Agriturismo Val Di Noto
Noto - Cda Piano Della Pace
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Which is the most beautiful building in Noto? You’ll be the judge after a captivating stroll through streets and squares lined with lavish historic palaces, an imposing triumphal arch and magnificent churches.
The splendid town of Noto, rebuilt almost from scratch following a devastating earthquake in the second half of the 17th century, is universally recognised as a Baroque Capital. Local white stone has been expertly used by artists and craftsmen to shape sinuous forms and convex curves that create striking contrasts of light and shadow. Nothing could prepare you for the wonder you’ll experience admiring its sumptuous palaces.
Many tourists visit Noto on a day trip, but it’s a shame because in doing so you’ll miss one of the best moments to admire the town – at sunset. The night-time illuminations highlight the beauty of the palaces and create a dreamlike atmosphere.
If you visit Noto in summer you can combine cultural visits with relaxing afternoons on the enchanting beaches nearby. If instead you plan your visit for May, you can witness the spectacle of the Infiorata, a traditional festival during which the main avenue is covered with artistic floral arrangements.
Another way to enjoy a holiday in Noto is to take it easy, savouring excellent gelato, granitas and almond sweets in the town’s outdoor cafés.
The best way to begin your visit to Noto is to walk through the Porta Reale1 imagining yourself as a nobleman from another era come to pay homage to a city aristocrat. You won’t need much imagination: this triumphal arch was built in the 19th century for the visit of Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies. Having passed through the gate, you’ll find yourself on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, an elegant avenue that crosses the town’s historic centre.
Noto’s symbolic building is the Cattedrale di San Nicolò2, which stands 10 metres above the level of the main street and seems to dominate the entire historic centre. The monumental staircase leading to the entrance is merely a prelude to the sumptuous decorations of the outer façade and the outstanding artworks housed within the cathedral.
It’s truly a difficult task to determine which is Noto’s most beautiful palace. Three contend for the title: Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata3 (sometimes called Palazzo Nicolaci or Palazzo Villadorata, visitable inside), Palazzo Ducezio4 (also visitable inside) and Palazzo Landolina5.
The latter two overlook Piazza del Municipio, the town’s finest square, whilst the first, recently restored, is a key piece in the mosaic of artistic treasures returned to the town in their original splendour.
The restoration of Palazzo Nicolaci allows you to admire it in its original beauty and to relive the opulence of the 18th and 19th centuries, the era of the town’s greatest prosperity.
Also worth a look is the Teatro Comunale6, inaugurated in 1870 and still an important focal point for the town’s cultural life today.
In terms of religious buildings, besides the already mentioned Cathedral, the finest are the Chiesa di San Domenico7 and its attached Benedictine monastery, and the Chiesa di Santa Chiara8. For a panoramic view of the town you can climb to the top of the bell tower of the Chiesa di San Carlo9.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
The beach closest to the historic centre is Lido di Noto, a lovely beach of fine sand, with clear waters and shallow seabed. It’s a city beach alternating free areas with equipped ones and is always very busy during the summer months. You can reach it by bus from the centre.
With a hire car you can venture further afield and explore south-eastern Sicily in search of your favourite beach.
A lovely beach just 10 km from Noto is Marina di Avola, a long stretch of golden sand much frequented by holidaymakers in the area. It’s an ideal beach if you want beautiful sea but also comfort and facilities.
If you prefer a mix of sand and rock, the beach recommended for you is Cala Bernardo, perfect for those who love snorkelling.
Other beaches not to miss in the area around Noto are Calamosche and Fontane Bianche to the north and Marzamemi to the south.
Noto is very popular with visitors and there’s an abundance of bed & breakfasts, apartments and holiday lets in the historic centre and around the town. In general, hotels and bed & breakfasts in Noto offer good value for money.
For something special treat yourself to a night in a luxury hotel set within an elegant historic palace or venture outside town and stay in a stately country estate surrounded by olive groves, orange and lemon trees. The most exclusive country resorts are equipped with a swimming pool and wellness centre.
Noto can be reached by car, train or bus from the major towns of eastern Sicily: it’s about 40 kilometres from Syracuse, around 100 from Catania and just under 200 from Messina. Regular direct buses connect Noto to Syracuse and Catania; to get to Noto from Palermo, however, you’ll need to change buses in Syracuse.
The railway station is about 1.5 km from the town centre. The train journey from Syracuse to Noto takes just half an hour, whilst from Messina you’ll need to change once and the overall journey time can vary from 3 and a half to over 5 hours.
If you arrive by plane, the nearest airport is Catania: from there it’s possible to reach Noto by car in about an hour via the E45 or with a direct bus in an hour and a half.
Noto can also be visited on a day trip with a guided tour departing from Syracuse.
What's the weather at Noto? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Noto for the next few days.
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