A Local's Guide: Things to Do in Syracuse & Ortigia Sicily

Syracuse Ortigia

Having explored many corners of Italy, I can confidently say that Syracuse and its historic heart, Ortigia, are among the most captivating destinations in the country. Surrounded by the shimmering Mediterranean, this corner of Sicily blends layers of ancient Greek heritage with a timeless coastal charm that feels both elegant and deeply authentic.

From remarkable archaeological treasures and sun-drenched piazzas to bustling local markets and crystal-clear seaside views, Syracuse and Ortigia offer an unforgettable Italian experience—rich in history, atmosphere, and character.

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Practical Information

Location

Siracusa is a city on the southeastern coast of Sicily, built around one of the most extraordinary pieces of land in the Mediterranean: Ortigia, a small island connected to the mainland by two short bridges. 

Transportation & Exploration

✈️ By Plane: The closest airport is Catania (Fontanarossa Airport), about 60km north of Siracusa. It connects to major Italian cities and many European destinations. From Catania, you can reach Siracusa by train or car in under an hour.

👉 You can book your plane ticket here🔗

🚗 By Car: Renting a car is a great way to reach Siracusa and explore the surrounding area — the Val di Noto, the beaches of the Ionian coast, and the nature reserve at Vendicari are all within easy reach. That said, once you're in Ortigia, leave the car behind. The island is tiny, the streets are narrow, and everything worth seeing is walkable.

👉 You can book your car on Booking🔗

⚠️ Parking can be tricky, here’s what you need to know:

• White stripes: Free parking, but check for time limits—these are always indicated on nearby signs.
• Blue stripes: Paid parking. Display your ticket clearly on the windshield, and watch for any time restrictions.
• Yellow stripes: Reserved for people with disabilities, police, or other special uses—avoid parking here.
• Blue + yellow stripes: Reserved for residents. Unless you have a special permit from your hotel, you cannot park here. In many coastal towns, these spaces—and sometimes even other areas—are often reserved exclusively for residents, so be especially careful.

🚆 By Train & Bus: Trenitalia connects Siracusa to Catania and Palermo. It's affordable and reliable for the Catania–Siracusa route specifically — one of the better train connections in Sicily. 

⚠️ While trains and buses do exist, getting around with them can be challenging. They’re slow and prone to delays.

 🚶‍♂️ On Foot: Ortigia is made for walking. Almost everything — the Duomo, the Fonte Aretusa, the fish market, the seafront — is within a 15-minute walk. Pack comfortable shoes and plan to get pleasantly lost.

Weather

Siracusa is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with a classic Sicilian Mediterranean climate:

☀️ Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, 28°C–36°C. Perfect for the beaches nearby, but the city itself can feel intense at midday — follow the locals and take a long lunch break.

🍂 Autumn (September to November): Warm and pleasant, 18°C–28°C. The sea stays swimmable well into October. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and golden light on the Baroque stonework.

❄️ Winter (December to February): Mild, 10°C–16°C. Siracusa in winter is quiet and atmospheric — a completely different experience from summer, and underrated.

🌸 Spring (March to May): Lovely, 15°C–25°C, with wildflowers along the coast and ideal conditions for sightseeing without the crowds.

👉 Personally, I'm a summer person — I love the energy, the crowds, the chaos of July and August. But if I had to pick the ideal time to visit? September. The sea is still warm, the light is golden, and the city breathes again. You get all the beauty of summer with half the people.

Accommodation

Ortigia is the obvious place to base yourself — staying on the island means you're steps from everything, and the atmosphere in the evenings, once the day-trippers leave, is magical. Options range from boutique hotels in restored Baroque palazzos to small family-run B&Bs.

If you prefer more space or a lower price point, the modern mainland part of Siracusa has plenty of options with easy access to Ortigia on foot or by bike.

• Luxury: Dimore delle Zagare 🅱️ Booking 🔗 🆃 Trip 🔗🦉 Tripadvisor 🔗
• Mid-range: Sciala Ortigia B&B 🅱️ Booking 🔗 🦉 Tripadvisor 🔗
• Budget: B&B Nike 🅱️ Booking 🔗 🆃 Trip 🔗🦉 Tripadvisor 🔗
  

👉 How long to spend here? Plan at least 2 full days — one for the Archaeological Park, one for Ortigia. If you can, stay overnight: the island transforms at dusk when the day-trippers leave and the locals take over.

Archaeological Park of Neapolis

The first stop is the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, one of the most impressive ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Here you'll find the Greek Theatre, still used for performances today, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the enigmatic Ear of Dionysius — a cave with extraordinary acoustics and a legend to match.

👉 Book a guided tour of the Archaeological Park here🔗 to get the most out of the site

🕐 The park is open every day, including public holidays — 08:30 to 18:00/19:30 (depending on the season). The ticket office closes one hour before the park.

💸 Tickets:

• Full price: €14,00
• Reduced (EU citizens aged 18–25): €7,00
• Free for children under 18

Crossing to Ortigia

Cross the bridge and you're in Ortigia — the historic island heart of Syracuse, a UNESCO-listed old town packed with character. Allow a full day to wander without a fixed itinerary. The highlights are:

• Piazza Duomo🔗— A breathtaking baroque square built around a cathedral that was originally a Greek temple. One of the most beautiful piazzas in all of Sicily.
• Fountain of Arethusa🔗— A freshwater spring right on the seafront, surrounded by papyrus plants and tied to an ancient Greek myth. Small but magical. 
• Seafront Promenade🔗— Stroll here at sunset. The light on the Ionian Sea is something you won't forget. 
• Ortigia Market🔗— A vibrant daily market with fresh produce, spices, and Sicilian specialties. Go in the morning for the full experience. 

✨ While you're here, don't miss Caseificio Borderi🔗 a tiny cheese shop where I had some of the best sandwiches of my life. Seriously, don't skip it.

Explore by Boat

Syracuse is even more spectacular from the water. Sea caves, hidden coves, dramatic coastline — a boat tour is one of the best things you can do here. Two great options:

• Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Boat Tour🔗
• Syracuse: Boat Tour with Captain Mirko, Snorkeling & Caves🔗

🍽️ Where to Eat

Ortigia has some genuinely excellent restaurants — fresh seafood, views over the water, that unmistakable Sicilian atmosphere. For an unforgettable dinner, La Tavernetta Uno da Simone 🔗 is a brilliant choice — the kind of place where the evening stretches long and the wine keeps flowing.

👉 Ready to explore Sicily beyond Syracuse? Check out the full 2-week Sicily itinerary 🔗 for everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip across the island.

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