Noto is Sicily’s most famous Baroque town and one of the best places to visit when travelling around the south-east of the island.

The historic centre consists of churches, palaces and wide squares built from light-coloured stone, which takes on a golden hue in the afternoon sun.

The town was rebuilt on a new site following the devastating earthquake of 1693. Today, it forms part of the ‘Late Baroque Towns in the Val di Noto’ UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In my opinion, Noto should be a must-see on any itinerary through south-eastern Sicily. The town centre is small and easy to navigate. A few hours are enough for a quick visit, but the town has its most charming atmosphere in the early evening, once the day-trippers have left.

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Is Noto worth a visit, and how much time do you need?

Yes. If you enjoy historic towns, architecture or photography, Noto is one of the most interesting places in Sicily.

Allow:

• 2 hours for a quick stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele
• 3 to 4 hours for the main sights, one paid-entry interior and a viewpoint
• half a day for a leisurely visit with lunch or a granita
• 1 night, if you want to enjoy the evening atmosphere and the almost deserted town centre

You don’t need a whole day for Noto itself. However, you can easily put together a full-day itinerary by combining the town with the beach, the Vendicari Nature Reserve or the village of Marzamemi.

What to see in Noto: recommended walking route

The main sights are situated along a route through the historic centre that’s just under a kilometre long. You can see everything on foot and won’t need public transport.

1. Porta Reale

Start your tour at the monumental Porta Reale gate on the eastern edge of the centre. Behind it lies the pedestrianised Corso Vittorio Emanuele, along which most of the major sights are situated.

Porta Reale is also the most convenient place to start your visit if you’re arriving by car or bus.

2. Church of Santa Chiara

The Baroque Church of Santa Chiara has an unusual oval-shaped interior adorned with columns, statues and stucco work. From the adjacent former convent, you can climb up to a panoramic terrace.

If you only want to visit one viewpoint, I’d choose Santa Chiara. From here, you’ll have a good view of the cathedral and the rooftops of the historic centre.

3. San Nicolò Cathedral

This imposing cathedral, standing at the top of a wide flight of steps, is the main symbol of Noto. The best view of the façade is from Piazza Municipio and from the balcony of the Palazzo Ducezio opposite.

Entry to the cathedral is usually free. During church services, access for tourists may be restricted.

4. Palazzo Ducezio

Directly opposite the cathedral stands Palazzo Ducezio, now the town hall. Inside, you can visit the ornate Hall of Mirrors and, depending on current access arrangements, the balcony overlooking the cathedral.

The interior is interesting, but if you only want to pay to see one secular monument, I would recommend Palazzo Nicolaci instead.

5. Via Corrado Nicolaci and Palazzo Nicolaci

The short street Via Corrado Nicolaci is one of the most photographed spots in the city. It is lined with Baroque palaces and ends with the façade of the Church of Montevergine. It is here that the famous Infiorata flower festival takes place.

The main attraction is Palazzo Nicolaci. Its balconies are supported by stone sculptures of lions, sphinxes, mermaids, winged horses and other figures.

You can also visit the state rooms, including the Ballroom. According to the official price list for the town of Noto, admission costs:

• self-guided tour: 5 eur
• guided tour: 7 eur

It is open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00. Opening hours may vary during festivals and cultural events.

6. San Carlo al Corso

The Church of San Carlo stands right on the main street. If the bell tower is open, you can climb a narrow staircase to enjoy another lovely view.

The view is closer to the main action than from Santa Chiara. However, the space at the top is smaller and the climb is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

7. Piazza XVI Maggio and San Domenico

Finish your walk at Piazza XVI Maggio, home to the Baroque Church of San Domenico and the Tina Di Lorenzo Theatre. From here, you can return the same way or continue into the quieter streets of the upper part of the town.

How much does a visit to Noto cost?

The historic centre is freely accessible and you can view the most important buildings from the outside for free. Without paying to enter the interiors, you can visit Noto at almost no cost.

Entry to the cathedral and most churches is usually free. You’ll mainly need to pay for:

• the interior of Palazzo Nicolaci
• the Hall of Mirrors and the balcony at Palazzo Ducezio
• the panoramic terrace at Santa Chiara
• the bell tower of San Carlo

The various viewpoints and interiors are managed by different organisations. They do not have a standard price list or uniform opening hours. Tickets are purchased on site and advance booking is not required for a standard visit.

When to visit Noto?

The best time to visit is in the morning or from late afternoon into the evening. The streets are quieter, the temperature is lower and the Baroque buildings take on a more striking golden hue.

In summer, avoid the midday hours. There is little shade on the main street and temperatures tend to be high.

The biggest event is the Infiorata di Noto, which usually takes place during the third weekend in May. During this event, Via Corrado Nicolaci is covered with pictures created from flowers. Noto is exceptionally busy at this time of year and accommodation tends to be fully booked well in advance.

Noto and Noto Antica are not the same place

Today’s Baroque town of Noto was built after the earthquake of 1693. The original town was situated about 10 km to the north-west and is now known as Noto Antica.

In Noto Antica, you’ll see the freely accessible remains of walls, churches and other buildings scattered across the countryside. You’ll need a car and at least 60 to 90 minutes to visit.

If you’re short on time, give priority to modern-day Noto. Noto Antica is an interesting addition for history lovers, but it’s no substitute for the Baroque town.

Noto or Lido di Noto?

Noto and Lido di Noto are two distinct places:

• Noto is a historic inland town with sights, restaurants and a lively nightlife.
• Lido di Noto is a seaside resort about 8 km away.

The journey by car between the two places takes 10 to 15 minutes. Walking between them is not practical. In summer, there is also a seasonal bus service, though the timetable changes during the season.

In my opinion, it’s better to stay in historic Noto if you’re travelling around south-eastern Sicily and want to visit the sights and restaurants. Choose Lido di Noto if your main holiday aim is swimming.

Accommodation in Noto

Noto can easily be visited on a day trip. However, staying for one night makes sense. In the evening, most tour groups leave and the town centre takes on a much quieter atmosphere.

Well-reviewed guesthouses and self-catering flats often cost between 90 and 140 eur per night for two people. Traditional hotels in the centre usually cost between 140 and 220 eur. During the Infiorata and on summer weekends, prices can be considerably higher.

Depending on how you’re travelling, choose between these areas:

• the historic centre – best for a first visit; restaurants and sights are within walking distance
• the area around Porta Reale – practical if you have a car, luggage or are arriving by bus
• Lido di Noto – ideal for a seaside holiday, but you’ll need to travel to the sights

As for specific accommodation options, I’d recommend, for example:

• Hotel Porta Reale – excellent location at the entrance to the historic centre,
• Landolina Palace Hotel – right next to the cathedral,
• Gagliardi Boutique Hotel – a stylish hotel with a terrace in the historic centre.

You can find other suitable places to stay and a price comparison in the section ‘Where to stay in Sicily’.

How to get to Noto

By car and parking

A car is the best option if you want to combine a visit to Noto with trips to the beaches, the Vendicari Nature Reserve, Marzamemi or other Baroque towns.

Approximate journey times:

• Syracuse: 35 to 40 minutes
• Catania: about 1 hour
• Ragusa: about 1 hour and 15 minutes

Do not enter the cathedral or any other point in the centre of the historic centre into your sat-nav. Corso Vittorio Emanuele is a pedestrianised street and the surrounding streets are part of the ZTL (limited traffic zone).

The most practical option is to look for parking near Villa Comunale and Porta Reale. From there, you’ll be right at the start of the recommended walking route.

The usual Italian road signs apply on the streets:

• blue lines indicate paid parking
• white lines are free unless otherwise indicated by a sign
• yellow spaces are reserved and tourists are not allowed to park there

Noto does not have a single standard parking rate. Prices vary between streets and private car parks, so always check the parking meter or the price list at the entrance.

Practical information on driving, insurance and traffic can be found in the chapter ‘Car hire in Sicily’.

By bus

Buses are the most convenient form of public transport from Catania and Catania Airport. Direct services are operated by Interbus.

• Catania and Catania Airport: the journey takes about 1 hour and 25 to 40 minutes; a ticket costs 8 eur
• Syracuse: the journey takes 35 to 70 minutes depending on the specific service; a ticket costs 4 eur

The bus stops are located on the eastern edge of the city centre, near the Giardini Pubblici. You can walk to Porta Reale in a few minutes. Always check your ticket for the exact platform, as different services may use different stops.

I recommend buying your ticket online on the Interbus website. This ensures you’ll have a seat, particularly when travelling to the airport.

By train

Direct Trenitalia regional trains connect Noto with Syracuse, Avola, Modica and Ragusa.

The journey from Syracuse takes about 35 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 5 eur. It is not necessary to book well in advance.

Noto railway station is located below the historic centre. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the uphill walk to Porta Reale. The train is quicker than the bus, but the bus will drop you off closer to the sights.

For more information on finding train and bus connections, see the section on Transport in Sicily.

Is an organised tour worth it?

You don’t need a guide or an organised tour just to visit Noto. The town centre is small, it’s easy to find your way around, and all the main sights can be explored on foot.

An organised tour makes sense in three situations:

• you’re staying in Catania or Taormina and don’t want to hire a car
• you want to combine a visit to Noto with a trip to Syracuse in a single day
• you also want to visit Modica and Ragusa, as public transport between them isn’t very practical

Full-day group tours usually cost between 60 and 130 eur per person, depending on the departure point, itinerary and admission fees included.

• Excursions to Noto, Modica and Ragusa

If you have a car, I’d recommend going on your own. You’ll have more time, you can arrive before the main groups and stay in Noto until the evening.

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