Noto, Sicily is a small city located in the southeastern part of the island, known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and stunning beaches. Here's a tourist visitor guide to help you make the most of your trip:
Things to Do and See:
1. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò: A stunning example of Baroque architecture, this cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in Noto.
2. Explore Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata: This 18th-century palace features beautiful ornate balconies and frescoed walls, and is open for guided tours.
3. Stroll down Corso Vittorio Emanuele: This picturesque street is lined with beautiful Baroque buildings, and is a great place to admire the architecture and browse the shops.
4. Relax on the Beaches: Noto is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily. Some of the most popular options include Cala Mosche, Vendicari, and San Lorenzo.
5. Visit the Palazzo Ducezio: This impressive palace is now home to the town hall, but it originally served as the residence of the Noto's rulers. It's worth visiting just for the views from the top of the tower.
6. Take a Hike: The Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve is just a short drive from Noto, and offers some stunning hiking trails through the hills and canyons.
Where to Stay:
1. Borgo Alveria: This beautiful agriturismo offers spacious rooms in a restored 19th-century building, surrounded by olive and almond groves.
2. La Dépendance: This stylish boutique hotel is located in the heart of Noto, and offers elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
3. Neos Hotel: This modern hotel is located just outside of Noto, and offers comfortable rooms and a large outdoor pool.
Where to Eat:
1. Il Libertino: This upscale restaurant offers a modern twist on classic Sicilian cuisine, with dishes like marinated anchovies and grilled octopus.
2. Caffè Sicilia: This traditional Sicilian café is known for its amazing desserts, including unique flavors like jasmine gelato and almond granite.
3. Trattoria al Buco: This rustic trattoria offers simple, hearty dishes like fresh seafood pasta and grilled meat plates.
Getting Around:
Noto is a small enough city that you can easily explore on foot, but if you want to venture outside of the city, you'll need to have a car. There are several car rental agencies in the area, or you can take a taxi or hire a private driver for the day. Buses also run between Noto and other nearby towns, but schedules can be infrequent.