Coastal view of Syracuse

Things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia, Sicily

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Alright, let’s clear this up before we dive in—yes, there’s a Syracuse in New York. No, that’s not the one we’re raving about (although we’re sure it’s lovely in its own way). We’re talking about Syracuse, the gorgeous coastal gem on the Sicilian coast of Italy! Think turquoise waters reminiscent of Greece and Turkey, seafood so delicious you’ll find yourself contemplating a fifth meal of the day, and ancient ruins that make history feel alive.

Syracuse, with its captivating historic island of Ortigia, was one of our favourite stops on our Sicily road trip. This city is like an architectural buffet, blending Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Baroque influences into one irresistible package. Whether you’re popping in for a day or lingering for a long weekend, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia to help you make the most of your time in this ancient yet vibrant city. Trust us, you’re in for a treat!

Church in Syracuse Sicily

Syracuse or Ortigia?

Let’s clear this up right away—no tough decisions needed! Ortigia is a small island connected to Syracuse, and is in fact the historical centre and oldest district of the city of Syracuse.

So when you plan your trip to Syracuse, you will automatically have the chance to see both Syracuse and Ortigia. In fact, most of the must-see highlights are tucked away in Ortigia’s gorgeous Baroque streets.

And the best part? You don’t need a car to get around since it’s just a quick 15-20 minute walk between Syracuse and Ortigia!


Is Syracuse Sicily worth visiting

Yes! Syracuse is definitely worth visiting.

After spending over 2 weeks exploring Sicily, from Taormina and Catania to Val di Noto and Syracuse, we found something uniquely special about this city.

It didn’t have the glamorous glitzy charm of Taormina, nor the raw authentic bustling culture of Catania, nor the history-soaked Baroque architecture of Val di Notto, but somehow Syracuse seemed to have the perfect blend of all these highlights.

It’s almost as if Taormina, Catania, and Ragusa were rolled into one. It isn’t too touristic like Taormina, the streets are alive like Catania, the architecture is beautiful like Ragusa, and yet it feels authentic. It might not outshine any of these places individually, but it strikes a perfect balance of all their best qualities.  


13 Things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia, Sicily

After spending four days exploring Syracuse and Ortigia, we’ve put together a list of our favorite experiences! We wanted this to be as personal and insightful as possible, so we’ve included our top dining spots, scenic viewpoints, free activities, and a few off-the-beaten-path gems. Plus, we’ve added a couple of experiences we didn’t get the chance to do—just in case they pique your interest.

1) Fontana Aretusa with a Granita at Cafe Aretusa

One of our favorite things to do in Syracuse was sipping on an Aperol Spritz and indulging in a cup of Granita while soaking in the coastal views.

Aperol spritz at cafe in Syracuse

While there are plenty of stunning spots to take in the scenery, our top pick was Fontana Aretusa. According to legend, the fountain’s waters were created when the nymph Arethusa fled from the River God Alpheus and was transformed into spring water to escape him. From Café Aretusa, you can enjoy views of the beautiful circular fountain, surrounded by lush greenery, ancient papyrus plants, and, of course, plenty of ducks. 

Aretusa Fountain in Syracuse Sicily
People nearby the Aretusa Fountain in Syracuse

2) Castello Maniace

One of the highlight features of Syracuse is the fact that there is an entire castle surrounded by water located right at the tip of Ortigia!

Castello Maniace was built in the 13th Century and was designed as a defensive structure to protect the city from sea invasions. Our favourite time to visit was during the late afternoon when we strolled along the waterfront beside the castle, soaking in the breathtaking views!  

Castello Maniace in Syracuse

Unfortunately, on the day we went there was a special event so it was closed to visitors. However, it was still 100% worth it to admire the castle from the outside. There are also several sculptures and statues displayed in the plaza in front of Castello Maniace.

standing in front of castle in Syracuse

We ended up sitting there to admire the beautiful sunset. Be sure to check the opening hours before you go so you can explore the castle’s interior as well! 

Entrance fee: 6€ for adults and 3€ for reduced

Opening times:
Monday from 8:30-13:30
Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30-16:30
Sunday: 8:30-13:30



3) Visit the Catacombs Di San Giovanni

Nan rushed into the room and exclaimed “oh my god! there are catacombs in Syracuse. We have to go see them!”.

I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy at the idea, having already explored a few catacombs—including the famous ones in Paris. But with a free afternoon and a curiosity about Syracuse’s history, we decided to give it a go.

Catacombs Di San Giovanni

The Catacombs Di San Giovanni date back to the early Christian period and were used as a burial site for Christians. The catacombs are an extensive network of underground tunnels and chambers, and interestingly, much of it has yet to be uncovered and explored. 

During the tour that costs 10€ per person, and lasts around 45 minutes. You’ll visit the church and basilica above ground, then venture into a small section of the catacombs below. While it’s fascinating, you’re only allowed to explore a limited area, and unfortunately, no photos are allowed.

Review of our Experience at Catacombs Di San Giovanni

It was interesting to see the churches and a small section of the Catacombs but felt the tour was rushed and the descriptions fairly generic and general. The explanations were quite basic, and we were hoping for more detailed insights into the history and stories behind the site rather than just a simple description of the frescoes.

We were also disappointed that no photos were allowed in the Catacombs, and when we asked why, the guide didn’t offer much of an explanation. Overall it was interesting to see but if you are short on time, we would recommend prioritizing the other activities in this list!



4) Ortigia and Syracuse Sailing Tour

Similar to Taormina, one of the best ways to see Ortigia is through a sailing tour. On this Syracuse island boat trip, you’ll get to see and enter the heart-shaped cave nearby the fortress of Castello Maniace, have the chance to go for a swim in the turquoise waters, celebrate with a glass of prosecco, all the while learning about the history of Syracuse. 

As you stroll across the Ponte Umbertino connecting Syracuse and Ortigia, you’ll likely be approached by numerous boat vendors offering tours. However, if you want to ensure you’re getting a top-rated and reliable experience, we recommend checking out this highly reviewed Ortigia boat tour.


5) Getting lost in the streets of Ortigia

One of the best ways to experience Sicily is by simply getting lost in the narrow, historic streets—browsing the shops and soaking in the excitement of stumbling upon hidden gems and historical sites.

Instead of listing all the must-see spots as separate ‘things to do,’ we suggest following this walking route. It’ll take you to most of the highlights of Ortigia, but feel free to wander off course if something catches your eye.

We kept getting sidetracked by a cute shop, a cannoli stand, a bizarre skeleton dummy driving a remote-controlled car advertising a play, and countless other quirky surprises. Skip the checklist mentality—just embrace the journey and let the unexpected take you wherever it leads!

Main stops on Walking Route in Ortigia

If you’re like me and need at least a bit of structure, you can follow our walking route for a general idea of where to go. These are the main stops on the walking route:

  • Temple of Apollo
  • Fontana di Diana
  • Piazza Duomo
  • Fonte Aretusa
  • Castello Maniace
  • to then walking along the Eastern Coastal front of Ortigia. 
Syracuse Walking route map

Guided Walking Tour Option

Or if you prefer more structure and a guide to explain the history and stories of Syracuse/Ortigia, we recommend doing this walking tour or a Private Walking Tour in Syracuse/Ortigia.


6) Ortigia Market for the best sandwich of your life

When you think of Italy, your mind probably jumps to pizzas, pastas, and tiramisus—not sandwiches, right? Well, we’re here to change that!

If you find yourself in Ortigia, don’t miss a stop at Caseificio Borderi in the Ortigia Market. This bustling market will overwhelm your senses—from the fishmongers shouting about their freshest catches to the frenzy of locals grabbing dinner ingredients.

But once you reach Caseificio Borderi, get ready for one of the best sandwiches of your life. These sandwiches are stuffed with the freshest Italian ingredients—multiple types of ham, three cheeses (including fresh mozzarella and Parmesan), tomatoes, and a pistachio pesto—before being flambéed with a blow torch.

Seriously, this sandwich might just be the best we’ve ever had.

Tip: These sandwiches are massive! We ordered one to share, and it was the perfect size for two. Also, right across from the sandwich spot is a local vendor selling freshly squeezed fruit juice. Be sure to grab one before you go—it’s the perfect refreshment to wash down that epic sandwich!


7) Food Tour in Syracuse

Ok, Italy and Sicily is definitely synonymous with amazing food, so one of the best ways to experience it is through a Food Tour! 

Syracuse is in fact known for its rich culinary traditions, particularly seafood!

Some local specialities here include Arancinis, Pasta Alla Norma, Granita, as well as seafood pastas! We have several amazing food spots listed in this guide but if you are short on time and would prefer a guided experience, check out this Syracuse Street Food Tour

You will get to try out Arancini, impanate (deep fried breaded vegetables almost like an empanada), Fried seafood cone similar to the one we found in Catania, Granita, and finishing it off with Cannoli! Your day just can’t get any better than that! 


8) Piazza Duomo for street performances

One thing that we absolutely love about most European countries is that they have beautiful central plazas where the entire city comes alive. People gather to sip espressos, indulge in gelato, and simply soak in the lively atmosphere, all while being serenaded by talented street musicians.

Ortigia is no exception. 

Make your way to Piazza Duomo, easily one of the most beautiful and energetic plazas in the city. Here, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking Baroque architecture, with grand cathedrals and historic churches setting the scene.

Piazza Duomo in Ortigia

Meanwhile, street performers bring the square to life—when we visited, a guitarist strummed soulful Italian tunes on one end, while a group of breakdancers wowed the crowd on the other. 

This is one of the best free things to do in Syracuse/Ortigia and the best time to go is in the evening.  


9) Neapolis Archeological park

Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, Sicily, is one of the most important ancient Greek and Roman sites in Italy. This vast park is home to impressive ruins, including the massive Greek Theatre, where ancient performances once took place, the eerie Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave famous for its acoustics, and the Roman Amphitheater, where gladiators once battled. 

Roman Theatre in Neapolis Archeological part in Syracuse

Having explored some incredible Roman ruins during our travels through southern Turkey, we were excited to visit the Neapolis ruins. However, after checking recent reviews, we discovered that much of the site was under construction, with some of the most impressive ruins hidden behind scaffolding. Visitors also mentioned a lack of historical descriptions and a confusing layout.

As of December 2024, reviews indicate that access is still limited due to ongoing renovations.

We ultimately decided to skip it and focus on other experiences in Syracuse. Hopefully, by the time you visit, the construction will be complete, and you’ll get to enjoy the site in all its ancient glory!

Entrance fee: 17€, Reduced at 10€
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 8:30-17:30
Sunday: 8:30-12:30


10) Explore the beaches right in Ortigia

One of the best ways to cool off in Ortigia? Hitting the beach! Well… that, or indulging in endless granita and Aperol Spritz. Your call.

What makes Ortigia’s beaches extra special is the island’s almost fairytale-like setting—think ancient fortress walls rising dramatically from the sea as you swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Along the eastern coast, you’ll find three main beaches: Spiaggia Diana nel ForteLungomare Vittorini, and Spiaggia di Cala Rossa. (By the way: Spiaggia means beach in Italian!)

Our personal favorite? Spiaggia Diana nel Forte. It’s the largest, with a convenient staircase and platform leading straight into the water, plus some of the most stunning views.

Beach in Syracuse Sicily
Spiaggia Diana Nel Forte

The best part? All of these beaches are completely free! So pack a picnic, grab a drink, and soak up the Mediterranean magic.


11) Try a The brioche con gelato

Back home in Canada, we have ice cream sandwiches—but let’s be real, they don’t even come close to the Brioche con Gelato in Syracuse. It’s simple yet delicious: a soft, pillowy brioche sliced in half and stuffed with a generous scoop of rich, creamy gelato. Pure dessert perfection!

Brioche con Gelato in Syracuse Sicily

Our favourite place to grab a Brioche Con Gelato was at Voglia Matta, which was conveniently located just two blocks away from our Hotel, Piccolo Hotel Casa Mia. What’s more is that they also have Crema Cafe (like a coffee smoothie), Cannolimini tortas (small cakes), and Babà con Gelato (the equivalent of Brioche con Gelato). We ended up stopping here countless times on our way back to our hotel! 


This post is part of our series about Italy. If you want to learn more about Italy, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:


12) Stroll along the Marina

If you’ve already checked off the classic walking route we mentioned earlier, another fantastic spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll is the Marina on the western side of Ortigia, along Foro V. Emanuele II.

What we loved most about this area is the peaceful atmosphere—fewer crowds and plenty of gorgeous boats to admire. Well… boats might not be the right word. These were massive, ultra-luxurious yachts that looked straight out of a billionaire’s vacation brochure.

When we were there, a four-story mega-yacht was slowly docking, and everyone at the Marina stopped to watch. Clearly, Sicily attracts some seriously wealthy visitors. But if you’re more like us, the best (and most budget-friendly) option is simply admiring the yachts from solid ground!


13) Our favourite meal at Oz Ortigia

And finally, with so many incredible restaurants in Syracuse and Ortigia, choosing where to eat can be overwhelming. But if you need a recommendation, let us make it easy for you—our absolute favorite was Oz Ortigia.

Tucked away on a quiet street on the southern end of Ortigia, this little gem offers a perfect mix of ambiance and flavor. We dined on the terrace, surrounded by stunning architecture, while indulging in spaghetti alla vongoleseared sesame tuna tataki, and a perfectly crafted cocktail. The cuisine is refined, the flavors are complex, and the seafood? As fresh as it gets.

We later recommended Oz Ortigia to friends visiting Syracuse, and they raved about it too—so trust us, this spot is worth a visit!


How many days do you need in Syracuse Sicily

We spent 3 nights exploring Syracuse and Ortigia and felt like it was the perfect amount of time. Other than the Castello and Catacombs, the main highlight of Ortigia is simply strolling through the beautiful narrow streets of Ortigia and enjoying their beaches. 

3-4 Day Itinerary in Syracuse/Ortigia:

  • First day exploring the archeological sites, then grab the best sandwich in Ortigia market
  • Second day doing the walking route through Ortigia and checking out the shops or alternatively doing a Syracuse Street Food Tour 
  • and the final day relaxing on the beach or going on a highly reviewed Ortigia boat tour.

Day Trip to Syracuse/Ortigia

If you are not staying in Syracuse, it is also very convenient to do a day trip from Catania. You can join this Tour from Catania of Ortigia, Neapolois, and Noto which includes some of Syracuse’s best highlights as well as adding a visit to the famous Baroque city of Noto. If you’ve seen White Lotus Season 2 which was shot in Sicily, you will already know just how beautiful Noto and Taormina are. 


Should you visit Syracuse or Taormina

We’ve seen this question pop up countless times in Sicily travel forums, so we wanted to share our take. Having spent a solid 3–4 days in both Taormina and Syracuse, we personally preferred Taormina.

Taormina

Taormina was magical—vibrant architecture, stunning ceramics, the crystal-clear waters of Isola Bella, and breathtaking views of Mount Etna. The whole place has an effortlessly glamorous feel. Yes, it’s touristy, and some people call it a “Sicilian Disneyland”, but honestly? We loved every second of it

Our biggest tip: don’t just visit on a day trip. The cruise ship crowds can be overwhelming, so stay at least 3–4 days to fully soak in its charm.

Syracuse/Ortigia

Syracuse, on the other hand, is a beautiful and historically rich city with stunning architecture, fantastic food, and lovely beaches. However, for us, none of these elements outshone Taormina’s wow factor. That said, Syracuse is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed, local experience, away from the glitz and crowds of Taormina.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on what kind of experience you’re after—glamorous and picturesque, or laid-back and authentic. Either way, you really can’t go wrong!


How to get to Syracuse and Ortigia

It is very easy to reach Syracuse/Ortigia from Catania or Catania Airport.

There are direct buses connected both Catania Centrale and Catania Airport to Syracuse Bus Terminal. The ride takes around 1 hour and costs only about 7€ with Interbus. They have very frequent departures and we recommend purchasing the tickets online in advance to make sure you catch the bus that you want.

We booked through Omio throughout our trip in Sicily and always had positive experiences. 

bus in italy

Alternatively, if you are coming from the Val Di Notto region, there are also frequent buses and trains available. For example, from Noto, it takes around 30 minutes by bus and costs only 4€


Where to stay in Syracuse Sicily

When deciding where to stay in Syracuse, you have two main options: the city of Syracuse itself or the charming island of Ortigia.

Syracuse offers a more modern vibe, while Ortigia is steeped in history. No matter where you choose, you’ll be just a 15-minute walk between the two.

During our stay, we chose Piccolo Hotel Casa Mia in Syracuse, a convenient 5-minute walk from the bridge that connects to Ortigia. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our top accommodation picks to help you find the perfect place for your stay in Syracuse.

Hotel

Features

Price

  • Simple but comfortable rooms

  • Affordable and close to Ortigia

$

  • Located in the heart of Ortigia

  • Rooftop terrace and bar

  • Continental Breakfast

$$

  • Located right next to Harbour

  • Has Private parking

  • Luxurious neoclassical and Baroque architectural styles

$$$


Where to Go After Syracuse/Ortigia

After Syracuse, you can either head East to visit Taormina and Catania, or head West to go to Notto and Ragusa. It is also possible to rent a car and do the entire Sicilian roadtrip including the North, going through Cefalu, Palermo, Agrigento, and more!

We didn’t have the time on our visit to Sicily to do the entire island and instead focused on the South Central and South Eastern parts. We will share our full itinerary shortly! 


Using WISE card in Italy

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

Wise card

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.


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Summary: Things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia, Sicily

For us, Syracuse offered the perfect mix of authentic culture, fresh and delicious seafood, beautiful beaches, all without being overly touristy. It’s an ideal stop after exploring Catania or the Val di Noto region, and it should absolutely be part of your itinerary. We hope this list of 13 things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia will inspire you to add this gem to your Sicilian road trip!


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