How to Get to Donnalucata
- Else-Marie Kasmer
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 16
– Your Easy Guide to Reaching one of Sicily’s Hidden Gems
Donnalucata is a charming fishing village on the southeastern coast of Sicily, known for its wide, sandy beaches and peaceful atmosphere. Life here is lived close to the sea, with authentic Sicilian culture right outside your door – and just a short drive from beautiful baroque towns like Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa Ibla.
But how do you actually get to Donnalucata? Here’s our complete guide, with travel tips, transport options, and how best to explore the area.
Which Airport Is Closest to Donnalucata?
The easiest way to reach Donnalucata is by flying into Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which has numerous daily flights from major European cities. From here, you can choose between renting a car or travelling by train and bus.
Another option is Palermo Airport (PMO), but from there it’s about a four-hour drive to the southeastern coast. We don’t recommend travelling from Palermo to Donnalucata using public transport – it’s a very long journey and not worth the hassle unless you’re planning a road trip across the island.
By Car – Flexible and Convenient
A rental car is a great choice if you want to explore Sicily at your own pace.
Driving time to Donnalucata:
From Catania Airport: 1.5 to 2 hours
From Palermo Airport: 3.5 to 4 hours
From Catania, you follow the motorway south, then continue on smaller coastal roads. We recommend following the E45 as far as it goes, then driving along the scenic SP66, past Marina di Modica and Cava d'Aliga. Parking in Donnalucata is relatively easy, especially in the town centre.
Having a car also gives you the freedom to stay in beachside apartments just outside town – a unique holiday experience that’s hard to beat.
TIP: A car lets you explore nearby gems like Scicli, Modica, Ragusa, and remote beaches and coves.
By Train – A Scenic Journey Through Val di Noto
Even without a car, it’s entirely possible to reach Donnalucata by public transport – especially from the eastern side of Sicily. The train ride takes you through some of Sicily’s most beautiful baroque towns and the scenic countryside of Val di Noto. You’ll pass through Noto before arriving in Scicli, and the journey itself is a highlight. From Scicli, it’s just a short ride to Donnalucata.
How to get there by train from Catania:
Fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Take the train from Catania to Siracusa (approx. 60 mins)– www.trenitalia.com
Continue by train from Siracusa to Scicli (approx. 90 mins) – www.trenitalia.com
Take a local bus or taxi from Scicli to Donnalucata (approx. 15–20 mins) – www.saisautolinee.it/linee-urbane-sicilia/scicli
This same train line continues through Modica and Ragusa, so it's a great route for discovering multiple towns in one trip. In Modica, the town centre is within walking distance from the station. To get to the historic centre of Ragusa Ibla, we recommend taking a taxi from the train station.
By Bus – Getting There from Catania Airport
Etna Trasporti runs several buses daily from Catania Airport to Marina di Ragusa, Donnalucata’s larger neighbour – a lively beach town in its own right.
Fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Take the bus to Marina di Ragusa – www.etnatrasporti.it/aeroporto-catania/
Take a taxi from Marina di Ragusa to Donnalucata (approx. 10–15 mins)
When Is the Best Time to Visit Donnalucata?
Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Donnalucata:
April–June: Warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer people. Locals often start swimming in the sea around early May. Just be aware – April can still bring fast-changing weather on Sicily. (All images on this page was capptured in May).
September–October: The sea is still warm, the beaches are quieter, and the light is stunning.
July and August are peak season – warmer, more people, and livelier, but Donnalucata is rarely crowded like other tourist hotspots.
In winter, the town is quiet and almost empty – something many travellers actually prefer.
Getting Around Donnalucata
Bus: SAIS Autolinee runs several buses daily to Scicli, where you can catch trains to Modica, Ragusa, and Noto. Buses also run to Cava d'Aliga and Sampieri. www.saisautolinee.it/linee-urbane-sicilia/scicli
Taxi: Available, but should be pre-booked. Once we find a good driver, we usually ask for their WhatsApp number. Stick with your guy!
Bike/scooter rental: Available in nearby Marina di Ragusa.
Travelling without a car? Stay centrally in Donnalucata and use buses or taxis for day trips – it works well, especially in summer.
From Donnalucata, you can walk for kilometres along the beach heading east to the tiny neighbouring village of Cava d’Aliga. To the west, the larger beach town Marina di Ragusa offers a lovely promenade and more restaurants. For this route, we recommend renting a bike, e-bike or scooter.
Inland, just 10–15 minutes by bus, you’ll find Scicli – a beautifully preserved baroque town that’s well worth a visit. From here, it’s easy to catch the train to other destinations.
Where to Stay in Donnalucata
There are two main options:
In the town centre: Ideal if you want to be near the local bakeries, restaurants, fish market, and beach clubs.
Along the beach: Several holiday homes are located directly on the sand – rare on Sicily! These homes once belonged to local farmers and were built before stricter coastal building laws came into effect. It’s a dream setup if you want to step out the door and into the sea – but you’ll need a car, as carrying groceries or water on foot can be a challenge.
Suggested Day Trips and Routes
Donnalucata is the perfect base for discovering the southeast of Sicily. Here are some of our favourites:
The Baroque Towns: Visit Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and accessible by bus or train.
Coastal Vibes: Spend an afternoon in Marina di Ragusa – just a short taxi ride away, with a promenade and lively restaurants.
Beaches: The southeast has some of Sicily’s most stunning beaches. With a car, you can visit Marzamemi, a charming fishing village, or seek out remote beach clubs like Pura Vida for a truly special experience.
Siracusa and Noto: Combine Donnalucata with city life and history further north – for breathtaking architecture and a more urban feel.
Ready for Donnalucata?
Donnalucata is the perfect destination for travellers seeking an authentic holiday full of sea, sun, good food, and peace.
Getting there is easy – but leaving might be the hard part.
Frequently Asked Questions Summary about Donnalucata
What is the nearest airport to Donnalucata?
The closest airport is Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), located about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car. It’s the most convenient option with multiple daily flights from major European cities.
Can I visit Donnalucata without renting a car?
Yes, you can reach Donnalucata by train and bus. Take a train from Catania to Scicli (via Siracusa), then a short bus or taxi ride to Donnalucata. There are also direct buses from Catania Airport to Marina di Ragusa, with a quick taxi ride to Donnalucata.
Is Donnalucata a good destination for beach holidays?
Definitely! Donnalucata is known for its wide, sandy beaches, shallow waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It's ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to unwind by the sea.
When is the best time to visit Donnalucata?
The best time to visit is during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is pleasant, the sea is warm, and the crowds are smaller. July and August are hotter and livelier, while winter is very quiet.
Are there day trips I can take from Donnalucata?
Yes! Popular day trips include the baroque towns of Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa, as well as Marina di Ragusa for its seafront restaurants. If you have a car, you can also explore Marzamemi, Pura Vida beach clubs, or even take a day trip to Noto or Siracusa.
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