect spot for both sunrise and sunset, with the soft glow of the sun gradually lighting up the ancient town of Ibla. To make the experience even better, you can enjoy a picnic from Al Gradino 284 while sitting on the steps to fully soak in the view. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined, the nearby restaurant Scale Del Gusto is a great option.
Although we didn’t eat there, we couldn’t resist coming back every day just to soak in the stunning viewpoint. And honestly, we never got tired of the view!
2) Stroll through the narrow streets of Ragusa Ibla
Stepping from Ragusa Superiore to Ragusa Ibla, it’s as if you were transported into a scene from a classical painting. With a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, and Baroque buildings that seem to whisper tales of centuries past, the best way to enjoy it is just freely explore and getting lost.
As you wander, you’ll encounter little piazzas, hidden churches, and dramatic viewpoints revealing the surrounding mountainous landscape. We easily spent a good 2-3 hours discovering every hidden corner of Ragusa Ibla and soaking in the peaceful vibe and the sense of history hanging in the air.
There’s only about 2-3 streets that can bring you up and down through Ragusa Ibla so don’t worry about getting lost. You’ll know you’ve reached the centre once you arrive a Piazza Duomo with it’s open Piazza lined with boutiques and cafe terraces.
Guided Tour of Ragusa
Ragusa has a very deep and rich history, from the earthquake in 1693, its role as a trading hub established by the Arabs then later transformed into castles by the Normans, to many more stories. If you prefer to go on a guided tour where you’ll learn all about Ragusa’s history, then you must do this 3-hour Discovering Ragusa Walking Tour.
3) Attend the Ragusa’s Local Festival: San Giovanni Battista
If you can time it right, try to visit Ragusa during the Festival San Giovanni Battista in June or August. This is a religious and cultural celebration that honors the patron saint and diocese of Ragusa, and is one of the biggest celebrations there.
We were lucky enough to experience it, and let me tell you, the entire city just comes to life!
Picture this: musical performances, marching bands marching through the streets, and solemn processions with thousands of people carrying candles. Then, as night falls, you get cannon fire, food stands, and fireworks lighting up the sky!
The event goes on for a few days, and our favorite part? Definitely the live band rocking out old Italian songs on stage in the central plaza at night!
The Festival usually occurs close to the end of June and then the end of August to make sure to check the dates!
4) Enjoy a Brioche con Granita and admire Chiesa delle Santissime
We had already enjoyed a delicious Brioche con Granita during our stay in Syracuse/Ortigia, but the one in Ragusa? Unforgettable.
Tucked in the valley between Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla, there’s this charming little café called Trattoria Agli Archi, right in front of the stunning Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio.
After conquering all those stairs down from Ragusa Superiore, we took a well-deserved break here, savouring the most delicious Brioche con Granita on their terrace.
The vibe was so peaceful, just watching the locals wander by. It was the perfect spot to embrace the Dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing absolutely nothing and loving every minute of it.
5) Piazza Duomo and take a train ride on Trenino Barocco
Once you arrive at Piazza Duomo in Ragusa Ibla, you can wander around to explore the cute boutique shops or stop for another Gelato sitting on their terrace.
As you can see, much of the enjoyment of Ragusa is not ticking off highlight stops, but rather the slow travel and soaking in the local culture. From here, you can admire one of Ragusa’s prettiest churches, the Duomo di San Giorgio.
You might also notice that there is a little train that drives by in the Piazza Duomo called the Trenino Barocco. This train will bring you through the narrow streets to the main historical landmarks of Ragusa Ibla and explain the history of each spot. This train is perfect for kids and those who have difficulty climbing up the steep slopes of Ragusa.
If you want more information, check out the official Trenino Barocco website.
6) Relax in Giardino Ibleo
When you reach the top of Ragusa Ibla, you’ll find yourself at Giardino Ibleo.
This little garden is a peaceful mix of lush greenery, tree-lined paths, and charming old fountains—basically, the perfect place to kick back and relax.
From here, you get stunning views of the surrounding landscape, or you can just enjoy watching the local kids play among the flowers and trees. It’s not a massive park, so you can easily explore it in about 30 minutes.
Right in front of the garden is a shuttle bus that’ll take you back to Ragusa Superiore for just around 1€. We didn’t hop on it, though—we decided to take the long way back and stroll through Ragusa Ibla’s beautiful streets one more time.
7) Dine at our favourite restaurants
If you’ve read our blog before, you’ll know we are TOTAL FOODIES. From exploring delicious sushi through Japan, some of the best ceviche going through Peru, to countless bowls of Pho in Vietnam, our stomach and sense of adventure has always led our travels! And Sicily is no different. Some of our favourite meals in Sicily were actually found in Ragusa.
Basilico Ristorante Trattoria
Our absolute #1 favourite though, was Basilico Ristorante Trattoria located in Ragusa Superiore. its a cute little restaurant tucked away on the side street, but wow do they serve some delicious and authentic Italian food!
We ordered their Spaghetti alla vonghole and it was the best one we’ve had! We also had their squid ink pasta which was equally delicious!
Le Note
Our second favourite restaurant is called Le Note and it is located low in the valley between Ragusa Ibla and Superiore. In this way, it is tucked far away from the tourist crowds. We had a delicious seafood pesto pizza with a huge burrata cheese and a home special pasta.
8) See the night market at Ponte Nuovo
Finally, at night, head over to Ponte Nuovo in Ragusa Superiore to experience their local market. The market itself is on the actual bridge and they sell everything from jewlery, food, clothing to little dollarstore knick-knacks. If you follow the pathway winding down from the bridge, you’ll get to an area where they sell food and drinks.
Day Trips from Ragusa
Ragusa is the perfect base for exploring nearby UNESCO towns like Modica, Scicli, and Noto, along with a few other cool attractions.
However, we highly recommend booking your car rental in advance (and renting it from Catania for a way cheaper price!). The town is small, and rentals tend to run out fast. We initially planned to do day trips by bus, but we quickly realized the bus stop is about a 40-minute walk from Ragusa Superiore, which made things pretty inconvenient.
When we finally looked into renting a car, most places were all booked up, and the few that had cars left were quoting us nearly 100€ a day. In the end, we decided to skip the day trips and just enjoy all the amazing things Ragusa itself has to offer. But we wanted to mention this so you can be aware of the other great experiences around the area if you plan ahead!
9) day trip to Modica, Scicli (30 min away)
A day trip to Modica or Scicli offers a chance to explore stunning Baroque architecture and charming streets. In Modica, you can indulge in famous chocolate and visit the impressive Duomo di San Giorgio. Scicli, with its dramatic setting, is perfect for wandering through its picturesque town square and admiring its historic churches.
10) Day trip to Castello di Donnafugata (30 mins away)
A day trip to Castello di Donnafugata lets you step into Sicily’s aristocratic past, with its grand architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the castle’s impressive rooms and learn about its fascinating history. The surrounding parkland and scenic views make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
11) Visit a historic Olive oil mill
Visit one of the most prestigious olive oil mills in Italy, the Oleificio Gullino, founded in 1880.
On this tour, you will discover the history behind the mill, and get to taste over 9 aromatic olive oils. These range from Mandarin, Lemon, Basil, Garlic, Chili Pepper, Rosemary, White Truffle, Porcini Mushrooms, Barbecue, and an exclusive Citronette.
Then you will get to taste their prize olive oil, “Erbesso” DOP Monti Iblei olive oil, a winner of 130 international awards, conducted by an expert olive oil sommelier.
This post is part of our series about Italy. If you want to learn more about Italy, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:
12) Day trip: Marina Di Ragusa (30 mins away)
Our AirBnB host told us that we could go to the beach at Marina Di Ragusa. It is a 30 minutes ride by bus away (after the 40 minute walk to reach the bus stop) and is actually where he lives. Apparently the water is beautiful there and it is the perfect way to cool off during the hot Italian summer.
How long do you need to see Ragusa
If you are very interested in small Italian towns and the Baroque-style architecture, then we recommend spending about 3-4 days in Ragusa. This will allow you to explore Ragusa as well as include some of those day trips to Scicli and Castello di Donnafugata as mentioned above.
We ended up staying for 4-5 days in Ragusa alone and felt like it was a bit too much time there. We didn’t mind though since our goal there was really to slow travel, and soak in the local ambiance.
How to reach Ragusa
Fortunately, there is a good system of buses and trains connecting the cities in Sicily.
To reach Ragusa, you can come from Catania, Noto, or Syracuse/Ortigia.
The trip from Catania takes around 2 hours and costs only 9€ with ETNA bus. Alternatively, you can take the train but there is one stop-over in Syracuse, making the total trip around 4 hours long, and costing 15€.
The best way is to search for the available options on Omio to see which way is easiest and most affordable to reach Ragusa. We always booked with Omio during our trip through Sicily and loved their clear interface and the inclusion of the map so you are sure EXACTLY where it brings you to.
Where to stay in Ragusa
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Ragusa, you’ve got two options: Ragusa Superiore or Ragusa Ibla.
Ragusa Superiore tends to be more affordable and offers a more modern vibe, plus it’s closer to the bus terminal. Ragusa Ibla, on the other hand, is a bit pricier, but it’s where you’ll find all the stunning historical architecture. We also noticed the restaurants there were a bit more expensive, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best accommodations in both Ragusa Ibla and Superiore for every budget.
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Ragusa Ibla | |||
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Where to Go After Syracuse/Ortigia
After Ragusa, you can either head East to visit Taormina, Catania, and Syracuse/Ortigia. Or, if you have a car rental, head West to do a loop up into the North through Cefalu, Palermo, Agrigento, and more!
We didn’t have the time on our visit to Sicily to do the entire island and instead focused on the South Central and South Eastern parts. We will share our full itinerary shortly!
Using WISE card in Italy
When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.
This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.
Summary: Best Things to do in Ragusa, Sicily
Ragusa was the perfect stop on our Sicily trip—just the right place to escape the crowds and soak in the vibe of traditional Italian villages surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes. In this guide, we’ve shared our favorite things to do in Ragusa, from the best spots to eat to the best ways to explore. While this list isn’t overflowing with 20+ activities, it’s all about a different way of traveling—really soaking in the local culture. Hope you found this guide helpful!
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