Contrada Petrara, Avola

Coast: the cluster sits on the Mediterranean coast in the Gulf of Noto with sandy beaches and a low coastal plain. No significant mountains or ski areas within about 15 km; terrain is flat to low rolling. The immediate landscape is the agricultural Val di Noto plain, with vineyards (area of the Nero d'Avola grape), almond groves and citrus cultivation. Within c.15 km is the town of Noto, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its late-Baroque centre. Within roughly 10–15 km is the Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari on the coast, a protected wetland and beach area. Nearest city of size is Siracusa to the north (province capital) which provides larger services and rail connections; the nearest major airport is Catania–Fontanarossa (further to the north-west).