Lido di Noto, also known as Noto Marina, is a small seaside resort about 7 km from the historic town of Noto. Its main attraction is an almost kilometre-long sandy beach with a gentle slope into the sea.

Lido di Noto has no major sights or a bustling town centre. It is particularly suitable for families, a peaceful seaside holiday and as a base for exploring south-eastern Sicily.

In my opinion, it makes the most sense to stay here for 2 to 4 nights if you want to go to the beach every day whilst also visiting Noto, the Vendicari Nature Reserve or Marzamemi by car. Without a car, I’d prefer to stay in Noto itself and travel to Lido di Noto by the seasonal bus.

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Is Lido di Noto worth a visit?

For swimming, yes; for the town itself, no.

For a day trip, a few hours on the main beach is enough. We recommend a longer stay particularly in the following cases:

• you want to stay in a quiet resort right by a sandy beach
• you’re travelling with children
• you’ve hired a car
• you’re planning trips to Noto, Vendicari and Marzamemi

If you’re looking for historical sights, a wider choice of restaurants and livelier evenings, you’re better off staying in Noto. Lido di Noto is primarily a seasonal beach resort. Outside the summer months, only some services remain open here.

The beach at Lido di Noto

The main beach at Lido di Noto is covered in fine golden sand and stretches for almost 1 km. The sea slopes gently, making the beach suitable even for small children.

Some parts of the beach are freely accessible at no charge. In between these, there are paid beach clubs offering sun loungers, parasols, showers, toilets and bars. You’ll also find several restaurants and cafés along the coast.

Lido di Noto lies on the open Ionian Sea. When there is no wind, the water is usually calm and crystal-clear, but stronger winds can cause higher waves. It is not a sheltered bay.

During July and August, we recommend arriving before 9.00 am or later in the afternoon. The freely accessible parts of the beach and the car parks fill up first.

The best beaches in the area

South of Lido di Noto lies the natural coastline of the Vendicari Nature Reserve. However, the individual beaches are not situated within a few hundred metres of one another, and it is not possible to drive comfortably between them along the coast. Each has a different access road, and from the car park you’ll need to continue on foot.

• Spiaggia di Eloro – the closest natural alternative to Lido di Noto. It’s about a 5- to 10-minute drive, followed by a short walk. Eloro Beach is long, sandy and free of the usual beach clubs.
• Spiaggia della Pizzuta – a quieter, natural beach near the Eloro archaeological site. Expect a walk from the road and minimal facilities.
• Marianelli – a wild and largely undeveloped beach in the northern part of Vendicari. The walk from the car park is quite long, so make sure you take plenty of water with you.
• Calamosche – a small, picturesque cove nestled between the rocks. From Lido di Noto, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to drive to the car park, followed by a walk of roughly 1 km. Calamosche tends to get very busy in summer.
• Vendicari and Tonnara di Vendicari – the best choice if you want to combine swimming with a walk in the countryside, birdwatching and a visit to the ruins of a historic tuna processing plant.

There are no sun loungers, shade or permanent refreshment facilities on the natural beaches. In summer, make sure you take plenty of water and a hat.

Entrance fee to the Vendicari Nature Reserve

Entry to the Vendicari Nature Reserve costs:

• adults: 3,50 eur
• family ticket: 7 eur
• children under 8: free

Payment can only be made by card or other electronic means. Cash is not accepted. The ticket is valid for the whole day and can be used at all entrances to the nature reserve. Parking is charged separately.

Reserve opening hours:

• January–March and November–December: 9.30 am–4.00 pm
• April–May: 7.00–19.30
• June–August: 7.00–20.00
• September: 7.00–19.00
• October: 7.00 am–6.00 pm

Admission closes one hour before the end of opening hours. Individual trails may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions, fires or maintenance. Please check the official Vendicari booking website before your visit.

Trips from Lido di Noto

Lido di Noto is a good starting point for exploring south-eastern Sicily.

• Noto – 10 to 15 minutes by car, ideal for an early evening stroll and dinner.
• Avola – about 15 minutes away, a larger coastal town with restaurants and a harbour.
• Vendicari – 20 to 25 minutes depending on the entrance you choose.
• Marzamemi – about 30 minutes, a picturesque fishing village with restaurants around the historic harbour.
• Syracuse and Ortigia – about 35 to 45 minutes by car.

Boat trips also depart from the harbour in Avola, travelling along the beaches of Eloro, Calamosche and Vendicari as far as Marzamemi and Portopalo di Capo Passero. A typical trip lasts 4 to 5 hours and includes several stops for swimming and snorkelling. Prices start at around 70 eur per person.

Boat trips along the Vendicari coast

You don’t need an organised tour to visit the main beach or the town of Noto.

A boat trip is particularly worthwhile, as it allows you to see a long stretch of the protected coastline without having to drive between the various entry points to the reserve.

Accommodation in Lido di Noto

Lido di Noto mainly offers flats, holiday homes and small guesthouses. There are fewer traditional hotels. If you don’t want to spend time looking for parking every day, choose accommodation no more than a few minutes’ walk from the main beach.

The best accommodation in Lido di Noto

Depending on the type of holiday, we recommend the following options:

• Lido di Noto – best for daily swimming and travelling by car.
• Noto – better restaurants, the historic centre and a more practical stay without a car.
• Avola – more shops and services, beaches and a range of boat trips.

How to get to Lido di Noto

By car and parking

A car is the most practical option if, as well as the main beach, you also want to visit Eloro, Calamosche, Vendicari or Marzamemi.

The journey from historic Noto takes about 10 to 15 minutes. From Catania Airport, the journey takes approximately one hour.

You’ll find both free and paid parking spaces on the streets of Lido di Noto. There is no single flat-rate charge for the whole day. Always follow the road signs:

• a white line usually indicates free parking
• a blue line indicates paid parking
• yellow spaces are reserved for residents or special vehicles

In summer, spaces near the beach fill up quickly. Car parks at the entrances to the Vendicari Nature Reserve are usually private and charge a fee. The cost of parking is not included in the reserve’s entrance fee.

For further practical information, see the section on Car hire in Sicily.

By bus from Noto

During the summer season, a direct bus operated by Caruso runs between the centre of Noto and Lido di Noto. It runs several times a day and the journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

A single ticket costs 3 eur, whilst a return 5 eur and can be purchased from the driver. The timetable changes during the season. Please check it with the operator or on the website of the Info Point Città di Noto tourist information centre before travelling.

The bus is a convenient way to reach the main beach at Lido di Noto. However, it does not stop at the beaches of Eloro or Calamosche, nor at the main entrance to Vendicari.

By train

There are no regular passenger trains to Lido di Noto. The nearest operational station is in Noto. From there, you must continue by seasonal bus or taxi.

We describe other options for travelling around the island in the section on Transport in Sicily.

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