Day 5- Noto, Neapolis Archaeological Park and Syracuse
- Déborah
- Mar 17
- 6 min read
The penultimate day of our incredible trip to Sicily! After a refreshing night's sleep and an absolutely delicious breakfast, we set off from Ragusa to our first destination of the day: Noto.
Noto is a charming baroque town famous for its dazzling architecture and cobbled streets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its magnificent golden stone buildings that glisten in the Sicilian sun. The cathedral, with its spectacular façade and imposing dome, is an absolute must.
As you stroll through the picturesque streets, you'll discover small craft shops and enjoy local specialities in one of the many cafes. Noto is an unforgettable experience, a perfect blend of history, culture and natural beauty.
What a fantastic ride in the sunshine! Before heading off to our next destination, we decided to stop for a bite to eat. Faced with a tempting array of dishes, my choice fell on a succulent savoury speciality. Whether it's the stuffed focaccia or the crunchy arancini, every bite is a delight, a culinary journey that takes us to the shores of Sicily, where authentic flavours combine to create unforgettable sensations.
With our bellies full and our eyes full of stars, we set off again towards the west of the island, towards Syracuse. But before returning to our hotel, we decided to make an exciting detour to explore the archaeological park of Neapolis. This historic site, rich in ancient remains, promises to immerse us in the fascinating history of this region.
Even before entering the park, I couldn't help but admire the immensity of the site on the map. In the Sicilian sunshine, the visit promised to be a most enjoyable experience. The vastness of this historic site aroused my growing curiosity, promising fascinating discoveries at every turn.
We're about to discover the incredible 'Orecchio di Dionisio', also known as 'Denys' Ear'. This grotto, dug out of the rock, is famous for its unique and impressive shape, which resembles a giant ear. According to legend, the tyrant Denis the Elder used it to listen to the whispers of his prisoners, taking advantage of the exceptional acoustics that allow sounds to be captured in an amazing way.
This mysterious place, with its vertical walls and haunting echoes, offers visitors a truly enchanting experience. You will be charmed not only by the fascinating history that surrounds it, but also by the majestic yet melancholy atmosphere that reigns here.
Inside the cave, it's a real experience of total darkness, where visibility is almost zero, but what an enchantment! The photos were taken with a camera and I have to say I'm really pleased with the result, especially as I didn't have a flash. The mysterious atmosphere is really the little extra that gives the pictures an extra dimension, capturing the essence of this fascinating place despite the lighting challenges.
We continue our visit in the bright sunshine, strolling through the lush gardens. All around us it's a festival of colour: the mandarin trees are in full bloom, creating a vibrant, living spectacle. The contrast between the bright orange of the fruit, the soft green of the leaves and the pure blue of the sky creates an idyllic scene that is a real treat for the senses. This harmonious blend of colours is a breath of fresh air, an exhilarating sensory experience that makes our walk even more enjoyable.
We then arrive at the Greek Theatre, whose ruins are a living testimony to a fascinating past. Every stone is a living book, telling the story of the grandeur of a bygone era. We also pass former tombs carved directly into the rock, adding an even more fascinating dimension to our exploration.
And what can I say about the view of the sea as far as the eye can see? It's a breathtaking sight that makes me realise how lucky I am to have been able to visit such a beautiful place, so rich in history. The panorama unfolding before me, with its sparkling waves and infinite sky, reinforces the sense of wonder and gratitude for this unforgettable experience.
I'm going to leave you now, but I can't leave you without showing you an absolutely incredible video about the park that sums up the place perfectly. It highlights the beauty of the landscape, the lush gardens and the historical remains. I sincerely hope that it immerses you in the experience that I had and that, like me, you don't want to miss out on this hidden treasure!
Finally, we're back on the road, heading for the island of Ortiagia and, more specifically, the hotel where we're going to spend the night.
When we arrived, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the place. Even before entering the hotel, I couldn't resist pulling out my camera. The exterior is nothing short of spectacular, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean glistening in the sunshine. The vibrant colours of the landscape and the gentle murmur of the waves add a magical touch to the moment. It's a feast for the eyes, an unforgettable foretaste of our stay to come.
Once we've checked in, we'll go to our rooms to leave our belongings and enjoy a short, well-deserved rest. After this brief stopover, we're ready to set off to discover the island of Ortigia.
This little peninsula is full of history and charm and I'm more than ready to dive in!
Once out, I can't help but take in the beauty of the sea, which never ceases to amaze me! The sight of it inspires me and fills me with serenity. The waves gently lapping against the shore create a relaxing melody, while the glistening of the water in the sunlight adds a touch of magic to the moment
Every photo I take is a record of this serenity that I want to keep in my memory, so that I can always refer back to it and relive these moments of pure beauty.
Finally, we set off to discover the island of Ortigia, and what a delight it is! As we walked through the charming little streets, we marvelled at the historic buildings and craft shops. Around the bend in the road we come to a square beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We decided to sit down for a while and enjoy a delicious snack. I'm a big pistachio fan, so I couldn't resist trying a local speciality. I let myself be tempted by a focaccia filled with mortadella and pistachio cream, a pure delight! But I am no stranger to gelato brioche, the wonder of Sicilian baking. Each bite is a pure delight and I savour this magical moment, lulled by the enchanting atmosphere of this fascinating island.
We continue our exploration of the city's charms through its picturesque alleyways, strolling from craft shop to craft shop, each revealing unique and captivating treasures. From mouth-watering culinary specialities to typical local pottery, each stop is a treasure trove of handicrafts that reflect the richness of Sicilian culture.
We ended up in a particularly welcoming shop, where the smell of local produce filled the air and we indulged in a range of sweet treats. We indulged in a range of specialities, from jams to olive oils and sweets. But as our suitcases were already quite full, we decided to send our purchases directly by post. This way we can enjoy these delicacies to the full without worrying about space in our luggage. It's a fantastic way to take a little bit of Sicily home with us, even when we get back!
We made our way to the seafront, where life was everywhere - it was a real festival of colour and life! As we walked, I couldn't help but take a photo of these little ducks, who seemed to be enjoying their own little lake. They swim around happily, attracting the attention of passers-by, who immortalise them like true local celebrities.
In the distance, Mount Etna appears timidly before disappearing behind the clouds gathering on the horizon. The spectacle is magnificent: the sunset creates a palette of warm colours, illuminating the landscape with a golden light. It's a magical moment when natural beauty mixes with the hustle and bustle of the city, and I savour every moment of this peaceful walk.
As the winter cold began to set in, we decided to return to the hotel for a moment to cover up a bit more before returning to the square where we had stopped for a snack earlier. This time we wanted to enjoy an aperitif in a warm atmosphere.
UBack in the town square, I couldn't resist taking more photos of the twinkling lights that create a magical atmosphere after dark. The lights dance across the buildings, highlighting the local architecture and adding a magical touch to our evening. Each photo captures not only the beauty of the place, but also the joy of sharing these precious moments with our loved ones.
We headed to the restaurant for our last dinner in Sicily, eager to enjoy one last exhilarating culinary experience. We felt like royalty and the dishes we were served lived up to our expectations: they were beautifully presented and deliciously prepared.
I'll share photos of the succulent food with you, but it's impossible to convey the exceptional taste of these dishes in writing. This evening will remain in our memories as a moment of pure magic, a celebration of Sicily and its flavours that transported us to a world of unforgettable delights.
After a wonderful meal we return to the hotel for our last night in South East Sicily. Tomorrow evening we'll be heading to the airport for our flight to Genoa. I'll see you all tomorrow to discover my last day on this beautiful island.
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