Whether you’ve recently stumbled upon southeastern Sicily’s hillside gem or you’ve had it on your bucket list for years, you may be wondering where to stay in Ragusa.

This captivating Sicilian destination has managed to remain somewhat under the radar, particularly compared to tourist hot spots like Syracuse and Taormina. Fortunately, that just makes Ragusa all the more appealing – at least to a hidden-gem lover like me!

If you’re ready to uncover the beauty of this storybook town for yourself, this guide will help you pinpoint exactly where to stay in Ragusa based on your personal priorities.

Come discover the two unique halves that make up the one irresistibly idyllic town of Ragusa, Sicily!

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For a quiet escape removed from the typical crowds of more touristy Sicilian destinations, Ragusa is a wonderful place to stay. Here, you’ll be surrounded by a stunning hillside landscape, narrow streets filled with charm, and tasty local eateries.

Plus, Ragusa Ibla is among eight UNESCO World Heritage towns in the Val di Noto group.

Ragusa is a little under 171 square miles. The population is just over 73,000 inhabitants.

Ragusa dates back to the Neolithic Age and its history is especially apparent in Ragusa Ibla.

However, the beautiful Baroque-style buildings in place today were built after the 1963 earthquake ravaged the town.

Before you can decide where to stay in Ragusa, you’ll first need to understand how the town is laid out.

Ragusa is divided by a deep ravine known as the Valley of the Bridges (or “Valle dei Ponti,” in Italian). This ravine separates the town into two distinct halves: Ragusa Superiore (Upper Town) and Ragusa Ibla (Lower Town).

While both areas have their merits, they’re undeniably distinct, offering a wholly different experience for visitors.

Here’s a closer look at each of the two sides and what you can expect from a stay in each.

• Stunning Baroque architecture and medieval charm
• Irresistibly idyllic streets that are fun to wander
• The Basilica di San Giorgio & Piazza Duomo

Ragusa Ibla is the charming old town and historical heart of Ragusa. Geographically, Ibla is considered the “Lower Town,” as it sits below Ragusa Superiore.

As one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Val di Noto, Ragusa Ibla is the main point of interest for most tourists visiting the area. In fact, getting lost in its storybook streets is one of the absolute best things to do in Ragusa.

Once you arrive here, it’s easy to see why. Between striking Baroque architecture, narrow, winding streets, and tasty local eateries, this is the storybook Sicily you envision in your dreams.

One of the crown jewels of hotels in Ragusa Ibla, Relais & Châteaux Locanda Don Serafino is not only a luxury property, but it’s also home to a top-rated Michelin-starred restaurant.

This intimate hotel has 11 rooms ranging from classic elegance to high-end suites. The spacious luxury suites are carved into rock and akin to posh cave dwellings. Some even include jacuzzi tubs and/or balconies.

No description of this unique hotel would be complete without a mention of their fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant set within a picturesque wine cellar. Depending on the room style you select, a breakfast featuring local offerings is either included in the stay or offered at an additional fee.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Giardino Sul Duomo in Ragusa Ibla.

Nestled in a garden of citrus trees surrounded by a sweeping hillside landscape, Giardino Sul Duomo is a little slice of heaven in Ragusa.

If you’d prefer to wake up to the sound of birds instead of cars, this is the accommodation for you.

While the six rooms are simple, each is unique and the views are spectacular.

I highly recommend booking a room with a private balcony or terrace for the full experience. We booked the Magnolia Deluxe Double room featuring a spacious panoramic terrace.

This is the perfect place to greet each new day with a cup of espresso.

Giardino Sul Duomo also has a small outdoor pool surrounded by a peaceful garden.

Just bear in mind that the water is not heated, so be prepared for a refreshing dip.

A simple, yet satisfying breakfast is also included in the stay.

While there are no hot food items included, you can select from a variety of fresh-baked cakes, meats and cheeses, yogurt, and fruit. You’ll also have a choice of your favorite hot beverage, from tea to a cappuccino.

Guests can take advantage of free parking at the hotel, but you may wish to inquire about the best places to park when you arrive, as it can be a bit confusing. Unfortunately, guests aren’t authorized to park in the lot across the street, but street parking is permitted.

If you want to save some cash but don’t want to sacrifice having a view, Aquila Sveva Domus is a great budget-friendly option. The comfortable self-catering apartments offer private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.

The highlight is easily the spacious balcony where you can soak in the storybook view of Ragusa Ibla.

If you’re unbothered by navigating tight streets and you love the idea of waking up to song birds, dining at authentic local eateries, and uncovering historic Sicily directly from your doorstep, Ragusa Ibla just may be the neighborhood for you.

If you decide to base yourself in Ragusa Ibla but still want to visit Superiore (which I recommend), you can either make the noble climb up 242 steps or take a local bus from Giardino Ibleo or Piazza della Repubblica.

• Greater abundance of hotels and shops than Ragusa Ibla
• Modern amenities and infrastructure, such as grid-style streets
• Stunning panoramic views over Ragusa Ibla below

Also referred to as the “Upper Town,” Ragusa Superiore is the newer, more modern counterpart to the two halves that make up current-day Ragusa.

While the town itself is sometimes accused of being “soulless” as compared to Ibla, the big benefit of staying in Ragusa Superiore is the incredible viewpoint you’ll enjoy over the old town.

In addition, it’s also easier to get around in Superiore, whether you’re arriving by car or utilizing public transport. Streets are also flatter in the upper part of town and parking is easier to come by than in Ragusa Ibla.

All of that said, you’ll be sacrificing some of the magic that can only be felt in Ragusa Ibla by staying in the upper part of town. The decision will ultimately come down to your priorities while traveling.

For a luxury stay in Ragusa Superiore, you can’t go wrong with Relais Antica Badia. Part of the San Maurizio 1619 property group, this deluxe 5-star hotel is set within an impeccably restored 18th-century villa.

Each of the 16 elegant rooms are furnished with beautiful Sicilian furniture for an authentic Italian stay.

For the ultimate pampering experience, guests can take advantage of the luxury spa featuring a Turkish bath, sauna, and range of massage services.

Relais Antica Badia is also home to a restaurant serving delicious Piedmontese cuisine. Breakfast is included in the stay.

Strategically set just behind the beloved San Giovanni Battista Cathedral, Hotel Vittorio Veneto is a wonderful mid-range option in Ragusa Superiore that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Built within a lovingly restored 18th-century noble palace, the hotel maintains its historic charms.

The 11 unique rooms feature lovely design details that range from tile floors to captivating ceiling ornamentations.

A breakfast consisting of biscuits, jams, and fruit is included in the stay and served in the property’s charming dining room.

If you’re seeking a nice budget option, have a look at Finestra sui Ponti. This bed and breakfast offers reasonable prices and balcony rooms so you can take advantage of the outdoors as well as city and river views.

A tasty Italian breakfast is included in the stay.

If you’re unbothered by being a greater distance from the heart of the old town and you love the idea of hopping aboard a local bus, shopping, and navigating the streets of Sicily with ease, Ragusa Superiore will probably be your best bet.

Plus, you can always look down on gorgeous Ibla from atop your perch!

If you’re flying to Ragusa, the closest major airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport, located about an hour and 40 minutes away by car. If you’re not planning to rent a car from the airport, there’s also a direct bus that leaves from the airport and travels to Ragussa Piazzale Zama. The bus ride takes about one hour and 45 minutes.

Once you’re in Ragusa, you can take advantage of a bus and a railway station in the Upper Town.

That brings us to the end of this neighborhood guide! I hope it’s helped you sort out where to stay in Ragusa, both in terms of the area and the accommodation.

As always, if you have any questions about Ragusa, let me know in the comments below!

Ready to explore more of Sicily? Check out my other guides:

• 15 Fun Things to Do in Ragusa, Sicily (Including Free Activities & Day Trip Ideas)
• 15 Dreamy Boutique Hotels in Taormina with Breathtaking Views
• Taormina or Positano: Which Italian Hot Spot Is Right for You?
• 20+ Tips for Hiking Mount Etna (from Self-Guided Exploration to a Guided Summit Expedition)