2 Best Sights in Noto, Sicily

Noto's domed cathedral is an undisputed highlight of the extraordinary Baroque architecture for which the town is world-famous. Climb the monumental staircase to get a glimpse of the interior—restored over a 10-year period after the dome collapsed in 1996—which is simple and unloved by some (its newness and painting style may appear strange at first) compared to the magnificent exterior, but still worth a look. Indeed, it's become so popular that an entrance fee has been introduced, mainly to help the informative volunteers to cope with the foot flow.

The protected reserve encompasses 15,000 hectares with paths crisscrossing bird- and wildlife-rich lagoons, macchia scrubland, and unspoiled beaches, including Calamosche, Eloro, Marianelli (most pristine and peaceful), and Vendicari with its tonnara (fishery) ruins. There are five entrances, the nearest to Noto being Ingresso Marianelli, some 7 miles southeast of Noto via SP19. There's no reliable public transport here, so you'll need a car.