We’ll be leaving a boat in Syracuse, Sicily and hope to spend a few days before flying out of Catania. Any recommendations on spending 2-3 extra days? We will only have had 2 days on the boat when in Taormina. Would it be worth it to go back and spend time on the land and then return to Catania to fly out?
Posted by
New Orleans
1206 posts
I don't quite follow your schedule. Two days on the boat when in Taormina? Anyway: Between Siracusa and Catania I don't think there are any "small villages" worth visiting. It's mostly (ugh) industrial chemical and other plants. There's a history about why these built up along that stretch of coast in the last several decades, but a local would be better at explaining it. If you haven't spent much time on land in Sicily when you leave the boat in Siracusa, I strongly suggest just staying in Ortigia (the historic island part of Siracusa) and enjoying that wonderful ancient historical town. You'll find plenty of people on this forum who can give you ideas about Ortigia. (Put "Ortigia" into the search function at the top of this page...). From Ortigia/Siracusa, you could also day trip by train or car to Ragusa or Modica, two baroque towns south, 1-2 hours by train or car. from Ortigia. Getting to the Catania airport from Ortigia is one hour by private taxi (approx. 60 euros) or one hour by regular bus shuttle (approx. 8 euros per person). I've done both, and both are easily arranged.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
I would also suggest remaining in Ortigia and doing a day trip to the Barogue towns. As mentioned, easily reached by public transportation. When we were there in 2014 we hired a driver through our B&B host. He drove us to Noto, Ragusa and Modica for the day. We are headed back to Sicily in the fall and will be revisiting Ortigia (our favorite town). It's magical! We plan to spend our last night in Catania due to an early flight home.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you for the replies, we will check out Ortigia!
Posted by
California 🦋
5207 posts
mgmcrosby,
Here’s a third vote for staying in beautiful Ortigia!
I’m intrigued... Would you please elaborate about your boat tour adventure?
Are you chartering a boat and traveling around Sicily?
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Our friends have a large catamaran sailboat. They have been touring the Mediterranean for the past year. Before we meet them, our plan is to do a Rick Steve’s tour (Heart of Italy). We will take some time between leaving the tour in Florence to stay in a small town in Tuscany or Umbria, ( maybe Orveita?) Then, we fly from Rome to meet up with them in Sicily. We meet in Taormina , sailing down the eastern coast to Syracuse.
We are crazy enough to want to fly up to Venice for a few more days before heading back to Florida....
Any tip on these areas would be welcomed!