Page 392 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

lower town – less fatiguing and you can enjoy the magnificent view – and catch the

bus back. The walk down to Ibla takes about half an hour, heading down Corso Italia
and the narrow Via XXIV Maggio.

ACCOMMODATION

It’s infinitely preferable to stay the night in Ibla than in Superiore, where you can stroll
the traffic-free streets in the evening and hop from bar to trattoria. Ibla holds more than
two dozen B&Bs alone, as well as a handful of small, stylish hotels – all signposted –
and most can find you a parking space outside or nearby. There’s a similar number of
B&Bs in the upper town, as well as a few largely colourless business-type hotels.

Il Barocco Via Santa Maria la Nuova 1, Ragusa Ibla 0932 663 105, ilbarocco.it.

A very charming old-town hotel set around a bright courtyard – the rooms are in
traditional style, with tile floors and oak furniture, but it’s a modern place, all very
tasteful and understated. €125

Eremo della Giubiliana Contrada Giubiliana 0932 669 119,
eremodellagiubiliana.it. Some 7.5km south of Ragusa on the Marina di Ragusa road,
this five-star country property is housed in the restored buildings of a feudal estate and

hermitage dating back to the twelfth century. Rooms (converted from monks’ cells),
suites and self-contained estate cottages all feature traditional Sicilian furnishings, the
grounds are ravishing, and you can dine on their own organically grown food. It’s no
surprise to find it also has its own airstrip and private beach, plus pool, nature trails
and all sorts of tours and activities available. Rooms €211

Ai Giardini Iblei Via Normanni 4, Ragusa Ibla 0932 246 844 or 338 640 1238,

aigiardini.it. Right next to the town gardens, the three sunny rooms here have private
bathrooms and are simply but tastefully furnished. Free internet. €70

Locanda Don Serafino Via XI Febbraio 15, Ragusa Ibla 0932 220 065,
locandadonserafino.it. Beautifully set within the hefty stone walls of a row of
carefully restored Baroque cottages, the reception area here is tucked under exposed
limestone vaults and paved with chocolate-brown pietra pece (a kind of limestone
suffused with petroleum). Rooms combine rustic stone vaults (and in one case a

Gothic arch that survived the earthquake) with boxy cream leather furniture. Best of all
is the room in what was once the stables, with its shower inside a cave. €148

L’Orto sul Tetto Via Tenente Distefano 56, Ragusa Ibla 0932 247 785 or 338
478 0484, lortosultetto.it. A short walk from the Duomo, this warm, friendly place,
run by a mother and son, has three serene bedrooms. Breakfasts are served on a roof

terrace full of plants and include pastries fresh from the bakery. €110

Risveglio Ibleo Largo Camerina 3, Ragusa Ibla 0932 247 811 or 335 804