The Ibleo territory is of considerable historical and naturalistic interest. There are numerous archaeological presences of ancient local populations and civilizations attributable to late ancient, Greek, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Norman, etc. The monuments and buildings of the historic centers are characterized above all by Baroque architecture which finds expressions of singular beauty in Modica, Scicli and Ragusa. The peculiarity of the Ibleo landscape is that of the countryside with dry stone walls, of the extensive carob and olive groves, of the mule tracks and of the karst valleys, but also of the exceptional and unique naturalistic and landscape areas that attract many tourists every year. The Hyblean plateau is also characterized by the presence of a great environmental and landscape heritage with natural reserves (Macchia forest of the Irminio river), SIC areas (Irminio River, Conca del Salto, Contrada Religione, Upper course of the Irminio River) and habitats unique for their naturalistic relevance. The rural landscape is formed by a largely limestone plateau, engraved by deep karst river valleys, commonly referred to as the “Cave” that were formed as a result of the incessant erosive action of rain and flowing waters. In the quarries, real refuge areas, a high number of species of scientific and biogeographical interest of Mediterranean flora and fauna can be found. Even the coastal and marine environment present a significant attractive force for tourist flows, thanks to the long and sandy beaches and the suggestive rocky coasts, such as the extra-urban park of Costa di Carro in the territory of Scicli, or the marshes of the Municipality of Ispica, a treasure trove of sedentary and passive avian fauna in Sicily, typical of this strip.
