Sicily: How much time needed?

The RS Sicily guidebook is finally available! I highly recommend it!

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/sicily-guidebook

I've read that transportation is difficult.

It's not difficult at all, but don't expect fast speed train service like you'd see (largely) in Western Europe. The buses and regional trains work just fine, except on Sundays.

Probably some real out of the way or rural places will require a car, but the cities are well linked. There are good connections to major cities from Catania Airport, for example.

I would use a guidebook for directions how to get to places. But I Googled Palazzola Acreide and got this:
http://www.palazzolo-acreide.it/eng/index.htm
By BUS:
"Dal terminal di Siracusa con le autolinee AST"
Basically, look into the AST bus service out of Siracusa.

I would give Ragusa at least 2 full days, especially if you want to see it thoroughly. There is an upper and lower town, and lots of UNESCO churches.

We spent 2 nights in Agrigento and that was sufficient. From our B&B, we were able to walk to the temple of Vulcan and the Kolymbethra gardens, and did that the day we arrived in about 1.5 hours. The next day we walked from the B&B to the rest of the Temples via the garden and an olive grove. We leisurely saw all the temples. From the time we left, until we returned, it was 3 hours.

We went to Sicily two years ago before RS Sicily book. This forum was very helpful but I particularly found Vagabonda (With over 118,000 posts) on Tripadvisor so kind and just amazing. She is a local and has the most in depth, current, and extensive information down to the smallest details. You will gain so much from the forum and Vagabonda is happy to answer questions especially for your nice long stay. In regards to Agrigento, we only used public transportation and the train from Palermo to Agrigento was very pleasant and clean. The temples are outstanding and unforgettable. We walked from our hotel and spent 4 hours there but didn't go to the museum as we had a train to Cefalu to catch. We just loved our 18 days in Sicily and the kind people.

Thank you, every one, who responded. I will heed your advice!! Blessings!!

Yes, we have spent a total of five weeks in Sicily over two trips, all using only public transportation. It can be done! Yes, it will be slower and sometimes it's difficult to find information on where the stops are and/or where to buy tickets, but we consider it all part of the adventure. And we're not in a hurry! Have a wonderful trip.

How many days are needed in Ragusa

We spent an evening dinner and one leisurely day wandering Ragusa Ibla (old town) end to end, visiting the cathedral, taking a palazzo tour and wandering the gardens. We did not go into Ragusa Superiore (the new town.)