INSIDERS TIPS

Sicily in summer is the most magical place in the world. Here are a few of our favourite spots so you can experience Noto as we have. We hope you will love this special place as much as we do!

xoxo Lena & Devon

WATCH AN OPERA..

or simply visit & admire one of the most beautiful theatres in Noto, Teatro Comunale Tina di Lorenzo built in 1870 & then sit in the piazza for an aperitivo & fun people watching..

TRY THE BEST GRANITA YOU WILL EVER HAVE

at Caffé Sicilia - our favorite is only available in July..granita alla pesca - peach granita!

Insider tip: This place was voted the best pastry cafe in all of Italy a few years ago!

FOR A HELICOPTER TOUR OF A LIFETIME..

take a spectacular sightseeing tour by heli above the top of Volcano Etna..(or a grand 2 hour tour of all nearby volcanoes including Panarea) - indimenticabile! Book this via Essence of Sicily!

HAVE LUNCH OR DINNER..

at our favorite Osteria in Modica, Osteria dei Sapori Perduti..a rustic style restaurant famous for their typical homemade Sicilian dishes. It's worth the 30 mins or so to reach this beautiful town from Noto and make sure you visit the famous Bonajuto chocolate shop nearby afterwards!

WALK OFF ALL THE PASTA..

by walking & discovering the little known "Carosello pools" outside Noto center by walking along a steep mint & wild fennel filled pathway which opens up to some kind of uncrowded paradise of two natural pools for bathing. Ask your hotel for more info or google for the best route!

GO ANTIQUE-ING..

With all the Sicilian aristocratic & noble families who lived in the elegantissimi palazzi in this area from once-upon-a-time, you would be surprised how many beautiful antique treasures you might be able to find in Noto.. Two shops in particular you must put on your list if antiques from a faded Sicilian palazzo are your thing..the first is Gregoire Vermesse's who sourced much of the current contents of the incredible Palazzo Castellucio & the other is Antiques Nicolaci who found all the antique lace & voile curtains.

CANNOLI, CASSATINA, CASSATELLE..

Frutta Martorana, Ericine, Torta di Pistacchio, Pasticcini di Mandorle, Brioche con Gelato, Gelo d'anguria, Granita di Caffé..just go to any Sicilian bakery for any of these "dolci" of your choosing..

FOR THE BEST SELECTION OF SICILIAN SALUMI & FORMAGGI

to take home..

head to the nearby town of Ortigia (approx. 30 mins from Noto) at Fratelli Burgio..one of the most professional & incredible "salumerie" for every imaginable salami and cheeses in Sicily & beyond (can also be enjoyed on site as a fresh panino & casual lunch too after choosing what you want to try inside) or get anything vacuum wrapped to travel home with! Make sure to go to the one at the corner of the Ortigia food market (there are several!)

MANGIA MANGIA..

try an updated version of traditional Sicilian cuisine.. Ristorante Crocifisso is considered one of Noto's best restaurants (with 1 Michelin star to boot) - but what we love most is the playful and non-traditional Sicilian dishes with a twist to choose from!

BEST WAY TO SIGHT-SEE AROUND NOTO..

is with the one and only Noto native (guide & driver!) Corradino in his three wheel "Calassino Ape" (seats up to 3 people)..who seemingly knows everyone in town (he says ciao to everyone you pass on the road) and for a 20% English/80% Italian guided tour of the town (the best way to get around). Such an experience! Whatsapp to book him directly at +39 328 973 1647

REMEMBER YOUR TIME IN NOTO..

by passing by the elegantissimo Aqua di Noto boutique near the Seven Rooms hotel in Noto centro..to pick up one of their divine "made in noto" perfumes made with local oils & herbs or some of the exquisite locally made soaps & creams (which are also in the Seven Rooms hotel rooms) at Officine Villa Dorata

HAVE A ROMANTIC DINNER FOR 2

overlooking the entire Val di Noto in the beautiful countryside and incredible intimate surroundings of Hotel Villa Dorata prepared by one of Sicily's famous female chefs, Viviana Varese.

PRONOUNCE YOUR SICILIAN MOTTO

like a local and learn the necessities in life to survive in Sicily prior to your trip here!

HAVE BREAKFAST LIKE A SICILIAN..

and go to your nearest bar for a "granita con brioscia"= the Sicilian version of brioche with a tuppo (=a little hat) on top! Our favorite is the almond or lemon version for breakfast.

DON'T DARE LEAVE SICILY..

without having tried the homemade Cannoli from Pasticceria Kennedy in upper Noto (worth the climb to walk off all those cannoli..)

POST DINNER COCKTAILS "AL CENTRO"..

is best consumed al fresco on the small roof top terrace of Hotel Gagliardi overlooking Noto town. Cin-Cin!

OUR PREFERITO PLACE TO LUNCH (OR DINNER)..

is in the most beautiful tuna fishing village of Marzamemi (35 mins from Noto) at La Cialoma where you might find us sharing Spaghetti con vongole & a mean Pasta alla Norma..also a super lively place to go for drinks and alot of Sicilian life!

VISIT THE POMPEII OF SICILY

did you know, that just like Pompei, before the construction of the city, there was another Noto with a fascinating story behind it. To visit and learn more -

SATISFY ALL YOUR CERAMIC NEEDS

by visiting local ceramists Ceramiche Caristia & U Mari rintra na stanza - the latter designed to look like an underwater shop!

DID YOU KNOW..

In Italy, the history of gelato traces back to the 9th century with the first appearances traced in Sicily. Try the fun filled local flavors like Cassata, Etna, Avola almond, Bronte pistacchio or Modica chocolate...hmmm buonissimo! Any gelateria in Noto will have at least one of the flavors at any given time!

HIT THE BEACH ITALIAN STYLE..

Bring your tiniest speedos..listen to vintage Italian pop music..go topless.. Live your best beach life "a la Italiana" at Noto's popular beach, also known as "Lido di Noto" with lots of simple & Italianissimi beach clubs to choose from

(our fav beach club is the appropriately named "Abbronzatissima"!) located only

10-12 minutes away or less from most Noto locations!