Noto and the Val di Noto at a glance
Noto is a baroque town in the southeast of Sicily. After the earthquakes of 9 and 11 January 1693 the towns of the Val di Noto were rebuilt in the late baroque style, and in 2002 eight of them were listed by UNESCO as the "Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto": Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa and Scicli.
Noto, Caltagirone and Ragusa are listed as whole old towns. The sights are close together, so you can combine Noto, Ragusa Ibla (the old part of Ragusa) and Scicli over two or three days. You need a car or careful train planning to do so.
Getting to Noto and the baroque towns in 2026
Rail works change how you arrive. Until 12 December 2026 buses replace trains between Catania Airport and Syracuse and between Catania and Caltagirone or Gela.
From Catania
Replacement buses between Catania Centrale and Syracuse take about 2 h 03, and some direct buses only 53 minutes. By car, Catania to Noto is 91 km, about 1 h 15. Catania has its own guide.
Buses from Catania airport
Several companies serve the southeast: AST (for example Noto, Modica, Scicli, Pozzallo), Interbus (Noto and Syracuse) and Etna Trasporti (Ragusa). Check the current fares and timetables before you go.
Airports and transport →From Syracuse
Trains run from Syracuse to Noto and onward to Modica, Scicli and Ragusa, but with few departures. Syracuse has its own guide.
Our pick: nearby Ortigia
A boat trip around Syracuse's old town.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Noto and southeast Sicily tours
Day trips to the baroque towns, tours from Syracuse and Catania and food tours, with live prices and availability.
Trains from Syracuse, 2026 fares
Regional trains for a Wednesday in October 2026. The timetable may change during the works.
| To | Fare | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Noto | €4.80 | 32 to 37 min |
| Scicli | €8.80 | 1 h 29 to 1 h 35 |
| Modica | €9.70 | 1 h 42 to 1 h 48 |
| Ragusa | €10.50 | 2 h 09 to 2 h 32 |
Trains to Noto leave Syracuse at 5:29, 13:30, 14:45, 15:40, 17:15, 17:33 and 20:33, plus a bus at 9:25 that takes 46 minutes. There is no dense service, so plan your return in advance.
What to see in Noto
The cathedral of San Nicolò is the main landmark and is free to enter; check the hours at the door. Its dome collapsed in 1996 and was rebuilt. The bell tower can be climbed for a small fee. Panoramic terraces include the former Clarisse convent, Santa Chiara, San Carlo al Corso and Montevergini.
The Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata is another stop in the old town; ask on site about its visits. The old centre is best explored on foot, and the main street leads past several churches and palaces, so a slow walk with a few stops is the best way to see it. Take water in summer, because the town has little shade at midday.
Ragusa Ibla, Scicli and Modica
The other baroque towns, with driving times from Noto and from each other.
Ragusa Ibla
The old part of Ragusa, on a hill, 58 km from Noto (about 1 h 04). The Duomo di San Giorgio is open in the morning and late afternoon with a midday break; hours vary by weekday, so check at the door. The Giardino Ibleo, the oldest town park of Ragusa, dates from 1858.
Scicli
A small baroque town in the same valley, 10 km from Modica (about 16 minutes). The town hall, Palazzo Spadaro, is one of its landmarks.
Modica
Modica has its own guide and is famous for its chocolate. It is 37 km from Noto (about 50 minutes) and 15 km from Ragusa Ibla (19 minutes).
Road distances in the southeast
Driving distances and times without traffic. Real journeys take longer in summer or on narrow streets.
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse to Noto | 37 km | About 35 min |
| Noto to Modica | 37 km | About 50 min |
| Noto to Ragusa Ibla | 58 km | About 1 h 04 |
| Modica to Ragusa Ibla | 15 km | About 19 min |
| Modica to Scicli | 10 km | About 16 min |
| Catania to Noto | 91 km | About 1 h 15 |
A simple two-day plan: spend the first morning in Noto and the afternoon in Ragusa Ibla, sleep in Ragusa or Modica, and use the second day for Modica and Scicli before heading back towards Syracuse or Catania. The towns are close enough that you do not need to change hotels.
More places nearby
Noto fits well at the end of an island route.
Noto: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Noto from Catania?
By road it is 91 km, about 1 h 15. Without a car, take a bus from Catania airport, or replacement buses to Syracuse and a regional train on to Noto. Rail works last until 12 December 2026.
How long should I spend in Noto?
A day is enough for the old town. If you add Ragusa Ibla, Scicli and Modica, plan two or three days.
Is Noto free to visit?
Walking the old town is free, and so is entering the cathedral. The bell tower and some palaces charge a small fee.
Can I visit Noto as a day trip from Syracuse?
Yes. The regional train takes 32 to 37 minutes and costs €4.80, and by car it is 37 km. Trains are few, so check the return time.
Which baroque town is the best?
Noto is the most compact for a first visit. Ragusa Ibla stands on a hill, and Modica and Scicli round off the trip.