Location Guide for Noto

A town that has risen more than once from the rubble of an earthquake with precious Baroque architecture, Noto is a great place to visit if you are passionate about art and architecture. The best starting point is Porta Reale, on the entrance to the Corso Vittorio Emanuale, which is filled with wonderful 18th century buildings and churches.

Amongst the many architectural treasures, stands the famous Baroque Cathedral, a symbol of grief and rebirth following the last earthquake. When you have finished walking around the town, a barefoot stroll on the beach at Calamosche will provide a perfect end to your day

Top Ten Things to See and Do
Noto Antica
The grandiose Baroque Cathedral
The Archaeological Site of Eloro
Porta Reale and the Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Church of Santa Chiara and the Madonna of Gagini
Ducezio Palace
Taste some Moscato
The beach at Calamosche
Visit neighbouring Syracuse and the city of Acreide Palazzolo
The Vendicari and Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve

Events
May Flower Festival
Every year for more than 20 years, the Via Nicolaci di Noto is covered with flowers to mark the start of the annual flower festival. The 102 metres of the Via Nicolaci are first marked with a design and then carefully covered with petals resulting in a riot of colours that will leave you speechless.
August
Corrado, the hermit, who became the patron saint of Noto, is honoured every year by his followers who carry his remains in a silver urn during a procession through the town to the steps of the church. There is also a candle race featuring hand-painted candles that depict scenes from the Saint's life.

Local Food and Drink
Faccioni and Moscato
Almond desserts are part of a long Sicilan tradition, and the local Noto specialities are worth a mention. Faccioni are little biscuits decorated with almond or candied cherries, and should be tasted for full effect with a glass of Moscato, an amber coloured dessert wine that is scented with apricot, almond and orange blossom.

Spotlight on the Vendicari Nature Reserve
The Vendicari Nature Reserve is an area of wetlands near the archaeological site of Eloro, between Noto and Marzamemi. An important resting place for birds in migration, this is an area full of Mediterranean vegetation. There are also archeological and architectureal sites of interest including the remains of a necropolis and an ancient watch tower on the beach. This is an ideal place for birdwatching and snorkelling, and also for those who are content to lay in the sunshine on the beach.

How to arrive
Noto is in the south west of Sicily, where the landscape starts to have an African feel, 33km from Syracuse and 92 km from Catania.
By air: The closest airport is Catania where you can catch flights from major Italian cities, and European destinations. Airlines flying there include Windjet, TUI Fly, Blu Express, Easyjet and Alitalia. From Catania you can take an 'Interbus' from outside the terminal building directly to Noto.
By car: Take the SS 114 – Autostrada from Catania to Syracuse and then follow signs for the A18 and Noto.
By boat: You can reach Catania by boat from Genova, Civitavecchia, Napoli and Malta.
By train: Noto has a railway station that connects to Syracuse.