From Pozzallo, the route stays close to the sea for a long opening section. The first kilometres are flat, following Sicily’s south coast through small seaside towns, open beach areas and almost no climbing. Via Sampieri, Cava d’Aliga and Donnalucata, the road continues west, with regular views of the water and low coastal buildings. Around Marina di Ragusa and Punta Secca, the setting is clearly Mediterranean: pale houses, flat shoreline, fishing boats and promenades. After that, the day changes. Beyond Santa Croce Camerina, the route leaves the coast and climbs into the Ragusa hinterland. Fields, dry-stone walls and long ramps replace the sea. The finish is the harder part of the stage: Ragusa sits much higher, and the final kilometres collect the elevation that was barely noticeable along the coast.
