Looking out over the dramatic Asinaro Valley, Noto is the home of golden-hued buildings, outstanding churches, and immaculate streets lined with tucked-away cafes and bars.
If you’re looking for things to do in Noto, Sicily, and you’re like me who has a weak spot for Baroque architecture, you won’t be able to get enough of Noto, from the alluring Church of San Domenico to the Palazzo Ducezio.
Oh, and did I mention the food here is to die for? Whether it’s an ice-cold granita for a cool down or sarde a beccafico if you need something heavier.
It may be small in size, but boy, Noto is worth visiting for a couple of days when you’re in Sicily. I’m very familiar with the city as I spent a couple of my holidays here as a kid, so I will highlight some of my must-see attractions you can’t afford to miss in this article. Let’s get underway!
Get Lost in the Palazzo Ducezio
What better way to start your exploration in Noto and learn about some of the city’s history than by stopping by the 18th-century Palazzo Ducezio?
I was amazed to learn that Palazzo Ducezio has been used for many years. Today, it’s Noto’s town hall, but it was once a government building, and before that, it acted as a hospital during World War II.
The inside of the Palazzo is a true aesthetic masterpiece, with fabulous curved windows, high arches, creative statues, and elaborate balconies, all designed in typical Baroque fashion.
One part of Palazzo Ducezio you cannot miss is the Hall of Mirrors. The walls in this area are plastered with golden-coated mirrors that give visitors an outstanding view of the tremendous frescoes painted across the ceiling.
Visitors will be happy to know that the Palazzo Ducezio is one of the best cheap things to do in Noto, with tickets only costing €3 per person.
Stop to See Noto Cathedral
If you’re wondering what to see in Noto, make sure to prioritize some time to see the amazing Noto Cathedral.
There used to be another cathedral in the city, but after a horrific earthquake in 1963, it was completely destroyed. A year later, in 1964, the building of the current cathedral started where the old church of San Nicolò was, and today we have the striking Noto Cathedral.
The golden yellow facade of the Noto Cathedral is only the start of where its beauty begins. I think the inside is as beautiful as the outside, with the insanely big dome with religious depictions and unique sculptures.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Noto Cathedral is free to enter, but be sure to research mass times because you won’t be able to look around if a service is being held.
Try Some Traditional Sicilian Dishes at Sabbinirica à Putìa D’Ercole
Calling all my foodie readers, you’ve got to sample some of the traditional dishes at Sabbinirica à putìa d’ercole. If you ask me, this is one of the best places to eat Sicilian food in Noto. From pizzolo to caponata, you name it, the chefs here know how to cook it!
I initially stumbled across this place on a walk through the center of Noto, the cute seating area out front was enough to pull me in, but when I got my hands on the food, I was sold.
I’ve tried a couple of dishes here in the past, but if I were to recommend one option for you to try, it has to be the pizzolo with truffle cheese, speck, and mushrooms.
You can bet it tastes as good as it sounds, between the ooze of the creamy cheese and the earthy umami flavors from the mushrooms, and not to forget about the soft texture of the dough, which added a nice balance to every bite.
Try to Catch a Glimpse of the Flamingos at the Vendicari Nature Reserve
Noto isn’t just all about churches and architecture; you know, there are plenty of outdoorsy things to do near the city; one of my favorites is the Vendicari Nature Reserve.
There’s nothing more liberating than escaping the crowds of tourists in the city and coming to this secret ecosystem to breathe in the fresh sea breeze while soaking up some world-class landscapes and enjoying some animal spotting.
Try to find a space on one of the observation decks when you’re there to see if you can spot some of the pink flamingos in the saltwater lagoons. Every year, a migration occurs through spring and autumn, with these birds flocking from North Africa stopping by for a well-needed rest.
Entry into the Vendicari Nature Reserve costs €3.50 per person, and there’s an additional €5 fee for parking.
Cool off at Spiaggia Di Eloro
After you’ve had some fun at the Vendicari Nature Reserve, you can cool off with a dip at Spiaggia Di Eloro, a gorgeous beach that is actually technically a part of the reserve.
Spiaggia Di Eloro is in the northern part of the Vendicari Nature Reserve. I like to go there for a dip from time to time. The water is clean and clear, and if you’re lucky, you can even have the place to yourself.
If you’re not up for a swim, there are a couple of nice walking trails in the area, too, where you can grab some delightful snaps from the beach above.
Since Spiaggia Di Eloro is in the Vendicari Nature Reserve, you’ll have to pay the €3.50 fee, even if you just want to enter the beach, but at least you can combine the two together and spend the day there.
Taste some Granita at Caffè Costanzo
You can’t come to Noto and not try some Sicilian specialties. There’s a place called Caffè Costanzo that serves up some delicious granita.
Now, you might be asking yourself, ‘What the heck is a granita?’ This is one of our tasty desserts made with crushed ice, water, sugar, and your flavor of choice; it’s similar to sorbet, only a little lighter.
Caffè Costanzo is just across the street from the Palazzo Ducezio; this place is known for having some of the best granita and gelato in all of Noto, so you’re in for a treat.
The pistachio granita here is my go-to. It’s served in a mini glass bowl and filled to the brim with ice; the first bite was an absolute delight for my palette, with the rich nutty notes blended with a sweet kick from the sugar.
As a result of Caffè Costanzo being a bit of a hot spot in Noto, you might have to wait in line to get your hands on a table, but it’s well worth the wait when you factor in the quality of the granita here.
Walk Under the Porta Reale O Ferdinandea
You won’t even have to look out for the Porta Reale O Ferdinandea because you’ll probably stumble across it before that. This massive arch was built in honor of Sicily’s King Ferdinand III and gets a lot of attention these days for its world-class stone detailing.
Porta Reale O Ferdinandea is located a little outside the center of Noto; it’s seen as the first main entrance of the eastern part of the city close to the Villa Comunale Noto.
When you walk under it, you’ll feel like you’ve just entered the gateway to officially start discovering the heart of Noto.
Witness the Grandeur of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Immaculate
As far as churches in Noto go, the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Immaculate will undoubtedly blow you off your feet with its Baroque-styled columns, extraordinary stained glass windows, and paintings of the Massacre of the Innocents.
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Immaculate was built by two architects, Rosario Gagliardi and Vincenzo Sinatra, between the years of 1704 and 1745. I still can’t get over how well-preserved it is, especially when you see how well the 18th-century painting of Rapture of St Francis still looks.
Before you make the trip to the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Immaculate, be aware that there is a big flight of stairs, so if you have any mobility issues, you might have to admire it from the outside.
A Final Note on the Best Things to Do in Noto
That’s my complete list of the best things to do in Noto, Sicily. Unlike other destinations on my home island, Noto often flies under the radar, but it has so much to offer.
If you’re wondering what to do in Noto when you arrive, bookmark this guide, pin everything on Google Maps, and start uncovering one of Sicily’s most criminally underrated destinations.