Modica Magic: A Family-Friendly Adventure on a Budget!

Discover ancient magic and sweet adventures in family-friendly Modica, Italy!

28 August 2023

Modica, Italy offers a delightful family friendly trip filled with history, culture, and delectable chocolate. Spend your days exploring the picturesque hilltop town, admiring the stunning Baroque architecture and visiting the magnificent Cathedral of San Giorgio. Don't forget to indulge in the renowned local chocolate, made using ancient recipes, for a sweet and unforgettable experience.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Modica's Historic Charm

  • Start your adventure in Modica with a visit to the stunning Duomo di San Giorgio, a baroque masterpiece with breathtaking views of the city.
  • Immerse yourself in the sweet world of chocolate at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily. Don't leave without sampling their famous chocolate Modicana!
  • Wander through the narrow streets of Modica's old town, where picturesque houses seem to perch precariously on steep cliffs it's like walking through a fairytale!
  • Indulge in a delicious lunch at Osteria dei Sapori Perduti, a cozy trattoria serving traditional Sicilian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Discover the hidden gems of Modica's artisan workshops, where you can observe skilled craftsmen creating everything from ceramics to leather goods, and maybe even pick up a unique souvenir.
  • Finish the day with a leisurely passeggiata along Corso Umberto, the main street of Modica, buzzing with vibrant shops, cafes, and gelaterias.
Day 2

Adventure and Nature in Modica's Surroundings

  • Embark on a thrilling excursion to the Cava d'Ispica, a deep limestone gorge filled with ancient tombs, cave dwellings, and secret pathways waiting to be explored.
  • Pack a picnic and head to the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve, a coastal haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for flamingos!
  • Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Calamosche Beach, one of Vendicari's most beautiful sandy stretches.
  • Refuel at Locanda del Colonello, a rustic trattoria serving mouthwatering seafood dishes made from the freshest catch of the day.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Scicli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning baroque architecture and picturesque piazzas.
  • Indulge in a decadent Sicilian dessert at Gelateria Karruba, known for their inventive gelato flavors like pistachio with Marsala wine.
Day 3

Historical Icons and Culinary Delights

  • Delve into the rich history of Modica at the Museo Civico, housed in a former Jesuit college, featuring artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era.
  • Take a guided tour of the enchanting Castello dei Conti, a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic vistas of Modica's rooftops and beyond.
  • Savor a traditional Sicilian lunch at La Gazza Ladra, where homemade pasta and traditional recipes are served with a side of warm hospitality.
  • Join a bespoke cooking class at The Sicilian Kitchen, where you'll learn to prepare mouthwatering classics like arancini and cannoli, using fresh local ingredients.
  • Explore the breathtaking gardens of the Modica Chocolate Park, where you can learn about the cocoa production process while enjoying nature's beauty.
  • Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at Accursio Ristorante, known for its innovative twist on Sicilian cuisine, with dishes that look like works of art.
Day 4

A Cultural and Artistic Journey

  • Start the day with a visit to Museo del Cioccolato di Modica, dedicated to the city's most famous export. Unleash your inner Willy Wonka and indulge in chocolate tastings.
  • Marvel at the frescoes and ornate stuccos inside Chiesa di San Pietro, a hidden gem of Modica known for its baroque splendor.
  • Visit Palazzo Grimaldi, a noble residence turned art gallery, showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art pieces.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Locanda Don Serafino, a Michelin-starred restaurant that fuses traditional Sicilian flavors with innovative techniques.
  • Catch a performance at Teatro Garibaldi, a stunning neoclassical theater adorned with intricate decorations and hosting a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
  • Wind down the evening with an apéritif at Caffè dell'Arte, a historic cafe where great minds have gathered for centuries, sipping espresso and discussing life's mysteries.
Day 5

Unforgettable Food Experiences

  • Start the day with a decadent breakfast at Pasticceria Mazzetti, a local institution serving delectable pastries, granitas, and the best cannoli in town.
  • Set off on a food tour through Modica's vibrant markets, where you can sample an array of local delicacies, from aged cheeses to marinated olives.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive to nearby Ragusa, a picturesque city famous for its baroque architecture and tantalizing cuisine.
  • Lunch at Locanda Don Serafino Ragusa, a Michelin-starred masterpiece where simplicity meets elegance. Savor their signature dish, ravioli filled with pork and chocolate.
  • Take a sweet detour to Antico Caffè Spadaro, a historic cafe renowned for its traditional Sicilian desserts like cassata and cannoli.
  • Bid farewell to Modica with a romantic sunset dinner at Bistro Balfeo, a charming restaurant on Modica's panoramic terrace, overlooking the enchanting city lights.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Modica by plane is to fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) and then take a bus or train to Modica.

Car

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at Catania Fontanarossa Airport and take the A18 highway south towards Ragusa. From Ragusa, follow the signs to Modica.

Train

To reach Modica by train, you can take a train to a nearby city such as Syracuse or Ragusa, and then transfer to a local train that will take you directly to Modica.

Boat

Since Modica is an inland city, there are no direct boat routes. However, you can reach the nearby port cities of Catania or Syracuse by boat and then continue the journey to Modica by train or bus.

Bus

Traveling by bus, you can take a direct bus from Catania to Modica, which operates daily and takes approximately 2 hours.

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