Noto

This sun drenched corner of Sicily is the perfect base to explore the opulent baroque style architectural delights and the town itself wouldn't look out of place on a film set

Noto in the south east of Sicily is a stunning Baroque town part of the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage alongside Modica, Ragusa & Scicli and is not to be missed. The historic center is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses that were rebuilt following the earthquake that struck this region in 1693.

Tourists spend hours simply a wandering around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings, the fantastical facades and balconies. Over recent years an initiative has started to restore Noto's crumbling buildings - most crumbly of which was the famous Duomo, whose dome actually collapsed in 1996.

The main street is the Corso Vittorio Emanuele along which many of the towns most decorative buildings stand. Beginning at the Porta Reale onto three piazzas, each with its own church. In the evening the sunset turns Noto to shine golden and makes for a magical view when the floodlights and street lamps play on the warm colored stone.

Noto is in the province of Siracusa which is about 40 minutes away. The beach of Noto Marianelli is not far away but be prepared by bringing your own umbrella and blanket as it is more of a wild natural seaside. For those that like a little more comfort and things to do head to Lido di Noto around 20 minutes drive away.