Modica Bassa (lower) is the chocolate corso; Modica Alta (upper) is the climb to San Giorgio.
Accursio Craparo consolidated his two operations into one in Feb 2025 — Radici is now the single Modica restaurant. Fattoria delle Torri is the "best non-Accursio" sit-down.
Bonajuto = the heritage stop. Sabadì = the connoisseur stop. Caffè dell'Arte = the granita. All three belong in the day.
San Giorgio's 250 steps are the iconic shot. Skip the climb for Matt — he can wait at a Modica Bassa café while the rest climb. Casa Quasimodo (Nobel laureate's birthplace) fits the slow-wandering vibe.
Bonajuto Factory tour at Fattojo is bookable in advance via booking@bonajuto.it — max 25 people, ~30 min, includes tasting, available in Italian or English, by appointment Mon–Sun. Adds substance to the Modica visit; book 1–2 weeks ahead.
Sabadì: the connoisseur stop. 15 consecutive "Best Modica Chocolate" awards (vs Bonajuto's 9). Created the world's first chocolate "cantina" — bars submerged in dried flowers, spices, or tobacco for weeks so the cocoa butter absorbs the aromas. Strong organic / IGP positioning; more adventurous flavors (lavender, etc.). On Corso San Giorgio just a few blocks from Bonajuto.
Casa Don Puglisi: social cooperative chocolate. Operated as a foster home / rehabilitation program for women. All ingredients Fair Trade. The buying-with-purpose angle is meaningful.
Cava d'Ispica for the energetic crew Friday morning while seniors wait at a café — confirmed open in 2026. Larderia Cave is the headline. €6 entry, free first Sunday of the month. Hiking shoes required. Not senior-friendly.