Day trip from Siracusa

I liked them all, but Modica and Ragusa are a lot larger than Noto and likely to keep you occupied longer. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends on how long a day you want and how much time you'll actually have available after allowing for the public-transportation schedules. I'd want to have the train schedules at my fingertips as well as the bus schedules--not that the train is likely to be faster, but a few additional potential departure times might be helpful. It can be difficult to figure out ahead of time how much time you'll want to spend in spots like those.

Be sure you know where to pick up your onward bus at each stop. I don't remember any semblance of a bus station in those towns. I had a few moments of terror in Modica when I realized I had no clue where to go to catch my bus. The trains may be slow but you always know where the train station is!

Hi SJ,
We stayed in Ragusa and visited Noto and Modica from there. Not sure that I'd gamble with local bus schedules but then again, its been a few years since.
If you visit Noto, then maybe try the Best Gelato on the Planet @ Costanzos---better than their more high-profile, Bourdain-endorsed competitor nearby.
I am done. the vitamin G

Speaking of gelato, there's a special combination of two granita flavors that's popular in the area around Catania. It's mostly almond granita with a tiny dab of apparently-unsweetened coffee granita in top. I had it in Noto and later from a gelato van parked outside the Catania train station. I think they may have called the combo "Catanese". Yummy.

Dear wife and I spent 2 nights in Noto and 3 in Ragusa Ibla in late September, and really enjoyed them both. We didn't make it to Modica. As noted, Old town Noto is small and can be seen in a day, but staying overnight allowed us to watch the changing light on the beautiful cathedral. The Teatro Tina Di Lorenzo is worth a look and is a great area for people watching. Yes, we loved gelato at Caffè Costanzo. It was across the street from our B&B. Ragusa had more to see and great views, especially from the upper town (Ragusa Superiore). We happened to be there for a children's weekend festival, which featured several fascinating street performers. There is a lovely town park, which was close to our quaint hotel (Il Barocco).

Thanks, everyone.
Yes,I said we’d go by bus, but as a fervent planner and “belt and braces” person, I would have all the schedules of buses and trains with me when out for the day!
It looks like Ragusa and Modica would be the best choices.
There is so much to see in Sicily that I’m sure after this first trip we’ll be back.