Ragusa Car Hire

Guide to Ragusa

Geography

Ragusa is a city in southern Sicily, in Italy's Val di Noto region. It is perched on a hill in the Hyblaean Mountains.

Climate in Ragusa

The best months to visit are April, May, October, and November, when average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).

Culture

Ragusa dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. The ancient city flourished owing to the neighbouring port of Camerina and contact with surrounding Greek colonies. The ncient Romans and Byzantines fortified the city and erected a massive fortress after a brief Carthaginian control. The Arabs seized Ragusa in 848 and held it until the 11th century, when the Normans captured it.

Things to do in Ragusa

Stroll through Ragusa Ibla (Old Town)

The Greek Hybla Heraia is said to have originated in the Old Town of Ragusa. After the 1693 earthquake, this tranquil town with small, crooked alleys was rebuilt in the Baroque style. There are several instances of 18th-century architecture strewn amid the pre-earthquake buildings, and even vestiges of prehistoric constructions.

Admire the Cathedral de San Giovanni

The Duomo, or cathedral, is located on Piazza San Giovanni, named after the saint to whom the cathedral church is dedicated. This area is surrounded by the majestic façade of the cathedral and its towering bell tower. The cathedral has a typical southern Sicilian Baroque façade with sculptures and three entrances. The interior chapels include exquisite gilded Rococo stucco work and polychrome marble statuary. Gold adorns the aisle dividing columns.

Appreciate the exquisite Santa Maria dell’Itria church

Underneath its cobalt blue dome is an eight-panel polychrome terra-cotta drum, the panels of which are adorned with floral Rococo-style motifs. There are floral motifs carved into the portals, and they may be seen in floral garlands that adorn the spiral columns on the oldest of the five inner altars in the side aisles. The Knights of Malta built the church in the town's historic Jewish district in the 14th century.

Eating out in Ragusa

Risìu is a high-end restaurant in Ragusa that serves fresh, locally-sourced delicacies. In addition to the standard Sicilian fare, they offer a must-try "Ricotta Bar and Cheese Experience." The impeccable service at LoSteri is only surpassed by their delectable risotto. They're known for their seafood specialities. Start with calamari stuffed with raw prawns, fried sardines, and gamberetti, paired with a wonderful bottle of Grillo white wine. Cantunera Ibla is an excellent choice for arancini and homemade ragu arancini.

Ragusa Transport

Airport

Ragusa's closest airport is Comiso (CIY) Airport, located 12.8 kilometres away.

Getting around Ragusa

At Stazione di Ragusa in Piazza Gramsci, trains operated by Trenitalia will connect you to most major cities on the island. There are also buses to Syracuse, Catania, Modica, Vittoria, Marina di Ragusa, Noto, Palermo, and Rome, operated by SAIS Trasporti. Italian public transportation provider, AST ((Azienda Siciliana Trasporti), can be used to get around inside the city. For local buses, go to one of two bus terminals: "Nodo Zama" near the intercity bus station or "Nodo Piazza del Popolo" next to the train station. Many visitors travelling across southern Italy also opt to hire a car for more flexibility, comfort and convenience.