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Top 8 Things to Do in Noto, Sicily

Panorama of Noto town in Sicily.
Panorama of Noto town in Sicily. | Sofia Ciravegna / Unsplash

Escape to Noto, a sundrenched corner of Southern Italy, where baroque palaces sit alongside charming osterias serving up the best Sicilian cuisine. Here are our recommendations on how to best spend your time in this Italian city.

A devastating earthquake hit Noto in 1693. Much of the city was destroyed, but from its greatest tragedy came a lasting legacy of grand architecture and an exquisitely cohesive beauty that, eventually, attracted the attention of Unesco. At the end of each day, the sun-kissed limestone buildings in the city take on a rich, honeyed glow. While there’s no shortage of things to see in Noto, its nearby beaches and the Vendicari Nature Reserve provide compelling reasons to get out of town.

Peek inside Noto Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

Noto Cathedral
Federico Di Dio photography / Unsplash
The cathedral in Noto took shape in the 18th century as part of widespread construction following the 1693 earthquake. A flight of steps leads to an imposing baroque façade, flanked with Corinthian columns and statues of saints. Inside, a 16th-century silver ark contains the remains of the city’s patron saint. The dome is a modern addition, replaced after a catastrophic collapse in 1996. An altar, lectern and crucifix embellished with silver-plated bronze sculptures pop against the simple and elegant interior, as do the frescoes around the cupola.

Marvel at Palazzo Nicolaci

Historical Landmark

Via Noto, Palermo, PA, Sicily, Italy
kornyeir / Unsplash

The Nicolaci family went all out when they started work on their opulent palazzo in 1720. The result, a sprawling 90-room pad in a baroque style, is one of the most impressive visitor attractions in Noto today. Before you enter, look closely at the wrought-iron balconies supported by stone mermaids, angels and winged horses. Inside, focus your attention on the noble floor, where the Nicolacis would have entertained. Climb a grand staircase to the sumptuous Salone delle Feste, the family’s breathtaking party hall.

Go back in time at Palazzo Ducezio

Historical Landmark

Work on the Palazzo Ducezio, the Town Hall in Noto, started in the mid-18th century. The ground floor was the work of Sicilian architect Vincenzo Sinatra, but the upper level was a much later project designed to complement the original building. Its oval hall had an extravagant makeover at the end of the 19th century, and the result is reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. The lavish Hall of Mirrors is filled with Louis XV-style furniture, gold decor and the fabulous mirrors that give the room its name.

Try granita at Caffè Sicilia

Cafe, Pastries, Ice Cream, Italian

Watermelon & Mint Granita
Bulkan Evcimen / Unsplash

Caffè Sicilia has been a fixture on this Noto street since 1892. These days, it’s in the capable hands of Corrado Assenza – as a child, he watched his aunt run the place, but now he calls the shots. The cafe’s speciality is its granita. Some call this semi-frozen sweet treat a dessert, but, here, it’s served for breakfast. The cafe’s signature serve is made with almond milk, though the menu also lists sour cherry and lemon flavours. Provi ad assaggiare, as they say here – “try it, and see what it tastes like.”

Swim from Spiaggia di Eloro

Natural Feature

People diving in a pool
jesperstechmann / Unsplash

Turquoise waters gently lap this secluded strip of sand, flanked by a rocky headland, just 9km (5.6mi) from Noto. Eloro Beach shelves gently, making it ideal for swimmers. As it forms part of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, there are few facilities within walking distance, aside from a small car park, a bar and some showers. As you stroll to the beach, you’ll pass the ruins of the Greek settlement of Helorus. Archaeologists have excavated the footprints of a temple and a theatre at this coastal site.

Go wine tasting at Cantina Palmeri

Winery

A Glass of Wine being poured
shootervision / Unsplash

Cantina Palmeri is a winery, just a 10-minute drive from Noto. Its history can be traced back to the 15th century, though, since 2002, it’s been run by a Swiss couple with a passion for organic viticulture. Grapes thrive in this place: the soil is the ideal balance of clay, lime and sand, while the dry, sunny climate ripens the fruit perfectly. The result is a collection of exceptional wines, which you can taste on a visit to Cantina Palmeri’s cellars.

Spot flamingos in the Vendicari Nature Reserve

Natural Feature, Park

Flamingos in the dark
Marko Blažević / Unsplash

Thousands of migrating birds come to the Vendicari Nature Reserve each year, particularly in spring and autumn. The saltwater lagoons (known locally as pantani), sand dunes and rocky coastline provide the ideal stopover as the birds rest on their way to and from North Africa. Waders like curlews and marsh sandpipers are regular visitors during nesting season. You’ll also see herons, egrets, spoonbills and terns. The most eagerly anticipated, however, are the flamingos that potter in the shallows and raise fluffy chicks.

Eat Sicilian food at Ristorante Manna Noto

Restaurant, Italian

Pasta dish served in a plate
Sofia Ciravegna / Unsplash

Ristorante Manna Noto occupies what was once the wine cellar of the Palazzo Nicolaci. Here, Manna Noto’s talented kitchen chefs turn simple recipes into culinary works of art. Enjoy a seasonal menu of delicious Sicilian food that reflects local tastes and traditions. The decor is fun and whimsical. As much thought has gone into the presentation of each dish as in the sourcing of the fresh, local ingredients used to create them.

About the author

Julia Hammond is an Australian writer with a penchant for overseas travel. She's always looking for new cultures to explore but is still proud to call the great city of Melbourne home. Currently, she writes a regular blog for online retailer MyDeal.com.au.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
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