Noto, Sicily

Known for its baroque architecture, including the reconstructed 18th-century Noto Cathedral, we used Noto as landing spot for our time in Southeastern Sicily. We loved this area of Sicily and are so glad we made a last minute decision to add on to our Sicily trip and explore this area!

We used Noto as a landing spot for touring around Southeastern Sicily. This area of Sicily was so different than Mt. Etna and Taormina. Much flatter and much newer!

Day 1 - Mt. Etna to Noto

On the trip south from our villa on Mt. Etna, we stopped in Syracuse and Ortigia to explore the area. These towns came highly recommended so we enjoyed meandering through them. Ortigia is an island and the water was turquoise compared to the Ionian Sea off the coast of Taormina. Highlights of our time in Ortigia were the Catello Maniance - a fort at the end of the island, the Duomo di Ortigia in the Piazza Minerva and wandering the streets of the tiny town.

After lunch, we headed down to Noto to check into the Il San Corrado di Noto (see more below) and spent the rest of the day sitting by the pool (two thumbs up). Dinner was at the fine dining restaurant on property - Principe di Belludia. Overall, dinner was way too over the top and very pricey- especially in Sicily where there is an abundance of fresh, simple food. They lost me with the blindfold and ear plugs for a pallet cleanser course (Dave was a good sport with the photo)! It was supposed to be a 5 course dinner but when you added the two amuse-bouches, a couple of pallet cleansers and an extra dessert course (plus birthday cake (sorry for the singing, Dave)), it was a ridiculous 10+ course dinner! I wish I took note of all the courses - but failed miserably at tracking them! We were stuffed (and tired) when dinner finally wrapped up after 11pm. The setting, however, was lovely for an alfresco evening outdoors (breakfast is served at the same spot daily).

Day 2 - Noto, Lido di Noto & Marzamemi

We spent the morning exploring Noto which is about 10 minutes away from the hotel. I had organized a private walking tour of Noto through Viator. This was a great, casual way to explore the city and learn a ton about Sicily. Interestingly, pretty much every civilization throughout time has staked a claim (or two) to Sicily. The impact of different countries, cultures and inhabitants can be seen in every corner of Sicily.

Noto, rebuilt in the 18th century after an earthquake destroyed much of the region, felt so modern when compared to other places in Sicily that we visited. Resembling a triumphal arch, the 19th-century Porta Reale marks the entrance to the city. We explored just about all of the city’s eight chiesas (or churches), the Palazzo Nicolaci and what was left of the decorations from the annual Noto Baroque Flower Festival which is held in late May each year.

Plus, we had to stop for some granita - strawberry and lemon - both big hits! And no, we never tried the granita with brioche, so clearly we need to go back to Sicily someday!

After exploring Noto, we headed to the hotel’s private beach club for lunch and an afternoon of relaxing at Lido di Noto (about a 10 minute drive away).

For dinner, we headed to Cortile Arabo in the tiny fishing village of Marzememi. Marzememi was about 30 minutes away by car. We had dinner on the water and really enjoyed this Michelin starred dining experience which was packed with unique and creative flavor combinations. Dave picked the land menu with wine pairing and I picked the sea menu with wine pairing!

Day 3 - Vittoria and Modica

For our final day in Sicily, we headed out to the southern Sicilian countryside to visit Azienda Agricola Occhipinti for a wine tasting. This area was a little over an hour from our hotel and the countryside was beautiful along the way. It was a haul but well worth it to visit a different winery and try a different style of Sicilian wine - Frappato di Vittoria. We had a great private tour of the winery and then a contrada wine tasting with some very yummy snacks.

After the wine tasting, we headed over to the winemaker’s sister’s property - Baglio Occhipinti (a small bed and breakfast country hotel) for lunch in the garden. Lunch wasn’t exactly what I envisioned on a hot summer day, but we enjoyed visiting this property. It is very much a country hotel in the vineyard and best suited for those that want to relax in the countryside versus explore nearby towns.

After a 30 minute nap in the car post-lunch (private driver for the win), we were in Modica to explore this famous hillside town known for chocolate! We even stumbled upon a small Italian wedding that was about to begin at the Chiesa Madre

After a day of exploring, we spent our last afternoon at the pool and had dinner at the hotel in the more casual restaurant - Casa Pasta. Dave and I laughed at all of the fun times in Sicily and were sad that a fantastic family trip was coming to a close.

Sicily was a 10 out of a 10! We loved it (notwithstanding the frequent language barrier and the very steep and windy roads!)

Hotel Recommendation

For those willing to splurge on accommodations, the Il San Corrado di Noto is a little slice of paradise in the Val di Noto

This ultra luxe and relaxing @relaischateaux resort is located about 10 minutes outside of Noto in Southeastern Sicily.

Once the ancient residence of Prince Nicolaci, this resort is now an oasis of peace built respecting the history of the residence and the traditions of Baroque Sicily. In harmony with nature, its spacious suites and villas are designed to offer maximum comfort and well-being.

Whether swimming laps in the 100 meter Blue Pool, floating in the expansive Green Pool, getting in a workout at the gym, playing a match on the onsite grass tennis court, spending an afternoon at the hotel’s private beach club on the Med, or wondering through the groves of olive and fruit trees, this hotel has something for everyone!

Rooms are well appointed, beautiful and peaceful - marble and travertine bathrooms, large rainhead shower, separate toilet room and large soaking tubs. Our room, a junior suite, had a large canopied king bed, separate sitting area, large walk in closet, spacial bathroom with access to the outside, and two patios - one overlooking the Green Pool and another overlooking the fruit groves on the property. Each patio had loungers and an outdoor dining table. Most all of the rooms overlook either the Green Pool or the Blue Pool (100 meter pool). The staff is friendly and kind. Two restaurants onsite - a fine dining establishment which felt quite stuffy for the Sicilian Countryside with a hefty price to match and a more casual pizza and pasta joint overlooking the Green Pool.

The hotel also has a white sand beach club at Lido di Noto - about 15 minutes away with shuttle service. Highly recommend making sure to spend some time at the beach club during your stay!

This property is best suited for couples, romantic stays and other special occasions. Our only regret is that we didn't stay at this hotel longer!

Perks for booking with me-

⭐️Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

⭐️Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

⭐️$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate)

⭐️Complimentary on-site wine tasting for up to two guests, once during stay

⭐️Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability

⭐️Complimentary Wi-Fi

⭐️Welcome Amenity