Floral exhibitions are nothing new, and that’s the beauty of the one in Noto, Sicily—it feels like they’ve been doing it for centuries.

The Infiorata di Noto is a festival held in May in Noto, one of the Baroque towns in southeastern Sicily. Every year, art displays are meticulously constructed from flowers and foliage depicting the traditions of the region. In addition the town lights up with parades, musical performances, and street markets featuring local artisan goods and food products.

How to get to Noto

The closest airport is Catania International Airport. If you arrive in Catania, you can take a direct 1.5 hour bus to Noto. It costs about 9 euros and you can buy tickets from Interbus here. There’s also a 2-hr train from Catania, however indirect making a stop in Siracusa.

Renting a car provides the most flexibility, although parking will be difficult in Noto as the city center is almost completely closed off during the festival. We used Locauto without any issues. To avoid stress, ask your accommodation about parking options beforehand and add that parking location to your map before you depart.

What to expect

The main exhibition is located on Via Corrado Nicolaci; you enter from the bottom and observe the different plots as you walk up.

The flow of the crowd is controlled, so there’s a good chance you will have to wait in line. Aim to visit in the early morning or late at night to avoid the long line.

In addition to the main exhibition, you can spot floral arrangements throughout town as well as artisan markets, music performances, and more. Head to the Piazza del Duomo, cordoned off for performances and commemorations, or simply take it all in by wandering around. In 2022, we witnessed parades day and night – so grab a negroni al fresco and enjoy!

Where to stay in Noto

For the ultimate Infiorata di Noto experience, stay at Q92 Hotel. This luxurious boutique has views directly down onto the main exhibition, so you can enjoy the energy from up on the hotel terrace while avoiding the crowds. The main entrance is actually on the street where the main floral exhibition takes place, allowing you to skip the line if you tell the security guards you’re staying at the hotel.

Otherwise it’s good to stay at the edge of the town for easier access during the festival. Villa Nicolaci is a B&B with ornate rooms and a lush garden while Sveva Rooms is simple but elegant and affordable.

Other things to do

During the Fiorata you’ll find that Noto’s historical attractions and restaurants are more busy than usual, but not so much that you can’t enjoy. The colorful Palazzo Nicolaci offers a unique palace visit that design lovers can appreciate.

You might need to reserve in advance to get into restaurants to popular spots like Ristorante Crocifisso. Don’t forget to stop for a sweet, like the almond milk granita, at Caffe Sicilia.

Noto is an entry point to the Val di Noto, home of the famous Baroque towns (Noto is one of seven!). Explore towns like Ragusa or Modica. Beautiful, lowkey beaches are located just a half hour’s drive from Noto as well, as well as the quaint fisherman village of Marzamemi.

For ideas, read the Noto section of my 10-day Sicily itinerary.