Syracuse travel guide – Best things to do in Ortigia and Syracuse

Known as the historical heart of Syracuse, the dreamy Island of Ortigia is the perfect destination for a southern Italian adventure! It offers a mix of natural beauty, great food, ancient history, enchanting architecture, golden sunsets, vibrant markets, and passionate people.

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Ortigia became my favourite destination on a month-long, off-season trip to soak in some Sicilian sunshine while much of North America was still frosty. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best things to do in Ortigia and Syracuse, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

What and where is Syracuse, and why visit?

Syracuse is the fourth largest city in Sicily. Perched on the rocky southeast coast of Sicily it overlooks the Mediterranean towards Malta and North Africa.

It is a city with a complex history weaving Greek, Roman, Norman, Spanish, and Arabic rulers. Syracuse holds on to the remnants of all of these cultures in the local cuisine, architecture, and Sicilian language.

Some say that the best Greek ruins are not in Greece but in Sicily! Syracuse was a major settlement of Magna Graecia and is home to many Greek historical treasures.

Some also say that Italy’s best food is found in Sicily! Not to ruffle the feathers of proud northern Italian foodies, it is undeniable that the food I ate in Ortigia was fresh, delicious, and served with enthusiasm!

Are Ortigia and Siracusa the same?

During your travel research, you may have heard of Syracuse, Italy used interchangeably with Ortigia and wondered if there is a difference between the two. The answer is yes!

Ortigia is the golden-hued historic old city of Syracuse. It is a unique, small island connected to the mainland city by 2 short bridges.

Isola di Ortigia, also known as Città Vecchia (Old City), is just one kilometre long and six hundred meters wide making it incredibly walkable. Wherever you wander on the island, you are never far from stunning sights and the glittering Mediterranean.

Fun Fact: Ortigia was once the home of a young and beautiful Greek nymph named Arethusa. The story goes that when a River God fell in love and passionately pursued her, she pleaded with the Goddess Artemis for protection. Artemis transformed her into an underground spring that flows into the idyllic Fountain of Arethusa, providing both sweet water to the city and the perfect place to watch the sunset!

Where to Stay in Ortigia Sicily

Stay on the island of Ortigia to immerse yourself in history, be surrounded by tiny charming streets full of Baroque architecture, and get away from the traffic. If, however, you travel by car, the city of Syracuse is your best bet.

I opted for a place on the island and have no regrets, I loved the calm, chill vibe. I’m an early riser and was delighted in a view looking east to watch glorious sunrises.  

16 Best things to do in Ortigia, Syracuse

Inspired by the many novels set in Italy on my bookshelf, I discovered that Ortigia and Syracuse offer a little taste of everything that makes Bella Italia a soul-filling country to visit; from stunning landscapes to charming architecture and warm people.

In my opinion, these are the best things to do in Ortigia and Syracuse you should not miss out on!

Walk with a local. 

This History and Architecture Walking tour is a fantastic and authentic way to orient yourself to all that Ortigia has to offer.

The tour strolls through the old city covering key sites including the Cathedral or Duomo, the ancient temple of Athena, and the Fountain of Arethusa. Learn fascinating facts about its history including the connection with Archimedes, the famous mathematician and inventor.

Fun fact: Ortigia proudly celebrates Archimedes and his discovery of pi. Look for pi symbols throughout the city – on statues, tiled walls, and in souvenir shops!

Visit the bustling Mercato di Ortigia. 

A feast for all your senses, the Ortigia Street Market is a fantastic morning out, every day except Sundays. You’ll hear the market before you see it as vendors characteristically shout out daily specials and promote their offerings.

I loved the colourful fruit and vegetable stands, the freshest of seafood, and tables of olives, dried fruit, and spices.

Be sure to pick up some snacks including local pistachios (yummy), almonds, and sun-dried tomatoes. 

Venture out by boat and explore the sea caves. 

A boat trip around Ortigia Island and into the local sea caves is a popular activity. Tours depart from the marina and offer a fresh perspective of Ortigia from the water.

Depending on the time of year, you might choose to add an opportunity to snorkel from the boat.

Sunset experience by boat.  

With a glass of prosecco in hand, savor delicious local foods while enjoying the sunset from the deck of a boat. Sunset cruises circle the island, often stopping for a swim in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Soak in the sun on the beaches in Ortigia. 

Spiaggia di Cala Rossa is a pebbled beach with a lovely place to dip in the sea. It is the Ortigia beach, best in the mornings, but can get crowded. Alternately, check out Forte Vigliena for a place on the rocks.

During the summer months, the city erects sunbathing decks – the Solarium Forte Vigliena is free, while the Solarium Ortigia Nettuno and the Zefiro Solarium & Lounge Bar require payment to use the sun loungers.

Shop along and venture off Via Cavour for local arts and crafts. 

Beautiful handbound journals, ceramics, jewelry, and leather goods can be found in sweet, artsy shops amongst the standard, cheap souvenir stands. If you need time to consider your options, ponder your choices over a sweet gelato or refreshing granita! 

Get lost among the warren of streets. 

A meander through the Old City unveils charming urban gardens, Baroque architecture, quirky laneways, and tucked-away tables to sip a great coffee or refreshing cocktail.

On an island less than 0.4 square miles (1 km2), getting completely lost is impossible – listen for the sounds of the water as the ocean is never far away. 

Stoll along Lungomare Alfeo

On the western side of the walk along the seawall is a wonderful place for a stroll any time of the day.

After 6 pm on a sunny summer evening, however, it becomes lined with tables and chairs welcoming visitors for an aperitivo with a front-row view of the setting sun. Find a seat and watch the sunset with an Aperitivo Ortigia style.

Check out the historical sites on the Island. 

Ortigia is filled with history and visiting some of these iconic landmarks is a must. Don’t miss out on:

• Cathedral of Syracuse (Cattedrale di Santa Maria delle Colonne) is a stunning example of Baroque architecture that stands on the site of an ancient Greek Temple dedicated to Athena. Built by integrating the original temple’s Doric columns into its structure, the cathedral reflects the island’s diverse historical influences. It has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, making it a remarkable testament to the region’s rich ecclesiastical and cultural history.
• Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia is renowned for its collection of artworks by the famed Baroque painter Caravaggio. Dedicated to Saint Lucy, the patron saint of Syracuse, the church features elegant Baroque design elements. Its serene interior offers a striking contrast to the intense drama of Caravaggio’s paintings, creating a unique spiritual and artistic experience.
• Palazzo Borgia del Casale exemplifies the opulence of 18th-century Sicilian nobility and showcases the wealth and style of the period’s aristocrats. This grand palazzo is adorned with richly decorated interiors and an impressive façade, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the era.
• The Temple of Apollo is one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily, dating back to the 6th century BC. Its ruins provide valuable insights into the ancient Greek religious practices and architectural sophistication of the time. It is centrally located and is easily accessible.
• Maniace Citadel and Castle is a fortress with strategic historical importance situated at the southern tip of the island. Built in the 13th century, it served as a defensive stronghold through numerous battles. The citadel not only offers rich historical value but also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor.

People watch at Piazza Duomo

Ortigia is charming during the day but magical at night! A highlight of my stay was people-watching in the evening at Piazza Duomo. Grab a seat on the cathedral steps, listen to the street musicians, and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city.

Day trip to Avola Beach. 

Make a day of the sun and surf, by going to the large public beach in Avola. This is a great option if you want to explore beaches near Syracuse.

It is a 30-minute drive from Ortigia but you can also get there by bus in 40 minutes or by train in 25 minutes – both from Syracuse station.

Enjoy Sicilian street food

Since Sicily is known for its amazing street food, take a Street Food Walking Tour or Vegan Street Food Tour to be led through a fun and tasty journey! Tours typically last about three hours and will introduce you to the street food from ancient Greek colonies including arancini (fried rice balls), impanate (stuffed pizza), fresh caught fried fish, and the inevitable Sicilian granita or cannolo in one of the city’s most popular places.

Foodies will love this Food and Culture Tour and this Traditional Cooking Class. Both include a visit to the vibrant street market. There is nothing like food to connect with a place and its culture! 

Go back in time at the Neapolis Archaeological Park. 

The park is large, so get the most out of your visit by booking a small group tour. You’ll see an incredible 5th century BC Greek Theatre, a Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysus, a unique limestone cave recently spotlighted in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny movie. 

Do a day trip

If you are looking further afield, a day trip to see Baroque cities of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica is highly recommended. This tour lasts 8 hours and includes transport only, allowing you to explore and meander through each of the cities. 

Hike Mt. Etna

A trip to the south of Sicily is not complete without a trip up Mount Etna. A full-day excursion from Syracuse will have you exploring the incredible geology of the tallest volcano in Europe including a picnic lunch (or winery visit). Be transported to this unique and culturally significant wonder.

Hike the path to Elephant Rock. 

The Magdalen Pathway is a cycling or walking path along the coast of Syracuse. From Ortigia, you begin the 10km pathway in Punta della Mola. The easy-to-follow trail leads you along the stunning, rocky cliffs with jaw-dropping views.

Elephant Rock is a limestone rock with a rocky ledge that descends into the sea, forming an arch, named for its resemblance to the head of an elephant. Stunning in the crystal clear, emerald water!

How many days in Syracuse?

Three or four days is the perfect amount of time to visit Syracuse. You can even extend your stay and make Ortigia a home base to explore the surrounding area.

I spent a week in Ortigia, including exploring the bigger city of Syracuse and a day trip to nearby Noto. I left feeling like I could easily return for more (and hope to!).

Like many cities in Italy, a day or two in Syracuse will leave you feeling rushed. Exploring the nooks and crannies of the ancient Island of Ortigia gets better with time. Plan to see the city in the evenings when all the day trippers have left, and slowly find yourself becoming familiar with the maze of streets and alleys.

Getting to Ortigia and Syracuse

By air: There is no airport in Syracuse. The closest airport is Catania (CTA). Catania airport to Ortigia is about 60 km (37 miles) away and 50 minutes by car or just over an hour by train or bus. 

Rental Car: If you are renting a car to explore Sicily, take note that there is very limited parking in Ortigia. Ensure your accommodation has reserved parking or consider NOT having a car. It is such a walkable area, rent your car before or after this stop to save a parking headache.

By bus: This is an inexpensive option for getting to Ortigia from Catania in just over an hour. The bus stops in downtown Syracuse which is a 20-minute walk to Ortigia Island or a quick Uber ride. Check out timetables with FlixBus. 

By train: Syracuse and Ortigia can easily be visited by train from Catania. From Catania Centrale, reach Siracusa train station in a little over an hour. Check timetables and prices at www.trenitalia.com. The train station and bus station are side by side, requiring you to walk into Ortigia or order an Uber for the 8-minute transfer.

Getting around Ortigia and Syracuse

As mentioned, Ortigia is a wonderfully walkable island. It is discouraged to bring a rental car on the island as parking is at a premium.

Off Ortigia Island, there are four electric bus routes that crisscross Syracusa making getting to nearby sites a breeze without a car. Uber is also available.

Where to Eat and Drink in Ortigia

It’s hard to go wrong in any Sicilian restaurant where the food is fresh and the chef is passionate. If you’re wondering where the best restaurants in Syracuse Sicily are, you don’t have to go off the island of Ortigia for spectacular food.   Block off main street…..

Apollonion Osteria Da Carlo | A multi-course seafood extravaganza
Since 2005, this elegant restaurant has offered a Catch of the Day Tasting Menu. It is truly a gourmet experience where you place your trust in the chef and savor course upon course of creative, delicious seafood dishes. Almost hidden away in a twisty alleyway, flickering with candlelight, the restaurant is truly romantic.

Pizzeria Schiticchio | Pizza Heaven
The funky cave-like setting offers a host of Sicilian foods, but pizza is their specialty – and it is divine. The place has a young vibe and the pizza menu is creative. 

Caseifcio Bordieri | Italy’s Highest-rated Panino
During a trip to the Ortigia market, don’t miss the incredible and famous Panino at Caseifcio Bordieri. From a menu of delectable sandwich options, the paninos and charcuterie boards are incredible. The food is so good that if there is a line-up, remember it is well worth the wait! The artichoke panino was undoubtedly the best lunch I had in all of Sicily!

Best time to Visit Ortigia, Syracuse

Improve the chance of lovely weather for your visit to Ortigia and Syracuse by visiting in the spring (April-June) and October. Many Sicilian festivals happen in the spring which increase the crowds but amplify the cultural experience!

July, August and September are typically hot and crowded. If beaches are your thing, you may have to squeeze in among locals, fellow tourists and, in August, visiting Italians.

In the off-season (November through March), all of Sicily can be a little rainier and cooler, ranging between 53-64 degrees (12-18C). The benefit of winter travel is fewer tourists! All the sights will be open and most restaurants will be serving food because this vibrant city doesn’t close up like some small towns. Don’t come in the off-season if you’re after beach weather, however, even during my visit in March there were sunbathers and a few brave souls swimming!

Are Ortigia and Syracuse worth visiting?

Ortigia is often the highlight of journeys beyond more well-known Italian destinations and is unequivocally worth a visit!

With its laid-back atmosphere, rich history, delectable food, and breathtaking scenery, it’s a destination most worthy of a place on your travel vision board. Whether you’re drawn by its captivating past or simply looking to soak in the beauty, Ortigia offers a slice of Sicilian paradise that promises to enchant and inspire.