Noto
Noto
⭐ Ranked #51 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 26 March 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The town of Noto is one of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily), inscribed since 2002 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a population of just under twenty five thousand people and is located within the province of Syracuse.
A hill town standing at an elevation of 152 metres Noto is famed for its many churches, the highlight of which is the 18th century Cathedral built in the Sicilian Baroque style and using the local Iblean limestone. The stone is used for many of Noto's buildings, giving it such a glow that it appears as a city of gold. |
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What People Ask About Noto
What is Noto known for?
Is Noto worth visiting?
What are the must-see attractions in Noto?
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What is the Infiorata di Noto?
Related links
Overview
Overview
For any serious itinerary of Sicily, a visit to Noto is an absolute must. It's situated seven kilometres inland of the coast in the south-eastern corner of the island, a half an hour drive south of the provincial capital: Syracuse. Arriving by car, there are a good number of parking options including a car park just at the edge of the city, a three minute walk from the centre.
If you arrive at lunch time (between 13:00 and 16:00) you'll find street parking available on Via Cavour which lies parallel to and above the main street: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Just bear in mind, at that time of day you're likely to find many of the churches closed.
The Noto that we see today was built in the wake of the 1693 earthquake that destroyed much of the local area, including the original town, which is now called Noto Antica; worth a visit in its own right and located 15 kilometres north west of the "new Noto". The reconstruction of Noto using the prevailing Baroque architecture of the time is what earned the city its UNESCO listing, along with seven other Sicilian towns and cities: Catania, Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Ragusa, Modica, Palazzolo Acreide and Scicli.
If you arrive at lunch time (between 13:00 and 16:00) you'll find street parking available on Via Cavour which lies parallel to and above the main street: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Just bear in mind, at that time of day you're likely to find many of the churches closed.
The Noto that we see today was built in the wake of the 1693 earthquake that destroyed much of the local area, including the original town, which is now called Noto Antica; worth a visit in its own right and located 15 kilometres north west of the "new Noto". The reconstruction of Noto using the prevailing Baroque architecture of the time is what earned the city its UNESCO listing, along with seven other Sicilian towns and cities: Catania, Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Ragusa, Modica, Palazzolo Acreide and Scicli.
Things to Do
Things to Do
Where to start your exploration
A good starting point for a walk around of Noto is the monumental gate at the eastern end of the town called the Porta Reale. From there, walking west along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, you can start to feel the glow of Noto's incredible buildings with the Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi one of the first that comes into view on the right hand side of the street.
A few minutes later you arrive at the centrepiece of the city where the grand staircase leads up to the magnificent Noto Cathedral on the right. Opposite the Cathedral, the Palazzo Ducezio is now the town hall but you can enter for a fee of €4 and enjoy, among other things, the Hall of Mirrors.
A few minutes later you arrive at the centrepiece of the city where the grand staircase leads up to the magnificent Noto Cathedral on the right. Opposite the Cathedral, the Palazzo Ducezio is now the town hall but you can enter for a fee of €4 and enjoy, among other things, the Hall of Mirrors.
Meticulously-planned town
As you continue along the main thoroughfare, it becomes apparent that Noto has very much been planned and constructed with a lot of forethought. Aside from the dozens of churches, there are all the facilities that a modern, prosperous city of the time would need including a theatre, the Teatro Comunale, and plenty of public spaces such as little piazzas with gardens.
One of the prettiest squares lies just in front of the theatre where there's an attractive garden, the centrepiece of which is the Fontana d'Ercole. Standing imperiously above the fountain and garden is another incredible Baroque church, the Chiesa di San Domenico.
Most of the sights are situated along the Corso and there are also plenty of places to stop for refreshment with some excellent restaurants, gelaterias and snack bars. If you're planning an overnight stay then it's worth knowing that the city is quite beautiful at night with its mood-lighting, and there are also a good number of shops and other facilities available. In terms of accommodation I can recommend the Gagliardi Boutique Hotel that you'll find a link for a little further down the page.
One of the prettiest squares lies just in front of the theatre where there's an attractive garden, the centrepiece of which is the Fontana d'Ercole. Standing imperiously above the fountain and garden is another incredible Baroque church, the Chiesa di San Domenico.
Most of the sights are situated along the Corso and there are also plenty of places to stop for refreshment with some excellent restaurants, gelaterias and snack bars. If you're planning an overnight stay then it's worth knowing that the city is quite beautiful at night with its mood-lighting, and there are also a good number of shops and other facilities available. In terms of accommodation I can recommend the Gagliardi Boutique Hotel that you'll find a link for a little further down the page.
Tours & Activities
Comune di Noto
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Province: Syracuse
Region: Sicily Population: 24,572 (in 2024 - source) Size: 551 km² Elevation: 152 metres Highlights: Noto Cathedral, Palazzo Ducezio, Teatro Comunale Close by: Calamosche Beach, Fontane Bianche, Syracuse, Pozzallo |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Year: 2002
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Year: 2002
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
- Hotel Villa Favorita Located just outside the historic centre of Noto, this elegant hotel offers spacious rooms with views of the surrounding countryside, a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine. Guests appreciate the luxurious setting, exceptional service, and the proximity to Noto’s main attractions, including the Noto Cathedral and the Palazzo Nicolaci. €€€ (high-end)
- B&B Casa Talia Set in a peaceful location near Noto’s historic centre, this charming bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the short walk to Noto’s historical sites and local attractions. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Porta Reale Located near the entrance to Noto’s historic centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving Sicilian dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the good value for money, friendly service, and the easy access to Noto’s cultural landmarks and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Le Zagare Located a short drive from Noto, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views of the countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the rural setting, the authentic Sicilian experience, and the short drive to Noto’s attractions and the nearby beaches. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Noto Antica Situated just outside Noto, this bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with views of the surrounding hills, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast. Guests enjoy the warm hospitality from the hosts, the quiet environment, and the easy access to Noto’s historic sites and surrounding nature trails. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
- Ristorante Manna: Located in the heart of Noto, Ristorante Manna offers a refined dining experience that combines Sicilian traditions with modern culinary techniques. The menu features seasonal dishes, including pasta with local seafood, risotto with saffron, and grilled meats. The elegant setting, attentive service, and exceptional wine list make it a great choice for a special occasion. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Osteria dei Sapori Perduti: Situated just outside the centre of Noto, Osteria dei Sapori Perduti offers a rustic, cosy atmosphere with a menu focused on traditional Sicilian cuisine. Known for its hearty pasta dishes, such as pasta alla Norma, and fresh seafood, the restaurant provides a genuine taste of the region. The warm service and intimate setting make it a popular spot for an authentic meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Trattoria Al Buco: A charming and family-run restaurant, Trattoria Al Buco offers a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes traditional Sicilian dishes like caponata, homemade pastas, and a variety of grilled meats. The relaxed environment and friendly service create a perfect spot for a casual yet satisfying meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante Caffè Sicilia: A Michelin-starred restaurant in Noto, Caffè Sicilia is known for its exceptional desserts and refined Sicilian cuisine. The menu features innovative dishes made with seasonal ingredients, and the restaurant is particularly renowned for its pastries, including the famous cassata and cannoli. The elegant setting, combined with the high-quality food and service, makes it a great place for a memorable dining experience. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
- Ristorante Noto Marina: Located near the coast, Ristorante Noto Marina offers a great selection of seafood dishes and Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views of the sea. Known for its fresh fish, pasta with clams, and grilled seafood platters, the restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful scenery. The laid-back ambiance and great food make it a perfect spot for a seaside meal. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Close to Noto
If you're considering a shorter stop in Noto then there are plenty of other places nearby to combine your visit with. One of the other UNESCO towns, Palazzolo Acreide is a 35 minute drive away, passing Noto Antica along the way. That would mean heading inland, while in the opposite direction, towards the coast are some of Sicily's best beach resorts including Calamosche, Fontane Bianche and Marzamemi while slightly further afield and again unmissable, is the city of Syracuse.
Without a car you're more restricted but there are buses that run to and from Syracuse with a journey time of just under an hour. Noto's train station is a 17 minute walk (1 km) from the town centre with trains connecting to Syracuse (35 minutes) and Ragusa (1 hour 40 minutes). During the summer months there's also a scenic train service available in the region, connecting the other Baroque towns of the Val di Noto and offering a hop-on/hop-off service. Timetables vary and are published at the beginning of the summer tourism season.
Without a car you're more restricted but there are buses that run to and from Syracuse with a journey time of just under an hour. Noto's train station is a 17 minute walk (1 km) from the town centre with trains connecting to Syracuse (35 minutes) and Ragusa (1 hour 40 minutes). During the summer months there's also a scenic train service available in the region, connecting the other Baroque towns of the Val di Noto and offering a hop-on/hop-off service. Timetables vary and are published at the beginning of the summer tourism season.
Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
Noto Travel
By Rail: Noto does not have its own train station in the town centre. The nearest station is Noto Train Station, located about 5 km away. Trains from major cities like Catania (around 1.5 hours by train) and Siracusa (about 30 minutes by train) connect to Noto. From the station, you can take a local bus or taxi to the town centre, which takes around 10 minutes.
By Road: Noto is approximately 40 km from Siracusa, and the drive takes around 45 minutes via the SS115 road. From Catania, it’s about 90 km, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are several car parks available near the town centre, but parking may be limited in the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports: The nearest international airport to Noto is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Aeroporto di Catania), located about 80 km away. The drive takes around 1 hour. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi directly to Noto, or alternatively, take a train to Siracusa and then transfer to a local train or bus to Noto.
Another alternative is Comiso Airport (Aeroporto di Comiso), about 90 km away. The drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Noto.
Additional Transport Options: Local buses connect Noto with other nearby towns, including Siracusa and Modica, providing an affordable way to reach the town. These services are frequent during the tourist season.
By Road: Noto is approximately 40 km from Siracusa, and the drive takes around 45 minutes via the SS115 road. From Catania, it’s about 90 km, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are several car parks available near the town centre, but parking may be limited in the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports: The nearest international airport to Noto is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Aeroporto di Catania), located about 80 km away. The drive takes around 1 hour. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi directly to Noto, or alternatively, take a train to Siracusa and then transfer to a local train or bus to Noto.
Another alternative is Comiso Airport (Aeroporto di Comiso), about 90 km away. The drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Noto.
Additional Transport Options: Local buses connect Noto with other nearby towns, including Siracusa and Modica, providing an affordable way to reach the town. These services are frequent during the tourist season.
