http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34319 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34319 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34260 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34260 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34242 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34242 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25774
Once again, if you're unfamiliar with driving in Italy, beware: navigating the island is terrifying.

I loved staying at Approdo delle Sirene. The owner is sweet, the location is ideal, and the decor charming (plus you can't beat having your own personal netbook).

You are obligated to visit the Parco Archeologico if you go to Siracusa. I liked it -didn't think it was great - but would have kicked myself if I had missed it.

And as long as you're in the area, check-out the Santuario della Madonna: the contemporary, geometric design was a welcome departure from the multitudes of duomos.

Speaking of duomos, don't miss the Piazza del Duomo and surrounding buildings. I enjoyed perching on the steps and eating my weight in pistachio gelato while people-watching.

If you're in Ortygia on a Saturday, be sure to visit the market in the morning while everything is fresh.

Visit Noto: it's only about a one-hour drive away. Quaint town, interesting architecture.

My big regret was not eating at Il Duomo in Ragusa, approximately two hours from Siracusa. I was just too frazzled from the crazy driving to take on a four-hour adventure. It's the only two Michelin star rated restaurant in Sicily, and obviously the best. I'm truly an idiot for canceling my reservation.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25774 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18598 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18598 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13509 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13509 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11676
When you arrive at Marettimo’s tiny harbour you’ll be greeted by locals offering rooms in fishermen’s houses. To guarantee a bed for the night — and more space — book into the Residence, the island’s only hotel. May and September are sleepy; in July and August the Italians pile over.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11676 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11655 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11655 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11648
If you can resist the lure of the dazzling crystalline waters a little longer, it is well-worth trudging on another 3km to the next series of bays, which will be less crowded.

A word of warning: it can get painfully hot in July & August, & the path enjoys little shade, so the walk can be torturous without sufficient clothing or litres of water.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11648 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11631 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11631 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5784 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5784