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Sara Kaiyala's avatar

I am going to be spending about 24 days based in Ortigia from mid-October through mid-November (without a car and solo). I've been a bit worried that this might be too long and I may get bored, but I really love to settle into a place, pretend I live there. :) It does sound like there is quite a bit to do and I also plan to take quite a few day trips and maybe even an overnight or two in surrounding areas. Since it will be my first time in Sicily, Ortigia feels a bit less intimidating. I'll be sure to come back to your guide as I start getting into the nitty-gritty of planning!

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Ortigia is a terrific base for a solo traveler. I have been twice & am planning a return next winter.

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

I loved this post, Gillian! I just finished Delia Ephron’s Siracusa and your post filled in all the extra details and images. 💚

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

I just added that to my summer reading list!

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

It’s a fun summer read, a thriller with interesting mostly unlikeable chsracters!

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Susan Renee Hennings's avatar

Thank you Gillian. Excellent writing that enabled me to really understand what you were experiencing. You make a visit to Sicilia sound irresistible.

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Michele Becci's avatar

One of my fave places ever.....🌟

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

I can’t wait to go back!

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Michele Becci's avatar

I second that one! So much to explore in one little town...

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Lohi Journal's avatar

This made me long for Sicily! At the moment, We're having a white winter in Stockholm so this was a nice reminder that only a few hours away, sunshine and warm days are waiting. Great tips!

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Thank you! ☀️

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Brian's avatar

Looks really nice. I know I'll get to Sicily someday, can't wait! Thanks for the read.

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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Marco & Sabrina's avatar

Cool! Let us know what you think, Gillian

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Marco & Sabrina's avatar

We are long overdue to write a story about our time in Ortigia, but for now here’s a restaurant recommendation to add to your list. Il Blu, a tiny seafood place close to the Jewish quarter where we had an incredible Frutti di Mare crudo

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Amazing, thank you! We will try it in a few weeks.

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Marco & Sabrina's avatar

Here (at long last) is our take on Ortigia, Gillian

https://open.substack.com/pub/marcoandsabrina/p/sicilian-rites-of-spring-part-2?r=10ijux&utm_medium=ios

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American Gen X-er in Portugal's avatar

We just took a look at Ortigia for our upcoming trip in May...but we live in a pretty, small surf town on the Portuguese coast and felt like maybe we wanted more city exploration. Your post is making me second-guess that decision. 😂

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

It’s very charming! and you are close to all kinds of archeological sites & art. And. Most importantly, Sicilian food.

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Gabrielle's avatar

Oh that was just dreamy. ❤️

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Valerie Monroe's avatar

Thank you, Gillian, for a much-needed mini-vacation with this post! xo

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

☀️

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Marc Oswald's avatar

Italy and Europe allow for inexpensive access to all regions which in the US we lack and unfortunately don't have a choice in. Happy for you! Thanks for inviting us along. YouTube???

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Affordable travel is absolutely one of the very best things about living in Italy. I am so grateful for fast trains & the occasional low cost flight.

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Marina von der Ruhr's avatar

Fabulous!!

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Thanks!

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Sally's avatar

Excellent!

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Absolutely.

It's your own vacation.

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Evan Kleiman's avatar

Dream of a trip

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Indeed!

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