← Catania Marathon·2 nights

Siracusa and Noto: Two Nights in the Baroque South-East

A night on Ortigia and a night in the baroque town of Noto, on the same rail corridor, with the Greek archaeology at Siracusa in between.

Duration2 nights
TransitTrain from Catania, about 1 hr 15 min to Siracusa, then regional train to Noto
DepartsCatania

After the Catania Marathon: Siracusa and Noto

The Route: Catania → Siracusa → Noto → Catania Logistics: Regional train from Catania Centrale to Siracusa, about 1 hour 15 minutes, then a regional train on to Noto, about 30 to 40 minutes. The Noto station is below the town, so a bus or taxi makes the climb easier. Marathon Month: December Duration: 2 nights

Catania ──(1 hr 15 train)──> Siracusa ──(30-40 mins train)──> Noto ──(train)──> Catania

The south-east corner of Sicily contains one of the best-preserved groups of baroque towns in Europe. The earthquake of 1693 destroyed the old towns of the Val di Noto and they were rebuilt in the honey-coloured limestone that gives them their look. Noto is the showpiece.

December in the south-east: mild, often sunny and quiet, with daytime temperatures around 14 to 17 °C. The stone glows in low winter light. Hotels and restaurants operate reduced hours, so confirm before you book.

Trains run along this coast, and services between Siracusa and Noto are less frequent than those between Catania and Siracusa. Check trenitalia.com for the Monday and Tuesday timetables and the last train back.

Night one: Siracusa

Spend the first afternoon on Ortigia, the old island, which is flat and compact. The cathedral in the Piazza Duomo is built around the columns of a Greek temple of Athena, and the Fountain of Arethusa is at the water's edge nearby. Walk the level promenade round the island's eastern side. A section is enough. Check opening hours and prices for the cathedral.

For a hotel, look for a room on or near the Piazza Duomo, and confirm it is open in December. Book a table for dinner, as several restaurants close on Mondays.

Night two: Noto

Take the morning train to Noto, but leave time for the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis in Siracusa first if you want the Greek theatre and the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with unusual acoustics. The park is on the mainland side, about 2 km from the station, and paths inside are uneven. Check the hours and price.

In Noto, the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, runs through the old town and is lined with baroque churches and palaces. The gradient is steady, so it will be felt in the legs on the second day, and a slow pace is fine. The cathedral, San Nicolò, has a broad staircase and a dome that collapsed in 1996 and was rebuilt, and it is worth a look if it is open. The Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata has balconies held up by stone figures. Check the opening days and the ticket price.

Noto is known for its granita and almond pastries. Sit in a cafe on the Corso and order a granita with a brioche. Hotels in the old town are small, and many close over winter, so check ahead.

Getting back

From Noto, take the regional train back towards Siracusa and Catania, or on to another destination. Buy tickets at the station or on the Trenitalia app, and check the last departure. If you are flying from Catania Fontanarossa, allow time for the airport bus from the central station.