After Mangia's Maratona di Ragusa: Modica and Scicli

The Route: Ragusa → Modica → Scicli → Ragusa Logistics: Regional bus or a hire car. Services are thinner on Mondays and Sundays, so check timetables first. Marathon Month: January Duration: Day trip

Ragusa ──(regional bus or car, check timetable)──> Modica ──> Scicli ──> Ragusa

The Maratona di Ragusa finishes in Ibla on a Sunday, and on Monday the quickest way to see more of the Val di Noto is Modica, a short ride south. Scicli is a little further on. A hire car makes the day simple, but the bus works if the timetable is checked first, since local services are limited outside the working week.

January in Modica and Scicli is quiet. Shops and cafes keep winter hours, and rain is possible, so pack a waterproof and shoes with grip for the wet stone.

Modica

Modica is built along a steep valley, with its lower and upper parts connected by long flights of steps. The town is known for its chocolate, made in a grainy traditional style, and several shops sell it. Check opening hours before going, since some close on a Monday. The main street is on the level, which suits tired legs, but the stairs up to the upper town do not.

Scicli

Scicli is smaller and flatter, with a Baroque main street and a hillside behind it. The town centre is compact and can be walked in an hour or two. Check whether any museum or church you want is open on the Monday.

Food

Both towns offer Sicilian food, including local cheese, pasta and pastries. Ask the hotel for current recommendations, and book a table for lunch if the day is busy.

Getting back

Return to Ragusa by the same route. Check the last bus from Scicli or Modica before lunch. A taxi is the fallback, and a hire car removes the problem.