One week in Modica
Some suggestions to spend a beautyful week in MODICA
The first overall impression upon arrival in Modica is quite amazing. What was once one of the two main rivers cutting across the valley of the town has been transformed today into a wide avenue with beautiful houses and graceful buildings where the locals and the rare tourist can saunter down past interesting shops and friendly open air bars which serve "granite" and fresh fruit cocktails made with colourful local oranges and lemons.
The surrounding hill with a steep ascent , dotted with houses and barocco buildings and churches on narrow roads and stairways leads up to the top where there is a breathtaking view over the town, which was once the capital of "Contea". Further information and facts can be found on the relevant websites.
But what I want to give you is the possibility of planning a wonderful intense week's holiday with suggestions and ideas that you can adapt to fit your needs.
Saturday - a quiet evening, take it easy, an aperitivo in one of the local bars, a stroll to get to know the town and dinner at Mario's in front of your apartment where you will get to taste his wonderful pizza, homemade ravioli filled with ricotta, sausages, boiled meats, local antipasti etc. Special prices for our guests - just make yourselves known!
Sunday - eastward bound on route 115. A visit to Scicli (lovely view from the top on arrival, take photos). Then along the coast to Porto Ulisse, where the Canadians disembarked until you reach Porto Palo, Pachino, Marzamemi and finally Siracuse. There see as much as you can and want to see and if you feel like it maybe take a boat trip round the bay. Don't forget you're in a UNESCO culturally protected area, so go discover some culture, history, gastronomy and sea! Stay for dinner and head off to "Acquario di Marzamemi" and dine on fish surrounded by enormous tanks of fish! Don't miss the experience.
Monday - Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Nuova. Spend the morning discovering Ibla , with it's artisan shops and corners of history untouched by globalization... Explore the Villa Comunale and its Giardino Ibleo, you the tourists alongside local mothers with babies. Climb up to Ragusa Alta and if you're feeling tired take the bus or a taxi back down. You decide how long you want to stay, whether to have lunch or not , how many photos to take and what to buy. Then if there's time go down to the sea at the marina along to Punta Secca, home of Motalbano and then back along the coast to Sampieri and who knows, maybe a swim? This is one of the nicest beaches in the area, unspoilt even by the horrendous orange coloured villa built nearly on the beach.
Tuesday - head inland to see the real timeless, unspoilt Sicily that you will fall in love with. If you are an early riser you can see Enna in the morning (and breath in it's salubrious and decadent atmosphere). I was overcome by a feeling of melancholy on my first visit. An isolated place, at nearly 1,000m and slightly abandoned. Down in Piazza Armerina you can see the unique and unforgettable "Villa Romana del Casale". I hope that you won't find it too hot, certainly best to be visited early morning or evening.
Wednesday - Today a visit to Europe's highest active volcano - an experience not to be missed! You can either stop on arrival of the cable car or for those who are braver, you can continue in a jeep right to the crater's edge - sturdy shoes a must, because you will be walking over very hot ground. Don't forget water, a jacket and a handkerchief for the ashes... An hour and a half each way, but definitely worth every minute, obviously a big tourist attraction.
Thursday - today, two unusual destinations for which you will thank me. In the morning head off to Pachino (40 mins). Ask for the "Vendicari Riserva" (province of Siracuse). Don't forget to bring - food, beach umbrella, swimming costume, water etc. Comfortable shoes and backpack a must, as it's a good half hour's walk - but well worth it. Have you ever seen a place where the fish nibble your legs while you take a swim? You could combine this with the trip to Siracuse (described on Sunday). Head back towards Avola (make sure you buy some fresh almonds) and take the road climbing up to "the lakes of Avola". You won't believe your eyes as you climb down a steep and narrow path and suddenly come upon a amazing torrent that becomes a waterfall that then forms natural lakes, where the water really is incredibly crystal clear. You will spend an unusual day (don't forget suncream and sunglasses).
Friday - last chance to discover Modica, with it's beautiful churches, and watch tower. Remember to buy chocolate, coffee, marzipan, local fruit, and wine as souvenirs of your visit to Modica.
