If you are seeking a perfect fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty, then Sicily is the destination to visit. Alysha’s family emigrated to the United States from Sicily a couple of generations ago (Matt’s too, actually, though he appears far less Sicilian), so Sicily holds a unique place in her heart.
As the largest island in the central Mediterranean, Sicily contains abundant indications of classical structures, renowned architectural works, and visually pleasing landscapes. Its geography varies considerably from pristine coastlines to a towering stratovolcano overlooking the eastern half.
Sicily moreover has a different cultural personality from mainland Italy due to the mixed civilizations that inhabited it at diverse times all the way through its history. This has ensued in the island being blanketed in old ruins that are stacked upon each new; Roman on top of Greek on top of Phoenician.
As we planned our three month grand European adventure after we quit our jobs to take a chance on this travel website (which happened in February 2020 – OOPS!), Sicily was the first thing we wrote down.
- 3-star hotel with 150 rooms and suites accommodating 2-4 guests; while fairly basic in structure and amenities, they are spacious and comfortable and many offer views of the Strip. Connecting rooms are available.
Unfortunately, we don’t really think that 7 days is enough time to explore the entire island (Sicily is BIG). We spent over three weeks on our own Sicily adventure and it was still difficult to squeeze in everything that we wanted to. But one week is long enough to dive deep into one area of the island. And we’d recommend starting with the east coast.
The east coast of Sicily is a stunning stretch of coastline that boasts crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs. From the charming town of Taormina, nestled in the shadow of Mount Etna, to the historic city of Siracusa, there is no shortage of beautiful spots to explore, and there is plenty to do and see to fill an entire week.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our thinking on how to spend one week in Sicily, focusing on the island’s south/southeast coast and highlighting the best places to visit, foods to try, and experiences to be had.
We’ll also cover significant logistics – like getting between locations, where to remain, how to structure your itinerary, and more.
Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I earn a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. It goes without saying that I would only recommend something I would use or do myself.
Table of Contents
What Can You See with 7 Days in Sicily?
To emphasize the above point, our primary suggestion is not to attempt visiting every single nook and cranny of Sicily in 7 days.
It’s just too big.
We had three full weeks, and still found ourselves driving long distances and saying “guess we’ll need to return for that.”
With 7 days, we think focusing your time on exploring EITHER the eastern coast or western coast would be best.
If traveling to the island for the initial time, we’d suggest heading to southeastern Sicily and exploring Taormina, Catania, Siracusa and Ortigia, as well as the Val di Noto region.
Not only is the southeast portion of Sicily our favorite part of the island, but it’s also generally accessible through public transportation. This implies that it’s feasible if you want to avoid renting a car in Sicily (more on that in a subsequent section).
Do you have over one week? Check out our two week Sicily itinerary here, which covers the highlights of both eastern and Western Sicily (like Palermo!).
How to Get Around Sicily (and Do You Need a Rental Car?)
Overall, renting a vehicle will likely be necessary to fully explore Sicily, as public transportation across the island is not as comprehensive as other parts of Italy.
However, the southeastern edge of the island – the area we are focusing on in this itinerary – is relatively well connected by a regional train line. Although slower than driving, the trains can transport you between the major towns and cities such as Taormina, Catania, and Siracusa.
By combining the train with a couple tours, you can get good coverage of this part of Sicily without needing a rental car.
If you wish to venture a little farther afield, such as Ragusa, the beaches of Riserva Vendicari, and Marzamemi, then you will want to rent a vehicle.
We recommend renting a car as you leave Siracusa, helping you avoid parking issues in the larger towns and cities as you head to the Val di Noto region.
Additionally, you don’t really need a vehicle until that point during our trip, as we were without a car until departing from Siracusa.
The Best Time to Visit Sicily
The optimal time to visit Sicily depends highly on one`s objectives for the trip.
Summer is beautiful and the most well-known time to visit the island, but be prepared for scorching temperatures, large crowds, and high prices.
The shoulder seasons are slightly better in terms of crowds and weather, but you do run the risk of places being closed for the season.
Summer / High Season (June – August)
Summer is the hottest time of year in Sicily, with average daily temperatures reaching around 75-85°f, and often even higher. As an island located in the central Mediterranean, it means that it’s reliably a bit cooler than places like Rome or Naples, still though it’s VERY HOT.
These hot summer days are ideal for sunbathing on Sicily’s beautiful beaches or sitting on a restaurant terrace soaking in the Italian sun.
But the heat and humidity can get a little unbearable when hiking up Mount Etna or wandering around ancient archeological sites with limited shade.
Summer is also the peak season in Sicily, which brings a fun and lively atmosphere to the island. However, it also means that prices are higher, lines for attractions are longer, and the beaches are crowded with tourists and locals alike.
Shoulder Season (April/May & September/October)
Shoulder season in Sicily can bring variable weather. Crowds are noticeably smaller and lodging is cheaper than during summer`s peak months. However, there remains a risk of some mild, rainy days during your visit (though temperatures generally stay warm).
The times that places are open also depends on when exactly you visit.
We visited during October and around 30-40% of the places we tried to go to were already closed for the winter or the owners were on vacation (apparently October is a very popular time for small business owners to take time off).
The weather was fairly mild and warm in October, but there were definitely a few afternoon thunderstorms and rainy days over the course of our three week stay.
Low Season (November – April)
The low season in Sicily falls between winter and early spring. While prices are at their lowest and there are very few crowds on the island, we still likely wouldn’t advise visiting during this timeframe.
During the quiet season, very few people visit the island. Many local companies like hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions close down completely at this time due to the big drop in tourists.
You’re also far less likely to experience Sicily’s famous sunshine during the winter months. Daytime temperatures have been known to drop down to 50°f and rain occurs with some regularity (there’s even occasional snowfall on Mount Etna).
Where to Start and End Your Trip?
The below 7 day Sicily schedule will focus on the southeastern part of the island, so you can fly in and out of Catania.
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the second most substantial international air terminal in Sicily (Palermo is biggest) and biggest on the island’s eastern seaboard.
The airport serves numerous European carriers. Travellers from the US will need to change planes at another major European city hub, such as London, Amsterdam, or Paris before arriving.
You can access Catania’s city center from the airport in approximately 20 minutes using the AMT Alibus shuttle bus.
One Week in Sicily: How to Plan an Incredible Trip
For the purpose of the itinerary below, we’re assuming that you’re arriving on the island the evening before and leaving on the final evening/the morning after, giving you a full 7 days to explore.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Day 1: Catania
- Day 2: Day Trip to Taormina (stay in Catania)
- Day 3: Excursion to Mount Etna (lodging in Catania)
- Day 4: Siracusa & Ortigia
- Day 5: Siracusa & Ortigia
- Day 6: The Val di Noto
- Day 7: The Val di Noto
We’d recommend spending your initial three nights in Catania, using it as a home base for day trips to Taormina and Mount Etna, instead of attempting to change locations daily (which is both more tedious and less flexible).
Day 1: Explore Catania
Nested at the foot of mighty Mount Etna, Catania is a charming port city that offers a distinctive blend of history, culture, and delectable food that make it a flawless introduction to Sicily.
Its central position on the island’s east coast also makes it the ideal place to initiate and conclude this 7 day Sicily itinerary.
Catania has a culturally rich and fascinating history dating back to the 8th century BC when it was founded by the Greeks. Over centuries, the city has been ruled by powers such as the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish, each leaving their influences on the city’s architecture, culture, and food.
In the 17th Century, Catania sustained damage from a devastating earthquake as well as a substantial eruption of Mount Etna, with additional harm caused during WWII from allied bombings affecting the city.
However, each time the city was destroyed, Catania was rebuilt and has since become a thriving cultural and economic center as well as a popular destination for visitors.
We liked Catania, and think a day is about the suitable amount of time to spend exploring the city itself, with a couple of day trips to fill the other days.
Things to Do in Catania
Some individuals opt to solely utilize Catania as a base for exploring surrounding destinations (which you’ll be doing on days 2 and 3 too). However, we feel the city is deserving of allocating time to explore on its own merits. Devoting one day in Catania is adequate to see the city’s major highlights.
What is characteristic about Catania is that, with so many diverse groups calling it home over time, it essentially amounts to a city constructed upon a prior city constructed upon another – layers of history and culture.
It contains layers – like an ogre – that make it a fascinating piece of history, and that phenomenon of cities (or temples) built atop preceding versions is a theme you’ll see all across Sicily.
Below are some of our favorite activities to participate in Catania for one day.
The Fish Bazaar. Sicily, an island renowned for an abundance of fresh seafood, has no marketplace quite like Catania`s vibrant fish bazaar to witness this firsthand. In addition to various types of fish, local vendors sell meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Arriving early in the morning allows viewing it at its peak, with locals energetically negotiating for the prime catches. It`s open daily except Sunday.
Take a tour of the Benedictine Monastery. Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena was among the largest and most beautiful baroque Benedictine Monasteries across Europe. The building additionally demonstrates how Catania adapted to lava flows from the 1669 eruption of Mount Etna. You can only visit the building`s interiors on a 75 minute guided tour, which provides a fine introduction to the history of the building and Catania as a whole.
Marvel at the Ancient Greek-Roman Theater of Catania.Catania’s ancient Roman theater is another prime example of how the city has been built up in layers because of volcanic eruptions in the area. Modern 19th century buildings tower over the excavated 2nd century Roman theater, which in turn was built on top of an existing Greek structure dating back to 300 BC.
Indulge in your first granita! Granita is a specialty from Sicily that is similar to ice cream but without the cream content. It is perfect for cooling down on a hot day in Catania. Granita can be found at nearly every cafe and bakery across the island, but we especially enjoyed Caffetteria Villaroel ( here on Google Maps). Granita comes in local flavors like pistachio, almond, coffee and seasonal fruits. Our favorite is pistachio granita – anything pistachio is the right choice in Sicily.
Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943. This place aims to educate about Sicily`s involvement in World War 2, which was an eye-opening experience for Americans who often think of the war mainly affecting mainland Europe. It is a noteworthy museum worth spending an hour or two at, even though parts of the signage lack translation to English. Our favoured section was a temporary photographic exhibit featuring photos taken during the war by military image-makers.
Where to Stay in Catania
As mentioned above, we`d recommend basing yourself in Catania for your initial three nights and doing day trips from there. Catania offers a great home base for exploring other towns and attractions in the region.
In Catania, aim to remain near Piazza del Duomo, and try to avoid straying more than two or three blocks east or west of Via Etnea.
Staying in this area positions you centrally amidst basically everything you’re going to want to see in Catania. It’s also within walking distance of the train and bus terminal, which is helpful for getting to Taormina and Mount Etna.
Our group chose to remain at one of Duomo Housing Catania’s attractive flats, found just away from Piazza del Duomo and precisely above the fish market.
While centrally located and walkable, this may not have been the best spot for light sleepers or late risers due to noise from the nearby fish market setting up early each day.
Other Options in Catania:
The Urban Pop 2 BnB – a quaint and eccentric pop-art-themed inn offering reasonably priced private spaces and shared dormitories
Palazzo Scammacca – basic, elegant, and spacious private lodging, some of which feature fully equipped kitchens and private outdoor areas.
Habitat – an awe-inspiring, extremely stylish boutique hotel a few blocks west of Via Etnea.
Day 2: Day Trip to Taormina
On your second day in Sicily, take a day trip from Catania to the charming coastal town of Taormina. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea and Sicilian coastline, the historic seaside community is best known for its ancient Greco-Roman theater and distinctive beach.
The town is especially renowned amid day-trippers, so try arriving early in the morning to circumvent the most extreme crowds.
Getting To Taormina
The most convenient way to travel between Catania and Taormina without a personal vehicle is via train.
The high-velocity intercity train can transport travelers between the two cities in as little as 35 minutes, while the regional train takes anywhere from 50 minutes up to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Tickets for both commence around 5.50 Euros each way, relying on when you book. There’s not a huge discrepancy in price, so try to get one of the Intercity trains if possible to give you more time in Taormina.
It’s crucial to note that the train drops passengers off at the very bottom of the town, and the main section of the community is perched on a hill above the water.
We walked up to the town center and it took around 15-20 minutes ( this route). You may also take the bus (Interbus) into the town center for 1.90 Euros, or arrange a taxi ride instead.
Things to Do in Taormina
Whether exploring ancient sites or hiking scenic trails and sampling regional cuisine, Taormina offers activities that appeal to diverse interests.
Teatro Antico di Taormina. Constructed in the 3rd century BC, Taormina’s spectacular Greco-Roman amphitheater has a long history serving various functions such as gladiator battles and performances. Presently, it is a popular tourist location and continues hosting events throughout the summer months– so be sure to check the schedule during your visit. The theater has a breathtaking hilltop setting overlooking the environs like nearby Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Venture up to the historic hilltop chapel of Chiesa Madonna della Rocca. This Sicilian Baroque architecture gem ( located here on Google Maps) provides not only a lovely example of its aesthetic style but also stunning panoramas over Taormina and the waters below. The path guiding to the church is steep and somewhat testing, though absolutely worth the effort for the views encountered along the way. If the hike proves too much, consider taking a taxi to the top then walking back down. Once arrived at the summit, stop to dine on the beautiful patio of Al Saraceno, situated just a few steps from the church.
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Take a Stroll Along Corso Umberto. Corso Umberto is Taormina’s lively pedestrian street which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. The street is almost constantly busy with tourists, but it’s still worthwhile to briefly walk along it.
Hit the beach! When visiting Taormina on a hot day, take a walk (or the cable car) down to Isola Bella, a small island that’s connected to the mainland through a narrow pebble beach. The distinctive beach is a lovely spot for sunbathing and splashing in the clear blue waters.
Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Etna
Mount Etna, Europe`s highest active volcano and among the planet`s most volatile, has profoundly shaped much of eastern Sicily through regular eruptions intrinsically tied to the region`s history.
Despite its frequent eruptions, Mount Etna is still considered safe to visit. In reality, hiking up to its summit to experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape is one of the most popular things to do in all of eastern Sicily.
Getting To Mount Etna
Due to logistical difficulties in accessing and departing from Etna – there`s essentially solitary bus in every instruction daily, and it`s a lengthy journey ( more info here) – we would propose either renting a car for the day and self-driving, or joining an organized excursion.
Driving
Driving is the sole manner to reach Mount Etna in time to participate in a guided peak tour, which leaves around 9:00 am daily (which is before the bus arrives).
You’ll need to travel from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza on the southern slope of Mount Etna to join the morning tours. The drive will take about an hour.
If you prefer not to join an organized excursion, you can still self-drive to Rifugio Sapienza and head for the summit independently. From Rifugio Sapienza, you can catch the cable car (30 Euros return) up to a certain elevation, then hike the rest of the distance on foot alone to reach the famous craters.
Guided Day Trip
A guided day trip is the simplest way to visit Mount Etna without owning a car. There are numerous different options to choose from – including tours that stop by the regular tourist areas, and tours that go a little off the well-traveled path (we chose the second).
We participated in a certain tour with Marco, a native of Catania, and would strongly suggest experiencing it.
The guided tour initially leads you on a hike to view Mount Etna from a perspective unlike what most visitors typically see. It then brings you up to the main area for a short time exploring. It also incorporates transportation to and from Catania.
Click here to find the ideal place to stay along the Waterfront
Days 4 & 5: Siracusa and Ortigia
Let’s start with a brief geography lesson. There’s a common misunderstanding that Siracusa and Ortigia are two distinct cities. But this isn’t completely accurate.
Siracusa, the city on the mainland, and Ortigia, a small island, make up the historical city center of Siracusa. Ortigia is home to many historical sites. Travelers will hardly notice when passing between the two areas, as they are connected by bridges.
Now for a little more context about Siracusa. During its early history, the ancient city was one of the most pivotal hubs in the Mediterranean region, owing to Sicily’s strategic position between Italy, Spain, Greece, and North Africa.
The city was founded by the Greeks, before becoming part of the Roman Empire. It was even briefly the headquarters of the Byzantine Empire in the late 7th Century.
The city changed hands multiple times between Muslim rulers from North Africa and the Byzantine Empire over several centuries before coming under Norman control.
And all of these influences are evident in the city you will see today, from the North African inspired cuisine (expect plenty of couscous) to the amazing Greek and Roman archeological ruins.
Visits to Syracuse focus mainly on Ortigia`s charming streets and sea views. However, you`ll also want to experience the famous archaeological park on the mainland for a full picture of the area.
Getting To Siracusa and Ortigia
Driving is the quickest method of traveling between Catania and Siracusa, with the journey taking as little as an hour without traffic. However, we really don’t believe you need a car.
Siracusa and Ortigia aren’t the most vehicle-friendly destinations, so you’ll just end up leaving your automobile on the outskirts of town until you’re prepared to depart again.
Instead, we would propose catching the direct railway from Catania Centrale Station to Siracusa, which you can reserve through Trenitalia for approximately 8.40 Euros one way. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It is worth mentioning that the train station in Siracusa sits around a 20 minute walk from the historic center of Ortigia. If walking with luggage is not preferable, a taxi can be caught from the train station.
Another option is jumping on the bus from Piazza Borsellino in Catania (a short walk from Piazza del Duomo), which takes around 1 hr 20 minutes to arrive in Siracusa. You can book tickets in advance via Interbus.
The bus is somewhat cheaper than the train, with tickets beginning at 6.20 Euros one way.
Things to Do in Siracusa and Ortigia
Here are some highly ranked activities to do in Syracuse and Ortigia.
Ancient Archaeological Park of Neapolis. This expansive hilltop archaeological site in Siracusa houses well-maintained antiquities from both a Greek theatre and a Roman amphitheater from ancient times. You can also explore the Latomia del Paradiso, which are long-ago quarries used for constructing the city. As the most visited attraction in Siracusa, the archaeological park can become extremely crowded, so endeavoring to arrive early (it opens at 8:30am) can help avoid the largest groups of people. The museum, situated a few blocks away and for which you can purchase a combined ticket, seemed underwhelming and overwhelming after wandering the outdoor remnants for several hours, so we`d opt to skip it.
Traversing the perimeter of Ortigia. One of our favorite activities in Ortiga was simply wandering around the perimeter of the island, taking in the historic city and beautiful sea views. Sunset is the ideal time to make this walk as you’ll experience the sun setting over the water and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city coming alive in the evening. And if you do it from the northeastern tip to the western end (like following this route), you’ll be well placed to grab an aperitif at the end of the walk.
Explore underground at Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo. Head into the crypts of this historic church (which is built on top of a synagogue) in the city’s old Jewish Quarter. On a subterranean tour, you can see the tunnel network that was used to shelter civilians during the Allied bombings in WWII. The short tour is donation based, so you can pay whatever you deem appropriate.
Sabadì Cioccolato. This confectionery establishment situated near Piazza del Duomo provides a exceptional introduction to the delectable Modica chocolate – a unique kind of chocolate from the Sicilian city of Modica (which you’ll also visit if you continue following this itinerary). The chocolate is slowly simmered at a lower temperature, meaning the sugar doesn’t dissolve, and they don’t add cocoa butter, giving it a slightly grainy texture.
Gelateria Gusto. A lovely little ice cream parlor in the heart of Ortigia that served some of the finest gelato and granita we had during our time in Sicily.
Where to Stay in Siracusa and Ortigia
We would fully advise staying on the island of Ortigia rather than Siracusa. It is a little more expensive than the mainland, but significantly more atmospheric and appealing. You will also have more bars, eateries, and cafes right at your doorstep.
Ortigia is compact enough that you can reside anywhere and easily walk wherever needed.
We stayed at Stay in Ortigia Guest Home, a group of stylish modern flats within an old building in the core of Ortigia.
Each of the apartments has a fully equipped kitchen and its own seating and dining area, while some also have a private balcony or terrace with city views. There’s also access to laundry.
Some other options for staying in Ortigia:
The Dimore delle Zagare Ortigia – a historic lodging place in the charming Jewish Quarter, with cozy double rooms and more spacious studios and apartments that have historical significance.
La Maison – a charming and elegant lodging with antique gold furnishings, striking chandeliers, and rolltop bathtubs.
Palazzo Alfeo Aparthotel – spacious apartments with private kitchens and beautiful sea views. One of the apartments even has a jacuzzi on its terrace.
Calafatari B&B – a sustainable place to stay with sleek, modern rooms, private outdoor spaces, and breakfast facilities.
Days 6 & 7: The Val di Noto
The Val di Noto region in southeastern Sicily is renowned for its magnificent later Baroque architectural style. Due to this significance, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The region comprises eight towns – Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, and Scicli – most of which were entirely rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake that destroyed much of the area.
There is a wealth of attractions to explore in the Val di Noto such that you could easily spend multiple days here. But with only one week, we’d propose dedicating your last 36-48 hours or so to experiencing some of the prime highlights of the region.
Getting To The Val di Noto
This is the only section of this itinerary that we’d recommend obtaining a car for. You can rent a car in Siracusa and return it on your way up to Catania on the final day.
The drive from Siracusa to the town of Noto takes only 35-40 minutes. Having your own vehicle in the Val di Noto region also provides more flexibility to reach some rural destinations near Noto (which will be discussed more below).
If renting a vehicle is not an option, you can still access both Noto and Modica by train. There`s a regional rail line and Interbus route connecting Siracusa to Noto in anywhere from 35-50 minutes. You can then hop back on the regional train at Noto to take a day trip to Modica, which takes around 1 hr 10 minutes.
However, if traveling to Val di Noto by train, you will miss out on the beaches of the Vendicari reserve and waterfront dining in Marzamemi.
Things to Do in The Val di Noto
Experiencing the essence of the Val di Noto over a couple days will largely depend on one`s transportation arrangements. As mentioned earlier, some locations are more feasible to reach without a private vehicle.
However, there are a few key locations we believe you should experience:
- Noto
- Modica
- The Vendicari Reserve
- Marzamemi
If driving is an option, dedicate your first day to investigating Modica in the morning and Noto in the afternoon and evening. You can travel between the two towns in 40 minutes. Then spend your second day visiting the coastline habitats of the Vendicari Reserve in the morning and the small fishing community of Marzamemi in the afternoon/evening.
Or if you’re utilizing public transportation to navigate the Val di Noto, you can dedicate an entire day to exploring Noto (there’s enough to fill the time), then take an outing to Modica.
Alternatively, one could organize private transportation such as a driver or taxi to explore the Vendicari Reserve and/or Marzamemi throughout the day.
Explore Noto
Noto is the crown jewel of the Val di Noto and the most popular tourist destination due to its unique and well-preserved Sicilian Baroque architecture style. The elegant town is set on a hillside overlooking the valley to the south.
Some things not to miss in Noto are:
Caffè Sicilia.This compact cafe in Noto is somewhat tourist-centered, nevertheless it’s renowned for its almond granita. Trust us – it lives up to the hype! Take a look at the “cappuccino,” which is a small scoop of coffee granita resting on a heap of almond granita. They additionally create extraordinary cannoli and several other tasty homemade pastries.
Cattedrale di San Nicolò. The intricate interior of Noto’s grand cathedral is just as striking as its beautiful Baroque exterior. Be sure to see the amazing stained glass windows underneath the dome, as well as the highly realistic paintings depicting the passion of Christ.
Southeast of the old town lies the Textilviertel (Textile Quarter) and adjacent Schlachthofquartier (Slaughterhouse Quarter), former commercial districts that once played an important role in industry. In the late 1800s around 10,000 individuals were employed in the textile sector; however by 2000 less than 1,500 held such jobs. While some deserted factories remain in the area, the State Textile and Industrial Museum demonstrates successful regeneration, transforming an old factory into a museum exploring Augsburg’s textile history. Similarly the Glaspalast is a former textile mill now home to the H2 Center for Contemporary Art and the Kunstmuseum Walter housing works of modern and contemporary art including glass pieces by Egidio Costantini. Further north the old slaughterhouse and cattle yards of the Schlachthofquartier are gradually being converted into a cultural region featuring restaurants and galleries such as the Kälberhalle.
Explore Modica
Modica is another lovely Baroque town in the Val di Noto that stands apart from its neighbors thanks to its unique stoneground chocolate.
Modica chocolate is a locally created delicacy that’s made using solely cocoa mass and cane sugar (no cocoa butter) and cooked at low temperatures, producing a somewhat grainy texture that’s comparable to traditional Aztec chocolate.
The cacao is frequently mixed with local Sicilian flavors, like citrus fruits, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts, to create a delicious and indulgent treat.
The best things to do on a visit to Modica are:
Cioccolato di Modica Quetzal. This unique chocolate boutique is not only the best location in town to sample high-quality handmade Modica chocolate, but you can also learn about the manufacturing process and other cultural activities organized by Modica’s Quetzal Cooperative.
Hike up tothis viewpoint. It requires a significant amount of walking, but the perspectives over the town and surrounding region make the effort well worthwhile. Along the route, you`ll pass the Duomo di San Giorgio and Castello dei Conti.
A highly recommended cheese shop in Modica is Casa del Formaggio Modic. The proprietor Giorgio is said to be the friendliest specialist in cheese we’ve ever come across. We still talk about our experience there – “hey, remember the most kindly cheese retailer ever in Modica?”
Cafe Adamo. For the finest gelato in town. They offer many delicious cakes and pastries too.
Day Trip to the Vendicari Reserve & Marzamemi
Firstly, use of a car is necessary for this day trip from Noto. Alternatively, pre-arranging a private driver or taxi could provide transportation around the area for the day.
The Vendicari Reserve was highly recommended to us from the hosts at our little B&B in the countryside, and we are pleased that we decided to take their suggestion.
The reserve contains three primary beaches: Spiaggia di Vendicari, the attractive Spiaggia di Calamosche, and the nude beach Spiaggia di Marianelli.
Head to the primary entrance and park your vehicle here. At the time of our visit, it cost 3 Euros to park for the day (which is reasonable for this area).
You can then enjoy a pleasant stroll along the reserve to discover the different beaches. Entrance to the reserve costs 3.50 Euros per person (in addition to parking fees), so remember to bring sufficient cash.
Once finished exploring the beaches, travel approximately 20 minutes south and spend the late afternoon and evening soaking in the waterfront atmosphere in Marzamemi, a small former fishing village on the sea.
Where to Stay in The Val di Noto
You basically have two options here – stay in Noto, which is more convenient for the train and exploring the city on foot, or stay outside of Noto in the countryside, which is more rustic and charming.
We chose to stay just outside of the city at one of the agroturismos, and truly enjoyed our couple of nights at Fiori di Noto.
There was no Wi-Fi available. However, with the beautiful Sicilian sun shining down on the orange and olive trees along with playful kittens roaming the property, who needs internet connectivity? The rustic accommodation was incredibly charming and we loved relaxing there.
Other options for staying in Noto:
Embrace Sicily Guest House – a contemporary lodging in the heart of Noto with welcoming hosts and an excellent breakfast buffet. The superior room even has a private hot tub.
A Calata – a sustainable place to stay with a communal living area and fully-equipped kitchenette for guests to utilize.
Welcome Garden Noto – a charming, customary guest house with revealed brick walls, wood beamed ceilings, and a large central courtyard.
Other options for staying outside of Noto:
IUTA Outdoor Lodging & Farm – a lovely glamping area with luxurious private lodges, an outdoor swimming pool, and beautiful surrounding gardens just a brief 10 minute drive from Noto.
Relais Terre di Romanello – a sustainable farm residence with elegant and roomy rooms, a expansive shared pool, and a beautiful terrace to enjoy an outdoor breakfast each morning.
The best place to stay near the park is in the town of Bryce. It’s as proximate as possible to the entrance of the park, and you’ve got a few lodging options. Regrettably, the selection isn’t abundant.
