Parco Cavalonga is the perfect starting point to explore these wonders—creating a different adventure every day, filled with art, history, flavors, and unforgettable landscapes.
Let yourself be inspired... and craft your own personal journey through the most authentic jewels of Sicily.
From the green heart of the Cavalonga Park, every excursion can turn into a journey through centuries of beauty, art and culture. Just a few kilometres away, the Hyblean territory reveals one of its most precious souls: a landscape dotted with baroque villages that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient towns and places that seem suspended in time, where stone becomes poetry and history is breathed in the air.
Just 14 km from Cavalonga is one of the undisputed jewels of Sicilian Baroque: Ragusa Ibla. Its Cathedral of San Giorgio overlooks a bright and lively square, perfect for a break with a mulberry or almond granita. Stroll among the iblean gardens, noble palaces and silent churches and discover a refined gastronomic art that reaches excellence in starred restaurants.
35 km away, Scicli is an intimate and authentic place where Baroque is dressed in popular poetry. Climb to the hill of San Matteo for a view that embraces the town and the sea, and be surprised by the ‘mascheroni’ of Palazzo Beneventano, among the most expressive of Sicilian Baroque.
Noto is the most majestic of the baroque capitals. Walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, among sculpted balconies and grand churches, is an unforgettable experience. A stop at the iconic Bar Sicilia for a granita is part of the ritual. Every corner of Noto whispers stories of grandeur, culture, and eternal beauty.
With its 130 hand-decorated ceramic steps, Caltagirone is an open-air museum. The city upholds a millennia-old ceramic tradition, still alive in its artisan workshops. Among liberty-style gardens and fascinating museums, here, art takes shape in every detail.
At 55 km, nestled in the mountains, lies Palazzolo Acreide, once a colony of ancient Syracuse. Its small Greek theater, the ruins of the Bouleuterion, and the elegant baroque façades offer a perfect blend of classical memory and Sicilian spirit.
Just 3 km from Parco Cavalonga, Donnafugata Castle invites you on a journey through time, where aristocratic charm meets Sicilian soul. Easily reachable even by foot, this majestic 19th-century palace stands in a panoramic position, surrounded by a lush park full of surprises — including a small, enchanting stone labyrinth. Today, its lively courtyard has become a popular gathering spot, lined with cafés and artisan shops where you can savor traditional cuisine and browse local crafts. Step inside the perfectly preserved interiors and be transported to a refined past. In summer, the castle comes alive with open-air concerts, evening theatre, and artisan and gourmet fairs — the perfect setting for a magical Sicilian night.
An ancient Greek city sung by Pindar, Kamarina rises on a scenic promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, where history and landscape come together in perfect harmony. Its archaeological museum, housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse, preserves relics that tell stories of myth and memory.
As the sun sets, the ruins of the acropolis glow with golden-pink hues, offering an unforgettable, almost mystical view — over the very sea once sailed, they say, by Minos, Ulysses, and Aeneas. A place to slow down, breathe deeply, and let yourself be enchanted by its suspended atmosphere.
Walking through the Iblean countryside means immersing yourself in a timeless landscape: dry-stone walls, centuries-old olive trees, majestic carob groves, and silences that breathe with life. From the estate, a scenic 20 km trail leads all the way to the sea, winding through ever-changing vistas.
For those who wish to explore even deeper into the wonders of this land, these nearby protected areas are true hidden treasures:
An incredible 13 km long canyon carving the Hyblean plateau between Modica and Scicli: Cava d'Ispica is a veritable book of stone, where nature and civilisation have intertwined over the centuries. The Byzantine rock villages, dug into the living rock, are unique in Italy: real ‘multi-storey houses’ with stairs, corridors and communicating rooms, inhabited until the 1970s.
The north-western part, which is protected and open to visitors, leads between early Christian hypogea, caves and paths that lose themselves in the lush greenery of the valley floor. In the right months, with the kind permission of the farmers, you can also pick figs, pomegranates or oranges - an authentic Sicilian experience. Continuing along the valley you will come across the evocative ruins of the Castle and Convent, steeped in history and silence.
A site of extraordinary natural beauty and spiritual depth, Pantalica is a rocky plateau suspended between sky and earth, carved by the winding Anapo and Calcinara rivers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 5,000 prehistoric tombs hewn into the cliffs — a sacred necropolis that whispers of an ancient world.
A well-marked trail leads to the Anaktoron, the megalithic "palace of the prince", possibly linked to the legendary King Hyblon. Nearby, the tiny rock chapel of San Nicolicchio, transformed by the Byzantines into a miniature basilica with faded frescoes, tells of centuries of continuous worship. Below, the rivers flow through narrow gorges and crystal pools — perfect for a refreshing dip in one of Sicily’s most pristine natural reserves.
At 86 km, the Villa Romana del Casale houses mosaics unique in the world—a vivid story told through images that spans centuries and captivates all who visit. A true masterpiece of Roman civilization.
130 km away, Syracuse is pure emotion. Its Greek theatre, ancient temples, and the narrow lanes of Ortigia Island, bathed in light and sea breeze, create an atmosphere suspended between myth and wonder.
At 126 km, the Valley of the Temples is one of the world’s most important archaeological areas. Here, ancient Greece still breathes, among Doric columns and olive trees. From Agrigento, you can also reach the legendary ruins of Selinunte (100 km), another epic site of classical Sicily. Not far away, the dazzling white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi plunge into a sea of surreal blue — a breathtaking blend of myth, nature, and timeless beauty.
Just 15 km (15 minutes by car) from Cavalonga, Kamarina Beach welcomes you with its soft golden sand and peaceful ambiance. The scenic drive through country roads lined with dry-stone walls and untouched landscapes sets the tone for a serene day at the sea — far from traffic and stress.
To reach the Spiaggia della Forestale, you'll walk for about 400 meters through a fragrant eucalyptus park, followed by shaded trails among pines, acacias, lentisk, and broom. Beyond the dunes, a vast, wild beach opens up before you — pure, unspoiled, and golden. On the left, a rocky promontory marks the beginning of a deeper, livelier stretch of sea, perfect for snorkelers.
The park is stroller-accessible and includes picnic areas and children’s play zones, making it ideal for families.
Famous as the filming location of the beloved Inspector Montalbano, Punta Secca is a charming seaside village with sandy beaches, some free and others fully serviced. After a refreshing swim, enjoy a delicious granita or seafood lunch in one of the local cafés or restaurants lining the village — a true taste of Sicilian hospitality.
Once a quiet fishing village, Scoglitti is now a vibrant seaside town with a mix of public and equipped beaches, a lively harbor, and a thriving fish market culture.
Don’t miss the daily seafood auction at the harbor — a captivating scene where locals and visitors alike can buy the freshest catch of the Mediterranean straight from the boats. Scoglitti’s restaurants are renowned for their seafood, making it a must-stop for gourmet travelers.
As the summer hub of the region, Marina di Ragusa offers bustling beaches, stylish promenades, lively nightlife, and a state-of-the-art marina with over 600 berths. Enjoy exclusive perks through our special partnership with select beach clubs, including access to sun loungers, restaurants, and services.
Just beyond the town lies the Irminio River Mouth Beach, reached by a scenic walk through Mediterranean dunes. Swimming is not allowed in the protected zone, but the golden beaches to the left of the river mouth offer safe, beautiful spots for a dip.
About 30 minutes from Cavalonga, this stretch of coast is ideal for wandering spirits. Starting from Donnalucata, drive along the coastal road and discover hidden coves, rocky outcrops, and long stretches of golden sand.
Stop at beach cafés and family-run trattorias in the charming villages of Donnalucata, Samperi, and Cava d’Aliga. Don’t miss the Pisciotto Beach, a particularly scenic spot near Cava d’Aliga.
About 90 minutes from Cavalonga, Capo Passero marks one of Sicily’s southernmost points, where the Ionian Sea meets the Channel of Sicily. On stormy days, the contrast between the choppy Channel and the still Ionian is striking. On sunny days, it’s perfect for swimming among rocky coves and crystal waters.
Nearby, the old tuna fishery of Porto Palo is a beautiful and historic spot worth visiting.
Extend your coastal adventure to the enchanting village of Marzamemi (80 minutes away), once an Arab settlement, now a picturesque hamlet of stone houses and colorful boats. Here you can shop for gourmet preserved seafood (like bottarga), and dine by the sea in a postcard-perfect setting.
Close to Marzamemi lies Vendicari Nature Reserve, a breathtaking stretch of coast with white sands and aquamarine waters, often compared to the Caribbean. A protected wildlife oasis and birdwatching haven, Vendicari also invites you to enjoy relaxing beach days immersed in nature.
From the nearby Port of Marina di Ragusa, guests can embark on exciting day trips to Malta via high-speed hydrofoil — available with daily service during the summer season.
Whether you're in search of peaceful nature, adventurous coastline, or vibrant seaside towns, the beaches surrounding Parco Cavalonga offer endless opportunities to fall in love with Sicily’s southern shores.
Let the waves guide your journey — and discover the coast in your own rhythm.