I had a pleasant stay in Roberta's appartment. The space is fairly compact but perfectly usable, with sofa, to, kitchen-in-a-cupboard, bathroom with decent shower, and twin beds out together to make a double in the bedroom. There is a v pleasant balcony, which obtains the sun from morning until later afternoon, which is great for refreshing and just sitting down after spending a lot of time on your feet discovering the local areas. I did loads of walking during my stay, discovering many of the beaches and the area around the south east, including Noto (probably my favourite outside of Ortigia), Modica (the home of great uncommercially made chocolate), Marzamemi, not to mention Ortigia itself. The guide information that Roberta has put together is really useful, containing good-to-see sights in different sections, including archeological, churches, beaches, and towns. There is also an excellent bus timetable at the back. Ortigia itself is lovely, the historical heart of Siracusa, and much nicer than Siracusa itself. There are many narrow streets to discover, lots of architecture from different periods (there is soo much history in this region!), great coffee (I recommend Caffe Marchiante), just off the main square. You can pick yourself up a great pastry in there too, freshly made in the back, I recommend the cornetti con crema (custard croissants), which together with a cappuccino for a traditional breakfast will cost you €2.40. There is also a delicatessen, where I had the best sandwich I have EVER eaten. This is in a place called the Caseificio Borderi (rated 5* on Trip Advisor). I went in there following a recommendation from Roberta. The person who served me speaks great English. I didn't know what to have but he made me something up (he said to trust him) and it was amazing- several meats, cheeses, sundries tomatoes, aubergine (not eggplant, the americanized translation that you see of the Italian word in restaurants), pistachios, olive oil. A 6 inch panini (15cm) will cost you €2.40 and the 12" one €5 (not sure why it isn't just double the 6" price but hey!), very good value. Highly highly recommended! Siracusa (city of) is ok, but maybe I just didn't go to the right areas. However, most of the historical sites are located within the same areas, the Neapolis Archaelogical Park is well worth a visit for €10- Roman and Greek amphitheatres/ theatres hewn out of the rock, tombs, gardens etc, brimming with history and also offering good views. There is also an outdoor museum celebrating the works of Archimedes (think 'Archimedes screw', see Google), but it wasn't open in February when I went. As a host, Roberta (who wasn't there when I visited) is excellent. She was very welcoming, leaving a nice box of local biscuits (thank you for those!), but very good at replying to any questions and helping you to get the best of your stay. I was met by her mum, who can speak English (although not as good as Roberta's), but...