Noto: Day Trips and Tours from Catania

A day trip from Catania to Noto is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Sicily.

Just a short drive away, this Baroque town is home to some of the most impressive architecture in all of Sicily. With its grand churches and ornate palaces, it's no surprise that Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best of all, you can also combine your Noto day trip with a visit to another nearby town, such as Syracuse or Modica. This way, you can really soak up the best that Sicily has to offer.

How to get to Noto from Catania?

Noto is located on the east coast of Sicily and lies 92 kilometers south of Catania, making it a perfect day trip from the city.

From Catania to Noto by car

The easiest way to get to Noto from Catania is by car and the journey takes just over an hour. The drive is relatively easy, even if you are not familiar with the area. When leaving Catania, take the E45 and then the SS115 coastal road south which will lead you to your destination.

From Catania to Noto by bus

It's also easy to take a bus from Catania to Noto and the journey is actually quite scenic. They depart several times a day from Catania Central Bus station and take just over 90 minutes to reach Noto. Tickets start from €8.40 per person each way.

Guided tour to Noto from Catania

If you would prefer to have someone else do the driving, you can book a guided day trip from Catania to Noto. This is a great option if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Noto and Sicily. An excursion to Noto often includes other nearby towns such as Syracuse, Modica and Ragusa.

A day trip to Noto tends to last between six to nine hours, including the travel time. Tour packages usually offer hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Noto from Catania?

An excursion to Noto from Catania will generally include a guided tour of the town's highlights. On this tour, you'll visit sites such as the San Francesco Church, the Palazzo Ducezio and the Cathedral of San Nicolo.

After the guided tour, you'll have some free time to explore Noto on your own or go for a jaunt around the area.

Afterward, your tour may continue on to Syracuse, which is just a short distance away. Syracuse is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily and is home to several historical sites, including the Greek Theater and the Cathedral of Syracuse.

Your day trip to Noto will also most likely include an excursion to Ortigia, which is a small island off the coast of Syracuse. Ortigia is home to some of the best restaurants in Sicily as well as many historical landmarks.

You may also enjoy a stop in Modica as part of your day tour to Noto. Modica is a small town located in the southeastern part of Sicily and is home to many family-run businesses.

The town's main industry is chocolate, and you'll have the opportunity to visit a few of the local chocolate shops. Make your journey to Noto worth it by taking home some delicious chocolate as a souvenir.

Your excursion to Noto will end with a return to Catania, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Noto?

There are different kinds of Noto day tours from Catania available, so you will certainly find one that caters to your interests.

Day tour to Noto plus Syracuse and Ortigia from Catania

This tour ticks off some of the key highlights of Sicily, including a visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis to see the Greek Theater.

You'll also enjoy a guided tour of Syracuse and Ortigia Island. Of course, this tour also includes a visit to Noto, where you'll have an expert guide show you around the best Baroque architecture in town.

Tour to Noto plus Modica and Ragusa from Catania

On this tour, you'll not only get to see the best of Noto but also explore two other towns in southeastern Sicily. You'll visit Modica, where you can learn about the town's rich chocolate-making history. Then, it's on to Ragusa, which is again home to many lavish churches and cathedrals from the Baroque period.

Day trip to Noto plus Vendicari and Marzamemi from Catania

This day trip takes you to some of the lesser-known but just as beautiful towns in Sicily. You'll start with a visit to the Vendicari nature reserve, where you can enjoy the Sicilian coastline and spot local wildlife.

Then, it's on to Marzamemi, a photogenic fishing village that's full of charm. Here, you'll be able to explore the ruins of the Tonnara, an old tuna factory.

The last stop is Noto, where you'll explore the historic town and learn about its history as you tour its churches, squares and winding streets.

Private Noto day tour from Catania

If you prefer a more intimate setting, then you may want to consider a private tour from Catania to Noto. Private tours generally visit the most popular three towns of Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto.

You'll have your own expert guide who will tailor the itinerary to your interests. You'll also have the flexibility to choose how long you want to spend in each town.

How much does a tour to Noto from Catania cost?

Prices for an excursion to Noto start from €82 and can cost anywhere up to €260, depending on the inclusions of the tour.

The cost of your tour will also depend on the size of your tour group. Private tours are more expensive, but allow you to tailor the experience to your own interests and can help you to beat the crowds.

What will you see and do in Noto?

Noto is home to some of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Sicily. You'll be able to explore the town's winding streets and admire its churches, palaces and cathedrals.

Some of the most interesting buildings Noto has to offer include the Cathedral of San Nicolò, the Church of Santissimo Trinacria and the Palazzo Ducezio. Each of these buildings is a well-preserved example of Baroque architecture and is steeped in local history.

During your Noto day trip, your guide will also share stories about the town’s history and its importance in Sicilian culture. You'll learn about the reconstruction of Noto after the devastating 1693 earthquake and how the town has since become one of Sicily's most popular tourist destinations.

Most Noto day tours include a visit to at least one other town in the area. Syracuse, Ortigia and Modica are all popular choices.

Syracuse is home to many well-preserved Greek ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the Amphitheater. Ortigia is an island located just off the coast of Syracuse and is full of winding streets and charming Sicilian architecture.

Modica, meanwhile, is famous for its chocolate. You'll be able to learn about the town's history of chocolate-making and even try some of the local specialties.

Ragusa is another popular choice for Noto day trips. Ragusa is home to many Baroque churches and cathedrals, as well as the ruins of a 13th-century castle.

When is the best time to visit Noto?

Noto is located in southeastern Sicily, which has a Mediterranean climate. This means that the town experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Noto and its surrounding towns often grow very busy during the height of summer, as this is when most tourists visit Sicily. If you want to avoid the crowds, then you may want to consider visiting Noto in spring or autumn.

During these seasons, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for touring, and there are fewer crowds to contend with.

Are there any tours to Noto from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are other tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Noto day tours from Taormina

Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a hat and wear sunscreen during the summer months, as it can get very hot in this part of Sicily. Be careful not to stay in the sun for too long to avoid getting burned.
• If you're visiting during the summer, consider bringing mosquito repellent. There can be a lot of mosquitos in the countryside.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you.
• Bring plenty of water with you especially if visiting on a hot day.
• Wear loose, light clothing to keep you cool.
• If you're visiting during the summer, take breaks often and find a shady spot to rest when you can.
• Be aware of dress codes when visiting religious sites. Many churches require women to cover their shoulders and knees.
• Don't forget your camera, as Noto and the surrounding Sicilian towns are incredibly photogenic.
• Book your tour in advance to guarantee your spot. Noto day trips sell out quickly, particularly during the summer months.
• If you do visit Noto during the winter, bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket.