Comiso
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Latest page update: 19 August 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Comiso
Comiso, in the Province of Ragusa, is a historic inland town with a growing reputation thanks to its nearby airport. While much of the local accommodation is smaller in scale, there are a few established hotels that provide convenient bases for exploring the area.
Cordial Hotel is a well-rated property offering comfortable rooms, a pool and a restaurant, regularly praised for its value and service (€€). In the town centre, Hotel Palazzo Melfi provides boutique-style accommodation in a restored historic building, with guest feedback highlighting its character and location (€€). For a larger option, Mediterraneo Palace Hotel in nearby Ragusa offers spacious rooms and reliable facilities, with consistently positive reviews for comfort (€€).
Cordial Hotel is a well-rated property offering comfortable rooms, a pool and a restaurant, regularly praised for its value and service (€€). In the town centre, Hotel Palazzo Melfi provides boutique-style accommodation in a restored historic building, with guest feedback highlighting its character and location (€€). For a larger option, Mediterraneo Palace Hotel in nearby Ragusa offers spacious rooms and reliable facilities, with consistently positive reviews for comfort (€€).
Where is
Where is Comiso?
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The historic town of Comiso is situated within the Province of Ragusa and has a population of around 30,000 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 209 metres above sea level, it's located a distance of 230 kilometres south east of Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily. Places of interest nearby include Vittoria, Donnafugata Castle, Ragusa, Modica and Scicli. |
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Comune di Comiso
What People Ask About Comiso
Is Comiso worth visiting?
How do I get to Comiso?
What are the main attractions in Comiso?
When is the best time to visit Comiso?
How long should I stay in Comiso?
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Discover
Discover Comiso
Comiso is a historic town in the Province of Ragusa, set in the southeastern interior of Sicily among low hills, fertile plains, and traditional farmland. The town developed around natural springs and follows a gently terraced layout, with its historic centre marked by elegant piazzas, pale stone buildings, and narrow streets radiating from its older quarters. Its setting places it close to the main routes that link Ragusa with the southern plains and the coastal settlements near the Mediterranean.
The town is known for its Baroque architecture, including the Church of Santa Maria delle Stelle and the Church of San Biagio, which reflect the rebuilding that followed the 1693 earthquake. Comiso also has historic ties to the nearby former air base, which played a strategic role in the 20th century before later being converted to civil use. Positioned between Vittoria and Ragusa, the town is closely connected to the cultural landscape of the Val di Noto and the surrounding agricultural heartland.
The town is known for its Baroque architecture, including the Church of Santa Maria delle Stelle and the Church of San Biagio, which reflect the rebuilding that followed the 1693 earthquake. Comiso also has historic ties to the nearby former air base, which played a strategic role in the 20th century before later being converted to civil use. Positioned between Vittoria and Ragusa, the town is closely connected to the cultural landscape of the Val di Noto and the surrounding agricultural heartland.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Comiso
- Piazza Fonte Diana is the central square of Comiso and the main meeting point in the town, framed by historic buildings and elegant arcades. At its centre stands a fountain dedicated to the goddess Diana, with classical sculptures and flowing water. The square is surrounded by cafés, shops and restaurants, making it lively throughout the day. It is also the location for concerts, markets and public events.
- Basilica di Maria Santissima Annunziata is the town’s principal church, located just off the main square and rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. Its richly decorated interior includes a series of altars, stucco work and religious paintings. The façade and bell tower are defining features of the town’s skyline. The basilica plays a key role in religious festivals and local traditions.
- Castello Naselli d’Aragona is a historic palace that was once the seat of Comiso’s ruling family, located near the centre of town. While not always open to the public, its exterior remains an important example of local aristocratic architecture. The structure includes a mix of medieval and Baroque elements. It occasionally hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
- Chiesa dei Padri Cappuccini is known for its peaceful cloister and its connection to Blessed Gabriele Allegra, a missionary born in Comiso. The church complex includes a small museum dedicated to his life and work, particularly his translation of the Bible into Chinese. Visitors can view personal items, letters and religious artefacts. The site remains an active place of worship and reflection.
- Ex Base NATO di Comiso is a former military airbase located on the outskirts of town, historically significant during the Cold War. Though decommissioned, it has been partially repurposed for civilian use, including exhibitions and public events. Guided tours are occasionally offered to explore its history and architecture. The site also includes green spaces and wide open areas used for recreational purposes.
Tours and Activities
Comiso Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Comiso Photo Gallery
Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Comiso
By Rail: Comiso has its own train station on the Syracuse–Licata line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town to Ragusa in around 25 minutes, to Modica in about 45 minutes, and to Syracuse in roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. The station is located close to the town centre, making onward travel convenient by foot, bus, or taxi.
By Road: Comiso is situated in south-eastern Sicily, around 20 kilometres west of Ragusa. The drive takes about 25 minutes via the SS115 road. From Catania, the distance is approximately 100 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS514. The town is well served by regional roads, and parking is available near the centre and along the routes leading towards Vittoria and Ragusa.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Comiso is situated in south-eastern Sicily, around 20 kilometres west of Ragusa. The drive takes about 25 minutes via the SS115 road. From Catania, the distance is approximately 100 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS514. The town is well served by regional roads, and parking is available near the centre and along the routes leading towards Vittoria and Ragusa.
Nearest International Airports:
- Comiso Airport: Located just 6 kilometres south of the town, with a drive of around 10 minutes via the SP5. This is the most convenient option, offering domestic and seasonal international flights.
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Situated approximately 100 kilometres northeast, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car via the SS514. It provides extensive connections to destinations across Italy and Europe.
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport: Roughly 250 kilometres northwest, with a journey time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes via the A19 motorway. It offers a wide range of year-round domestic and international routes.
Private Transfers
Comiso Private Transfers
A private transfer is a reliable and stress-free way to travel to or from Comiso, especially for those arriving at the airport or heading to nearby towns. You’ll be picked up at your chosen location and driven directly by a local driver, without the need to arrange car hire or public transport.
From Comiso Airport, transfers to Ragusa take around 30 minutes (approx. 25 kilometres), while Modica, Scicli, and Marina di Ragusa can be reached in 35 to 50 minutes depending on the route. The journey to Catania Fontanarossa Airport takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 100 kilometres), while Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport is about 3 hours 30 minutes away (approx. 230 kilometres).
To request a quote or check availability for your journey, just fill out the short form below.
From Comiso Airport, transfers to Ragusa take around 30 minutes (approx. 25 kilometres), while Modica, Scicli, and Marina di Ragusa can be reached in 35 to 50 minutes depending on the route. The journey to Catania Fontanarossa Airport takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 100 kilometres), while Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport is about 3 hours 30 minutes away (approx. 230 kilometres).
To request a quote or check availability for your journey, just fill out the short form below.
