Black marble floor tiles, white painted shutters, lofty ceilings and gilded tables… the Gagliardi Hotel is exquisite. Housed in an 18th-century palazzo in the heart of UNESCO-listed Noto, just two steps from the Cathedral of St Agata and the Church of St Chiara, this is a spoiling springboard for discovering southern Sicily. It’s also a space to appreciate the best of Sicilian art and design – every room features changing contemporary exhibitions, mixing with antiques from the owner’s personal collection. Admire the local ceramics, sleep beneath ancient beamed ceilings, wake to breakfasts in an orange blossom-scented inner courtyard. Best of all, the romantic rooftop terrace has huge panoramas of the Duomo and Baroque city skyline; settle in with an afternoon margarita and tasty appetiser. Linger until you see the sun go down.
There’s a sense of timelessness and beauty at the Gagliardi, but what makes this hotel so special is the manager’s outstanding hospitality. Don’t be surprised if you hear arias from the kitchen; Giuseppe’s staff are warm, attentive, professional… and happy!
Highs
- Unesco-listed Noto is our favourite of Sicily's stunning Baroque hill towns: ornate honey-coloured churches, sleepy cobbled lanes, superb restaurants and cake shops
- The hotel’s romantic rooftop terrace-bar features breathtaking 360-degree views of Noto
- Gagliardi’s friendly staff give a warm welcome and are always happy to help
- Rooms have a captivating mix of modern and vintage decoration - and a focus on local art
- Served in a leafy courtyard, the delicious breakfasts include the best crema pasticcera
Lows
- No hotel restaurant, but who needs one when you’re surrounded by great eateries?
- Noto’s streets are narrow so parking is not easy (staff can advise)
- Some rooms are not completely sound-proof: we could hear faint, muffled sounds from the rooftop terrace in ours, but nothing to lose sleep over
- Although WiFi is free throughout, it wasn’t super speedy during our stay
Best time to go
The heat is searing in July and August. We recommend May when the wild flowers are spectacular, but autumn is perhaps the best time of all: Noto is far less crowded and the sea still warm enough for swimming. Beautiful November days with almost summer temperatures are not unknown.
Our top tips
For local hand-painted ceramics, pop into to Caristia Sebastiano on the main thoroughfare (Corso Emmanuele, 99). This is where the hotel sources many of their beautiful ceramics, including the ‘teste di moro’ (traditional head-shaped vases) in the rooms and the courtyard. They make authentic Sicilian souvenirs.
Location
Hotel Gagliardi is in the heart of Noto, in southern Sicily.
By Air:
Most fly into Catania (86km away); Comiso is a bit closer but served by less airlines (57km away). If you're touring the whole of Sicily, you might fly into Palermo (320km away), which is a 3-hour drive away.
From the Airport
Transfers can be arranged or you can hire a car. Staff will help you park locally.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Sicily and getting around
Airports:
- Comiso 57.0 km CIY
- Catania 86.0 km CTA
Other:
- Beach 7.8 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape