Picture yourself strolling through ornate Baroque squares by day and reclining on golden beaches by dusk.
Picture yourself strolling through ornate Baroque squares by day and reclining on golden beaches by dusk.
If that seems like your dream holiday, allow the Val di Noto—Sicily’s south-eastern treasure—to captivate thee with its mesmerising blend of architecture, culture, and Mediterranean indulgence.
Ready for an adventure? Tie on you sandals, apply a generous layer of sunscreen, and let us whisk thee away!
Bathed by the waters of the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean, the Val di Noto stretches betwixt the Dittaino and Simeto rivers to the north and the Salso River to the west.
It encompasses two entire provinces—Siracusa and Ragusa—and parts of Catania, Enna, and Caltanissetta.
From the rugged charm of the Iblei Mountains to the gentle curves of the Erei Mountains, this region dazzles the senses with varied landscapes, vivid colours, and layers of history.
A network of ancient dry-stone walls winds across gorges and plateaux, reflecting centuries of human effort that shaped these splendid territories.
And let us not forget the sea! Its myriad shades—from the deep blue around the Maddalena Peninsula to the turquoise waters of the Vendicari Reserve—shall leave even the least observant traveller in awe.
Few places rival the Val di Noto in cultural wealth.
Across the millennia, diverse civilisations have left indelible footprints, weaving a tapestry of archaeological wonders and architectural feats.
Unsurprisingly, this region abounds in UNESCO World Heritage Sites—from Siracusa and the rock necropolis of Pantalica to the late Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, and Catania.
Cava d’Ispica & Pantalica: Marvel at the rock-cut tombs dating to prehistoric and protohistoric times.
8th Century BC: Greek settlers founded Catania, Lentini, Megara Hyblaea, Siracusa, and Kamarina.
Their temples, theatres, and fortified walls endure as grand testaments to a bygone era.
Rome’s Granary: Sicily was Rome’s first province, supplying wheat and produce for centuries.
Amphitheatres, villas, and intricate mosaics (in Siracusa, Catania, Piazza Armerina, and around Noto) spotlight the island’s imperial heritage.
Feudal Powerhouses: Although the seat of power shifted west, the Val di Noto was home to feudal institutions like the County of Modica, a veritable Regnum in Regno. Gothic and Catalan influences shaped its grand civic and religious buildings.
1693 Earthquake: A catastrophic quake that razed much of the region, prompting the late Baroque splendour in Noto, Modica, Ragusa, and beyond—now recognised by UNESCO for its architectural brilliance.
Experience unyielding passion and timeless drama at Teatro Greco Siracusa, where ancient masterpieces explore humanity’s deepest struggles in a stunning historical setting.
READ MOREA splendid addition is Trenitalia’s Barocco Line, featuring:
16 Services on Public Holidays: Serves Syracuse, Fontane Bianche, Avola, Noto, Pozzallo, Scicli, Modica, Ragusa, and Donnafugata.
Weekday Link: New daily connections between Syracuse and Noto.
Bike-Friendly: Bring bicycles aboard at no extra fee—ideal for a two-wheeled foray upon arrival.
Wander along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, flanked by majestic palazzi and the Cathedral of San Nicolò in glowing honey-hued stone. Pause in the main piazza to savour a sweet morsel or simply bask in the golden ambience of this Baroque jewel.
Devotees travel far for legendary cannoli, cassate, and—in hotter climes—granita made with Avola almonds, best enjoyed with a brioche col tuppo.
The Mazzeis, a storied Tuscan wine family, oversee this Sicilian estate with dry-stone walls, bush-trained vines, and a boutique winery. Sample Zisola’s five labels, including a distinctive Nero d’Avola shaped by local calcareous soils.
In 2014, Alessandro Modica, descendant of the Princes Nicolaci di Villadorata, revived a Clarissan nuns’ orchard into a famed pizzeria. Here, a wood-fired oven festooned with antique Sicilian majolica tiles turns out parmigiana, caponat, and bronze-drawn pasta.
Former home of the Marquises of Castelluccio, this 18th-century palace has been meticulously restored by its French owner. Tours (11 a.m.–7 p.m.) are guided by the *Fondazione del Grand Tour*, unveiling ornate stucco, lavish frescoes, and an immersive leap back in time.
Along Noto’s main thoroughfare, Sebastiano Caristia crafts traditional Sicilian majolica—plates, Moorish heads, and auspicious owls—ideal souvenirs to spice up any table.
Traverse winding lanes and age-worn staircases until thou discover the Duomo di San Giorgio. Peek inside the Circolo di Conversazione, a once-aristocratic salon for 19th-century society.
Nestled in a valley, Scicli showcases Palazzo Beneventano and its irreverent gargoyles—spot on for a memorable snapshot before tucking into local fare at a cosy trattoria.
Celebrated as “the city of a hundred churches,” Modica also boasts a sweet secret: chocolate crafted from an Aztec-inspired recipe. A pilgrimage to Dolceria Bonajuto is almost mandatory for chocoholics, and the towering Duomo di San Giorgio beckons with inspiring architecture (and quite a few steps).
Amidst towering cathedrals and stunning coastlines, the Val di Noto never lacks in celebratory spirit. Two signature events burst with colour, creativity, and a warm sense of community.
Inverdurata di Pachino reimagines the streets of Pachino—famed for its sweet cherry tomatoes—by adorning them in vibrant mosaics of fresh produce.
Witness peppers, aubergines, lettuce, and more, artfully arranged to portray stories linking art, agriculture, and local identity. 🍅🥕
Each May, Noto’s charming Baroque lanes awaken with a burst of floral extravagance for the Infiorata di Noto. 🌺🌻
Flower petals and coloured sand craft exquisite tableaux along **Via Nicolaci**, transforming the UNESCO-listed town into a veritable open-air gallery.
Ready to roll? From prehistoric necropolises and Greek theatres to Baroque palazzi and sun-swept beaches, the Val di Noto brims with unforgettable experiences. Dive into layers of history, indulge in authentic cuisine, and bask in Sicily’s slow-paced coastal life.
Buon viaggio!
EXCELLENT Based on 65 reviews Elaine Yeoh8 November 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged Antonio Cresce to plan and manage our 2.5 week holiday in Italy - covering regions around Turin, Lake Maggiore and Verona. He was amazing from the planning stages, helping us to pick towns as bases, according to our needs and interests . We had video calls with him where he listened to what we wanted and we planned the details together. When we were in Italy, he kept in close contact and was readily available for any questions or issues we came across . The hotels he chose were incredible , and the excursions from the towns we stayed in were interesting and great experiences. His contacts, his experience and his professionalism made our holiday in Italy seamless and a truly wonderful experience! We would highly recommend Antonio from Expert to Italy ! Chloe Van Someren25 October 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just returned from a 2 week honeymoon and it could not have been better! Antonio helped us decide exactly where to go based on what we wanted and went above and beyond for us. His knowledge is incredible and everything was organised so well, he listened to us and answered every question we had along the way. Each place we stayed in was the best accommodation available in the area and we couldn't have asked for more, without his expertise the trip would not have been as perfect as it was. We will always go through him in future when heading to Italy. Jeremy Lewis14 September 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Antonio proved a fantastic agent. Nothing was too much trouble and he was super communicative and responsive He picked great hotels in great locations and our trip round Sicily was faultless Would recommend 100% Jo Davison29 August 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Antonio was very knowledgable and gave us some good tips. He helped create an itinerary and booked a hotel for us which we would never have known about without him. If you are looking to book a trip to Italy, Antonio is your guy! Nina Soloway12 August 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Antonio for all the recommendations and ensuring that everything from hotels to transfers ran smoothly. Will definitely be in touch next time we plan to travel to Italy. Highly recommend. Claire Hubbard30 June 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have just returned from a superb Southern Italy tour, organised expertly by Antonio. It exceeded our expectations and the communication was superb - both before and during the holiday. Antonio took time to understand what we enjoyed doing and provided information to enable us to get the most out of our time. The holiday was beyond words and we cannot be more grateful that we used Antonio and ExpertoItaly for our unforgettable holiday and would absolutely recommend. Richard Tuthill30 June 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Antonio arranged a fantastic Italian break for us in Tuscany. Very prompt always on hand to help and a nice guy. I highly recommend his services! Kay James21 June 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing trip organised by Antonio, we visited Naples for a few days then stayed in Sant’ Agata. Both hotels had fabulous amenities and restaurants. The trip was effortless and everything was meticulously arranged. Antonio was also on had for anything we needed during the trip. I would definitely recommend Expert to Italy and we will definitely use this company again in the future Steve Newiss17 June 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had an excellent 2 centre week in Sicily. Antonio's advice was invaluable, ensuring that we had a holiday that fully met/exceeded our expectations. In addition all the logistics went delivering an enjoyable stress free break! Alex Pinnick16 June 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An absolutely stunning holiday. Organised totally by Antonio. His attention to detail was exceptional. All the train journey, ferry and taxi's all went like clockwork. Even when our train was delayed he changed the ferry tickets. He chose the Botania Hotel in Ischia, the service was the best we've had anywhere. The island is so beautiful. Antonio also gave us a list of where to vist on the Island. Would definitely use Antonio again for our next visit to Italy or Sicily.
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