A Week in the Val di Noto
Suggested programme for 7 nights at the villa
The villa requires a minimum 6-night stay — the right pace for exploring the Val di Noto without rushing. Here is a suggested 7-night programme: beaches in the morning, baroque towns in the afternoon, local tables in the evening. A car is essential.
Day 1 · Arrival
Noto at sunset
Take time to settle in. In the late afternoon, walk or drive down to Noto (5 minutes). The Corso Vittorio Emanuele lights up towards evening and the golden façades take on an extraordinary colour. Dinner in one of the historic centre's restaurants — book ahead in high season.
Caffè Sicilia (Corso Vittorio Emanuele) for the evening granita — one of the most celebrated in Sicily.
Day 2 · Beaches
Calamosche and Marzamemi
Leave early (9am) for Calamosche: the perfect sand arc of the Vendicari reserve. Arrive before the car parks fill. Swim until noon. Lunch at Marzamemi (20 minutes): a fish platter at the Campisi cannery or on the piazza. Back to the villa in late afternoon, sunset on the terrace.
Marzamemi: book your table for lunch if you're visiting in August.
Day 3 · Baroque
Ragusa Ibla
30 minutes from the villa, Ragusa Ibla is one of the most beautiful baroque towns in the Val di Noto. Leave the car in the car park and walk down into the lower town. The Duomo San Giorgio and its steps, the Via del Mercato, the terrace of the Giardino Ibleo. Lunch or dinner in the old town. Return in the evening.
The Noto-Ragusa ridge road offers remarkable views over valleys and vineyards.
Day 4 · Nature
A day at Vendicari
A full day in the Vendicari nature reserve (8 km). Vendicari tower, Eloro and Pillirina beaches, coastal paths. From September to May, flamingos are visible on the inland lagoons. Picnic on the beach or a light lunch back in Noto. Free afternoon at the villa.
Day 5 · Syracuse
Ortigia and the Greek theatre
40 minutes away, Syracuse was one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Morning on the island of Ortigia: the Arethusa fountain, the cathedral built over the columns of a Greek temple, the fish market. Afternoon in the archaeological park (Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre). Return in the evening.
The Ortigia morning market is one of the finest in Sicily.
Day 6 · Vineyards
Avola, almonds and Nero d'Avola
Morning in Avola (15 km): an underrated baroque town, producer of the world's finest almonds (Pizzuta d'Avola). Buy directly from producers. Afternoon: visit a Noto DOC winery — Cantina Zisola (Planeta family) or Cantina Marilina. Tasting Nero d'Avola on site. Dinner at the villa.
Day 7 · Relaxation
Pool and last evening in Noto
Free day at the villa: pool, terrace, reading. Last evening in Noto for a farewell dinner. The town is particularly beautiful at night, lit in yellow against the golden limestone. Restaurants close late — no rush.
Planning your stay
- —A hire car is essential — book before arriving in Catania.
- —In high season, restaurants should be booked 24-48 hours ahead.
- —The Noto market runs on Friday mornings at the Villa Comunale.
- —The minimum stay at the villa is 6 nights. This itinerary is planned for 7 nights.