LOCAL TIPS | alexandradavid

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Sicily in summer is the most magical place in the world.

Here are a few of our favourite spots so you can experience Noto as we have. We hope you will love this special place as much as we do!

xoxo

Alexandra & David

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TRY OUR FAVORITE PASTA..

We know you know that we love a good bowl of pasta..so head for a home cooked lunch at the very VERY simple and very VERY local CASA ROSSA for our favorite pasta with pachino tomatoes, pesto & sausage - a local specialty! (only open for lunch-located about 10 minutes outside the center)

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SHARE DAVID'S LOVE OF BIKING..

and sign up for a private 5 hour (!) local bike tour here

YOU KNOW DAVID LOVES A NEGRONI..(or two)

Have a Negroni with a view al fresco on the small roof top terrace of Hotel Gagliardi overlooking Noto town. Cin-cin!

HAVE YOU EVER SHOPPED FOR CLOTHES IN A CHURCH?

Nor had we until we came across Sant' Agata.. a former church located in Alta Noto..the most incredible and most beautiful setting you could ever imagine.. which will satisfy any last minute shopping needs you might have whilst admiring the incredible surroundings!

WATCH AN OPERA..

or simply visit & admire one of the most beautiful theatres in Noto, Teatro Comunale Tina di Lorenzo built in 1870 & then sit in the piazza for an aperitivo & fun people watching..

TRY THE BEST GRANITA YOU WILL EVER HAVE

at Caffé Sicilia - our favorite is a seasonal flavor mostly available in September.. Granita di anguria (=watermelon) and if you're lucky they might even have our second favorite, a Bellini Granita!

Insider tip: This place was voted the best pastry cafe in all of Italy a few years ago!

HAVE LUNCH OR DINNER..

at our favorite Osteria in Modica, Osteria dei Sapori Perduti.. a rustic style restaurant famous for their typical homemade Sicilian dishes. It's worth the 30 mins or so to reach this beautiful town from Noto and make sure you visit the famous Bonajuto chocolate shop nearby afterwards!

WALK OFF ALL THE PASTA..

by walking & discovering the little known "Carosello pools" outside Noto center by walking along a steep mint & wild fennel filled pathway which opens up to some kind of uncrowded paradise of two natural pools for bathing. Ask your hotel for more info or google for the best route!

BEST WAY TO SIGHT-SEE AROUND NOTO..

is with the one and only Noto native (guide & driver!) Corradino in his three wheel "Calessino Ape" (seats up to 3 people)..who seemingly knows everyone in town (he says ciao to everyone you pass on the road) and for a 20% English/80% Italian guided tour of the town (the best way to get around). Such an experience! Whatsapp to book him directly at +39 328 973 1647

PRONOUNCE YOUR SICILIAN MOTTO

like a local and learn the necessities in life to survive in Sicily prior to your trip here!

HAVE BREAKFAST LIKE A SICILIAN..

and go to your nearest bar for a "granita con brioscia"= the Sicilian version of brioche with a tuppo (=a little hat) on top! Our favorite is the almond or lemon version for breakfast.

DON'T DARE LEAVE SICILY..

without having tried the homemade Cannoli from Pasticceria Kennedy.

GO ANTIQUE-ING..

With all the Sicilian aristocratic & noble families who lived in the elegantissimi palazzi in this area from once-upon-a-time, you would be surprised how many beautiful antique treasures you might be able to find in Noto.. Two shops in particular you must put on your list if antiques from a faded Sicilian palazzo are your thing..the first is Gregoire Vermesse's who sourced much of the current contents of the incredible Palazzo Castelluccio & the other is Antiques Nicolaci who found all the antique lace & voile curtains.

CANNOLI, CASSATINA, CASSATELLE..

It's no secret that we love a good dessert.. and Sicily is known for them..so just go to any bakery and try one of these local favorites: Frutta Martorana, Ericine, Torta di Pistacchio, Pasticcini di Mandorle, Brioche con Gelato, Gelo d'anguria, Granita di Caffé.. we could go on and on..

FOR THE BEST SELECTION OF SICILIAN SALUMI & FORMAGGI

to take home..

head to the nearby town of Ortigia (approx. 30 mins from Noto) at Fratelli Burgio..one of the most professional & incredible "salumerie" for every imaginable salami and cheeses in Sicily & beyond (can also be enjoyed on site as a fresh panino & casual lunch too after choosing what you want to try inside) or get anything vacuum wrapped to travel home with! Make sure to go to the one at the corner of the Ortigia food market (there are several!)

MANGIA MANGIA..

try an updated version of traditional Sicilian cuisine.. Ristorante Crocifisso is considered one of Noto's best restaurants (with 1 Michelin star to boot) - but what we love most is the playful and non-traditional Sicilian dishes with a twist to choose from!

Share Alexandra's Love of Roses

and remember this wonderful weekend in Noto by passing by the elegantissimo Acqua di Noto shop in Noto centro & pick up one of Alexandra's favorites.. The white rose scented Infiorata Perfume & inspired by the famous floral festival in Noto each year..

OUR PREFERITO PLACE TO LUNCH (OR DINNER)..

is in the most beautiful tuna fishing village of Marzamemi (35 mins from Noto) at La Cialoma where you might find us sharing Spaghetti con vongole & a mean Pasta alla Norma..also a super lively place to go for drinks and alot of Sicilian life!

VISIT THE POMPEII OF SICILY

did you know, that just like Pompei, before the construction of the city, there was another Noto with a fascinating story behind it. To visit and learn more -

Truman Capote