Overlooking the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, patron saint of the city, the Relais Antica Badia enjoys an enviable position to visit the city.The southernmost regional capital of Italy, Ragusa preserves countless palaces and monuments of the late Baroque era and offers visitors splendid views and breath-taking views.
After the earthquake of 1693, which almost completely destroyed it, it was rebuilt in the 18th century by creating to two large districts: Ragusa Superiore, on the plateau, and Ragusa Ibla, born from the ruins of the ancient city and rebuilt according to the old medieval layout.
Right in the Ibla district, a must for any traveller who passes through the city, easily reachable on foot from the Relais Antica Badia: in about 20 minutes walking through buildings and Baroque facades you will arrive in this fascinating historic centre, a UNESCO heritage site. Here a maze of streets, alleys, stairways often leaves room for glimpses and breath-taking views, such as the one you can enjoy from the terrace inside the beautiful Ibleo Garden.
Also not to be missed is a visit to the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a Baroque work by Rosario Gagliardi, and the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, right next to our Relais, which stands on the city with its side bell tower over 50 metres high. For fans, it will be then interesting and curious to go in search of the places made famous by the Commissario Montalbano series broadcast on state-run channel RAI 2 such as the church of Santa Maria delle Scale in Ibla, the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Conversation Club and many others.
But a holiday in Sicily cannot be separated from its wonderful sea: the Ragusan coastline, characterised by wide beaches and clear waters with shallow and sandy bottoms, perfect for families with children. Marina di Ragusa the most famous seaside resort on the south-east coast of Sicily. It is just 18 km from Ragusa and offers both free beaches and beaches equipped with sunbeds and parasols, as well as numerous rental services for water sports equipment. Other beaches definitely to visit are Pozzallo, Sampieri, Donnalucata, Playa Grande, Caucana, Punta Secca, Torre di Mezzo, Punta Braccetto Randello, Kamarina and Scoglitti.
The Relais Antica Badia also provides discounts with several beaches around Ragusa. Contact our concierge service to find out which beaches offer them.
