3 Best Sights in Siracusa and the Southeast, Sicily

For those seeking sea air, limpid and shallow waters, and fine sand, Sampieri's wonderful beach is a popular destination. There are a few bars, restaurants, and beach clubs at the west end; walking eastwards a pine-forest-and-sand-dune-backed free-access public beach leads to Punta Pisciotto's sculpted volcanic stone cliffs and picturesque ruin, Fornace Penna. This former brick and tile factory built in 1912 is a stunning backdrop in both reality and in the Montalbano TV series, although the fictional inspector's beachside pad in the show is up the coast at Donnalucata. Adventurous walkers and cyclists will enjoy the coastal paths from Sampieri to nearby Marina di Modica, while a westward rocky shoreline trail traces the Covo dei Contrabbandieri to another small beach town, Cava d'Aliga. Sampieri is a 6-mile drive from Scicli along the SP40, or 20 minutes via bus or train (getting to and from Sampieri's train station and beach involves a walk along the busy road without sidewalks, though). Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

The protected reserve encompasses 15,000 hectares with paths crisscrossing bird- and wildlife-rich lagoons, macchia scrubland, and unspoiled beaches, including Calamosche, Eloro, Marianelli (most pristine and peaceful), and Vendicari with its tonnara (fishery) ruins. There are five entrances, the nearest to Noto being Ingresso Marianelli, some 7 miles southeast of Noto via SP19. There's no reliable public transport here, so you'll need a car.

Designed by architect Vincenzo Sinatra in the 17th century, Palazzo Ducezio (now the town hall) is still a sight to behold. Up until 2024 you could visit both of its two floors, with the top floor offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. However, a legal wrangle has halted visits. Still, the steps of the palace make for popular pews for watching the world pass before the Duomo's magnificent staircase. The best time to visit is in the afternoon or evening when the local buildings take on a golden hue in the fading light. Around the back, the Bassi di Palazzo Ducezio interiors stage exhibitions, including regular shows of the large, vibrant canvases by charming Siracusano artist Mario Zito, lecturer at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo.