High and low

Splendid as Sicily's coast is, it's worth wandering inland to see what awaits amid its mountains and valleys. Though Modica's city borders stretch to the shore about 10 miles away, its striking center is nestled in the Hyblaean Mountains, a range that dominates the island's southeast corner. Whether under sunlight or twilight, it's a fantastic setting to get your steps in for the day. Our image's center features a 250-step staircase that connects Modica Alta and Modica Bassa—the upper and lower sections of the city—culminating at the Cathedral of St. George, an exemplar of Sicilian Baroque architecture.