Modica is a lemon-scented labyrinth of a town, an up-and-down warren of narrow streets and steep stairs, littered with Medieval, Greek, Roman and Baroque architectural treasures for explorers to discover. This is definitely the sort of place that rewards those who set out without maps, and, as well as historic treasures, the reward comes in the form of chocolate shops, which Modica is also famed for. Our Gurus recommendations for the best places to stay in Monica are in amongst the thick of things, and include restaurants with rooms, converted villas and stone cottages, and Baroque townhouses turned opulent hotels.

Modica makes a stunning backdrop, with its uniform villas and buildings in pale peach stone, their terracotta tiled roofs punctuated by the grandeur of a church in the Sicilian Baroque style — think bell towers, domes and intricate facades. The oldest parts of town are higher up, with the Baroque buildings becoming grander as you near the bottom of the valley Modica straddles. There are impressive churches in both parts of town, and Modica has two cathedrals!

Modica is a good destination for families, and it’s not just because of the chocolate! Just outside town are the beaches of Sampieri and Marina di Modica, which are lively during July and August, but quite peaceful outside of peak summer. It's also conveniently located for visiting the Cava d’Ispica, which is an archaeological park with rock-cut tombs and Bronze-age cave dwellings in a peaceful green valley. And Modica has a butterfly house.

As you can imagine this town is incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you're planning to visit during July or August and want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Modica, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Modica

For Families

• Casa Talia is a collection of stone cottages renovated into a ten room hotel, with a charming courtyard and beautiful shady garden. It is located on a hillside just outside town, and the views of Modica from the terrace are wonderful! The decor mixes rustic chic with plenty of glass and contemporary Italian design pieces to great effect. Peaceful and great for families (several of the rooms can accommodate 3 or 4, and children up to the age of 3 stay for free).

For Couples

• The Palazzo Failla is and elegant, Baroque townhouse with ten opulently decorated rooms and suites, and a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Expect toile du joy, frescoes on the ceilings, patterned tiles on the floor, and ornate antiques. Sophisticated and memorable.

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

• The closest airport to Modica is Catania Airport, about an hour and a half's drive, or about three and a half hours away by train. Palermo Airport might also be useful to know about, it’s on the north western side of Sicily, about four hours away by car, or six and a half hours away by public transport.
• 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 — it even snows at higher altitudes, including on the crest of Mount Etna. If you do come between November and February expect the daylight hours to impact opening hours too. Spring, or March through June, really, 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. October is a good time to travel if you’re planning to visit the museums and palaces, and admire the architecture. If you're coming for the walking, we recommend September and October or April and May.

Still not sure where to stay?

• 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, our Gurus’ collection of 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.