Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto
A short loop in the southeastern corner starting and ending in Catania, combining World Heritage towns with the Vendicari coast.
Delve deep into the southeastern corner of Sicily, a region often rushed through on island loops: explore Catania's lava-stone old town, Ortigia, Noto, Modica, Scicli, and Ragusa, with two nights based in Ibla to avoid frequent hotel changes. The itinerary is interspersed with nature reserves and fishing villages, with the old towns looking their best at dusk. Perfect for second-time visitors or lovers of architecture and food; does not include Mount Etna or Taormina.
Vendicari beach has no visitor facilities. Midday in midsummer is extremely hot; old towns are best explored in the mornings and evenings.
Day by day
Day 1 · Catania's Lava-Stone Old Town
Catania（La Pescheria, Catania、Piazza del Duomo & Elephant Fountain, Catania、Via dei Crociferi、Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena）
Take the airport bus to the city center (approx. 20 minutes) and explore on foot. You can pick up your rental car the next day.
The fish market is only open in the morning and is closed on Sundays; arrive before noon to catch the action.
Stay: Historic Centre (Piazza del Duomo)
Day 2 · South to Syracuse
Syracuse & Val di Noto（Neapolis Archaeological Park、Ortygia, Syracuse、Fountain of Arethusa）
Pick up your car and drive on the highway to Syracuse (approx. 1 hour), then explore Ortigia on foot.
Ortigia has ZTL restrictions; park your car in the public parking lots just outside the island.
Stay: Ortigia Island
Day 3 · Noto and Coastal Fishing Villages
Syracuse & Val di Noto（Noto、Vendicari Nature Reserve、Marzamemi）
Drive to Noto (approx. 40 minutes), then continue via Vendicari and Marzamemi to Ragusa (approx. 1.5 hours).
Stay: Ragusa Ibla
Day 4 · Modica, Scicli, and Ragusa Ibla
Syracuse & Val di Noto（Scicli、Modica、Ragusa Ibla）
Drive from Ragusa to Scicli (approx. 30 minutes), then to Modica (approx. 25 minutes), and return to Ibla (approx. 25 minutes).
The light in Ragusa Ibla is best in the late afternoon; save at least half a day for it.
Stay: Ragusa Ibla
Day 5 · Caltagirone and Return
Syracuse & Val di Noto（Caltagirone & Santa Maria del Monte Staircase）
Drive to Caltagirone (approx. 1.25 hours), then continue to Catania Airport (approx. 1.25 hours).