Surroundings

Just over an hour from Noto, Ragusa is a city with two souls: the modern upper town, and Ragusa Ibla—its stunning historic center perched on a hill and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ibla is a maze of cobbled alleys lined with 18th-century palaces, ornate Baroque churches, and lush gardens.

The Duomo of San Giorgio and its surrounding lanes offer a deeply authentic glimpse into Baroque Sicily, while the Iblean Garden, the city’s oldest, reveals breathtaking panoramic views.

Lesser known than Ragusa or Modica—and all the more captivating for it—Scicli is a hidden gem nestled between three narrow valleys.

Its UNESCO-listed historic center is laced with waterways and flanked by grand churches and noble palaces.

Climb to the Convento della Croce for a sweeping view, or simply wander the streets and soak in the charming details of this enchanting Baroque town.

Famed for its artisanal chocolate made using ancient Aztec methods, Modica is a UNESCO-listed city built vertically into the rock. Its churches and palazzi seem to cling to the hillside, offering a dramatic setting where every stone tells a story.

Climb the steps, explore the historic neighborhoods, and admire the majestic Baroque facade of the Duomo of San Giorgio.

A must-visit for lovers of art, history, and richly rooted cuisine.

A bit farther afield (about a two-hour drive), Taormina is one of Sicily’s most iconic destinations.

Home to the stunning ancient Greek-Roman theater with sweeping views of the sea and Mount Etna, this cliffside town blends natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Its pedestrian streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, and landmarks—ideal for a full day of exploring, shopping, and soaking in the scenery.

Europe’s highest active volcano—and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Etna is about an hour and a half from Noto.

Its diverse landscape includes lava fields, chestnut forests, and towering craters.

Choose from guided hikes, Jeep tours, or a cable car ride to explore, and consider ending your visit with a wine tasting at one of the many vineyards on its volcanic slopes.

Once a humble fishing village, today Marzamemi is one of Sicily’s most beloved coastal gems.
It preserves the charm of its historic 'Tonnara' and pairs it with a lively food and wine scene.

Its main piazza retains an old-world feel with seaside tables, artisan shops, moored boats, and twinkling lights in the evening.

Just a few minutes away, the Vendicari Nature Reserve offers dunes, lagoons, and protected wildlife species.

Catania is raw, vibrant, and unapologetically real. With its lava-stone historic center, grand Baroque squares, and Sicily’s most colorful fish market, the city pulses with life.

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the bustling Via Etnea, or the Benedictine Monastery.

It’s an ideal stop at the beginning or end of your trip—packed with history and unbeatable street food.

At the southernmost tip of Sicily, Portopalo is a quiet fishing village with soft sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

It’s perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, less crowded escape where the sea is the true star.

From here, you can reach Isola delle Correnti—a symbolic point where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet.

Only about 30 minutes from Noto, Syracuse offers a captivating blend of history, art, and seaside beauty.

Ortigia Island—its historic heart and a UNESCO site—is a labyrinth of bright stone lanes, sunlit piazzas, and time-worn palaces.

The Neapolis Archaeological Park is one of Sicily’s most important, with highlights like the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Roman Amphitheater.

A perfect destination for a day filled with culture and coastal charm.

South of Syracuse lies a wild, little-traveled stretch of coastline.

The Plemmirio reserve is a dream for nature lovers, with rocky coves, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity.

It’s ideal for snorkeling or simply enjoying a day of quiet beauty far from the crowds.