14.03.2023
Modica and Marina di Modica offer a range of activities for travellers visiting the area. Modica is a historic town in Sicily known for being an UNESCO World Heritage site as well as for its beautiful Baroque architecture and chocolate-making tradition. Meanwhile, Marina di Modica is a seaside town known for its beautiful beaches and lively summer scene.
Quick fun fact: Modica is the city of origin of Ravioli.
Ravioli are filled with salty ricotta in Modica and served with tomato sauce and pieces of pork meat that have been cooked in the sauce.
In Modica, visitors can explore the town’s many Baroque churches and palaces, including the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Palazzo Polara. The town is also famous for its chocolate, and visitors can take a tour of one of the many chocolate factories in the area. Additionally, visitors can take a stroll through the town’s charming streets and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
In Marina di Modica, visitors can enjoy the town’s beautiful sandy beaches, such as Spiaggia Marina di Modica, Carizza, and Maganuco. In the summer months, the beaches are bustling with activity, and visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and watersports such as surfing and windsurfing. The town also has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and beach clubs lining the beaches.
Overall, Modica and Marina di Modica offer a variety of activities for travellers, from exploring historic sites to enjoy the beaches and local cuisine.
San Lorenzo Celebration
On the 10th of August, people come together and meet in the evening at the beach, we typically set up tents, make bonfires and go swimming at night. The whole beach is filled with people, loud music and drinks during this night. It is not advisable for young kids to stay after midnight, yes, you read right, kids stay up pretty late in Sicily. Typically, they take a nap after enjoying the seaside in the morning and having lunch. Kids go out in the evening along with their parents to enjoy ice cream and meet with the other kids. It is not uncommon to see them still running around the town after 1 am.
Watersports
South-East Sicily is a great destination for watersports enthusiasts. There are several windsurfing spots available in the region, including Playa Catania, Isola delle Femmine, Mondello, Magaggiari, Cefalù, San Leone, Porto Empedocle, Villaggio Le Capannine Beach, and Siracusa South.
Faro is a great windsurfing spot for experienced surfers who are willing to make an effort to reach it, as it is located at the far southwestern end of the island. The wave here is a mellow and manageable right-hander.
In addition to windsurfing, the region offers favourable conditions for other water sports, such as surfing. The beaches in the area are wild, unspoilt, and elegant, making it a great destination for tourists. A visit to the eponymous town of Modica is also recommended as part of a trip to the area.
A Day in Modica
Modica, a picturesque town in Sicily, Italy, offers many attractions for tourists to explore. Here are some top things to do in Modica as a tourist:
- Visit the Churches and Cathedrals: Modica has several beautiful churches and cathedrals with rich histories and stunning architecture. The top ones include the San Giorgio Cathedral, Chiesa di San Pietro, and the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista.
- Take a Walking Tour: The best way to explore Modica is by foot. Start at Corso Umberto, the main street that passes through Modica Alta, and walk around the historic centre to discover hidden gems, beautiful squares, and picturesque alleys.
- Visit Specialty Museums: Modica has several speciality museums that showcase the town’s history, art, and culture. Some popular ones include the Museo Civico di Modica, the Museo del Cioccolato, and the Museo Medico Tommaso Campailla.
- Take a Food Tour: Sicilian cuisine is renowned all over the world, and Modica has some of the best food offerings in the region. Take a food tour to try the local specialities, such as chocolate, cannoli, and arancini.
- Visit Baroque Buildings: Modica has a rich baroque heritage, and the town is dotted with several stunning baroque buildings, such as the Palazzo Polara, the Palazzo Beneventano, and the Palazzo della Cultura.
- Day Trips: Modica is an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions, such as Ragusa, Noto, and Siracusa. These towns offer a mix of ancient ruins, beautiful architecture, and stunning beaches.
Fun Facts about Modica
- The town was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1693, and it was subsequently rebuilt with the characteristic baroque architecture that it is now known for
- Modica is also known for its annual Chocolate Festival, which takes place in December and celebrates the town’s chocolate-making traditions
- Modica has a strong chocolate culture due to its historical connections with the Spanish Kingdom and the ancient Aztec methods of chocolate making.
- The town also has an underground network of caves and tunnels, which were used for various purposes, including as a shelter during World War II
Nightlife
The nightlife in the Modican area takes all place outdoors, on the streets, squares and beaches that are spread all around the province.
Travel like a local 