Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Ispica and Santa Croce Camerina
Autumn brings with it a special charm to the Hyblaean region, where Sicilian Baroque blends harmoniously with the warm tones of the season. The towns of Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Ispica and Santa Croce Camerina, rich in history and art, are transformed under the soft October light, offering visitors an extraordinary combination of architecture, natural landscapes and autumn flavors.
At this time, tourism slows down and the region reveals a quieter face, ideal for exploring hidden treasures and savoring the authentic beauty of southeastern Sicily.
Ragusa Ibla: the enchantment of Baroque between foliage and Autumnal atmospheres
We begin our journey from Ragusa Ibla, where the baroque heart of the city takes on an almost fairy-tale aura in autumn. The facades of St. George’s Cathedral and the many historic buildings seem to glow with new light as the autumn sun reflects off the limestone. The squares are filled with a calmness that invites one to stroll slowly, admiring the architectural details that are often missed on busier days.
Modica: the sweetness of chocolate and the scents of autumn
Continuing the journey, we arrive in Modica, famous for its artisanal chocolate, which becomes the absolute star during the cooler months. In autumn, a walk through its streets is enriched by the unmistakable aroma of Modican chocolate, prepared according to ancient Aztec tradition. Beyond the sweet, Modica is a city that surprises with its Baroque architecture, with the splendid Church of San Giorgio dominating the landscape.
October’s mild temperatures make for perfect hiking along the nature trails surrounding the town, such as those leading to the Conti Castle, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys covered in shades of orange, yellow and red.
Scicli: baroque and nature in perfect harmony
Autumn is also the ideal time to discover Scicli. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with the cooler days, you can fully enjoy its artistic wonders. Must-sees include the Church of San Bartolomeo and the Beneventano Palace, which stand out majestically against the green hills and warm autumn colors.
October is also a great month to visit Scicli’s natural surroundings, such as the Fiume Irminio Nature Reserve considered the pearl of the Hyblaean Mountains.Here the landscape changes dramatically with the arrival of autumn, offering moments of peace and breathtaking views along the coast.
Ispica: between history and millennial caves
Fall in Ispica is an ideal time to explore its ancient history, from Baroque churches to the fascinating prehistoric caves of the Cava d’Ispica. With the cooler weather, walks along the Cava become an even more enjoyable experience. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, with its beautiful portico, is another example of Baroque magnificence, standing out under terse skies in October.
The town also invites you to discover local culinary traditions, where the simplicity of autumn ingredients such as chestnuts, mushrooms, and new oil are transformed into flavor-packed dishes.
Santa Croce Camerina: autumn between sea and countryside
Finally, our journey takes us to Santa Croce Camerina, where autumn is the perfect time to discover the coast and surrounding countryside without the stifling heat of summer. The beaches of Punta Secca, made famous by the Inspector Montalbano television series, are depopulated by summer tourists, becoming ideal places for long walks by the sea, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the autumn breeze.
The hinterland of Santa Croce Camerina is dominated by the cultivation of local products, and October is the time to enjoy the freshly pressed olive oil and the first seasonal harvests, which here reaches heights of exceptional quality thanks to the perfect integration between terroir and cultivars such as the Tonda Iblea and the Moresca. In addition, the Archaeological Park of Kaukana offers the opportunity to take a plunge into the ancient history of Sicily, immersed in the autumnal silence that makes the archaeological remains even more evocative.
Autumn flavors: between gastronomy and tradition
It is not only the visual beauty of this Baroque land that captivates in autumn: October is also the perfect month to discover local flavors, enriched by seasonal products. Wineries in the area open their doors to offer tastings of wines such as the famous Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, to date the only DOCG recognized throughout Sicily. In addition to the aforementioned Cerasuolo di Vittoria, grape varieties such as Grillo also find a natural habitat in the mineral- and limestone-rich soils of this terroir, one of Sicily’s most devoted to wine production, while trattorias offer dishes that enhance autumn flavors, such as mushrooms, chestnuts and seasonal vegetables.
A dinner in local restaurants, framed by the splendid Baroque architecture, is an experience that engages all the senses. The combination of culture and gastronomy becomes a journey to discover the deepest roots of Baroque Sicily.
Experience autumn in the heart of the baroque
Autumn in the territory of Enjoy Barocco offers a unique experience where art, nature and gastronomy meet in a season that invites slow and conscious discovery. The warm colors of the autumn landscape, the authentic flavors of Sicilian cuisine and the magnificence of Baroque come together to give visitors unforgettable moments, in a setting where history and beauty coexist in perfect harmony.
