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If you have done the things to do in Italy, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Val di Noto.
Discover a treasure trove of baroque architecture, indulge in authentic Sicilian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Val di Noto beckons with a seductive allure that will leave you bewitched and enchanted.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Val di Noto:
1. Noto
A region in southeastern Sicily encompassing eight towns rebuilt in Baroque style after a devastating earthquake in 1693.
What to see or do: Marvel at the stunning Baroque architecture, visit the Noto Cathedral, take a walking tour of the towns, enjoy the local cuisine, and explore the nearby beaches.
Don’t miss: The Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata in Noto, the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica, the Cave d’Ispica in Ragusa, and the Vendicari Nature Reserve.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit in the spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy milder weather. Be sure to try the almond-based sweets and local wines.
Consider staying in a traditional agriturismo for an authentic experience.
2. Modica
Modica is a historic town located in the Val di Noto region of southeastern Sicily, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and delicious chocolate.
What to see or do: – Explore the picturesque streets of Modica’s historic center, admiring the Baroque churches and palazzi that line the way.
Don’t miss: – The annual chocolate festival, held in December, which celebrates Modica’s chocolate-making heritage with tastings, workshops, and more.
Insider travel tips: – Modica can get quite crowded with tourists, especially during the high season. Consider visiting in the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for a more relaxed experience.
3. Ragusa
Ragusa is a city located in the southeastern region of Sicily, Italy. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Val di Noto.
What to see or do: Marvel at the stunning Baroque architecture and visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, a beautiful cathedral.
Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Ibla neighborhood and stop by one of the many cafes to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Ragusa to learn about the city’s history.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views from the upper town, where you can see the picturesque countryside and nearby towns. Also, be sure to sample the local cuisine, including the famous Ragusa chocolate.
Insider travel tips: Plan to visit Ragusa in the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to avoid crowds and enjoy milder temperatures.
Take a guided tour to learn about the city’s history and architecture, or rent a bike to explore the surrounding countryside.
Finally, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the friendly locals and immerse yourself in the Sicilian culture.
4. Scicli
Scicli is a charming town in the Val di Noto, a region in southeastern Sicily known for its exceptional Baroque architecture.
What to see or do: Visit Palazzo Beneventano, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Also, don’t miss the Church of San Matteo and the Church of Santa Maria la Nova.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stroll through Scicli’s historic center and admire its charming narrow streets and colorful houses. Also, check out the Ispica Caves, a fascinating natural attraction nearby.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try the local cuisine, including dishes like pasta alla Norma, made with fried eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.
Also, visit Scicli in late July to participate in the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a summer celebration with music, fireworks, and food.
If you have the chance, take a day trip to nearby Ragusa, another stunning Baroque town in the Val di Noto.
5. Cava d’Ispica
An archaeological park located in Val di Noto, Sicily, Italy, showcasing a canyon filled with cave homes, tombs, and ruins of an ancient civilization.
What to see or do: Explore the canyon and its natural beauty while discovering the ancient history through the well-preserved ruins of cave tombs and homes.
Walk along the paths that were once used by the inhabitants and one point in time, and marvel at the unique architecture of the surviving structures.
Don’t miss: The Church of Santa Maria and the beautiful ruins of the San Pancrazio complex.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there will be plenty of walking involved, and carry water with you. It is best to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
Also, be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views and ruins.
6. Vendicari Nature Reserve
Vendicari Nature Reserve is a stunning protected coastal area located in the Val di Noto region of Sicily, Italy.
What to see or do: The reserve offers visitors a chance to explore pristine beaches, dunes, salt marshes and ancient archaeological sites. Bird-watching is a popular activity with over 200 different species in the area.
The reserve is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including flamingos, turtles, and foxes. Hiking and cycling trails are available for visitors looking to stay active.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautiful Vendicari beach, with its crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
The reserve is also home to several ancient ruins from the Greek and Roman periods, including the Tonnara di Vendicari, an old tuna fishing plant from the 15th century.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water as the reserve can get hot in the summer months. It is also recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s less crowded and cooler.
If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, it’s best to bring binoculars and a bird identification guide.
7. Syracuse
Beautiful baroque city in the Val di Noto region of Sicily, Italy.
What to see or do: Visit the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse, explore the ancient Greek theater, see the Ear of Dionysius cave, stroll through the charming island of Ortigia, and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Fontane Bianche beach.
Don’t miss: Seeing the incredible Caravaggio painting, “Burial of St. Lucy”, in the Church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try the delicious local cuisine, especially the seafood and pasta dishes. For a unique experience, attend a puppet show in the traditional Sicilian style.
Avoid visiting in the peak summer season to avoid crowds and high temperatures.
8. Marzamemi
A charming fishing village in the Val di Noto region of southeastern Sicily.
What to see or do: Explore the narrow, winding streets and admire the picturesque pastel-colored houses.
Visit the main square, Piazza Regina Margherita, and take in the stunning Baroque architecture of the Church of San Francesco di Paola.
Stroll along the waterfront and watch the fishermen at work, or go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Don’t miss: Trying the local seafood dishes, especially the freshly caught tuna. Visit the Tonnara di Marzamemi, an ancient tuna processing plant turned cultural center.
Enjoy an outdoor cinema experience at Cinema Paradiso, where films are projected onto the walls of a 15th-century castle.
Insider travel tips: Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the village on foot, and a camera to capture the colorful buildings and stunning sea views.
Be prepared for the heat in summer months, and consider visiting in the off-season for a quieter experience.
9. Caltagirone
A town located in the Val di Noto region of Sicily known for its stunning baroque architecture and ceramics.
What to see or do: Marvel at the beautiful ceramic-tiled Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, visit the Ceramic Museum to learn about the town’s rich pottery history, and stroll through the quaint streets dotted with ornate baroque buildings.
Don’t miss: The annual festival of Infiorata, where the streets are decorated with intricate flower petal mosaics.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the spring when the weather is mild and the flowers are in full bloom.
Be sure to sample the town’s famous almond-based sweets, and explore the nearby countryside for stunning views of the Val di Noto region.
10. Palazzolo Acreide
Palazzolo Acreide is a charming hill town located in the Val di Noto region of Sicily, Italy.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
11. Villa Romana del Tellaro
Ancient Roman villa ruins in the Val di Noto region of Sicily.
What to see or do: Explore the partially excavated ruins of the villa, which dates back to the 4th century AD. Admire the well-preserved mosaics and frescoes that decorate the floors and walls.
Don’t miss: The mosaic depicting the famed Battle of Issus, which shows Alexander the Great battling Persian king Darius III.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
Also, nearby towns like Noto and Siracusa are worth exploring for their stunning Baroque architecture and delicious local cuisine.
12. San Lorenzo beach
San Lorenzo beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach located on the southeast coast of Sicily in the Val di Noto region.
What to see or do: The beach offers stunning clear blue waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Take a stroll along the coast to admire the picturesque landscape, or rent a bike to explore the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a dip in the crystal clear waters and relax on the soft sandy beach. The nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve is worth a visit due to its rare bird species and scenic hiking trails.
Insider travel tips: Try visiting during the off-season to avoid the crowds. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water as there are limited facilities nearby.
Consider renting a sun umbrella and beach chairs for a more comfortable experience.
13. Donnalucata
Donnalucata is a charming fishing village located in the Val di Noto region of Sicily.
What to see or do: Stroll along the picturesque harbor and marvel at the colorful fishing boats. Take a dip in the clear turquoise waters of the beach.
Indulge in the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Explore the historic Chiesa Madre di San Giovanni Battista church, located in the heart of town.
Don’t miss: The weekly fish market on Friday mornings is a must-see for seafood lovers. The lively piazza is a great spot for people-watching and enjoying a gelato.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget your sunscreen and a sun hat, as the Sicilian sun can be intense. Be sure to try the seafood pasta dish, Spaghetti ai Ricci, which is a local specialty.
Take the time to explore the neighboring towns of Scicli and Ragusa, which are known for their stunning Baroque architecture.
14. Pozzallo
A charming coastal town in the southeastern part of Sicily, known for its beautiful beaches and Baroque architecture.
What to see or do: Visit the main square, Piazza delle Rimembranze, and admire the imposing Palazzo della Cancelleria and its beautiful fountain. Take a relaxing stroll along the Lungomare Pietrenere waterfront promenade and enjoy the breathtaking sea views.
Soak up the sun on the sandy beaches of Raganzino and Pietrenere.
Don’t miss: The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The Pozzallo Port, where you can catch a ferry to Malta.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to enjoy the lively atmosphere and beach parties. Try some of the delicious seafood dishes at the local restaurants.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the town’s steep streets and alleys.
15. Portopalo di Capo Passero
Portopalo di Capo Passero is a charming fishing village located in the southernmost tip of Sicily, Italy.
What to see or do: Visit the Tafuri Castle, a stunning fortress built in the 1500s.
Don’t miss: The sunset from the beach at the town center. It’s a spectacular sight!
Insider travel tips: Rent a bike or scooter to explore the surrounding area.