Page 375 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

By train The train station is a good 10–15min walk away down Via Principe di
Piemonte, has no facilities – not even a bench – and is often unstaffed. If you have
luggage, you may need a taxi ( 0931 838 713 or 338 945 8206).

Destinations Ragusa (1 daily Mon–Sat; 1hr 40min); Siracusa (8 daily Mon–Sat, 1
daily Sun; 35min).

By car Traffic through town is all one-way and while it’s easy enough to drive in

(follow “centro” signs) or out (destinations are all well signposted), finding a
particular spot while driving can be difficult. The best advice is to park first (there’s a
free waste-ground car park behind the stadium, among others) and get your bearings.
Many hotels and B&Bs are signposted through town as well.

Tourist information There’s a well-informed tourist office in Piazza XVI Maggio, set
back from the Corso behind the Hercules fountain (April–Oct Mon–Sat and most

Sundays 9am–1pm & 2.30–7.30pm; Nov–March daily 8.30am–1pm & 2.30–7pm;
0931 573 779, comune.noto.sr.it), which has a full list of accommodation.

CAVA GRANDE DEL FIUME CASSIBILE

A spectacular winding route northwest of the ramshackle agricultural town of Avola

climbs past the Convento di Avola Vecchia to the magnificent gorge and nature
reserve of the Cava Grande del Fiume Cassibile. There’s parking by a sensational
viewpoint over the Cassibile River gorge, which really is quite Grand Canyon-
esque, with sheer rock walls visible across the divide, birds of prey circling, and
the river glistening far below. The very steep path that leads down to the bottom of

the valley is closed at times of high fire risk, and you need to be properly shod, fit
enough to climb back out, and to carry plenty of water. The round-trip requires a
good three hours, plus any time you spend splashing in the natural swimming pools
or following the footpath alongside the river, which runs for most of the gorge’s
11km length. If you don’t fancy going right down to the bottom, follow the gentler
path that hugs the canyon walls, branching off to the left about halfway down the
steps. At the top, at the parking area, you can get a drink or a meal from a rustic

tavern, the Trattoria Cava Grande (no phone; June–Sept Tues–Sun lunch & dinner;
Oct–May Sat & Sun lunch only).

Cava Grande is not accessible on public transport. It’s a 15km drive from Avola,
or you can also approach from Noto up the SS287, past the turn-off for Noto Antica.
For walking tours with an English-speaking guide, including transport, call 333
329 3732.

ACCOMMODATION