Noto and the surroundings

Baroque Noto

Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake to a unique urban plan, Noto is considered the masterpiece of Sicilian baroque. Its Corso Vittorio Emanuele, lined with golden stone palaces, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. Best explored in the evening, when the light softens and the facades seem to glow.

The Infiorata (3rd weekend of May): the streets of the centre are covered with carpets of flowers depicting living paintings. A unique event in the world — not to be missed if you're there in May.

Park outside the historic centre and walk to the Corso (10 min). For the facades in their best light, visit from 4pm rather than midday.

Vendicari Nature Reserve

One of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Mediterranean. Coastal trails wind between lagoons, old tonnara ruins and white sand coves. Flamingos, herons and September's first storks are regular visitors. Calamosche beach is regularly voted one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds in July and August.

The Calamosche car park charges in high season (around €5). Arrive before 9am to be sure of a space and have the beach almost to yourself. Allow 15 minutes' walk from the car park.

Marzamemi

An old fishing village with intact charm — its central square, colourful boats and fish restaurants around the ancient tonnara. The place for a lunch of octopus and white wine with your feet almost in the water. In the evening, the village comes alive and the terrace of the central café is worth the trip alone.

Marzamemi is more pleasant for lunch than dinner in high season — the village fills with tourists from 7pm in July and August. If you come in the evening, book ahead.

Syracuse and Ortygia

Founded by the Greeks in 734 BC, Syracuse is one of the oldest cities in the world. The ancient Greek theatre (5th century BC) is still used for performances in summer. Ortygia, the baroque island at the heart of the city, concentrates the finest palaces, a cathedral converted from a Greek temple, and the Fontana Aretusa. Allow a full day.

Leave the car on the mainland and walk to Ortygia across the Ponte Umbertino. For the Greek theatre, book tickets online the day before in July–August — queues can be long.

Ragusa Ibla

A baroque town perched on a rocky promontory, setting for the Montalbano TV series. Its sloping lanes, sculpted balconies and the Ibleo gardens at the town's edge reward the walk uphill. The Palazzo Cosentini, with its balconies of grotesque atlantes, is the most photographed monument in the city.

GPS often routes to Ragusa Superiore — follow signs for 'Ragusa Ibla' once in the upper town. The walk down via the baroque staircase, timed for sunset over the valley, is one of the finest views in Sicily.

Modica and its chocolate

Modica is world-famous for its cold chocolate, made using an Aztec recipe passed down via the Spanish. Bought directly from small producers on the Corso Umberto, it's one of the best souvenirs of Sicily. The baroque town itself, spread across two valleys, is also worth visiting for its churches and panoramas.

For the chocolate, the artisan workshops on the Corso Umberto are far better than the souvenir shops near the town entrance. Visit in the morning — the steep lanes are punishing in afternoon heat.

Cava Grande — natural swimming pools

A wild canyon with emerald freshwater natural pools, reached by a descent trail (40 min on foot). Still little known to foreign tourists, it offers exceptional swimming in nature. Avoid in extreme heat — the return trail is steep.

Leave before 9am: the descent is shaded in the morning and the climb back becomes gruelling once the heat sets in. Bring at least 1.5 L of water per person. Not recommended for very young children (exposed path).

San Lorenzo beach

A long stretch of fine sand surrounded by dunes, with few facilities on site — which preserves its wild character. The sea is shallow for the first few metres, ideal for children. Best in June or September when the other beaches are busier.

No facilities — bring a sun umbrella, water and food. Parking along the roadside is free. For equipped beaches or recommendations by type of visitor, see our beach guide.

Lido di Noto

Noto's beach — close, easy, family-friendly. Organised lidos with sun loungers and food share the coast with free areas. Perfect for a late afternoon after a day in town or a first swim on arrival.

In July–August, private lidos fill up by 10am. Arrive early or head to the free zone at the northern end of the beach, less organised but quieter.

Nero d'Avola and the vineyards

The Syracuse province is the heartland of Nero d'Avola production, Sicily's most emblematic red grape variety. Several estates open to visitors between Noto and Avola offer tastings directly at the cellar. Ask us for our recommended addresses.

The harvest period (late September–October) is the best time to visit. Most estates welcome visitors without a booking on weekdays. Look specifically for 'Noto DOC' wines — the appellation is distinct from the generic Nero d'Avola IGT.