Those who choose Eremo della Giubiliana do not arrive at just any point in Sicily, but at a privileged crossroads from which to set out and discover another side of the island. All around, the Hyblean countryside unfolds in a patchwork of dry-stone walls, the scent of thyme and mastic, and towns that guard traditions and UNESCO-listed treasures.
From here, castles, the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, the luminous beaches of the eastern coast, and the most iconic destinations of Eastern Sicily are all within easy reach. But more than a list of places, it is an invitation to wander with curiosity — to be surprised by a landscape that changes with every turn, a mosaic of experiences and atmospheres interwoven with the island’s history.
And then, at day’s end, to return to the Eremo and rediscover silence, the stillness of the countryside, and the feeling of having lived something genuine — something that stays.
Just ten minutes by car from the Eremo, Ragusa Ibla is one of Sicily’s most beautiful Baroque towns. Its architecture boasts more than forty churches, noble palaces, and panoramic views over the Irminio Valley. Highlights include the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Portale — one of the oldest Gothic examples in Sicily — as well as the Giardini Iblei. Ibla is best explored on foot, pausing at its small restaurants and artisan workshops that enliven the historic center.
The Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the treasure chest of Sicilian Baroque. Towns such as Modica, Scicli, and Noto hold architectural masterpieces that enchant with their harmony and beauty. At sunset, the golden stone façades seem to glow, creating an atmosphere like no other. It is the perfect itinerary for those who love art and architecture, and for those who wish to discover the authentic rhythm of small Sicilian towns, where each season brings its own festivals, markets, and tastings rooted in the land.
Fifteen kilometers from the Eremo lies Donnafugata Castle, a 19th-century noble residence once belonging to the Arezzo family. Open to the public, it preserves an extensive park with its famous stone labyrinth and over a hundred furnished rooms that host temporary exhibitions and historical collections, recounting the life of Sicily’s aristocracy. The castle is easily accessible by car and is often included in guided tours of the Ragusa area.
Many of the filming locations of Inspector Montalbano are found in the area surrounding the Eremo. The famous inspector’s seaside house is in Punta Secca, right by the water, while Scicli serves as the setting for the “Vigata Police Headquarters.” Ragusa Ibla, too, often appears with its stairways and narrow streets. Visiting these places means recognizing familiar landscapes and seeing them with new eyes — enriching your stay with a touch of culture and literature.
The Hyblean coastline stretches for more than thirty kilometers of fine sandy beaches. From Marina di Ragusa to Randello, every spot has its own character: lively beach clubs, quiet coves, nature reserves. Marina di Ragusa is the most vibrant, with restaurants and a seaside promenade, while Randello is a protected reserve, ideal for those seeking quiet and unspoiled nature. All the beaches are less than twenty minutes from the Eremo.
The Hyblean region is renowned for its outstanding produce: DOP Tonda Iblea olive oil, wines such as Cerasuolo di Vittoria, farmhouse cheeses, and artisanal preserves. In the surroundings of the Eremo, you can visit olive mills, wineries, and farms offering guided tastings and field visits. It is a chance to understand the short supply chain and taste local products prepared according to traditional methods — a gastronomic journey that blends flavor, knowledge, and sustainability.
