Can any city surprise me after the special days in Sicily or will I somehow still find something “special” and something “luxurious” – or will Sicily also enchant me with its absolute versatility? During my days in Sicily with Catania, Taormina, Etna volcano and Lipari, the last day was reserved for a trip to historic Syracuse and Noto, a small town.
The most beautiful sights in Sicily
A motto – a wisdom – and a lot of truth to start with. The day will remain in my memory with a perfect description of Sicily, which can only be confirmed if you have already seen a lot of the island.
“You can travel all over the world to see everything – or you can come to Sicily and find everything here…”.
If I had read this sentence on the first day or with my travel documents, I would have found it a little exaggerated, but now – after my days on one of the most beautiful and varied islands, I can confirm it.
Syracuse – Greek amphitheater
After a 1.5-hour drive from Catania to the south of the island, my first destination was the largest historical theater and the excavations of the most beautiful and powerful city in the Greek world on Sicily.
Impressive natural treasures and, above all, an amphitheater, which is still used today for special concerts and events.
Old town of Syracuse
The old town of Syracuse, which has become the center again in recent years and has been renovated with great effort, enchants with the Apollo Theater, as well as the Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring of the city and of course the Cathedral of Syracuse. A historic building with a special attraction.
At the same time, the “cathedral square” is also ideal for a little lunch in the sunshine and to recharge your batteries before perhaps continuing, as I did, to Noto in the west of Syracuse.
Noto – UNESCO World Heritage Site
The town of 23,000, which is a World Heritage Site, is also the seat of a bishop and has a special charm, a burgeoning tourist industry and various 4-star hotels, as well as lovingly run farmhouses and B&Bs.
Here, too, the impression was a little deceptive – lots of little treasures, a wonderful small and cozy theater and, above all, lots of friendly people. Hospitality is very important in Noto and I was immediately enchanted by it.
After a “further” reception with the mayor of Noto, the various associations and companies in Noto showed great interest.
So the planned free time in Noto turned into many interesting discussions. In addition to a typical – and excellent – espresso, mandarin sorbet was sampled. These are the memories that stay with us and are fun.
Almonds from Noto
Another highlight in Noto is the almonds – it is said that the best almonds grow in Noto, particularly even, particularly tasty, and the almond milk certainly won me over straight away.
We ended the day with a delicious dinner at Chillicò with tasty dishes, another espresso to finish and a few invitations to dinner in the future.
What I will definitely remember about Noto is its open nature and the many little sights to discover… Thank you very much for your hospitality and have a nice, short time – maybe see you soon…
Conclusion – Syracuse and Noto
As in Stockholm, Oslo and Milan, I was able to get to know Sicily from a completely different perspective, away from the typical tourist tours. Over the next few days, I will be presenting these again as my personal Top 10 Sicily.
In any case, what remains for me is a special and varied landscape, special attractions, a volcano that I really want to see again without snow, the Lipari islands – with Stromboli and Vulcano, which I am still missing, and the good Italian and Sicilian cuisine.
A pleasant and great time, which I would not have expected and which will stay with me for a long time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people, companies and associations who made it possible!
