Noto Holidays
Serious sightseers really shouldn't miss holidays in Noto. A stunning Baroque town wholly rebuilt after a 17th century earthquake, this is one of Sicily's most exquisite and engrossing places to see and explore.
First things first though, Noto offer lots of enticements - from irresistible early and late summer deals to bargain holidays - to get you to Noto. In fact, if you're a culture-loving couple wanting a peaceful base near town, we've got the answer - the romantic converted watchtower that is Damusso Villa.
Noto itself will wow you, big time. Gathered around the sublime Piazza del Municipio, its intricate buildings, arcades, palaces and cathedral are a poem in sun-washed stone. Enjoying the sights, with breaks to catch your breath in the old quarter's trattorias, will more than fill several days. Yet there's more to Noto holidays than architectural treasures. Nearby on the shore, Lido di Noto boasts a wonderful sandy beach and waterfront restaurants - the perfect place for holidaymakers to rest their sightseeing-tired limbs.
Up for more? Noto's location in Sicily's south-east corner will keep turning up historic gems. Siracusa, with its splendid old town, is a short distance away, whilst inland, you'll find Bronze Age sites, prehistoric catacombs and ancient caves, all set off beautifully by the island's gentle countryside.
"A collection of the best architects in Sicily were gathered together to rebuild Noto after it was razed to the ground during the seventeenth century earthquake, and the visual appeal of the town with its delicate carving, well-planned streets and perfectly proportioned graceful buildings still enthrals visitors today."
In the heart of the town can be found the magnificent Piazza del Municipio, one of the most elegant squares in Sicily, back-dropped by hills and surrounded by some of the most splendid buildings in the area. The honey-coloured stone reflects a warm harmonious glow throughout the town, and as much as the Sicilians are fiercely proud of their island, they are even more proud of their baroque town. A meander through the arcaded buildings, monastic houses and twin-towered duomo will surely captivate you.