Deciding where to stay in Ragusa is essential to enjoy your trip to Sicily to the max. It’s one of our favorite towns in all of Italy, so we visit frequently.
The city is so beautiful that UNESCO included it, together with 7 other towns, on its List of World Heritage Sites. You have to see it to believe it!
Ragusa is in the southern tip of the island. Therefore, it’s a great place to set base and explore everything that Sicily has to offer. Follow our advice and you will have an amazing trip.
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Ragusa Ibla
Ibla is the best place to stay if you want to explore Ragusa. It sits on the top of a limestone hill. Thus the epic views over the two adjacent valleys. The massive earthquake of 1693 destroyed most of the city.
That’s why Ragusa is all baroque. San Giorgio is Ibla’s most beautiful church. Baroque San Giuseppe Church is nearby. The two churches that survived the quake are Santa Maria Delle Scale and Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio.
Our favorite palaces are Palazzo Arezzo Di Trifiletti and Palazzo Cosentini. We always spend time at the incredible Giardino Ibleo. The 1858 gardens are the nicest in all of Sicily.
We Recommend These Hotels in Ragusa Ibla:
San Giorgio Palace Hotel Ragusa Ibla
The San Giorgio Palace Hotel is an uber luxurious property on top of the hill. The service is impeccable and there’s parking in front. You will never forget the views!
Bed and Breakfast Terra del Sole Ibla
The best hotel in Ibla is the Bed and Breakfast Terra del Sole. The grand mansion on the rock has jaw dropping views of Ragusa’s Old Town. The rooms have balconies.
Ragusa Superiore
After the great earthquake, most of Ragusa’s inhabitants moved to the so-called Upper Town, also known as Ragusa Superiore. Modern Ragusa’s City Center is in the Upper Town.
Unlike Ibla’s streets, the ones in the Upper town are long, straight, and wide. The main street is Via Roma. The incredible Cathedral of San Giovanni Batista opened in 1694 on Via Roma.
All types of bars, restaurants and shops line the charming street. If you are into architecture, you should not miss the impressive Post Office from 1938 and the former Casa del Fascio from 1934.
We Recommend These Hotels in Ragusa Superiore:
Ragusa Relais Antica Badia
The Relais Antica Badia – San Maurizio 1619 is one of the best hotels in the city. It’s an 18th-century villa with a spa with a sauna and Turkish bath. The rooms feature antique furniture.
De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel
The De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel has 27 luxurious rooms and a fantastic spa with a hot tub and hammam. Book a suite and you will never want to leave.
Cappuccini
Cappuccini is east of the train station. Therefore, it’s a great place to stay if you have an early or a late train to catch.
It’s a simple yet very authentic neighborhood. You won’t find many tourists here. Its biggest attraction is the Gonfalone quarry. Most of the stones used since 1693 to rebuild the city comes from here.
Cappuccini is all about the views. The Filippo Pennavaria Bridge has jaw dropping views of the hills and valleys. Ponte Die Cappuccini from the 19th Century is the next one.
We Recommend These Hotels in Cappuccini:
Ponte Vecchio Accomodation
The private Ponte Vecchio suite is beneath the Vecchio Bridge. Thus, you can walk everywhere in no time. It has everything you need, including a balcony. This one is perfect for couples.
I CARIZZI
If you are looking for apartments, book one at I Carizzi. The hotel is close to the train station. Every unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen. You need to book 2 nights minimum.
Outside Ragusa
If you are a beach bunny stay in Marina di Ragusa, only 12 miles (20 km) from Ragusa. Bus ET 15 takes you there in half an hour. It’s got a lovely beach with tones of bars and restaurants.
Mostly locals visit during the summer. However, the weather in Sicily is great all year round, so you can visit Marina even in the winter.
UNESCO listed Modica is 9 miles (12 km) from Ragusa. Buses connect it with Ragusa in an hour. It’s as grand as Ragusa. We strongly recommend spending at least one night in Modica.
We Recommend These Hotels Outside Ragusa:
Hotel Miramare
Hotel Miramare faces the sea in Marina di Ragusa. It’s got extra comfy rooms, a very good restaurant and a pool with a hot tub. The complimentary breakfast is delicious!
Edel Modica
We always stay at Edel Modica. The stone house is set in the middle of a splendid garden with two hot tubs! The extra comfy rooms are elegant. The best ones have unforgettable views.
How Long to Stay in Ragusa
We’ve been to Ragusa several times. The longest we stayed was a week and we felt it was not enough. There’s so much to see and the vibe is so relaxed that you can stay forever.
That said, we all have tight schedules. Besides, you have to discover the rest of Sicily. Therefore, we believe you should spend at least two nights in Ragusa.
If you have a bit more time, spend at least one extra night in Modica. Most tourists visit for the day and leave in the afternoon. Ragusa and Modica are magical at nights.
Moving Around Ragusa
The best way to move around Ragusa is walking. You can walk everywhere. Ragusa is super safe so you can walk at all times. However, it can be very hot during the summer.
Therefore, don’t rush and rest whenever needed. If you don’t feel up to it, take a taxi to go to the Upper Town. It won’t be much.
If you are driving, park outside of the city. It’s impossible to park in the center. Biking is another option, though biking to the upper town can be hard.
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