Modica in a nutshell
Modica lies in south-eastern Sicily, in the hills of the Val di Noto. The town is built along a valley and splits into two parts: Modica Alta, the upper town around the church of San Giorgio, and Modica Bassa, the lower town with San Pietro and the shopping street Corso Umberto I. Lanes and stairways link the two, so central does not always mean step-free.
Modica, Ragusa and Scicli belong to the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, inscribed in 2002 and covering eight towns in all. After the earthquake of 1693 the region was rebuilt in a shared late baroque style. Modica is also known for its chocolate, which is worked at low temperature and stays grainy.
What this guide covers
This guide covers Modica, the Modica chocolate, Ragusa Ibla and Scicli as day trips, where to stay and how to get here. Noto, another baroque town of the Val di Noto, has its own page in the Sicily guide. For the city of Syracuse, see Syracuse, and for the airport, see Catania Airport. This is not the official Modica tourism website.
A simple plan for three days: spend the first in Modica itself, with the two main churches, Corso Umberto I and a chocolate tasting. Use the second for Ragusa Ibla and the third for Scicli. Each town needs half a day to a full day, and public transport times are tighter than they look, so read how to get to Modica before you fix the order.
Prices in this guide are adult prices for 2026 where we give one, and reductions are named where the operator lists them. Entry fees, hours and bus tickets change often, so treat them as a guide and confirm on the day.
Our picks: tours around Modica
A chocolate tasting, a craft brewery visit and a baroque day trip.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Baroque day trip: Noto, Modica and Ragusa Ibla
Eight hours with pick-up, return and a multilingual guide. Entry fees and meals are not listed as included.
Check availability →
Guided tasting of Modica chocolate
A visit to the workshop and the ageing cellar, an explanation of raw chocolate and a tasting that includes aged chocolates. Buying bars and the alcohol pairing are optional extras.
Check availability →
Craft brewery tour with three beers
About 40 minutes with the brewmaster and three beers. You also get 10 percent off dinner at the brewery's restaurant.
Check availability →Modica tours and day trips
Chocolate tastings, walking tours of Modica and baroque day trips to Ragusa Ibla, with live prices and availability.
What changed in 2026
Where older guides are out of date.
Rail replacement buses
Since 15 June 2026 published replacement buses run in place of some trains between Syracuse and Modica. The Modica stop is Viale Medaglie d'Oro 49/59, not the station forecourt.
Getting to Modica →ChocoModica is off
The chocolate festival was announced for 30 and 31 October and 1 November 2026. A press report of 8 October 2026 says it has been cancelled and postponed to 2027. Do not plan a trip around it.
Modica chocolate →Scicli museums sell online tickets
The Commissariato costs €5 at the desk. The online shop adds a €1.50 reservation fee, Online buyers still wait for their visit slot, and tickets are also sold at the town hall desk.
Scicli guide →Shorter hours at Cava d'Ispica
The regional catalogue announces hours of 9 am to 2 pm, Monday to Saturday, from 25 October 2026, with last entry at 1:30 pm. Entry is €6, or €3 reduced.
Plan your visit
Everything on this site, in the order most visitors need it.
Things to do in Modica
Ten experiences from San Giorgio and San Pietro to the chocolate museum and two day trips.
Modica chocolate
What makes it different, the protected name, the museum and how to book a tasting.
Ragusa Ibla
The cathedral of San Giorgio and the Giardino Ibleo, a short ride from Modica.
Scicli
The baroque street, the town hall from the Montalbano series and the museum tickets.
Where to stay in Modica
Upper or lower town: stairs, access and what to check before you book.
How to get to Modica
From Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa, plus city buses and parking.
Good to know
Modica is a town of steps. Wear shoes with grip, and do not assume a route is step-free just because it is central. San Giorgio stands at the top of a long flight of stairs.
Churches and museums set their own hours and prices, and several change by season. Opening times in this guide follow the 2026 information available, so check on the day, especially around church services.
If you drive, ask your hotel how to reach it before you arrive. Access rules and parking in the centre are not clearly published online. The details are on the page about getting to Modica.
Modica: frequently asked questions
Is Modica worth a visit?
Yes, if you like baroque architecture, walking and chocolate. Modica is one of the eight Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, and Ragusa Ibla and Scicli make easy day trips. See things to do in Modica.
How many days do you need in Modica?
A day covers the main churches, Corso Umberto I and a tasting. Add a second day for Ragusa Ibla and a third for Scicli, as each one needs a half to a full day.
What is special about Modica chocolate?
It is worked at low temperature, so the sugar crystals stay visible and the bar feels grainy. The name Cioccolato di Modica has been a protected geographical indication (IGP) since 2018. More on the chocolate page.
Can I get to Modica without a car?
Yes. Buses and trains serve the town, but in 2026 some trains between Syracuse and Modica are replaced by buses. Check the current timetable before you go. See getting to Modica.
Is visitmodica.org the official tourism site?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the town of Modica, the Region of Sicily, any museum, park or tour operator.