Scenic Road Trip by Car and Villa Stay in Southeast Sicily

Plan the ultimate road trip in Southeast Sicily! Follow this scenic travel itinerary by car to explore breathtaking landscapes, charming historic towns, and hidden gems — all at your own pace - while enjoying the comfort of a private luxury villa.

From the baroque streets of Ragusa to the golden beaches of Marzamemi, every stop is a new discovery. After a day of exploration, unwind in your villa with a sparkling pool, the perfect retreat to relax and recharge.

With our exclusive Villa + Car rental offer, exploring Sicily has never been easier. Drive effortlessly to iconic destinations like Modica, Noto, and Siracusa, uncovering hidden gems and local secrets along the way. Follow our expertly crafted itinerary for insider tips and must-see places that will make your Sicilian getaway truly unforgettable.

A Luxury Experience of Comfort and Freedom

In this article, we propose a 7-day itinerary in Southeast Sicily: an exciting road trip with a luxury villa as a secure base to rest. You’ll realize that this region is an open-air museum, one of the most magnificent in the Mediterranean. Here lies the easternmost tip of the island, marked by the Portopalo di Capo Passero lighthouse, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Ionian Sea. With a rental car, you can fully immerse yourself in this unique setting and uncover the authenticity of Sicily, making your journey unforgettable.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Experience

For a hassle-free experience, we recommend booking a car alongside your villa in the provinces of Ragusa or Siracusa. Plan your route from the airport to your destination in advance. Map out your 7-day itinerary and get ready to experience Sicily in total freedom. We’ll be waiting for you in our sun-kissed, stunning luxury villas with pool!

The Joy of Road Trips: An Adventure Tailored to You

Traveling by car allows you to capture the essence of a place: admire the scenery from your window and stop whenever and wherever you please. You can craft your personalized itinerary in Sicily, traveling at your own pace and creating a schedule that suits you. 

You can set off on your tour of Southeast Sicily at a time most convenient for you and your family, free from the constraints of organized tours. Especially when traveling with children, flexibility is key, and driving your own car allows you to adapt your plans as needed. Watch the landscape slowly unfold from your window, stop as often as you like to take photos, capture magical glimpses of the Mediterranean flora, sunlight filtering through the trees, the lush green pastures, and then continue your journey.

Modica, Ragusa, Siracusa, Ortigia, Noto—Where Will You Start?

Thanks to an excellent road network, you can easily reach places rich in history and culture, where Baroque architecture and ancient Greek heritage blend seamlessly with the landscape. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of archaeological sites or savor the sweetness of doing nothing on sunny beaches of southeast Sicily.

Day 1: Noto – The Capital of Baroque

Begin your adventure in Noto, renowned for its extraordinary historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the city’s vibrant heart, and marvel at its stunning churches and majestic baroque palaces. Take a break to savor a delicious gelato and relax on the steps, soaking in the lively city atmosphere around you.

  Recommended Stops: San Nicolò Cathedral, Palazzo Ducezio, and the Municipal Theater.

 Nearby Beaches: Lido di Noto

  Evening Return: A refreshing dip in your holiday villa’s pool to end the day in relaxation.

Day 2: Syracuse and Ortigia – History and Sea

Continue your tour of Southeast Sicily by dedicating a day to Syracuse and its enchanting island of Ortigia. Walk along the harbor and enjoy the breathtaking sea views as you explore the picturesque alleys and chic fashion boutiques. 

With ancient historical sites, papyrus stories, and balconies adorned with vibrant geraniums, Syracuse offers a truly unique experience. Visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis to admire the majestic Greek Theater and the captivating Ear of Dionysius. Then, lose yourself in the historic streets of Ortigia and immerse yourself in its timeless charm. 

  Recommended Stops: Fountain of Arethusa, Piazza del Duomo, and Maniace Castle. 

Nearby Beaches: Lido di Noto, Lido di Avola, Marzamemi, San Lorenzo 

Evening Return: Drive your rental car to your luxury holiday villa for dinner, indulge in local delicacies, and end the evening with a moonlit swim 

Day 3: Marzamemi and Vendicari Nature Reserve – Sea and Relaxation

Today, explore the picturesque fishing village of Marzamemi and the beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve. The white-walled houses with traditional blue shutters give the village a unique charm. The air will be filled with the irresistible aroma of seafood dishes from cozy trattorias and refined gourmet restaurants. 

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy an aperitif overlooking the main square for a moment of pure pleasure. Before leaving, take in the breathtaking sight of waves crashing against the cliffs just behind the square. Between pristine beaches and historic tuna fisheries, this day will be all about relaxation and natural beauty. The Vendicari Nature Reserve is a stunning coastal oasis in southeastern Sicily, home to crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and diverse wildlife, including flamingos and sea turtles.

Recommended Stops: Calamosche Beach, Vendicari Tonnara, and the historic center of Marzamemi. 

Nearby Beaches: Marzamemi, San Lorenzo, Calamosche, Vendicari 

Evening Return: One last swim in the pool and a night under the stars. 

Day 4: Modica – Chocolate and Culture 

Modica welcomes you with the perfect blend of culture and gastronomy. Start your walk along Corso Umberto I, taking your time to explore its historic monuments. Admire the decorative mascarons on noble palaces and let yourself be drawn in by the delightful aroma of chocolate wafting from local artisanal workshops. Stop to taste the famous Modica Chocolate, made using the ancient Aztec recipe. 

Continue your journey uphill to San Giorgio, a late Baroque masterpiece that will leave you in awe. Its gardens will welcome you before you are immersed in its majestic architecture. 

Recommended Stops: San Giorgio Cathedral, Corso Umberto I, and a visit to a chocolate shop. 

Nearby Beaches: Marina di Modica 

Evening Return: Relax by the pool with views of the Sicilian countryside. 

Day 5: Ragusa Ibla – A Journey into the Past 

Ragusa Ibla is an authentic baroque treasure best explored on foot. Wander through its charming streets, where glimpses of the grand dome of San Giorgio Cathedral appear between alleys. When you finally reach its steps, you’ll be breathless at its extraordinary beauty. 

After visiting the cathedral, take a break and enjoy an arancino in the piazza, listening to the gentle sound of water flowing from the fountain. Alternatively, indulge in one of the many excellent restaurants offering regional dishes. 

Recommended Stops: San Giorgio Cathedral, Giardino Ibleo, and Piazza Pola. 

Nearby Beaches: Marina di Ragusa

Evening Return: Aperitif by the pool at your villa. 

Day 6: Scicli – Baroque and Cinematic Beauty 

Scicli is a small gem nestled in a valley framed by towering cliffs and hills adorned with splendid baroque jewels. Known as the setting of the famous TV series Inspector Montalbano, its intimate and picturesque historic center will captivate you. 

You can still spot the old riverbed that once flowed through the town. Wear comfortable shoes to stroll along the “cuticci,” the characteristic cobblestones that pave some streets in this charming village.

Recommended Stops: Palazzo Beneventano, Church of San Bartolomeo, and Via Mormino Penna. 

Nearby Beaches: Sampieri, Fornace Penna, Donnalucata, Cava d’Aliga 

Evening Return: Enjoy the sunset from your villa’s terrace. 

Day 7: Ispica – Between Caves and Baroque 

Continue your exploration with a visit to Ispica, a fascinating town rich in history and culture. Discover its intriguing rock-carved caves, hidden treasures, and admire the elegant baroque architecture decorating its historic center.

Stroll along Corso Umberto and soak in the authentic atmosphere of this Sicilian town, where every corner tells a story and every step brings you closer to tradition and past beauty. 

Recommended Stops: Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Archaeological Park of Forza, and the Loggia in Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia. 

Nearby Beaches: Santa Maria del Focallo 

Evening Return: After a sunset on the beach of Santa Maria del Focallo, end the day with a relaxing return to your villa and a rejuvenating dip in the pool. 

Book Your Vacation With our Villa + Car offer

Stay in an exclusive villa with a pool and have an Avis vehicle at your disposal, one of the best car rental services, to explore the area worry-free. Book now and treat yourself (or someone else) to a dream week of culture, sea, and relaxation. For more details, visit our dedicated page or contact us by Whatsapp.  

Sicily is waiting for you! Come and experience it!

How can I book the Villa + Car rental offer?

When you book a stay in a luxury villa, you will receive a personalized quote from our Villa Specialists, which includes both the villa and the rental car. Our experts have in-depth knowledge of the Southeast Sicily region and understand the needs of those traveling with family or in groups. They will help you choose the perfect car model for your trip, with enough space for all passengers and luggage.