fossil41

Arriving in Siracusa and staying at LoL Hostel so after some time spent
there i would like to do a trip to Noto,Modica & Ragusa but not sure how
I mean is public transport [bus or train] sufficiently good to allow me
long day trips to and from Siracusa or better i rent a small car and do
a little self drive to each town in turn
How long would be enough 3 days or 4 maybe
Love some advise from people who know the area
Thanks

kja

Noto is very close to Siracusa - maybe 1/2 hour each way by public transportation. Modica and Ragusa are further, I think more like 2 hours or more in each direction.

fossil41

Thank you thats good and imagine Noto because
of it,s proximity be OK for local Transport
The other two ,well i,ll dig deeper for more info

cigalechanta

I'll look forward to your report because I have never been there and my father was born there.

goldenautumn

What time of year are you going? It can be really very, very hot in that part of Italy from May to October. Public transportation may not be reliably air conditioned, and hanging around waiting for it could be a real drag. Also, the drives around there are really very pretty. You also might enjoy slipping down to the beach.

If you want to rent a car, be sure to bring an international driver's permit in addition to your valid driver's license.

The "villages" are really towns. Modica and Ragusa are quite lively, and most people don't know about Scicli, which is also quite pretty and in the vicinity, and is something of an arts colony.

I don't know if you are asking if 3 or 4 days is enough for Siracusa and the "baroque towns" combined, but you will certainly be able to see all the major "sights" in that amount of time if you keep moving along at a fairly steady pace and have a car.

Without a car, you might need to pick among the "baroque towns" as to which one or two you would most like to spend a little time in.

fossil41

I arrive in Siracusa April 6th with the take it easy
and enjoy attitude as from what i,m hearing this part
of the world should be savoured slowly
With Noto,s close proximity a day trip i think
As for Modica and Ragusa i will investigate seeing
them as part of my journey from Siracusa to Agrigento
I dont care much if it takes time cos that what i have
in abundance -TIME!!!
Thanks for help and thoughs and i will report back!!!

goldenautumn

That's great. You will really enjoy moving slowly through that part of Italy, and springtime in that particular area will be especially beautiful. If you have time, you don't need to rent a car. An overnight in Modica or Ragusa might fascinate you (food is great) if the public transportation schedules work out with your plans.

fossil41

Yes i,m looking at sleeping options in both
And Italian food,or should i say Sicilian food
A nice little cafe on an old street -boy that
sounds good

Pvoyageuse

"Noto because of it,s proximity be OK for local Transport"

It is very doable in a day from Syracusa. We went by train and came back by bus.

fossil41

With the bus and train to Noto
in your opinion which drops you
closer to the shops and restaurants
Did you enjoy your day and did you
find a nice place for a meal
Thanks for putting the advise up
for traveling there

Pvoyageuse

The bus station is closer to the center of town than the station - but Noto being a small town, it makes a difference of 10/15 minutes at most. We took the train because it left Syracuse earlier than the bus and we didn't want to lose time Frankly I don't remember where we had lunch - probably a quick bite in one of the places at the public garden next to the bus station. It was 4 years ago ....
We didn't do any shopping except for hand-made lace ; there was a little shop on the right side of the main street as you go down and turn your back to the cathedral, past the tourist information office.
Yes, it was a very enjoyable day, I especially loved visiting the theater.
One of the advantages of taking the bus back to Syracuse was that it stopped at the Archeological Park in Syracuse, and we had time to visit as well.

fossil41

Good that sounds good and i am looking
forward to it!!!!!

A_Brit_In_Ischia

This was where we chose for our return visit to Siracusa, back in April 2005

http://www.guthotel.it/?lang=EN

Our favourites may have changed, so look for recommendations of nearby bars and restaurants amongst the many reviews on TA:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...se_Sicily.html

And I trust your weather will be better than some of what we experienced that time:

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/132646088

... though, fortunately, it was generally fine!

Pictures, including some showing Noto's duomo during its post-earthquake restoration:

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/slides_sicily

Peter

annhig

bmk

fossil41

Thanks to everyone for sharing their advise
but as important their thoughts!!!
And to Peter on looking at your photo,s I
got straight back to my hostel in Siracusa
and booked 2 extra nights as there is much
to see and experience

kybourbon

You might find some useful transport info on this thread.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...sportation.cfm

goldenautumn

Noto is famous for its gelato. If you like gelato, plan to eat a light lunch so you can try many different places.

http://www.letsgo-mag.com/story/just...ornetto/828/1/

http://foodjourneyrestaurant.blogspo...cily-noto.html

goldenautumn

Ooops! I meant to type "many different flavors". There are really only 2 places to try.

fossil41

Better drop a few kilos (pounds) to get ready as I love Gelato
But then there,s canoli ,not to mention salami between bread
Think I,m going to walk & walk & walk some more to keep
the kilo,s off