{"id":9176,"date":"2024-06-17T15:57:16","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T19:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diningtraveler.com\/?p=9176"},"modified":"2024-08-08T06:28:41","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T10:28:41","slug":"noto-sicily-travel-guide-what-to-see-eat-and-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2024\/06\/noto-sicily-travel-guide-what-to-see-eat-and-do.html","title":{"rendered":"Noto, Sicily Travel Guide: What to See, Eat, and Do"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My love affair with Sicily began way before I visited for the first time in 2016. Many moons ago, I met my Sicilian friend Guiseppe in Brussels. We instantly bonded over being island kids with a joie de vivre for food and wine. Through him, I met many people in the Sicilian community in Brussels who gave me a glimpse into this storied island. Last year, I visited Noto for the first time with my family to visit a friend who lives there. The baroque architecture, the warm people, and, of course, the food automatically drew us in. I decided to return last summer to work on an independent video project<\/a> where I met so many wonderful people who shared their favorite spots across the city. This guide to Noto encompasses my experiences and the recommendations of locals I met along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting To Noto<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When planning a trip to Noto, Sicily, the closest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). However, flights directly from the USA to Catania can be pretty expensive. For travelers with flexible schedules, a more budget-friendly option might be to fly into a major European hub such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, or Paris. From there, you can use low-cost carriers like Transavia, Wizz Air, or EasyJet to get a more affordable flight to Catania. This strategy can significantly reduce travel costs while allowing you to explore additional European destinations en route to your Sicilian adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend renting a car, but you can also take a bus from Catania Airport to Noto. It takes around 90 minutes and costs 9 Euros each way, and you can secure a ticket online via Omio<\/a>. You can also take a train from Catania city center, but it will take 2.5 hours and you’ll have to change trains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I rent a car if I’m traveling to Noto?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Driving from Catania to Noto is straightforward. If you’ve driven in Brussels, Puerto Rico, NYC, or DC, driving in Sicily is a breeze. We’ve rented from Locauto<\/a> several times, and the service is excellent. If you can’t drive a manual, make sure you explicitly reserve an automatic car. Book directly through their website for the best prices. Rent a small car, especially if you want to visit some of the smaller towns because the streets are very narrow. Trust me on that one! We’re experienced drivers and gasped at a few tight turns on the narrow streets of Sicily.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Noto<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Where to Stay in Noto<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Noto is a walkable city, and there’s plenty to keep you busy for at least three days. You won’t find big, chain hotels in Noto but more vacation rentals and small inns<\/a>. You can stay in a luxurious villa or a quaint apartment in the many small buildings lining the city. I asked friends for recommendations, and these are their picks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aria Rooms & Terrace:<\/a> this beautifully designed boutique hotel sits atop a hill with picturesque city views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven Rooms Villadorata:<\/a> If you’re looking for a luxurious property in the heart of Noto, this is it\u2014bonus: head to Viva Il Bistro, the restaurant on the property, for their fabulous cocktails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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