Syracuse and Ortigia travel tips
Syracuse (Siracusa) is one of the most historically significant cities in the Mediterranean — once a powerful Greek colony and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its old town, **Ortigia Island**, is a maze of baroque streets, sea views, and ancient ruins that capture Sicily’s timeless charm.
- Visit Sicily
- 3 min read
Syracuse and Ortigia Travel Tips
🏛️ Overview
Located on Sicily’s southeastern coast, Syracuse was founded by Greek settlers from Corinth in 734 BCE and became one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Today, it’s a city where archaeological wonders meet seaside beauty, divided into two main parts:
- Ortigia Island (Centro Storico): the historic heart, full of winding alleys, cafes, and churches.
- Mainland Syracuse: home to archaeological parks and modern amenities.
🏺 Top Attractions in Syracuse
1. Neapolis Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico della Neapolis)
One of Sicily’s most important ancient sites, featuring:
- Greek Theatre: still used for summer performances.
- Roman Amphitheatre: remnants of the later imperial period.
- Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio): a tall limestone cave famous for its incredible acoustics.
2. Ortigia Island (Isola di Ortigia)
A compact, walkable island packed with baroque architecture and sea views.
- Piazza Duomo: home to the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse (Duomo di Siracusa), built over a Greek temple to Athena.
- Fountain of Arethusa: a freshwater spring steeped in Greek mythology.
- Temple of Apollo: one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily.
- Castello Maniace: a 13th-century fortress guarding the island’s tip.
3. Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi
Houses one of Italy’s richest collections of Greek and Roman artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and early Christian relics.
🌅 Best Things to Do
- Stroll along the Ortigia seafront promenade at sunset for breathtaking views.
- Explore local markets (especially Ortigia Market) — full of Sicilian produce, cheese, and seafood.
- Dine al fresco at one of Ortigia’s seaside restaurants — try pasta con le sarde or fresh swordfish.
- Take a boat tour around the island for views of ancient fortifications from the water.
- Visit during spring or autumn to avoid crowds and enjoy mild weather.
🚗 Getting There and Around
- Syracuse is 60 km south of Catania — easily reached by train or car (1 hour).
- Ortigia is pedestrian-only, so park in designated car parks on the mainland (e.g., Molo Sant’Antonio).
- The city is compact enough to explore entirely on foot or by bike.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Ortigia: for romantic stays with sea views and atmosphere.
- Mainland Syracuse: better for parking and budget hotels.
💡 Local Tips
- Visit early morning to photograph Ortigia’s streets before crowds.
- Many restaurants close for siesta (2–6 pm), so plan meals accordingly.
- Pack comfortable shoes — Ortigia’s cobbled alleys can be uneven.
- Don’t miss Greek theatre performances (May–July) organized by the INDA foundation.
🧭 Summary
Syracuse and Ortigia combine ancient Greek grandeur, baroque elegance, and Mediterranean soul. Whether you’re exploring archaeological ruins, savoring seafood by the sea, or watching the sunset over limestone domes, Syracuse offers a deeply immersive Sicilian experience — serene, historic, and unforgettable.