Day 9 Sampieri to Noto

Day 9. Sampieri to Noto. 75 km. 

We were quite surprised to get a substantial breakfast as our Faulty Towers establishment,  and then after setting Garmi we were off. The cycling map took us along a smaller road down to and onto the beach, not a good start. We wound our way along to the Main Rd and thankfully found a cycling path that took us until just outside Pazzollo where it disappeared into the dunes once again. We took a while to find the way back onto the SP 67 which was a quiet road through beautiful beach towns and on through Pachino to Marzamimi, which is a beautiful understated fishing village where Independence Day was being celebrated. Fortunately no vehicles were allowed in the town which was great. People were arriving in droves to stroll through the quaint seaside town.

We stopped for a sandwich and ice cream before setting off to Noto. The road wound over hill and dale, through ancient almond orchards and olive groves and the first lemon groves. In our quest to stay off the busy roads Garmin took us onto a small road that deteriorated into a rocky bumpy gravel road that took us on a steep rocky descent back onto a secondary paved road. Not easy when your bike is loaded. 

It was a hot climb into Noto were we found our accommodation, Villa Ambra, which was very comfortable. There was a lovely terrace where we could help ourselves to fresh almonds.

We got a lift into the old city from a guy that was visiting the owner which was great. Everyone was out strolling, known as the evening passeggiata, which the Sicilians love doing. We had a drink at one of the sidewalk cafes and did some people watching as the colours in the sand stone buildings changed to a golden pink. Dinner was at a lovely restaurant Dammuso, which served  inexpensive Sicilian specialities. The antipasto was delicious as was the pasta to follow. Ian had a pasta Vongole and I had a pasta with anchovies olives and roast tomatoes.

 Noto was raised to the ground in the cataclysmic earthquake in 1693 and rebuilt in the Baroque style. Guissepe Lanza a Sicilian- Spanish Aristocrat was entrusted with this project. The result was a city with symmetry and visual harmony. The Duomo rises majestically above the Piazza Municiplo. The dome of the Duomo collapsed in mid 1996 and has been recently restored.

A lovely relaxing evening to end a great day of cycling.

Peppers.

And now where do we go?

Approaching Marmazemi.

Hazelnut ice cream.

The old piazza in Marmazemi.

Seafood restaurant.

Thanks Garmin - and I asked you to avoid gravel tracks.

Noto vineyards.

Real tops (and catties on the side)

Noto Cathedral. 

Grillo and Moretti. (That's the drinks, not us)

Jen negotiating our dinner.

Wine selection at Restaurant Domassi.

Night life in Noto.