Page 384 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

By car Drivers can park on the street, but in most central areas you need to buy a
parking voucher (from tabacchi) to put in your window (€0.75/hr, half day €2.50;
charges apply Mon–Sat 9am–1pm & 4–8pm). Note also that if you’re going to the
Cava d’Ispica, you can drive directly to the northern section closest to Modica
(there’s a brown sign at the ornamental fountain) – you don’t need to take the main
road to Ispica itself.

Tourist information The tourist office is at Corso Umberto I 141 (Mon–Sat 8am–

1.30pm & 3–7pm; 346 655 8227).

ACCOMMODATION

Casa Talia Via Exaudinos 1 0932 752 075, casatalia.it. Occupying a cluster of
restored houses in what was once Modica’s Jewish ghetto, Casa Talia is far removed
from the city-centre bustle, yet just a 5min walk down a series of steps and alleyways
from the main Corso. A garden planted with fruit trees adds to the feeling of seclusion.
Rooms, designed by the architect owners who live on-site, are stylish and practical,
and breakfasts are excellent (freshly squeezed juices, home-made cakes, jams and
breads), served in a nook-and-crannied whitewashed room occupying what were once

caves used as a cistern and stables. €130

L’Orangerie Vico de Naro 5 0932 754 703 or 347 067 4698, lorangerie.it.
Tranquil, refined B&B with three huge suites (with kitchens) and four spacious rooms,
in a palazzo with frescoed ceilings and private flower-filled terraces. Doubles €96;
suites €126

Palazzo Il Cavaliere Corso Umberto I 259 0932 947 219, palazzoilcavaliere.it.

A down-to-earth aristocratic family run their eighteenth-century palace as a B&B. The
setting is splendid and authentic – original Caltagirone tiled floors, frescoed ceilings
and antique furniture, and three of the eight rooms open on to a courtyard. €88

Palazzo Failla Via Blandini 5 0932 941 059, palazzofailla.it. Reborn as a
comfortable four-star hotel, this handsome upper-town palace by the Santa Teresa
church retains its intimate, aristocratic feel. The seven rooms are elegant and

traditional, with tiled floors, high frescoed ceilings and antique beds. There are also
three contemporary minimalist rooms in an annexe across the road by the trattoria La
Locanda del Colonnello. Check the website for good last-minute deals. €109

I Tetti di Siciliando Via Cannata 24 0932 942 843, siciliando.it. Simple, friendly
and unpretentious budget hotel, popular with backpackers and set in the tangle of
historic streets above Corso Umberto I. Rooms are pretty basic, but it’s very

reasonably priced and sociable. The owners are very helpful, and have rental bikes
(€15/day) and can help organize bike tours of the surrounding area. Look for the sign