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Matt’s Sicily, Noto (2026)

06/06/2026

Noto Beach Life

Sicily boasts an incredible 922 miles of coastline and more than 300 beaches. Some of the very best are found around Noto and the southeastern corner of the island.

Here are some of my favourites, travelling from north to south 🌊☀️

🏝️ Minareto Beach
A tiny beach tucked into a secluded bay protected by rocky headlands. Beautiful, but much of the beach is reserved for hotel guests.

🌊 Fontane Bianche
Meaning “White Fountain”, this is one of Sicily’s most famous beaches, with soft sand, crystal-clear water and plenty of beach clubs.

☀️ Gallina Beach
A long, natural beach popular with locals who are lucky enough to live within walking distance.

🍹 Pantanello Beach
One of my personal favourites. Above the beach sits Waikiki Bar, offering spectacular views before a gentle walk down to the sea.

🤫 Loggia Beach
A semi-hidden local secret with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

🐚 Marina Vecchia di Avola
An easy to get to beach with plenty of shells to discover.

⚓ Calabernardo Beach
A tiny beach beside an equally tiny rustic fishing village.

🌴 Lido di Noto
A long promenade lined with beach clubs, cafés and plenty of public access to the sea.

🏊 Camay Beach
The closest beach to Noto and perfect for a quick swim.

🌿 Pizzuta Beach
A peaceful and pretty beach reached via a short walk over the headland.

🏖️ Eloro Beach
Located near the mouth of the Tellaro River, with a lovely natural setting and an easy walk from the car park.

🌞 Marianelli Beach
A beautiful naturist beach where clothing is optional. A scenic walk through nature brings you to the shoreline.

💙 Calamosche Beach
Probably the most famous beach in the area. Stunning, sheltered and deservedly popular, though expect crowds during peak season.

🦩 Vendicari Beach
Part of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, where wildlife, wetlands and golden sand combine beautifully.

🍸 San Lorenzo Beach
A gorgeous stretch of coastline with both public access and excellent beach clubs, including Agua Beach Resort.

⚓ Marzamemi
One of Sicily’s prettiest seaside villages, surrounded by beaches and crystal water

30/05/2026

My Top Ten Noto Wineries

Winemaker Pierpaolo Messina produces elegant organic wines that have helped put Noto firmly on the Sicilian wine map.
Buonivini
Part of the renowned Planeta family estates, offering a sophisticated winery experience combining architecture and hospitality.

Founded by sisters Marilina and Federica Paternò, this natural winery produces minimal intervention wines that truly express the landscape of southeastern Sicily.

A small family-run winery near Frigintini produces Mandala, a refined sparkling wine made using the traditional Champagne method.

Owned by the Moretti family, Feudo Maccari has helped elevate the reputation of Nero d’Avola in southeastern Sicily through careful vineyard work and modern winemaking.

A boutique winery producing small quantities of organic wines rooted in traditional Sicilian grape varieties and farming methods.

Owned by the famous Tuscan wine family Marchesi Mazzei, Zisola blends Sicilian warmth with polished winemaking expertise.

Run by winemaker Dario Serrentino, Il Mortellito has become a cult favourite among lovers of natural and low-intervention wines.

This organic estate, run by the Rossi family, is known for producing honest, terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention.
Salvatore ‘Turi’ Marino
A small artisan producer whose wines reflect a deep connection to local traditions and the surrounding countryside.
Terre di Noto
Terre di Noto produces elegant organic Sicilian wines that capture the sun, sea breeze and limestone-rich terroir of Val di Noto in every bottle

23/05/2026

Shorten this
🛍️ My Top Ten Sicilian Goodies

If you want to take a little piece of Sicily home with you, these are some of my favourite discoveries from around Noto and beyond. Each one tells a story of place, tradition and flavour. 🇮🇹✨

🌰 Almonds by Pagliarello
Avola is home to the famous “Queen of Almonds”, prized for their delicate flavour, smooth texture and exceptional quality.

💚 Pistachios from Bronte
Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Bronte pistachios are intensely flavoured, richly coloured and considered among the finest in the world.

🍫 Chocolate by Sabadì
Modica is famous for its unique untempered chocolate, giving it a distinctive grainy texture and wonderfully deep flavour.

🍪 Biscotti by Fichera Vittorio
Noto is known for many things, including its delicious traditional biscuits, or biscotti. Fichera Vittorio remains one of the town’s best-loved producers.

🥂 Sparkling Wine by Terrasol
The village of Frigintini is home to the much-loved Mandala sparkling wine, produced using the traditional Champagne method by father-and-son team Giorgio and Stefano.

🍷⚪️ Chardonnay by Marabino
In the rolling hills surrounding Noto, winemaker Pierpaolo Messina produces elegant wines that beautifully reflect the local landscape and climate.

🍷 Frappato by Planeta
The Vittoria region is one of Sicily’s finest wine areas and produces the vibrant Frappato grape, a beautifully light red wine that is perfect served slightly chilled.

🐟 Tuna by Campisi
The coastal fishing town of Marzamemi is famous for its tuna tradition, and Campisi remains one of the area’s most historic and respected producers.

🫒 Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Ruta
The hills around Noto are filled with ancient olive groves, and the Ruta family have been producing exceptional olive oil here for generations.

🍅 Sun-Dried Tomatoes from Pachino
Pachino is world famous for producing naturally sweet tomatoes, which are also perfect for traditional Sicilian sun-drying under the Mediterranean sun.

16/05/2026

My Top Ten Bars in Noto

Aria Terrace
A hilltop bar with fabulous views across the city and the best sunset over the hills.

Secret Terrace
The best views of the Cathedral and city with live local music on their city steps.

I Crociferi
A world class environment and the best DJ led party venue in Noto.

Gagliardi Hotel
The best rooftop bar in Noto with views of the historic townhall and Cathedral.

RitroVino
The best selection of wines in Noto tucked away up a side street as you enter the city.

Strada Del Vino Valdinoto
The best courtyard bar in Noto with a selection of local wines.

Q92 Bar
A hotel mini terrace is best for high end drinks and views of the Cathedral.

Le Quattro Sorelle Bar
A beautiful restaurant bar and the best for service thanks to Pepe.

Cafe Sicilia
A famous all day cafe on Noto’s main street and the best location for people watching

Cavour Lounge
A local bar lounge and one of the best for local live music.

Which one would you try first ?

Click the bio link or visit…
https://www.notoitaly.com/blogs/the-best-bars-in-noto

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14/05/2026

🇮🇹✨ Want unforgettable Sicilian experiences delivered straight to your inbox?

Join the Matt’s Sicily newsletter for insider travel tips, hidden gems, beautiful restaurants, winery discoveries, seaside escapes and the very best of life in Sicily. 🍷🌊☀️

PLUS, when you sign up, you’ll receive our FREE ebook:
🍝 Matt’s Favourite Noto Restaurants

Inside are Matt’s personal restaurant recommendations, from rustic local trattorias to magical courtyard dining spots you would never discover alone.

If you love Sicily, slow living, great food and Mediterranean adventure, this is for you ❤️

Sign up via the link in bio 🔗

iloveitaly

02/05/2026

Noto, The Baroque Capital of Sicily by travel author Matt Bird

Golden in the sunlight and glowing at dusk, Noto is a masterpiece reborn after the 1693 Sicily earthquake—where honey-coloured Baroque architecture, grand staircases, and quiet streets create timeless elegance, watched over by San Corrado Confalonieri and set within the beauty of the Val di Noto; a place that invites you to slow down and simply take it all in.

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https://www.notoitaly.com/blogs/your-visit-to-noto

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25/04/2026

My Favourite Shops in Noto by travel author Matt Bird

Are you in Noto, or planning a visit and wondering where to shop beyond the tourist trail?

Here are my favourite boutiques for some authentic Sicilian shopping therapy.

A beautifully restored church turned luxury concept store.
noto
Run by the charming Moni, expect timeless Italian fashion and something special every visit.

Elegant silk, linen and art by Rosita Gia, worth the splurge.

A hidden gem for linen lovers, with handcrafted Italian pieces.

An exletic range of homeware from across Europe.

A tiny art boutique but non-the-less destination not to be missed with warm welcome from Paolo.

Beautiful leather goods, custom-made and personalised, perfect for meaningful gifts.

Enjoy your shopping experience!

Click the bio link or visit…https://www.notoitaly.com/blogs/the-best-shops-in-noto

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18/04/2026

My Top 10 Dinner Spots in Noto by travel author Matt Bird

Are you in Noto, or planning a visit and wondering where to go for dinner? Here are my top ten recommendations for a memorable evening out in town.

Run by three brothers, Francesco, Stefano and Alessandro

Owner Katharina makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Dammuso is another excellent choice in Noto

Hosted by the town’s charismatic Norma

Enzo and Roberta serve fabulous natural and organic wines

Tony and Adriana make what I think is the best pizza in Noto.

Located right on the Corso, Noto’s main street

Noto’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Crocifisso is led by local chef

The Red House is about as rustic as it gets. It is open for lunch only.

Run by Roberta, Manna is a magical courtyard restaurant

Want to explore Noto, Sicily like a local ?

Click the bio link or visit…
https://www.notoitaly.com/blogs/the-best-restaurants-in-noto

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11/04/2026

Timeless and quietly enchanting, Modica reveals the soul of Sicily through its golden baroque streets and centuries-old chocolate traditions.

Set across dramatic hillsides, this UNESCO-listed town invites you to slow down, wandering stairways, discovering hidden churches and indulging in its famously grainy, ancient-style chocolate that dates back to Aztec influence.

From the rich heritage of artisanal makers like Antica Dolceria Bonajuto to contemporary creators reimagining tradition Sabadi Chocolate , Modica is a destination where culture, flavour and history intertwine beautifully.

With many thanks to Sicily’s enduring craftsmanship and the families preserving these traditions for generations.

Click link in bio or visit…
https://www.notoitaly.com/blogs/your-visit-to-modica

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04/04/2026

Truffle Pasta by travel author Matt Bird

Luxurious yet beautifully simple, truffle pasta captures the essence of Italian cooking, where just a handful of quality ingredients create something unforgettable. Earthy truffle, silky olive oil, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a dish that feels both indulgent and timeless, often enjoyed in the cool seasons when truffles are at their most aromatic.

With many thanks to Italy’s rich culinary traditions and the artisans .petrolo.86 and who continue to celebrate the magic of seasonal ingredients and regional flavours.

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https://www.notoitaly.com/blogs/how-to-make-truffle-pasta

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