The Best Shops in Noto

Noto increasingly attracts international guests who have sophisticated shopping tastes. Noto is not London, Paris, or New York, it offers something authentically Sicilian.

To discover the best shops you need to get off of Noto's corso or main street, which attracts thousands of tourists every day and has the usual array of tacky souvenir shops.

The more adventurous visitors find the shopping gems slightly off the beaten track. As always, I want to share my personal favourites with you...

Sant' Agatha Noto

Sant Agatha is a luxury brand concept store located at the end of my street, Principe Umberto, in Noto Alta, a historic residential neighbourhood.

Sant Agatha is a beautifully restored church with grand ceilings and a grant mural. It contains pieces from well-known luxury brands and a few rarer items. Sant Agatha is worth a mooch even if only to enjoy the grandeur and beauty of the building.

Location: Chiesa di Sant' Agatha, Via ER Trgona‍

Instagram: Sant' Agatha

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A’mare Noto

A’mare is my favourite fashion store in Noto and is always on my list to pop into on every visit to Noto.

The proprietor, Moni, is as cheeky as she is charming and a delight to chat with in her eloquent English or try out your Italian.

I never leave Moni’s store without finding something beautiful Italian for my wardrobe or a lovely gift for a friend.

Location: Corso Vittoria Emanuele 43‍

Instagram: A'mare

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Archivo

Archivo is a womens clothing boutique with silk and linen collections and also a gallery with photographs and art.

The pieces are the work of the incredible Rosita Gia.

Be prepare to drop some euros but you are guaranteed something extremely special!

Location: Via Simone Impellizzeri 2

Instagram: Archivo

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Just Noto

Just Noto specialises in linen clothes for both men and women and has a few others items such a cabinet of Sicilian made jewerly and some beautful linen throws.

Run by Chiara who makes the linen throws and Gianni who has a side interest as a sculpter this shop is an absolute gem that is not to be missed.

Location: Via Arnaldo da Brescia 9

Instagram: Just Noto

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Venerabili Ragazze

Venerabili Ragazze is a home furnishings store full of beautiful items to adorn your home.

It is owned by the family behind Seven Rooms Hotel.

When in Sicily, I naturally buy Sicilian; however, Venerabili Ragazze offers beautiful homeware that is typically not Sicilian, so sometimes, I break my own rule.

The gigantic papier-mache elephant head hanging on the wall seems to peer over you as you mooch around the goodies.

Location: Via C Benso di Cavour 35‍

Instagram: Venerabili Ragazze

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Spazio

Spazio is a tiny art boutique that always has something fresh and a little different on display.

The proprietor, Paolo, always welcomes visitors with his trademark smile and conversation. I love popping in to see Paolo and to see what new displays he has on offer.

My favourite purchase was a palm tree standing lamp with a stem and leaves made from brass with lights tucked away underneath.

Location: Via Rocco Pirri 32‍

Instagram: Spazio

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Selicia Handmade

Selicia Handmade is a tanner with wallets, purses, bags andbelts.

What I love is that they are willing to make products to order in the design, leather, colour, and size of your choosing, and they add initials or particular words to make your gift really unique.

I asked them to make a pair of bedside leather trays for keys, cash and glasses together with the name of my home, 'The Rooftop,' in the leather - they completed the little commission for the next day!

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Location: Via Ruggero Settimo 18

‍Instagram: NA