It's impossible to stay at Casa Santa Barbara and not have fun: its ideal distance from Marina di Ragusa means you're never overwhelmed by the hustle of the area (with its nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, sports facilities, and countless shops), while still being able to dive right into it whenever you like.
The towns of the province of Ragusa are also of great historical and artistic interest, a true testament to the finest Baroque style. Within a radius of 15-20 km you can easily reach Modica and Scicli, with their magnificent palaces and monuments, and the splendid Ragusa Ibla with its countless enchanting churches and its delightful new venues for evenings out.
For those wanting to venture a little further, other major Sicilian destinations are within easy reach — Taormina, Syracuse, Piazza Armerina, Noto, Caltagirone and Palazzolo Acreide, just to name a few.
The beach of Punta Secca is about 6 km from the Casa Santa Barbara apartments, along Sicily's south-eastern coast, with fine golden sand and shallow waters. At its edges are striking outcrops of rock where the already crystal-clear water becomes even more transparent. At sunset this beach takes on a truly special charm. Made famous by the TV series 'Inspector Montalbano', it gets very crowded in summer, especially on weekends.
Ragusa Ibla, the cradle of the Baroque, is just 25 km from the Casa Santa Barbara apartments. A sunset walk lets you soak up the atmosphere along the lanes of this historic centre, from the Iblean gardens to the imposing Cathedral of San Giorgio, which dominates the main square lined with the town's grandest palaces. Arriving in the evening, you'll feel like you've stepped into a living nativity scene.
Scicli is 20 km from the Casa Santa Barbara apartments and is well worth a visit. Set among Baroque palaces and churches, don't miss the chance to catch an exhibition, tour a grand palazzo, sample authentic Sicilian cuisine, or simply have a drink along Via Mormino Penna, the heart of the historic centre. Scicli is also known as one of the filming locations of the famous Inspector Montalbano.
Modica is about 30 km from the Casa Santa Barbara apartments and is famous for its chocolate — a great starting point for exploring the town, with many shops and tasting workshops where you can buy and sample different kinds of chocolate, including at the historic Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. The historic centre runs along the main street lined with noble palaces and Baroque churches, unfolding into a maze of magical lanes and alleys.
Ispica marks the southernmost part of the territory, bordering the province of Syracuse. The site dates back to the early Christian period, as shown by the rock-cut remains and catacombs found in the area, and passed through the hands of many feudal lords over the centuries. Among its main attractions is the beautiful beach of Punta Cirica. The town is about 38 km from Marina di Ragusa.
The undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque, Noto is certainly one of the top destinations to visit during a holiday in south-eastern Sicily. The town is about 60 km from Marina di Ragusa.
Agrigento is about 120 km from the Casa Santa Barbara apartments. This hilltop city on Sicily's south-western coast is known for the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas and the Valley of the Temples, a vast archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples. On the edge of the modern town, the Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento houses artefacts including a giant telamon statue. To the west lies the Scala dei Turchi, a striking white stepped cliff overlooking sandy beaches.