Ragusa is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, scenic views, and authentic flavors. Its layered neighborhoods and historic sites make it ideal for guided tours that bring the city’s stories to life. Whether you’re interested in exploring its epic history, tasting Sicilian olive oils, or visiting filming locations from “Inspector Montalbano,” Ragusa offers something for every traveler. Personally, I love the 3-hour walking tour Discovering Ragusa Baroque because it combines stunning architecture with engaging stories, all in a manageable time frame. Plus, walking along the panoramic stairs connecting Ragusa Superiore and Ibla gives you a real sense of the city’s dramatic landscape and history.
If you’re a foodie, the Olive Oil Tasting & Historic Olive Mill Tour is a must. It’s a quick but rich experience that lets you sample some of Italy’s best oils at Oleificio Gulino, a mill founded in 1880. For film fans, the Montalbano private tour takes you to iconic locations from the popular TV series, adding a fun twist to sightseeing in Ragusa. Whatever your interests, this list highlights the best ways to experience Ragusa’s charm and character.
1. 3-hour walking tour Discovering Ragusa Baroque
At number 1, this guided walking tour offers an immersive look into Ragusa’s magnificent Baroque architecture and history. Over approximately three hours, you’ll walk along the panoramic stairs that link Ragusa Superiore with Ibla, enjoying sweeping views and visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as San Giovanni Battista’s Cathedral and Santa Maria delle Scale church. Your guide shares insights into the city’s past and anecdotes that bring the architecture to life, making history tangible and engaging. The tour’s small-group setting ensures personalized attention, which visitors say enhances the experience. The guide Serena, for example, has been praised for her knowledge and enthusiasm, with reviews calling her “brilliant” and “warm and generous.”
This tour is perfect for those who want a balanced mix of history, architecture, and local stories. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate walking and want an insightful overview of Ragusa’s core. The fact that it’s priced at $73.37 per person for a 3-hour experience makes it good value considering the depth of detail and exclusivity of the small groups. The tour is flexible, and you can inquire about different times and dates to suit your schedule.
Bottom line: This walking tour offers an engaging, comprehensive introduction to Ragusa’s stunning Baroque heritage, led by a knowledgeable guide who makes history come alive.
2. Olive Oil Tasting & Historic Olive Mill Tour in Ragusa area
Number 2 on our list is a flavorful visit to Oleificio Gulino, founded in 1880. This olive oil tasting tour lasts about an hour and provides an intimate glimpse into Italy’s olive oil production heritage. The family-owned mill operates with a tradition of quality that dates back over a century, and your guide will walk you through the entire process—from harvesting to bottling. You’ll get to taste the oils in different varieties and purchase bottles to take home, making it a practical souvenir. Guests have praised the enthusiasm of the owner and the enjoyable explanations, with one noting, “The olive oils are incredible, and I was able to buy bottles to bring home.”
This tour is ideal for anyone curious about Sicily’s agricultural traditions or wanting to enhance their culinary knowledge. It’s affordable at $56.47 per person and provides a quick, enriching experience that complements a day of sightseeing. The personalized approach and engaging storytelling make it more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to understand the craftsmanship behind Sicily’s renowned olive oils.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in Sicily’s culinary heritage and want a hands-on experience with top-quality olive oils, this tour is a practical, tasty choice.
3. Radici: Enjoy the heady scents of our garden
At number 3, this aromatic garden experience offers a 45-minute walk into a secret garden near Ragusa Ibla. What sets this apart is its focus on the senses—you’ll stroll among fragrant herbs, flowers, and trees, learning about their uses and origins. The guide helps you identify scents like lavender, oregano, lemongrass, and citrus, making it a delightful olfactory adventure. Visitors love how peaceful and authentic the garden feels, especially when surrounded by the sounds of frogs, birds, and hedgehogs. One reviewer calls it “a lovely afternoon learning about the smells of Sicily.”
The tour is small and intimate, perfect for travelers who want a quick, sensory-focused experience. It costs $17, making it an excellent value for a relaxing, fragrant escape from the historic streets. The highlight is the aromatic plant that you will compose and take home as a souvenir—an extra keepsake to remember your Sicily adventure.
Bottom line: This aromatic garden walk is ideal if you appreciate nature and want to engage your senses amid lush greenery and delightful scents.
4. Transfer from Ragusa to Catania private service
Number 4 offers a no-hassle way to get from Ragusa to Catania with a private transfer. For around $92.61, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned ride with an experienced driver who knows Sicily’s small, winding roads well. This service is ideal for travelers who prefer door-to-door convenience without the stress of public transport or shared shuttles. The transfer takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and includes plenty of space for luggage. Many reviewers highlight the professionalism and punctuality of the driver, noting that the experience is smooth and stress-free.
This option is best suited for those arriving or departing via Catania Airport or needing to connect between two Sicilian hubs efficiently. It’s especially valuable when travelling with luggage or in a tight schedule. The private nature means no other travelers will join your ride, adding a layer of comfort.
Bottom line: For hassle-free, comfortable transportation between Ragusa and Catania, this private transfer is a smart, reliable choice.
5. Tour in the heady scents of our garden in Ragusa
Number 5 is a fragrant journey into an aromatic garden close to Ragusa Ibla. This sensory tour lasts about an hour, focusing on training your nose to recognize Sicily’s signature scents. After a brief intro to the area’s districts, you’ll walk among herbs like lavender, rosemary, and citrus, learning how they’re cultivated and used. The experience ends with composing a personal aromatic plant to take home—a perfect souvenir of your olfactory journey. Visitors have described it as “a delightful meander through a beautiful hillside garden,” and recommend it for anyone interested in natural scents or herbs.
This activity suits travelers who want a relaxed, sensory experience rather than a historic tour. It’s especially good for families or those seeking a peaceful break from sightseeing. Costing just $17.36, it’s an affordable way to deepen your connection with Sicily’s natural environment.
Bottom line: If fragrances and herbs pique your interest, this garden walk offers a soothing, educational experience that’s easy to fit into your schedule.
6. Montalbano commissioner private tour from Noto and Siracusa
Number 6 is a full-day, private tour following the footsteps of “Inspector Montalbano.” For about $336 per person, this tour visits several UNESCO-listed towns including Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli, with stops at the locations featured in the TV series. It involves a detailed itinerary covering the police offices, the seaside house, and filming sites like Faro di Punta Secca. Your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories, making it a hit for fans of the series. Guests mention the driver-guide Dario, praising his wealth of local knowledge and ability to offer personalized recommendations.
This tour is ideal for film enthusiasts or those who want an in-depth exploration of eastern Sicily’s baroque towns with a TV twist. It’s a longer, more comprehensive experience suited for travelers with a full day to spare. Keep in mind the price reflects its personalized, private nature, but the inclusion of multiple sites makes it a good value for fans.
Bottom line: If you love “Inspector Montalbano” and want to see multiple scenic towns and filming locations, this private tour offers a rich, tailored experience.
$336.00 per person
7. Private tour of the Baroque cities of Eastern Sicily
Number 7 is a full-day private tour that explores the most iconic Baroque cities of eastern Sicily. Starting from Ragusa, the tour includes stops in Modica and other towns, with visits to significant churches, palaces, and gardens. The guide takes you through the “Garden of Stone,” a phrase describing the elegant architecture that rose from the 1693 earthquake. Visitors rave about the guide Gabrielle, who is praised for his detailed knowledge and engaging storytelling. At $203.53 per person, it’s priced higher but offers a personalized experience ideal for travelers interested in art, architecture, and local culture.
This tour is suitable for those wanting a comprehensive look at the entire region’s Baroque architecture and history, with enough flexibility for tailored experiences. It’s perfect for art lovers or those who want to see more than just Ragusa itself.
Bottom line: For a full-day, customizable journey through Sicily’s classical architecture and cultural sites, this private tour delivers in-depth insights and a deep appreciation of the region.
8. Commissioner Montalbano tour of the fiction sites from Ragusa
Number 8 is a specialized Montalbano filming locations tour, lasting about four hours. It takes you to the seaside house in Punta Secca, the police offices in Scicli, and Donnafugata Castle, all featured in the series. This private tour is designed for fans of the show who want to see where the magic happens, with expert commentary on filming secrets. One reviewer said, “Great guide with fantastic local knowledge and Montelbano insights,” emphasizing the personalized attention.
The tour is well-suited for dedicated series fans or those interested in Sicily’s film locations. It’s shorter than the full-day tours but packs in several iconic sites. The $428.69 price likely reflects the private, personalized experience and the focus on series-related locations.
Bottom line: This tour offers a fun, behind-the-scenes look at “Inspector Montalbano,” combining scenic locations with insider stories.
9. Ragusa: Friday Aperitivo with 3 Drinks and Bites
Number 9 is a lively evening experience, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. For $50, you’ll enjoy a Friday aperitivo with three drinks and three delicious bites, crafted by a chef known from TV. This experience combines Sicily’s flavors with a cozy, intimate atmosphere, often accompanied by friendly conversation and local ambiance. It’s a great way to unwind and sample regional wines, cocktails, and bites in a stylish setting.
Ideal for food lovers or those seeking a social experience, this is a relaxed way to enjoy Ragusa’s vibrant evening scene. The inclusion of a chef who’s also a TV personality adds a touch of local flair.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a taste of Sicilian cuisine and convivial atmosphere in the evening.
$50 per person
10. Ragusa: Sunday Brunch with Sparkling Welcome Drink
Finally, number 10 offers a refined Sunday brunch experience. For $58, you can indulge in a Sunday brunch with a sparkling welcome drink and three curated dishes from an à la carte menu. The setting is elegant, making it perfect for a leisurely start to the day or a relaxed weekend treat. This tour appeals to travelers looking to enjoy Sicily’s culinary scene in a stylish environment without a fixed menu, with wine pairings available for an extra touch of sophistication.
The brunch experience is well-suited for those who prefer a more upscale, relaxed meal with a local feel. It’s a good choice if you want a memorable culinary highlight, especially on a Sunday when many locals enjoy their family meals.
Bottom line: For a leisurely, elegant brunch that combines Sicilian flavors with style, this experience makes a fitting weekend treat.
$58 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Ragusa
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re a history enthusiast eager to explore Ragusa’s stunning Baroque architecture, the 3-hour walking tour offers an excellent overview. For those fascinated by culinary traditions, the olive oil tasting provides a tasty, authentic experience. If you’re a TV series fan, the Inspector Montalbano tours and filming locations tours are perfect for enjoying Sicily’s popular fictional universe.
For travelers with limited time, the aromatic garden and garden sensory experience are quick yet memorable. When planning transportation, consider the private transfer from Ragusa to Catania for a seamless, comfortable journey between cities. And for those interested in local food, the Friday aperitivo and Sunday brunch serve as wonderful ways to enjoy Sicilian hospitality.
Final Thoughts
Ragusa’s diverse tours make it easy to tailor your visit—whether you want an in-depth architectural walk, a culinary delight, or a film location adventure. The walking tour remains a top pick for its balance of history and breathtaking views, while the olive oil tasting offers a flavorful snapshot of Sicilian agriculture. For film fans, the Inspector Montalbano locations add a fun, personalized dimension.
If you’re pressed for time or traveling with family, the aromatic gardens or brunch experiences provide memorable, relaxed moments. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours and private options during peak seasons. Whatever you choose, Ragusa’s authentic charm and rich culture will surely make your trip memorable.