Number of days in Ortigia

We spent four nights. We had planned to take a day trip to Noto but it was a gorgeous day and the forecast was for rain so we did not.

I would say three nights is good if you do not make a day trip. We explored Ortigia the first day, the second we visited the ruins and the museum, and the third we took a boat ride and just hung out.

I think the questions is when is your flight from Catania. I personally would not move if it is late enough in the day.

We had four nights there and it was just right.
One day to walk around the Ortigia peninsula, one for the Archaeological park, and we went to Noto on the train on the other day.
We were going to go to Catania on one of the days, but Mt Etna erupted that morning so we went to Noto instead.
It was very relaxing.

You can see everything in Ortigia in a busy full day; not inclusive of your day trips, Syracuse and the archeological park. So the extra time is pacing and soaking up the vibe.

We planned Ortigia as a "vacation from our vacation" so we originally planned 4 nights and cut that to 3. For me 3 was more than plenty but some people on the boards really love Ortigia so it's totally a personal preference thing.

We walked around, visited churches/catacomb, went to a puppet show and took a tour, went on a private boat trip around the island, shopped at the market, cooked and dined out. I don't feel like I need to go back or that I missed having a 4th day. Again, YMMV

Your plan is very doable and makes sense. Alternatively you could spend a couple nights in Ortiga, spend couple nights in Ragusa. That would get you a very different evening vibe and less time in the car. Trade off is the packing and unpacking but you're already planning the drive so it's up to you.

I think part of a day, and one night, in Catania would be great.
It's a beautiful city that does not get the tourist influx of Palermo.
Lovely to walk around. Fish market and outdoor food market in the mornings; churches, castle, the World War 2 museum, It has a very relaxed atmosphere in the center, considering then size of the city. I felt safe walking around late at nights after dinner, as a solo female.

Some terrific restaurants at moderate prices as compared to other large Italian cities.

Four nights in Ortigia is a lot, but you are planning day trips. One day visiting the market in the morning and then on to the archeological site,, and a wander around before and after dinner. That about covers the highlights. It's gotten so jam packed with tourists in recent years..I think it's lost some of the charm it once had. The main street is now lined with chain clothing shops, for example. But you can certainly wander off the main drags....

As for beach..where, and how would you get there? Lots of people go to Marzamemi but that town will be pretty shut up in September and the beach is not so great. By that time, the beach clubs will probably be shut in Fontane Bianche...and how will you relax on the beach if you take a tour???

Can you visit Ragusa, Modica and Noto in one day and really "get" each place? I think I'd go to one of those towns, not try for three of them....unless it's just checking off a box...

We were staying 40 minutes from Ortigia and visited Ortigia and Noto in the same day. To us, 2-3 hours in Ortigia and an equal amount of time in Noto was sufficient. How much time you spend may partially be determined by previous trip experiences. For example, we skipped the archeological site because we’ve seen other sites on previous trips. Some people think 4-5 days wasn’t enough.

I do like the idea of spending a night in Catania prior to your flight out. The airport isn’t that far from the historic center whereas Ortigia is an hour’s drive. On our trip we had a rental car.

Now I am thinking 3 days instead of 4 We will not have a car If I concentrate on visiting one or two of the cities I planned to tour in one day, which ones Ragusa, Noto or Modica I am thinking of skipping Modica What do others think?

which ones Ragusa, Noto or Modica?

It's totally a personal preference. I absolutely loved my time in Ragusa. It was one of my favorite Sicilian towns and I felt it really became particularly special in the evening. Picturesque, evocative, compact and home to our favorite Pension in Sicily. You park and walk/taxi, so there is that; especially on a short trip. The nearby Donnafugata estate is pretty cool; especially the vast gardens.

From there we did a day trip to Modica. We walked around the downtown, had some chocolate and some ridiculously good gelato, visited the cathedral and had a nice day but it wasn't really mind-blowing for me.

We visited Noto on the way to Ortigia. Had a nice visit, climbed some church towers, strolled our Sunday passiagata along the main pedestrian drag and headed out. The baroque architecture is ridiculous. I guess I would choose Noto over Modica but do it on your travel day rather than as a day trip.

But it's all personal preference. You can't go wrong making your memories in any of these beautiful towns.

Thanks Chris. Your info was very helpful.

My wife and I really loved Sicily and especially the Sicilian people. You're gonna have a great trip

In October 2024, we spent a few hours in Catania en route to Siracusa/Ortigia by train from Taormina. We were satisfied with those few hours, although could have easily spent more time in Catania. We stayed 3 nights in Siracusa (on the periphery of Ortigia, within walking distance). Our first day was spent exploring Ortigia and the archeological park. We picked up a rental car on the 2nd morning and did a day trip to Noto. The following day, we drove to Ragusa, spent the day exploring it with the help of Rick's self-guided walking tour and stayed overnight at IblaRooms (which I highly recommend; spotless, newly renovated, nice breakfast) where we had a lovely room with a nice view of the old town. The next morning we carried on driving to Villa Romana del Casale. We were happy with this itinerary. Not too rushed. Enjoyed the towns we visited. We had sunny warm weather except for a day of rain in Agrigento where we stayed 2 nights after Villa R d C. Next time I would like to visit Modica. It was on our list, but we ran out of time. You will love Sicily. Looking forward to returning one day...

Thank you all for the helpful info I think we have decided to stay in Ortigia for 3 nights instead of 4 First day just explore the area, second day train to Ragusa for the afternoon and third day train to Noto and come back for a boat tour

Renee,

Maybe I'm confused when you say "boat tour". The boat tour is nice, but I would never make a special trip back to Ortigia for it.

Chris, we are staying in Ortigia 3 nights The boat tour is just a short evening activity after spending a few hours in Noto Not making a special trip just for tour May even do boat tour in early aft to get one last swim/snorkle in on our last day in Sicily

Ahh, gotcha.

Try to make time for gelato in Noto at Caffè Sicilia. You will probably need to wait a few minutes for a table, but it's worth it.