Noto - What to see in Baroque Sicily

Noto is one of south Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Deep in the south-east of the island, Noto shines bright thanks to its extraordinary Baroque architecture. The entire area was devasted by an earthquake in 1693, and then rebuilt in glorious Baroque style at the start of the 18th Century. In fact, the towns of the Val di Noto – which includes Noto itself – was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2002 for their examples of High Baroque architecture and town planning. 

Today, Noto is a dream to visit, with honey-coloured buildings around every corner. Full of restaurants serving authentic food, picturesque piazzas with small bars, and charming boutiques, Noto has become a popular day trip destinations for anyone on holiday in south Sicily. It’s also ideally located close to the other Baroque towns of the area, like Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa, as well as some of the best beaches southern Sicily. Visiting Noto is a must! 

If you are wondering what to see and do when you visit Noto, here’s a handy guide of some of the very best sights to see! But don’t forget the charm of just strolling around the narrow streets, drinking in the majestic beauty of Noto’s town centre.

Noto is a true Baroque masterpiece, where every street and square seems designed to impress. Strolling through the historic centre, visitors are surrounded by elegant churches, majestic palaces and refined architecture, all carved from the city’s signature golden stone. Throughout the year, Noto charms with its timeless atmosphere, but in May it becomes even more magical during the Infiorata, when floral creations transform the streets into open-air artworks.

Part of the fun of a holiday in Sicily is travelling around the island. Sicily is larger than many people expect, and so it could take longer than you expect to get from A to Z. However, it is always worth the journey once you get to your final destination. Noto, right in the south-east of the island, is fairly easy to get to with some public transport options from larger towns in the area. Plus, the town centre is best explored on foot, so once you arrive all you need is some comfy shoes and some curiosity! Wondering how to make your trip to Noto a reality? Here are some options.

Getting to Noto by Car

Renting a car is a great way to really get to know the local area during your holiday in Sicily. There are many rental options at the main airports, and in the main towns too, including both international and local companies. By driving around Sicily, you can find the more off-the-beaten-track towns, villages, and beaches that may not have public transport links. The Val di Noto has good roads that connect the towns, making it simple to travel around. There are many places to park on the outskirts of Noto, such as a car park (paid for) on Via Cavour, which is very close to Porta Reale. If you prefer on-street parking, there are some options on Via Napoli, which is a short walk to the town centre. 

Getting to Noto by Bus

Travelling in Sicily by bus is an economical and more eco-friendly option for many. With some patience, you can see some of the most beautiful towns on the island by bus! Interbus is a local bus company that services the area with fairly regular coaches from many towns in the area. Using Interbus, Noto is about 90 minutes from Catania, and just under an hour from Siracusa. Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST) also runs buses to and from Noto, with lines stopping off at Catania and Siracusa, as well as a route that also links Noto with some other towns of the Val di Noto such as Ispica, Modica, and Ragusa. Tickets can be purchased either online, or in certain tabaccheria. 

Getting to Noto by Train

Travelling by train in Sicily is a wonderful way to see the varied countryside of the island. It’s a relaxed, romantic, and charmingly old-fashioned mode of transport. There are direct trains to Noto from Siracusa (c40 minutes), Ragusa (c1 hour, 40 minutes), and Modica (c1 hour). You can also take the train to Noto from Catania with a change at Siracusa. All the trains in the area are run by Trenitalia, and tickets can be bought online, or at the train station before departure. 

The best way to get to know Noto and the surrounding area? Staying at a villa nearby. We have some wonderful villas in Sicily near Noto for rent, that could be exactly what you are looking for. By booking a villa for your holiday, you are guaranteed more privacy, more space, and more authentic Sicilian style than anywhere else. You can relax by the pool, enjoy sea views and sea breezes, and so much more. Here are just a few of our beautiful villas near Noto available to rent. 

Noto is a sparkling jewel set in beautiful south Sicilian countryside that has to be seen to be believed. There are so many things to see and do, and great restaurants to experience, that you should not miss Noto during your holiday in Sicily. We have a large collection of villas near Noto to rent for an unforgettable Sicilian holiday. We have villas with private pools, villas with sea views, villas with direct beach access, and luxury villas with jacuzzis and saunas, all within a short drive from Noto! 

Treat yourself to a holiday near Noto and fall in love with Sicily’s incredible cultural heritage, as well as its pristine beaches, delicious gastronomy, and clear blue skies. What are you waiting for? Come to Sicily and be inspired by its beauty.