A Brief Local Guide
Walking Around Locally:
Visit Baroque palazzi and churches in the historic centre and beyond. The site of the filming of the Inspector Montalbano Italian tv series is part of the vibrant and elegant via Francesco Mormino Penna, a walk-only pedestrian area. The town of Scicli is a UNESCO world heritage city. The vibe of Scicli is relaxed and friendly. Enjoy night time strolls in the historical centre after a sumptuous dinner, romantic walks by the river on via Aleardi.
Take a gastronomic tour of world class restaurants offering traditional and refined contemporary Sicilian cuisine, or take in more casual spots, all perfect for tasting and socializing. *Find our best recommendations in our guest binder at Casa Rochelle
Local wine shops and food markets offer incredible seasonal produce, local cheeses, olive oil, nuts, seafood and meat. Convenient shopping for when you choose to enjoy meals at home. *Suggestions and locales found in our guest binder
Sweets and Street Food - from exquisite cannoli and pastries, to satisfying arancini to sciacce, the popular Sciclitana version of focacce, filled with ricotta, eggplant or sausage there is a wealth of wonderful ready to pick up specialties wherever you go.
Shopping - Elegant gifts, artisanal traditional ceramics like the iconic Testa di Moro,
Local trek - Walk up to the top of San Matteo in 20min to explore this tranquil natural environment mixed into the Chiafura, where you can breathe in the spectacular view of the whole valley.
Cycling and Exploring Nature - Southern Sicily is a great destination for cycling with many tour options available, or you can simply create your own self-guided tour. There is a popular trail from Scicli to Marina di Modica of about 38km you can access for bike touring, bird watching, trekking. Close to Avola and Noto, is the expansive nature reserve of Cavagrande del Cassabile with small waterfalls and ponds.
Beaches and Nature Reserves:
Only 9 km from the south coast, Scicli boasts access to 20km of free beaches, including Donnalucata, Sampieri, Cava D'Aliga, Pozzallo and Marina di Modica. Sun bathe and enjoy the restorative waters of in the Mediterranean sea. Treat yourself to a seaside lunch, dinner, or artisanal gelato.
Near the beach of Playa Grande is located the River Irminio Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy peaceful long walks through this lovely coastal area.
Neighboring Cities and Places to Visit:
Visit local Baroque gems of Modica and Ragusa to the north, or Noto to the east, all accessible by train and great for walking adventures. Experience a chocolate tasting and making workshop in Modica. If you want to go a little further, Siracusa and Ortigia are well worth it, only about and hour away. Also within a day you can visit charming seaside Marzamemi.
Driving, San Bartolomeo in Scicli is nearest SP41 for highway access to Modica and the rest of Sicily. It is also easy driving access to the local beaches.
Visit local vineyards and organic farms for day trips and excursions. Sicily is leading the way in natural wine production, the biodiversity of the land and rich volcanic soil creates a unique environment for viniculture.
Malta - For a day excursion, you may take a ferry to experience the beautiful island of Malta.
Airports: the local smaller airport of Comiso (CIY) services flights to Rome and other European destinations
Catania International Airport (CTA) is located about 120k from Scicli, accessible by car, train or bus.