Free walking tours in Avola and what to see

Must-sees

Avola is on the south-eastern coast of Sicily, between Syracuse and Noto. The 1693 earthquake destroyed the old town, which stood on top of the plateau, and the population moved down by the sea. The new town was laid out on a hexagonal plan, with two main streets crossing at the central square and four more squares at their ends, each with its church. On Piazza Umberto I stands the mother church of San Nicolò, the centre of town life.

Outside the centre, the big attraction is the Cavagrande del Cassibile reserve, a deep canyon with pools of green water at the bottom. From the viewpoint on the road you can also see the hill where Avola Antica stood, whose caves and mule tracks can still be made out. The town's name is linked to the Nero d'Avola grape, and almonds have been grown in the area for centuries. In summer, life moves to the seafront and the sandy beaches along the coast.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Avola. What Civitatis offers from here are activities on the water, such as a boat trip to Marzamemi and Portopalo, at the southern tip of the island. For the centre, the practical option is to explore on your own with a map, as the hexagonal layout is easy to follow. Noto and Syracuse, very close, have more guided tours if you want to round off your trip with a baroque route.

How long to spend

The centre can be seen in a relaxed morning: the squares, the mother church and a coffee on the main square. If you want to go down to the bottom of Cavagrande, set aside half a day and wear walking boots, as the path is steep. With two or three days you can combine Avola with Noto, Marzamemi and the beaches of the coast, and in summer it is easy to stay longer just for the sea.

Where to stay

To get around on foot, the historic centre is convenient, with B&Bs and apartments in houses from the reconstruction. If you are mainly going for the beach, the seafront and lido area has apartments and small hotels close to the sand. The countryside has agriturismi among almond and olive trees, a good base if you travel by car. Noto, a few minutes away, is an alternative with more characterful accommodation.