Sicily is always confounding expectations, and in Ragusa the locations of the old and new town are reversed, with the magnificent Baroque palazzos, ornate churches and grand villas winding their way up narrow, cobbled streets to the new town at the top! And it’s within the older, surviving buildings that we have uncovered many of the best places to stay in Ragusa, though there are some very contemporary picks too, including one hotel built into the original walls. We're also recommending a restaurant with rooms that boasts a Michelin star.

If the mention of Michelin stars piqued your interest then read on! Ragusa is ideal for foodies on the lookout for a fresh Italian destination — it has one other Michelin-starred restaurant and plenty of fine dining options. It holds markets daily, with the largest happening on a Wednesday. Expect plenty of produce, but also artisan crafts and antiques, clothing and bric a brac. Ragusa is also a great destination for lovers of historic architecture, and incredible sightseeing. It has an impressive 18 UNESCO World Heritage Listed buildings, including an elegant domed basilica, a handful of exquisite churches, and a beautiful terraced garden (the Hyblean Gardens), which is a wonderful place to view the whole town from. Ragusa also has several very good museums, including an excellent archaeological museum. During July and September the town hosts a summer festival of music and art, and in October there’s a festival of busking and street performance called Ibla Buskers.

For those who prefer some beach time with their culture, it’s just a short trip to the coast, to either the seaside resort of Marina di Ragusa, or the fishing village of Punta Secca.

Don't forget that this is a popular place, especially during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Ragusa during July or August, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Ragusa

For a Special Occasion

• The Locanda don Serafino is a chic little hotel with a restaurant that’s been awarded a Michelin star. Gastronomic, with a wine cellar that’s home to more than a thousand different varieties, the restaurant is stylish and romantic, as well as having a creative menu. The Locanda’s ten rooms and suites are all individually decorated, and make use of the original stone of the old building that houses it. Some of the rooms have stone walls and stone vaulted ceilings, whereas some have been plastered over with stylish white. Some of the suites are quite luxurious, one has a private terrace with an outdoor hot tub and stunning views.

For Couples

• The Antica Badia Relais is a classical building turned luxurious hotel. The property retains its frescoed ceilings, stone vaulted bathrooms, huge French windows and patterned tiled floors, but the designers have added grand drapes, elegant chandeliers and luxurious details. Each of the 12 rooms is different. Despite its small number of rooms, the Antica Badia Relais has two restaurants (although one is only open during the summer), and a very good spa. Centrally located, and great for nightlife too.

For Great Value

• The San Giorgio Palace Hotel is a wonderfully designed collection of spacious rooms and suites, which seems to grow out of Ragusa’s original, sandy-coloured stone walls. In all there are 29 rooms, all decorated with contemporary square lines, down lights, and a colour scheme to complement the stone exterior. The location is very convenient, the breakfasts are indulgent, and there’s a welcoming bar. A great choice for families, but also for couples, with rooms that offer very competitive rates.

For a Private apartment or private villa

• If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ragusa closest airport is Comiso Airport, which is only 25 minutes away by road. Comiso Airport is quite a small airport, used predominately by European no-frills carriers, so you may well find yourself being recommended to travel in to the much larger, Catania Airport, which is about an hour and a half away by car, or about three hours on the bus.
• If you want to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Sicily, unlike some Italian destinations, remains open all year round. That doesn’t mean it’s equally nice all year round, it’s definitely chilly in winter. If you do come between November and February expect the daylight hours to impact opening hours too. Spring, or March through June, is one of our favourite times to visit Sicily, because the weather is sunny and mild, and the festival and events calendar is packed with activity leading up to Easter. July and August are properly hot, and the Mediterranean beaches and beach resorts are busy, and can be expensive, but the visitors tail off in September, though the sea is still warm and pleasant. The Scirocco winds bring a good amount of rainfall to Ragusa in September. During July and September Ragusa hosts a summer festival of music and art, and in October there’s a festival of busking and street performance called Ibla Buskers. October is a good pick if you’re planning to visit the museums and palaces, and admire the architecture. September and October, and April and May, as the best times if you're planning a walking holiday.

Still not sure which to book?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Sicily
• Or consider refining your search by the type of holiday you’re planning and focus on the best beach hotels on Sicily, Sicily’s great rural hotels or Sicily's best wine hotels
• You could also drill down by location, and focus on the best hotels near Mount Etna or the best hotels near Agrigento
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.