The Infiorata di Noto is part of the Baroque Flower Festival in Noto, one of the Baroque towns in southeastern Sicily, based on ancient traditions to welcome to the Spring.

Every year on the third Sunday of May, the town lights up with the colors of spring, with parades, musical performances, and street markets featuring artisan goods. In 2025, the 46th edition will take place from Friday, May 16 to Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Infiorata, which translates to “decorated with flowers”, is the centerpiece of the Festival: a street full of floral displays, influenced by a different theme each year and reflecting the traditions of the Val di Noto. Meticulously constructed from flowers and foliage, it’s an unmissable event in Italy.

How to get to Noto

The closest major airport to Noto is Catania International Airport. If you’re flying to Sicily, consider flying in here instead of Palermo.

• By bus: A direct bus from Catania takes you to Noto in 1.5 hours. It costs about €9 and you can buy tickets from Interbus here.
• By train: There’s a 2-hr indirect train from Catania, making a stop in Siracusa.
• By car: 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

Location of the Infiorata

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. Visit the official website for information on dates, hours, and tickets.

Festivities around town

In addition to the Infiorata, you can spot floral arrangements throughout town as well as artisan markets, exhibits, performances, and more. The Piazza del Duomo is cordoned off for events and a good place to rest your legs for a bit.

There are a couple of parades you won’t want to miss: the Baroque parade, where costumed performers frolic down the streets, as well as a a marching band.

The best place to learn about all of the events going on each year is Facebook.

Where to stay in Noto

It’s a good idea to stay in town due to traffic during the festival:

• Sveva Rooms ($) is right in town with elegant, understated decor.
• Aria Rooms and Terrace ($$) up the hill offers views of the region with spacious balconies in each room.
• Villa Nicolaci ($) is an ornate B&B with lush gardens just 10 minutes from the city center.

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 on the street where the main floral exhibition takes place, allowing you to skip long lines if you tell the security guards you’re staying at the hotel.

Other things to do

You’ll find that Noto’s historical attractions and restaurants are more busy during the Festival, 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.