Beach Holidays in Sicily from Ragusa to Agrigento
Do you wish to spend your holidays by the sea in Sicily? We have some proposals for you! Cities like Ragusa, Agrigento, and Menfi are south of the island, where you can enjoy plenty of sun and sea and discover the history of this vibrant and fascinating land.
Ragusa, the city of Sicilian Baroque
Ragusa Sicily is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in Italy. After its destruction in the seventeenth century due to a violent earthquake, it rose again like a phoenix and returned to life in all its splendour. Together with Noto, Modica, and other Sicilian localities, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage of the Val di Noto.
The most attractive area is Ragusa Ibla, connected to the modern city by three bridges: Ponte Nuovo, Ponte Vecchio, and Ponte Giovanni XXIII. Just crossing one of these bridges is a unique experience in itself. From there, you can admire the valley on which Ragusa stands and notice the presence of paths and ancient constructions.
It is a site worth visiting if you are fascinated by the idea: the Cava di Santa Domenica. This place, also known as Cava Grande, separates the lower area from Upper Ragusa. It is worth visiting because the eighteenth-century water mills, stone extraction sites, and terraced cultivation areas are still present.
The historic centre, Ragusa Ibla, is concentrated in the religious and noble buildings that are part of the city's UNESCO heritage. In this maze of stone, which includes stairways, small squares, and narrow streets, you will find magnificent examples of Sicilian baroque, such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Church of Santa Maria dell'Itria.
If you love archaeology, then visit the Ibleo Archaeological Museum. Here, you will find artefacts from the oldest sites around Ragusa, one of which is the Greek city of Kamarina. Additionally, you can admire the massive slab known as the Warrior of Castiglione.
Are you fascinated by the life of Sicilian nobles? There are two palaces you must visit without hesitation. The first is Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti, in the heart of Ragusa Ibla. Its elegant salons tell the story of an ancient family that played a significant role in Sicilian history.
Palazzo Cosentini is equally majestic. It was built in the eighteenth century near two essential streets in Ragusa: Via San Rocco and Salita Commendatore. Visiting the interior is difficult, but you can admire the artistic works that adorn the exteriors: grotesque masks and thematic balconies.
Let's leave the city behind momentarily and look towards the Ragusa coast. Of course, learning about the culture of the places you visit is essential. But you are on vacation and want to relax by the sea.
Here is where you can go:
Marina di Ragusa: very popular and well-equipped, perfect for any need;
Donnalucata: a district of Scicli, where you will find several beaches with fine sand and clear sea;
Irminio River Nature Reserve: a fantastic place for you if you love being in touch with nature and visiting uncrowded, wild beaches. It will amaze you!
Santa Croce Camerina: not far from Marina di Ragusa, it has become one of the most famous seaside resorts on Italian television. At Punta Secca, you can take a relaxing and refreshing bath in Inspector Montalbano's favourite location.
Agrigento, what to do and where to go to the beach
The clearest waters of the Mediterranean Sea bathe the coast of Agrigento. Why should you spend your holidays here? It is a fascinating place where the ancient meets the modern.
You can relax by the sea, eat well, and discover places of great historical and cultural value. Just walking through the streets of Agrigento and looking around, you feel the unique atmosphere of places with millennia of history. Today, the city fully showcases the blend of cultures that have established themselves here over the centuries.
What to see in the city? Here is a selection of visits to make during your stay:
Cathedral of San Gerlando - It is worth visiting because it combines different eras and artistic styles.
Valley of the Temples - You cannot miss one of the most suggestive archaeological sites in the world! Dedicate a day to it, as it is a demanding visit due to its extent and the high summer temperatures. Wear a hat and comfortable shoes, but the visit is enjoyable.
Regional Archaeological Museum "Pietro Griffo" - Is one of the most significant museums in Sicily because it houses valuable archaeological finds and complements the enchanting experience of visiting the Valley of the Temples.
Cistercian Monastery of Santo Spirito - There are at least two good reasons to visit this complex: to admire the majestic beauty of the church and to taste the pistachio couscous made by the nuns.
Church of Santa Maria dei Greci - This evocative church is located along an uphill path in the historic centre of Agrigento. The church is of medieval origin and houses the remains of beautiful frescoes.
Luigi Pirandello House Museum _ The Sicilian writer spent his childhood and adolescence here after his family took refuge in the city from cholera. The museum route is structured around themes developed in each room and is designed to bring visitors closer to Pirandello's works.
Regarding the sea, the beaches of Agrigento are considered the most beautiful in Sicily.
We suggest the beach of San Leone because it is conveniently equipped and the easiest to reach from the city centre. However, the Turkish Step in Realmonte.
It is unmistakable, as it is a high-stepped cliff of beautiful white colour. It is a protected site, so access is limited. The alternative to admire it in all its beauty is to organize a boat trip. Reaching other shores where you can take a refreshing swim is also worth doing: Zingarello and Cala Vicinzina.
Not far from the Turkish Step, the beach of Capo Rossello is also set in an enchanting landscape thanks to red rocks and a beautiful clear sea. If you prefer to visit beaches that are more in harmony with the vegetation, consider the Punta Bianca - Monte Grande reserve. The landscape is nothing short of superb. The cape is also made of white rock, and turquoise waters bathe isolated coves. The reserve is vast, and it takes at least 3 hours to visit as it includes both a hilly and marine area. In short, this is a paradise for birdwatchers and lovers of stunning photographic shots.
Menfi, the city with many names
Menfi is a small city in the province of Agrigento renowned for its excellence in two areas. It has long held the Blue Flag, an eco-label awarded to beach destinations that meet specific criteria for sustainable territory management. You can find pristine seas and beaches suitable for all tastes here. This is why it is known as the City of Clean Sea.
Additionally, in 2023, it was named the Italian City of Wine. It is also an essential stop on the Terre Siciliane Wine Route. If you are a wine enthusiast, you will have plenty to taste here! But you can also cycle if you like: there are 26 kilometres of bike paths to explore, winding through the vineyards and olive groves of Menfi.
Furthermore, Menfi is an interesting Sicilian locality for its history, evidenced by the few but noteworthy sites we recommend visiting:
The Mother Church, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua;
The Federiciana Tower, which is what remains of the castle that Frederick II of Swabia built in the 13th century;
Pignatelli Palace, a 17th-century Spanish-era building that now houses the Civic Museum;
Ravidà Palace, a historic building from the 18th century.
Menfi is in a genuinely advantageous position. The archaeological site of Selinunte is close to the city. It is the largest site in Europe, and we highly recommend visiting it.
From Menfi, you can also easily visit the Greek city Heraclea Minoa site. This visit will leave you speechless! The ruins are situated on the promontory of Capo Bianco, near the Platani River Mouth Reserve.
The ancient theatre here is still in excellent condition and is used for summer evening performances in a natural setting of unparalleled beauty.
As mentioned earlier, the coastline is bathed by clear and clean waters. Menfi's coast is about 10 kilometres long, allowing everyone to find a perfect beach to relax and enjoy the sea.
While Capo Bianco offers a beach as beautiful as wild, heading towards Porto Palo, Le Solette, or Lido Fiori, you will find a different situation where the comfort of well-equipped beaches prevails. If you prefer a closer connection with nature, then Caparrina di Mare is your ideal spot. You might even be lucky enough to witness the hatching of turtle eggs! Don't like sand? No problem! At Giache Bianche, you will find a beautiful beach with white pebbles.
Now, all remains to fly to Trapani or Ragusa, get a means of transport, and explore the beauty of Sicily with your own eyes.
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