Noto

Photo of Noto
Credit: ro431977
Photo of Noto
Credit: Flickr user Jesús Cabrera
Photo of Noto
Credit: LukeAlexander
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About Noto

Southeastern Sicily's Noto is a Baroque fantasy in apricot-coloured sandstone, conjured up after an earthquake destroyed much of pre-Baroque Noto in 1693. Just three architects had a hand in its recreation, and they built a town with long parallel lines east to west, that made the most of the sun’s movement, and of the views. And of all the architectural details the Baroque period had on offer: domes, towers, and all manner of sandstone curlicues. Visitors are still appreciating the results today. We think that many of the best places to stay in Noto are still those same Baroque buildings, grand, ornate palazzos, with colourfully tiled floors and huge windows. Though if that sounds a bit fussy for you we have also chosen some simpler conversions, rural farms undergone contemporary makeovers, and more recently built family hotels and B&Bs.

Many visitors who choose to stay in Noto do so because of the town’s elegance, it’s like a film set. There is a historic glamour to it that lends romance to the already gorgeous sunsets. The main street, Corsa Vittorio Emanuele, is one of Noto’s finest, starting at the Porta Reale, and heading west via three piazzas, each with their own church and gardens, and some of Noto’s most impressive buildings. There’s also an excellent collection of bars, cafes, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Noto might sound as if it’s not the place to bring your kids, but that’s not true, so much of what you see here you can run into serendipitously, or holding a gelato cone at the same time. The town is also within a few miles of some beautiful stretches of beach-y coastline. The closest beaches, Eloro and Eloro-Pizzuta, are next to the seventh century ruins of a Greek city. Noto is close to Modica and Ragusa too, so our Gurus don’t hesitate in recommending the best places to stay in Noto for families, even the really fancy ones, because they all have large, family-sized suites and promise privacy and style. If you’re considering visiting in May, expect to see Noto’s gorgeous street strewn with patterns of floral petals, as the town celebrates the coming of spring with the Infiorata festival.

The Best Places to Stay in Noto

For a special occasion

  • Q92 Noto Hotel is a boutique hotel converted from an ornately beautiful, 17th century Baroque palazzo in the centre of Noto. Each of its nine rooms and suites have been individually designed and decorated; some have hand-painted murals, sculptures, marble floors, while others have original artworks, grand balconies, and original tiles. We recommend you look at each of the rooms before deciding. Outside is a beautiful terrace, a small pool and a pretty garden, and inside is a chic lounge where drinks and snacks are served throughout the day. Breakfast can be served inside or out.

Converted palazzo

  • Small and elegant, the Gagliardi Boutique Hotel has been carefully converted from a beautiful, 18th century palazzo in central Noto. The interiors of the Gagliardi offer a good balance between luxury and comfort, with well chosen antiques and art, the cafe/restaurant is very good (you’re close to numerous others), and the private roof terrace has some of the best views in Noto. Despite the elegant decor, this is a surprisingly family friendly option, with family suites and babysitting services available.
  • Converted from an historic, 18th century palazzo opposite the cathedral in Noto’s medieval heart, Seven Rooms Villadorata, is a grand collection of rooms, suites, apartments and studios, which inexplicably adds up to nine, rather than seven. Each of the rooms has been individually designed and decorated, incorporating the palazzo’s original, luxurious features, but adding tasteful antiques and all the modern comforts. Some of the rooms have private balconies overlooking the cathedral, others have incredible tile-work, or tall French doors. Some of the rooms are huge, suitable for families, but all have romantic decor. The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine.

For a countryside escape

  • The Country House Villadorata is a contemporary conversion of farm buildings, sitting outside Noto, surrounded by vineyards, and olive and citrus groves. There are three accommodation buildings, offering a choice of rooms or suites, or a whole private residence. Gentle paths wind between them, through fragrant gardens and a large pool. The interiors have a contemporary feel, but include the building’s historic touches, and all of the rooms and suites have large windows and serene views. The restaurant is excellent, a specialist in seasonal Sicilian cuisine, with many ingredients coming right out of the hotel grounds. They offer cooking classes as well.

For families

  • La Dépendance has been created from the ruins of an historic palazzo, so the location is central, but the individually decorated rooms and suites are more contemporary than many you’ll find in Noto. Expect lots of space, large windows and comfortable furnishings you can really sink into — ideal for families, and suites can easily accomodate two adults and two children. The restaurant specialises in modern Sicilian fare, which means plenty of local produce.

Best b&bs

  • The San Carlo Suites is a charming pick, converted from a Sicilian Baroque mansion in the historic heart of Noto. Its five rooms are large and light, with original, intricately tiled floors, huge windows and doorways of exposed stone. Our favourite rooms are those with Baroque balconies overlooking the Basilica San Nicolò. You’re welcome to have breakfast on your balcony too. And borrow a bike.

For a private apartment or private villa

  • If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Catania Airport is the closest international airport to Noto: about an hour away by car, or an hour and a half if you take the bus. Palermo Airport is Sicily’s other large airport, and might offer better connections for you. Palermo Airport is about three and a half hours' drive from Noto, or about six and a half hours by public transport.
  • If you want to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Sicily, unlike some Italian destinations, remains open all year round. That doesn’t mean it’s equally nice all year round, it’s definitely chilly in winter! If you do come between November and February expect the daylight hours to impact opening hours too. Spring, or March through June, really, is one of our favourite times to visit Sicily, because the weather is sunny and mild, and the festival and events calendar is packed with activity leading up to Easter. In May Noto celebrates Infiorata, a colourful floral festival, where artists from around the world create designs using just flower petals. July and August are properly hot, and the Mediterranean beaches and beach resorts are busy, and can be expensive, but the visitors tail off in September, though the sea is still warm and pleasant. October is a good pick if you’re planning to visit the museums and palaces, and admire the architecture. We recommend September and October, or April and May, as the best times to visit for a walking holiday.

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The best hotels in Noto

La Dépendance
La Dépendance

Noto (Sicily)

This elegant hotel was constructed from the ruins of a former palazzo in Noto, Sicily. Suites are spacious and individually styled, ranging from contemporary to baroque designs. Dine at the hotel's modern Sicilian restaurant, A'Mastra, where cultural events are also held. A charming heritage hotel.

  • City Style - Located in a heritage building in Noto, this hotel's original palazzo features give it classic Sicilian style
  • Local exploring - Located in the the historic centre of the city, this hotel is the perfect base for local exploring in Noto
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the cosy hotel rooms and the delicious Sicilian dishes at the restaurant
  • Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Cattedrale di Noto, a church built in the classic Sicilian baroque style
from €150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
San Carlo Suites
San Carlo Suites

Noto (Sicily)

This charming B&B is located in the heart of the heritage city of Noto. Rooms boast tiled floors and are dressed in a blend of traditional and contemporary design; the best suites have Baroque-style balconies where you can enjoy breakfast with views of the Basilica of San Nicolò. A delightful hotel.

  • City Style - Situated within a heritage building with lots of original features, this hotel is all about Sicilian style
  • Local exploring - Located in the centre of Noto, this hotel makes a great base for local sightseeing in and around the city
  • Romantic Break - Book a room with a private balcony for added romance at this charming hotel
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Cathedral of Noto, a reconstructed, 18th-century Sicilian baroque cathedral with a neoclassical dome
from €168 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Seven Rooms Villadorata
Seven Rooms Villadorata

Noto

A historic building in Noto's medieval centre. Grand, beautiful architecture, frescoes on the ceilings, Baroque balconies, and ornate decoration. An elegant B&B with wonderful views. very romantic, also family friendly.

  • Restaurant - Manna restaurant specialises in delicious mediterranean cuisine
  • Sailing - With or without a skipper can be arranged
  • Great walks
  • Sights nearby
from €191 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Gagliardi Boutique Hotel
Gagliardi Boutique Hotel

Noto (Noto SR)

An elegant small hotel set in an 18th-century palazzo. The palatial rooms feature ornate furnishings, marble flooring and French windows while the bathrooms are indulgent and contemporary. With an exclusive roof terrace and a prime location, this is hard to beat.

  • Local exploring - With its walking tours and central location, its an ideal spot from which to discover this charming Sicilian town
  • Families - Offering child-minding facilities and family suites, this is a family-friendly choice
  • Great walks - The hotel organises walking tours designed to reveal the best of the city's Baroque architecture
  • Restaurant - Cafe Giardino is open from 10.30 to midnight.
from €198 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Relais Terre di Romanello
Relais Terre di Romanello

Noto (Sicily)

A charming retreat in the heart of Val di Noto. Rooms feature elegant, contemporary decor that blends rustic and modern touches. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool set in lush gardens and fantastic homemade breakfasts, with charcuterie, jams, cakes and cheeses. The perfect choice for a relaxing stay.

  • Country Escape - Nestled amid picturesque vineyards and olive groves, this charming retreat offers tranquil countryside views and rustic luxury
  • Romantic Break - With intimate candlelit dinners in an historic courtyard and luxurious suites, it's perfect for a romantic getaway
  • Wildlife Area - Explore the stunning Vendicari Nature Reserve, teeming with exotic wildlife and breathtaking coastal landscapes
  • Sights nearby - Discover the rich history of Noto's UNESCO World Heritage sites, ideal for an enchanting cultural journey
from €205 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Q92 Noto Hotel
Q92 Noto Hotel

Noto

Q92 is a new boutique hotel in Sicily that opened in May 2022. A baroque palazzo in one of the best locations in Noto, Sicily. Nine rooms, a pretty garden with a small pool, private and romantic. A little hidden gem.

  • Sights nearby - Noto is known for its baroque architecture, including the 18th-century Cathedral.
  • Swimming Pool - There's a mini pool in the internal garden.
  • Boutique - Just 9 rooms and suites.
  • Designer
from €279 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Country House Villadorata
Country House Villadorata

Noto (Sicily)

This guesthouse is nestled within a vineyard in Noto, a city in the Sicilian countryside. Rooms are modern, dressed in a pleasing pastel palette with luxurious linens; a private residence with a separate pool is available for ultimate discretion. Eat at the organic restaurant; a delightful retreat.

  • Country Escape - Set within the rolling hills of the Sicilian countryside, this hotel makes a great escape to the country
  • Hideaway - Set outside of the city on a private vineyard, this hotel is the perfect hideaway holiday destination
  • Romantic Break - The serene natural setting and the pretty outdoor pool score highly with couples
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Cattedrale di Noto, a beautiful example of Sicilian Baroque architecture
from €558 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia