What to see in Noto, Sicily
The Sicilian town of Noto is located in the south of Sicily. It’s part of the province of Siracusa, and a good base to visit the equally beautiful Ragusa and Modica.
Noto’s historic center may be small in size, but there’s plenty of things to do and see.
May is a great time to visit, and for 5 reasons that I’ll outline in this post. My hope is that by the end, I’ll have convinced you to add Noto to the itinerary.
1. Immerse yourself in the history — what to see in Noto
Noto has undergone many different influences before becoming the place it is today. The Arabs conquered the city in 866, where Noto was even the capital at one point.
Their reign ended when the Christians took over Sicily, changing the landscape, and religion too.
2. Enjoy the good weather
It may sound obvious, but having good weather when traveling makes a big difference. And in Noto, it’s usually sunny for approximately 9 months of the year. Feeling the sun on your face is a dream, especially when you’re used to a northern European climate.
Average temperatures in Noto in May range from 25° during the day, to 15° at night. It can get hot in May, meaning high factor sunscreen and a good sunhat is a must. However, compared to summer, May’s more bearable, and you’re also less likely to need 2 showers every day.
3. Noto historic center — what to see in Noto
Though Noto is more than just the city center, it’s really the hub where everything happens. If arriving by car, be prepared to drive into some of the narrowest streets around.
Parking is very tight, so you may want to think twice about hiring that SUV. Sloped streets and cobbled roads also create a challenge for any female travelers wanting to wear heels.
Good walking shoes are a must, because you’ll be walking a lot, plus there are many sloping streets. If you want to know the real Noto, you may want to consider booking a tour. It’s a fun way to see the city, and also with your very own local guide.
4. Noto architecture — what to see in Noto
Noto’s historic center is a mecca for buildings in the style of Sicilian Baroque. Its cathedral is incredibly beautiful, and will leave you speechless when you first set sights on it.
After the earthquake hit Noto in 1693, the cathedral underwent many repairs, mainly to the cathedral’s roof. Unfortunately, it collapsed again in 1996, and didn’t reopen till 2007. In fact, if you observe closely enough, it’s something evident when you compare the interior walls to the roof.
Noto Cathedral is also — hands down — one of the most impressive cathedrals I’ve ever seen in Italy. The cathedral’s façade takes on the style of Sicilian Baroque, with an exterior of pale yellow limestone.
The grand doorways are revivals of 15th century architecture, and the façade, resembles the style of the Notre-Dame in Versailles.
5. Infiorata di Noto — what to see in Noto
A very good reason to visit in May is the colorful Infiorata di Noto. This annual festival usually takes place in the last week of May in the historic center on Via Nicolaci.
The festival began as an idea over 20 years ago, by artists from Noto and Genzano, a commune in Rome. Designated streets are decorated with art all in floral display. Artists begin painting and drawing on the street on Friday. By Saturday, it’s ready for the crowds to view.
Via Nicolaci is also the street where you can find the ‘Insta-worthy‘ Villadorata Palace. It’s home to the ‘most beautiful balconies in the world,’ and the achingly chic luxury boutique hotel, Seven Rooms Villadorata.
Where to stay in Noto — boutique hotels in Noto
Villadorata Palace is an 18th century palace with many striking features. It’s most famous for its wrought-iron balconies, with theatrical figures hanging beneath.
Villadorata Palace was also the former home of local aristocrat, Baron Giacomo Nicolaci. Today it’s home to the city’s library.
Seven Rooms Villadorata — what to see in Noto
Seven Rooms Villadorata is the next best thing to staying at the Villadorata Palace. It’s a boutique hotel in the private apartments of the south wing of the Nicolaci Palace. Guests are treated to a taste of Sicilian aristocracy, first-class service and sumptuous furnishings.
They serve breakfast in a grand dining room — and you won’t want to arrive in your sleepwear here! Guests dine together at one long grand table, with staff serving you coffee and/or tea. There’s an excellent buffet-style breakfast serving classic continental choices.
What’s more, Seven Rooms Villadorata has an enclosed, and ample, parking area within the grounds. The hotel’s a good choice if you’re looking for a boutique hotel in a quiet, and central part of Noto. In short, it’s somewhere I’d happily stay again.
Are you planning to visit Noto, or Sicily soon? Drop me a comment or question below, and I’ll do my best to answer it!
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Lisa Rivera
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Welcome to my site! I'm Lisa, founder of Following the Rivera. I write primarily for a ‘flashpacker’ audience; a demographic (late 20s onwards) that enjoys glamping over camping, staying at boutique/luxury boutique hotels, sampling the local food and wine, cultural activities, and indulging in a spot of wellness on their travels. Read more here…
I never knew this beautiful town of Noto in south of Sicily. It is perfect destination for May travels. Staying at Villadorata Palace also looks very luxurious and royal one. I would love to see artists painting on weekends. Thanks for sharing!
Seven Rooms Villadorata is one of the best luxury boutique places I’ve stayed at. It’s the icing on the cake for a stay in Noto 🙂
Italy is one of my favourite holiday destinations. Done most of it but Sicilly not done yet. Great post and well presented with visuals speaking for themselves. The food the views and history all adds to it making it a go to place. The best time to travel most Europe including Sicily is May as you have suggested. The Architecture along with those churches are beautiful as well and one of the main reasons I like to visit Europe.
It’s beautiful, and we’re lucky to be in Sicily every summer. If you do ever return to Italy, be sure to stop by Sicily, and in May, if possible 🙂
Sicily has been long featured in must-visit list, however to be honest I was not really aware of Noto. Thanks to your lovely post, I’m already in love with this gorgeous city. The Infiorata di Noto sounds very interesting, I/m sure the artwork is equally fascinating. I’m also intrigued to check out the palace with most gorgeous balconies, that would be a sight to behold.
It’s so wonderful, and honestly I encourage others to visit. Plus the Infiorata di Noto is so pretty to see in person!
Noto’s architecture looks quite impressive. I’ve never been in Sicily and as such have never heard of Noto, but I’d surely love to visit. Infiorata di Noto seems like a good reason for visiting this place in May. I bet hotels are also cheaper at this time of year.
Yes x 100! It’s an incredible festival, and the best hotels are much cheaper too 😉
now i see the reason why people should visit this place during the month of May. Such a beautiful place to go to and it’ll be perfect in a sunny day. your article will definitely help many tourists.
Thank you! It’s always great to hear positive feedback from readers 🙂
Noto looks amazing. I have like others above never even heard of it but to be fair I know very little about Sicily. I bet Darcee would love to go there in May since the weather is mild and she hates it when I drag her around in the hot season.
I would love to see all that architecture in person. I know the Cathedral is rebuilt but I bet it is truly beautiful inside.
Only problem for me visiting in May is I bet the water is a wee bit Nippy!
May’s a perfect time to visit. The weather’s great and not too unbearable. Yes, the water’s on the cool side, but some may enjoy it!
What a gorgeous city! The architecture is impressive, to say the least. I haven’t visited Europe but it’s on my list 🙂
That’s great! Hope you make it one day.
OMG! Noto looks amazing! I love the architecture and artistry of the streets. I would love to visit Sicily one day. Villadorata looks incredible!
I loved this hotel! It’s so chic, yet not snobby. And the location’s perfect too.
I have never known of Noto before, but it looks like a sensational city. I love the Baroque architecture of the Noto Cathedal. And I would love to go to the Infiorata di Noto. I love a good art festival.
Then you’ll love this one! I hope you get to visit one day soon.
I’m from Italy but I’ve never been to Sicily. This isn’t the first time I read great things about the place. I really need to go
You must go! It’s an incredible island and with plenty of things to see and do.
It does look very appealing indeed and I think that spring is definitely the best season for a visit. I did not know the roof of the cathedral collapsed! Good thing that they restored and reopened it for the public.
I agree! It’s a beautiful duomo and a highlight of the city.
Noto sounds absolutely wonderful! Great tips for when to go and what to see. The Seven Rooms boutique hotel sounds dreamy! Thank you for sharing! Cheers ?
You’re welcome! And yes, it’s a great hotel.
This looks absolutely lovely! We haven’t been to Sicily yet, but we have traveled to Italy in the shoulder season and preferred it to the heat and crowds of summer.
I don’t blame you! Though I hope you visit Sicily one day; it’s beautiful 🙂
Great post, we have never even heard of Noto, but will definitely consider going there now, sounds magical! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Come and visit one day soon 🙂
My fantasy island, Sicily! Hope to go there one day whether in May or December. I’ve pinned this too.
Perfect! Let me know if you need any more tips; I have tons of stuff on Sicily.
This looks so cool. We have been to Sicily last year, but haven’t visited Noto. Hmm… Now we have a reason to go back!
Absolutely! It’s a lovely island, and I’m lucky I get to visit all the time.
Yeah, May is a good month for the south of Europe. Thanks for the destination tip, Noto looks really lovely!!!
It’s a wonderful city and really worth seeing in May!
I’ve never heard of Noto, but it looks so lovely! Italy has some impressive cathedrals, so I can’t imagine what this one must be like if you think it’s the MOST impressive!!
It’s very impressive! Though, the duomo in Siena is still my no.1 😀
Lovely post with beautiful photos! Sicily is high on my list of places to visit and your post makes me want to go right away!
Perfect! I’m sure you’d enjoy it 😀
Looks absolutely beautiful, May seems a perfect time to go. I didn’t know about the Arab history either!
Most people don’t! It’s a lovely city and May’s a great time to visit.
Well it’s May and this place looks beautiful. I’d say it sounds like a perfect place to go on my next long weekend. Thanks for all the tips
You’re welcome, thanks for dropping by!
Ooh, I remember when you wrote about your prior trip to Noto, and no doubt May is the prime time to visit! The Noto Cathedral is simply stunning, and a great example of the baroque style. I didn’t know that yellow limestone was even a thing, but it’s beautiful! I’d love to hang out the steps all day and soak in the sun and people-watch!
May’s an excellent time to visit! And people watching is a must here too 🙂
What a gorgeous read. The architecture sure does look stunning, although I have not been here, I think this would be captivating for me, the beautiful buildings.
Thank you! I love being here, and know others will too.
Its a good place, even this summer we are planning to go there for trip. Your article is very helpful for us, even this post helped us to decide the place. Thanks for sharing good trip experience.
Amazing! I’m sure you guys will have a wonderful time!
What a beautiful City. Thanks for the tips, I think it’s really useful. It’s important to know the perfect time to visit any place. Good to know May is a good month.
It’s an excellent time to visit! Come and see it one day for yourself.
I haven’t been past Rome yet but I am looking to do a road trip across Italy and Noto sounds like a perfect stop off. I love that you included a little history in your post and the architecture looks great. Great Post.
Thanks Lisa! I love being here, and happy to share my experience with others too.
Geez I had honestly never heard about this place before! Looks so beautiful 🙂 I’d love to visit one day.
Visit soon, it’s getting busy!
Thanks for all these great tips. Noto looks like a beautiful place. The architecture alone would make me visit!
It’s a really wonderful city! Hope you come one day soon.
Omg Nato looks so gorgeous and gald to know it is beautiful to visit during summers! I am definitely adding this to my ever growing list of places to visit 🙂
Excellent! I’m delighted to read this!
Great article. Thank you for the inspiration to visit! The cathedral in particular looks interesting.
It’s a wonderful city to visit in Sicily!
Never heard about Noto before reading your post! Looks like an amazing destination for exploration! I love their narrow and beautiful buildings
Thanks for sharing this
You’re welcome! Thanks for your lovely comments.
This looks like such a lovely place in Sicily. It has me daydreaming. Part of me family is from Sicily and it has long been a dream to visit. This spot needs to be on the itinerary for sure!
Oh wow, so you must come and visit. It’s a beautiful island.
I dont think I will forget the color of the sea!!1 I’ll have it in front of my eyes until the day I go to visit it!!
It’s pretty wonderful! Come and see it soon 🙂
I would love to see this festival. In Italy, I have only been to Rome but Moto will be on my list if I am ever in Italy in May.
Noto is beautiful and yes you must see it for yourself.
I was in Italy a few years ago, but I did not go to Sicily. I would like to visit Sicily for sometime. Italy is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Oh what a shame! Well you have to come back and see Sicily then 🙂
Wow the cathedral looks amazing! Also I would love to visit the colourful Infiorata di Noto one day. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Hope you get to see it one day too 🙂
Sicily is on my bucket list, however, I haven’t planned a trip yet. Your post has motivated me to visit this place soon. Noto is such a beautiful architectural town. The medieval buildings are quite fascinating and so are the colourful and festive street decorations. Seven Rooms Villadorata looks absolutely stunning. I’ll be planning my trip soon. Thanks for sharing this lovely post.
I’m so thrilled to read this! Noto is stunning and May’s a great time to visit. I hope you visit soon.
Wow..you have convinced me to visit Noto. The place is great for architecture lovers. I loved the fact that the temperature is pleasant in the month of May. I am definitely interested to attend the Infiorata di Noto. Great Post.
That’s great to read! I hope you visit Noto one day, it’s a lovely city to see.
Wow! I haven’t heard of this place and wish I did when I was in Sicily. Looks stunning
It is! Thanks for dropping by.
Sicily is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit – in May or any time of year! That shot of the blue water & pink flowers had me sold already, but the Infiorata di Noto sounds wonderful – I went to a similar festival in Girona in Spain and it was beautiful, and the whole town smelt of flowers.
It’s such a wonderful aroma! I haven’t been to the one in Girona, but can imagine it’s a great festival to see 🙂
Sicily is on my list for so long. I come from Germany and it’s not far away, but I never made it. It’s a great tip to visit Noto in May. It’s not too hot and and the Infiorata di Noto looks so beautiful!
You’re very close Verena! I hope you make it in May, it’s a great time to see everything, and comfortably too.
Noto, Sicily looks so interesting and I am very fascinated to know about the Arab and Catholic influence. The landscapes are gorgeous. I guess most of the European cities are best explored with feet as there is a lot to walk and Parking is surely a big issue, especially in cities. Thanks for sharing this post.
It’s a really interesting mix of influences here. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Looks like a lovely place. Loving your pictures too; the architecture looks beautiful. May sounds like the perfect time to visit with the weather and the festival. I love going to festivals, it gives a nice feel for the place and people. Thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome! May’s a great time, because the temperature’s great and not too busy either. Hope you visit one day 🙂
The color yellow seems to be a popular color in Europe or with European architecture
The photos are great, thanks for sharing your tips on when to travel there. Most of my trips to Europe have been in March but may be May for next time
Sounds perfect! I love being here, and am happy to share it with others 🙂
I hope I get to visit Sicily someday. It looks lovely and I have heard so many great things about. This just depend my wish to travel more in Italy. The festival Noto seems like something I would enjoy very much.
It’s so iconic, and very pretty too. Plus, I’m pretty sure there aren’t many flower street festivals like this one.
Love reading about places I have never heard of. Noto sounds like a dream, especially if you can stay at the Seven Room. That hotel looks devine. What was the food scene like? Well, being in Sicily I’m sure you can’t go wrong with an amazing array of variety.
Noto is a dream, and every building is photogenic too! Plus Seven Rooms is really incredible, you’ll love it I’m sure.
Ummm can I just jump in the pictures now?! Looks like heaven! I’m headed to Italy in a couple of weeks and wish I had read your post in advance since I will be there in (almost) May (first week of June). The architecture looks incredible and I would love to just walk around (in good walking shoes, as you suggested) and take in the sights! So pretty
Aw that’s a shame! Where are you going in Italy? I live between London and Veneto and have tons of content on Italy Let me know 🙂
I had not heard of Noto prior to reading your post. The architecture of the place is amazing and the Infiorata di Noto looks so colourful. It is just the kind of event/festival I would love to visit. Maybe next year as I have other travels planned at the same time as this year’s Infiorata di Noto. Will you be attending the festival this year? If yes, I will be looking forward to the photos.
Unfortunately I won’t make it this year, though I’m here already! It begins on 18 May, and is a wonderful place to visit. I hope you see it soon 🙂
My family is from Sicily but I’ve never been. It looks lile a stunning place to visit and the streets sound familiar to other locations in Italy… super narrow! I have to add Sicily to my list.
No way! You must come to visit then 🙂 I’m back here at the moment; and it’s so peaceful and the weather is perfect 🙂
Noto looks like a great place to visit! I’d imagine that the influence of both Arab and Christian culture has left a unique imprint on the city. I had to laugh at your comment on the narrow streets – I think that’s “a thing” throughout all of Italy. I drove through some back streets in an Italian town once, and I swore never to do it again…way too narrow for me!
Thanks for a great article.
My pleasure Jim! Yes, it’s quite a challenge, and not easy for even the experienced driver! Hope you make it here one day 🙂
I have never been to Sicily but I would imagine that the weather in May would be perfect. I’ve spent a lot of time in Southern Europe and summer is too hot.
It gets very hot in August. May is a lovely time to visit, and you still need a jacket at night!
Seeing the Infiorata di Noto is on my bucket list. Noto looks like an amazing little city. I can see why you continue to visit it. And that Cathedral, so gorgeous. I’ll look forward to another post from you on Noto, since I’m sure you’ll be sharing more of it in the future.
You’re right Heidi, I will, especially as I’m here right now! Watch this space 😀
The cathedral is beautiful. I love the architecture and the way it has been preserved. I love the street art. That is incredible to look at. This seems like a nice city to explore. We are still bummed we never made it to Sicily while in Italy.
Aw well there’s always a chance to return and see more! I love being here, and I know others will too.
We so want to visit Sicily, hoping for next year. The culture and history of this region is amazing. The Noto arts festival sounds colourful and enriching for visitors
It’s an incredible festa and so colourful too 🙂
I haven’t been much farther south than Rome, so this is all new territory for me. Italy doesn’t excite me like other countries have, but maybe that’s just because I haven’t gotten far enough from the big cities! I don’t know if getting incredibly lost and staying at a commune in Rome counts as off the beaten track (is anything in Rome off the beaten track?).
I’ll have to reconsider going back to Italy and finally exploring the south — I know it’s so different from the north. Thanks for piquing my interest!
You must! It’s an incredible city, and plus there’s also plenty more to explore in Sicily and Sardinia too 😉
Wow, this is another place that I should add to my bucket list. I love that this post is not just serves as a mere reason to come here, but also a guide on what to expect. I love the Architectural design of the buildings, there might be a lot of artists here. I as well love the weather and the temperature is enough to experience the sunlight and get a glimpse of the sun. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
You’re welcome! It’s an amazing place, and one where you really see the ancient Greek influence too.
The palace and architecture are amazing! And I’ve never hear of Noto to be honest. I would like to visit it and definitely in May as you do.
I’m here now, and the weather’s perfect, not too hot. That plus, it’s pretty much empty!
Sicily is beautiful, I have been there several times. Never been to Noto though, so that’s a great tip for the future!
It’s a great place to visit! Come and see it for yourself soon 🙂
Loving this post and the blog. Sicily is always a point of fascination for me ever since I read and saw The Godfather. The photos of that bay are just beautiful!
Ha, yes, it’s the home of the Mafia unfortunately! But a stunning island nonetheless.
I would love to visit Sicily someday. The Infiorata di Noto sounds like so much fun! Great photos.
Thank you, hope you make it someday too!