Green Guide to Noto, Sicily

Known as the capital of Sicilian Baroque, Noto is one of the eight towns of the Val di Noto recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Its honey-coloured facades, grand squares and ornate balconies tell a story of rebirth following the devastating earthquake of 1693. But Noto is also a gateway to an area rich in biodiversity: from the Vendicari Nature Reserve to the beaches of Calamosche, from the fishing villages of Marzamemi and Portopalo to the countryside dotted with almond groves, olive trees and vineyards.

An ideal destination for those who want to combine cultural visits, nature walks, cycling excursions and relaxing moments by the Mediterranean, discovering an authentic Sicily that remains deeply connected to its traditions.

1. What to see in Noto

The historic centre of Noto is a true open-air museum, where Baroque architecture blends harmoniously with the local limestone, which takes on beautiful golden and pink hues at sunset.

The town was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake according to an ambitious urban plan, making it one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. In 2002, its architectural heritage, together with that of seven other towns in south-eastern Sicily, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The best way to explore Noto is to stroll leisurely along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admiring its churches, aristocratic palaces and monumental squares.

Highlights include:

• Porta Reale, the monumental gateway to the town and the starting point for a walk through the historic centre.

• San Nicolò Cathedral, with its impressive staircase and striking Baroque facade overlooking Piazza del Municipio.

• Palazzo Ducezio, an elegant 18th-century building that now houses the town hall.

• Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, famous for its extraordinary balconies supported by stone-carved figures, including mermaids, winged horses and fantastical creatures.

• San Domenico Church, one of the finest masterpieces of Noto's Baroque architecture.

A particularly special event is the Infiorata of Noto, held every year in May. For the occasion, Via Nicolaci is transformed into a vast floral carpet, with artistic designs created using colourful flower petals. The event celebrates local creativity and traditions and attracts visitors from all over Italy.

Infiorata of Noto, Sicily.

Green tip: the historic centre is easy to explore on foot. Leave your car outside the monumental heart of the town and discover some of the lesser-known streets, where you will find artisan workshops and small cafés and restaurants frequented by local residents.

2. Local flavours and traditional cuisine

The undisputed star of local pastry-making is the Almond of Noto, a prized variety that includes ancient cultivars such as Romana, Pizzuta d'Avola and Fascionello. Its cultivation is deeply rooted in the area's agricultural landscape and represents a heritage worth preserving. The Almond of Noto is also recognised as a Slow Food Presidium.

Local specialities to try include almond paste pastries, almond milk, frutta martorana (traditional marzipan fruit), nougat and other Sicilian sweets. Those with a sweet tooth should visit one of the historic pastry shops in the town centre to sample these delicacies, prepared according to local recipes.

But there is much more than sweets! The area offers many other specialities:

• Pachino IGP tomatoes, grown in the nearby Pachino area and used in many traditional Sicilian recipes.

• Nero d'Avola, a red wine that is a symbol of Sicilian winemaking.

• Moscato di Noto DOC, an aromatic wine deeply rooted in the area's winemaking tradition.

• Fresh fish, especially tuna, swordfish and other Mediterranean varieties, served in local trattorias and fishing villages.

• Extra virgin olive oil and citrus fruits, typical products of the countryside in south-eastern Sicily.

To discover these local products, you can follow the Val di Noto Wine Route, which showcases wineries, farms and traditional produce, offering opportunities to meet local producers.

Green tip: choose local markets, artisan shops and small farms. Buying directly from producers is a great way to learn more about the food you eat and support the local economy.

3. Nature, outdoor activities and slow travel itineraries

Nature around Noto is truly remarkable. Just a few kilometres from the historic centre, you will find coastal habitats of great natural value, wild beaches, lagoons and Mediterranean landscapes that invite you to explore the area on foot or by bicycle.

The Vendicari Nature Reserve and Wildlife Oasis is undoubtedly one of the area's highlights. It stretches across approximately 1,512 hectares of coastline between Noto and Marzamemi and includes wetlands, salt marshes, sand dunes, beaches and Mediterranean scrubland. It is an important wetland habitat for migratory birds travelling across the Mediterranean.

In autumn and winter, when the wetlands become a resting place for numerous migratory species, you may also spot pink flamingos, along with herons, black-winged stilts and other waterbirds.

Several nature trails can be followed within the reserve:

• The Eloro area, where nature meets the remains of an ancient Greek city.

• Marianelli Beach, a stretch of coastline characterised by sand dunes and Mediterranean vegetation.

• Calamosche, one of the area's most beautiful beaches, nestled between two rocky headlands and accessible via a walking trail.

• Vendicari Tonnara, an ancient tuna-fishing complex near the Swabian Tower and the wetlands.

For those who enjoy walking, the reserve offers trails of varying lengths, passing beaches, sandy paths and historic sites. It is also an excellent place for birdwatching and nature photography.

Another natural wonder is the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, which covers parts of the municipalities of Avola, Noto and Syracuse. Over thousands of years, the Cassibile River has carved out a deep canyon, creating a spectacular landscape of rocky cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation and waterways.

Green tip: explore protected areas responsibly, staying on marked trails and following the guidelines provided by the managing authorities. Bring a reusable water bottle, do not leave litter behind and avoid picking plants or flowers. Always check access conditions before setting off, as some trails may be temporarily closed or subject to restrictions.

4. Noto and its surroundings

The area around Noto is home to small villages, ancient settlements and landscapes that deserve to be explored at a leisurely pace. Just a few kilometres from the historic centre, you will discover a different side of Sicily, shaped by fishing communities, farmland and traces of ancient civilisations.

A few kilometres from the Baroque town lies Noto Antica, the site of the ancient settlement of Netum, destroyed by the 1693 earthquake. It stands on Mount Alveria, a plateau surrounded by deep valleys and ancient fortifications. Today, visitors can still see remains of the town walls, city gates and traces of its medieval and Renaissance past. A walk through this area offers a glimpse into the region's ancient history, surrounded by evocative natural scenery.

South of Vendicari lies Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village in the municipality of Pachino. The heart of the village is Piazza Regina Margherita, surrounded by low-rise houses, restaurants and historic buildings once used for tuna processing. The village retains the charm of its maritime traditions and is a lovely place to sample local seafood and stroll through its narrow streets.

Further south is Portopalo di Capo Passero, one of the southernmost towns in Sicily. The town has always been closely connected to fishing and the sea. Nearby lies the Island of Capo Passero, dominated by an ancient fort and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. On clear days, the views across the Mediterranean are truly impressive.

To the north of Noto lies Avola, a town known for its distinctive hexagonal layout and its famous Pizzuta almond. The surrounding countryside is dotted with almond groves, olive trees and vineyards, reflecting a strong agricultural tradition that is still very much alive. Here, visitors can learn more about almond cultivation and discover some of the area's most characteristic local products.

For history lovers and those keen to explore inland villages, Palazzolo Acreide is also well worth a visit. It is one of the eight towns of the Val di Noto included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its Baroque historic centre stands alongside the archaeological remains of ancient Akrai, founded by the people of Syracuse in the 7th century BC. It is an interesting destination for discovering the cultural heritage of the Hyblaean Mountains.

Green tip: choose a few villages to visit rather than trying to see them all in a single day. Stop at small local businesses, sample traditional products and take the time to meet the people who keep the area's traditions alive.

5. Where to stay in Noto and the surrounding area

Staying in the countryside around the town allows you to discover the natural beauty of the coast at a more leisurely pace, visit small villages and get to know the local farms that preserve the area's traditions.

If you are looking for a low-impact holiday, choose accommodation that uses renewable energy, reduces water consumption, promotes local products and pays attention to landscape conservation.

How to get to Noto without a car? The town has its own railway station, served by regional trains on the Syracuse-Ragusa line. From Catania, you can also reach Noto by bus, with services operated by Interbus. It is always advisable to check official transport websites for timetables and connections.

Once there, the historic centre is easy to explore on foot. To visit Vendicari and the coastal villages, you can also consider organised excursions, bicycle rentals or other local transport services.

Discover all the eco-friendly accommodation in Noto and throughout Sicily on Ecobnb: from farm stays surrounded by olive groves to small family-run guesthouses, for an authentic holiday close to nature and local communities.

Text by Silvia Ombellini