Sicily is one of those underrated destinations that have so much culture and hidden gems. You will fall in love with every single corner. I stayed three days in Noto and from there visited the towns of Ragusa Modica and Siracusa. On the fourth day, I drove north the east coast to Taormina.
NOTO
At the south-east of the island. Unesco Cultural and Architectural Heritage, the charming town of Noto is filled with history. Churches, palaces and public buildings all in Sicilian baroque architecture.
Hotels:
Battimandorlo - gorgeous boutique hotel in the country side. Modern design pieces mixed with antiques selected at local markets. With bright and romantic gardens, and a quiet and secluded ambiance to disconnect and gather your thoughts.
Seven Rooms Villadorata - charming hotel in the heart of Noto in a baroque historical palace, with historical suites offering its guests a real taste of Sicilian refined hospitality.
Dimora delle Balze - dreamy masseria just north of Noto. An estate with a contemporary design, in which Mediterranean scents and perfumes blend. A place where you will truly feel at home and ideal to connect with nature.
Places to visit:
Roman Catholic Cathedral is a baroque architectural gem.
Walk down the Corso Vittorio Emanuele where you will find Caffè Sicilia, the most famous caffe in Noto dating back to 1892, you need to try its granita.
Mandatory road trips to Ragusa, Modica and Siracusa.
Restaurants:
Manna - traditional Sicilian flavors, fresh and seasonal products and impeccable service and ambiance.
La Cialoma - located in beautiful Marzamemi's central piazza, overlooking the sea, with embroidered tablecloths, and a color-filled terrace. The menu is mostly fish, and depends on the local fishermen's catch of the day.
Crocifisso - traditional trattoria with all the flavors and scents of Noto and that tells the story of the Sicilian family that owns it. Sure to make you feel at home!
Caffè Sicilia - located in the busiest pedestrian street Vittorio Emanuele. This caffè owned by Corrado Assenza is known for its pastry, coffee, spritz, ice cream and the most requested soft drink: granita.
TAORMINA
Medieval town by the sea and with mount Edna as a backdrop and an ancient Greek theatre as one of the main pieces of scenery. Full of charming piazzas and XV century palazzi.
Hotels:
Belmond Hotel Grand Timeo - the most astonishing views, just below the Greek theatre and with panoramic views.
The San Domenico Palace - 14th century convent, high above the Ionian Sea, with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the ancient Greek theatre.
Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea - a Sicilian dream full of gardens and charming terraces that lead to the hotel's private beach. The perfect hotel to disconnect with the sounds of the ocean as soundtrack.
Places to visit:
Walk around the charming town of Taormina.
Must see: The Greek Theater.
Daily trip to Mount Edna.
I highly recommend renting a boat and visiting the whole coast.
Restaurants:
Las Bouganvillees - traditional food with the most beautiful terrace overlooking the bay. Located at the San Domenico Palace.
A Casitta - traditional mediterranean food with organic farm-to-table ingredients only.
Ristorante Baronessa - elegant ambiance, unbelievable food and view.
A trip to remember!
With love and in good health,
