South‑eastern Sicily is a mosaic of history, Baroque art and gastronomic traditions that deserve to be discovered at leisure. This itinerary will guide you through the UNESCO World Heritage cities of the Val di Noto and village festivals, suggesting unmissable stops and flavours to try. To fully experience the trip, you can choose one of HireSicily’s eco‑friendly villas or apartments as a base: located between Avola and Noto, they offer the tranquillity of the countryside and proximity to the main cultural centres.
Noto: Baroque at sunset and the taste of tradition
The capital of Sicilian Baroque welcomes you with its golden palaces and majestic churches. Locals recommend visiting Noto at sunset: the warm light enhances the facades carved in white stone and creates a romantic atmosphere. After your walk, stop at Caffè Sicilia, a historic café where you can taste the famous biancomangiare (almond pudding) and other pistachio‑based sweets. For wine lovers, Cantine Modica offers tastings of Nero d’Avola. If you visit Noto in May, don’t miss the famous Infiorata, a spectacular composition of floral tableaux along Via Nicolaci; in winter you can enjoy the Carnival of Avola, an allegorical parade held just a few kilometres away.
Modica, Ragusa, Scicli and Palazzolo Acreide: treasure chests of art and flavours
The HireSicily FAQ suggests dedicating at least one day to the surrounding Baroque towns. Modica is famous for its “Spanish‑style” chocolate: visit one of the ancient chocolate shops to discover the cold‑processing method and taste bars flavoured with pistachio or chilli. Ragusa Ibla will win you over with its alleys and the Cathedral of San Giorgio; stop at the restaurant La Corte di Eolo to try typical dishes. Scicli offers fascinating Baroque glimpses and film sets (the series Inspector Montalbano was filmed here), while Palazzolo Acreide combines Greek archaeology and gastronomy.
Avola and the flavours of the sea
Located on the coast, Avola is known for its “Pizzuta” almonds, sweet wines and the eponymous Nero d’Avola. Take advantage of relaxing days to explore the beaches of Lido di Noto, Lido Azzurro and Marina di Avola; the golden sand and shallow waters are perfect for families and couples. In the surroundings you will find Osteria i Malavoglia, the pizzeria Corte d’Aragona and other trattorias where you can taste fresh fish.
Nature and reserves: Vendicari and Cavagrande
Among the most evocative destinations are the Vendicari Reserve and the Cavagrande del Cassibile gorges. The former is an oasis of Mediterranean scrub populated by flamingos, herons and tortoises; the latter is a canyon carved by water with natural pools where you can swim. Both are highlighted among the HireSicily FAQ tips. Bring comfortable shoes and water; if you decide to trek, start early in summer to avoid the heat.
Festivals, fairs and local markets
Visiting Sicily in autumn means immersing yourself in the rhythm of village festivals. One of the most famous is the Ottobrata of Zafferana, held every Sunday in October and celebrating Etna products: mushrooms, honey, apples and chestnuts. In the squares you will find stalls of artisanal products and live music. Throughout the year, the markets of Avola and Noto offer fruit, vegetables, cheese and fresh bread at reasonable prices.
How to get around: the “Barocco line” and other means
To move between the various cities without stress, you can take advantage of the “Barocco line”, a tourist train that connects Syracuse, Avola, Noto, Ispica, Modica, Ragusa and Donnalucata. The daily ticket allows you to get on and off several times during the day. If you prefer to rent a car, many HireSicily properties offer private parking (such as Villa Giardino di Limoni and Casale della Pergola) or are located in areas with free parking.
Where to stay to explore the Val di Noto
HireSicily’s villas and apartments make an ideal base for this itinerary. Choose Villa Giardino di Limoni or Casale della Pergola if you want the tranquillity of the countryside with a heated pool and orchard; or Apartment Eucaliptus if you prefer a sea‑view apartment just a few metres from the beach. All the properties are eco‑sustainable and equipped with every comfort, from air conditioning to Wi‑Fi, and are close to the main cultural centres.
Conclusion
A trip in south‑eastern Sicily is an experience that satisfies all the senses. Between Baroque palaces, artisanal chocolate, full‑bodied wines and village festivals, every day offers new discoveries. By carefully planning your stops and choosing comfortable accommodation, you can savour the best this land has to offer and create unforgettable memories. HireSicily.com