Comiso is the perfect springboard for exploring the rest of Sicily. Visitors flock to this sun-baked Italian destination to experience its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular beaches and mouth-watering cuisine, all of which can be found in this southern pocket of the island.
A glut of churches
Known as Comiso’s 'Mother Church', Santa Maria delle Stelle is one of the most decorative buildings in the whole town. First built way back in the 15th century, this ornate church was all but levelled in the earthquake of 1693. But, after extensive repair works, it was completely rebuilt and still stands in all its baroque glory.
Take snaps of its beautiful façade before moving deeper into Comiso, where narrow alleyways will lead you to more elegant churches. Naselli Castle is also worth a stop, too. Here you can admire a blend of architecture, with two Renaissance towers, Byzantine frescoes and Roman busts. You’ve only scraped the surface – there’s also the Church of the Annunciation, Church of the Capuchins and many more besides.
Go town-hopping
Beyond Comiso, you’ll find other elegant towns and cities to explore, each as baroque and beautiful as the next - perfect for a road trip.
UNESCO-listed Ragusa is only a short drive away and nothing can prepare you for its beauty as you approach it. Perched on a hilltop, this striking destination is a tale of two cities. Lower town Ragusa Ibla and the upper town Ragusa Superiore both compete for your attention. Among the former’s tangle of streets, you’ll find a treasure trove of medieval churches, palazzos and piazzas. Gently stroll around and stop to refuel at A Rusticana. This traditional trattoria serves up authentic Sicilian dishes, ranging from roasted tomato spaghetti to grilled swordfish. After you’ve eaten, make your way to the upper town and you can enjoy brilliant views of the ravine below.
Modica is equally impressive. Straddling a dramatic valley, the town is similar to Ragusa, split into two parts – Modica Alta (upper town) sits high above Modica Bassa (lower town) in the bottom of the valley – with a steep staircase connecting the two. Historic buildings can be found in both, but to experience its baroque atmosphere at its best, head to Corso Umberto. This is a stunning stretch of picture-perfect palaces and churches for you to discover, before heading to one of the tiny shops selling the town’s famed chocolate, made using an ancient Aztec recipe.
Bask on the beaches
Drive south from Comiso and the hilltop villages melt away and the shimming sea comes into view. Ragusa province has its pick of pristine unspoilt beaches on which to enjoy the sizzling Italian sunshine.
Pack your buckets, spades and favourite beach reads and head to Marina di Ragusa. This once sleepy fishing village is now a bustling port only a stone’s throw from Comiso. Flanked by a palm tree-lined promenade, it’s the perfect place to go for an easy seaside day trip.
Further down the coast you’ll find Pozzallo. While the vibrant old town is a joy to meander around, this resort’s Blue Flag beach is the top attraction. Bask in the sunshine on the long stretch of golden sand and take a refreshing dip in the deep blue waters lapping at the shore.
Car hire in Comiso means that these kinds of short trips are easily arranged and the full breadth of the area can be explored. So, whether your plan is to keep to Comiso and Ragusa or you want to head further out across Sicily, you’re free to do as you wish, whenever you wish. Whichever way you go, you’ll find Sicily a sensation.
