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.

Still not sure which to book?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Sicily
• Consider refining your search by the type of holiday you’re planning and focus on the best beach hotels on Sicily, our collection of Sicily’s great rural hotels or Sicily's best wine hotels
• You could also drill down by location, and focus on the best hotels near Mount Etna or the best hotels near Agrigento
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.