The 6 things to do in Syracuse

Visit Syracuse: what are the best things to do and see on that small town on the east coast of Sicily?

A small town of about 123,000 inhabitants located in the southeast of Sicily, 66 kilometres from Catania, Syracuse is an open-air archaeological museum that must be visited during a road trip to Sicily. Ancient city founded by the Greek colonists of Corinth in the 8th century before our era, it is mainly for its historic centre, built on an island all dressed in marble: the island of Ortygia – Ortigia Italian.

Syracuse, the hometown of the famous scientist Archimedes, was one of the richest cities of Western ancient Greece. Cicero will say, before the Roman occupation, that it is the most beautiful of Greek cities. First Greek, then Roman, it becomes Byzantine, Muslim, Norman, Aragonese, Baroque and finally Italian.

Syracuse is a small town whose centre has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. A major tourist site, which focuses many things to see and do to visit Sicily, of which here is our modest selection.

1. Ortygie Island, the historic centre of Syracuse

Separated from Sicily Island by the small Strait called Darsena This is where the Greeks settled in the 8th century before our era, and this is the historic heart of the city of Syracuse. There you will find remains of the temple of Apollo at the entrance of the island, the fountain Arétusa, the Piazza del Duomo, built around a temple. It makes a good walk in the maze of alleys of the old city centre – from which one would believe in an Ecusson of Montpellier version southerly – where the style of the Spanish era remains pregnant. Go there especially in the morning before 9 o’clock, before the tourist affluence to discover the city when it is still asleep.

And then open the small cafes, bars, restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops. The daily market of Syracuse stands there, an ideal place to discover Sicilian cheese and charcuterie. Finish with a visit Castello Maniace (2 €) with beautiful views of the sea. Have a good half day to visit Ortygie.

2. The catacombs of San Giovanni

Not far from the archaeological park of Paolo Orsi, are the chiesa di San Giovanni alle Catacombe the catacombs of San Giovanni. From Greek origin, these catacombs are a vast underground necropolis. This activity is little known to tourists, so we meet less people than in other sites caught to visit Syracuse.

3. Neapolis Archaeological Park

Located north of the modern city of Syracuse – viale Paradiso -, the archaeological park of Neapolis allows to relive the Gallo-Roman antiquity by walking on the Roman amphitheatre – where the gladiator battles were held -, a former Greek theater of 20,000 places, the altar of Hiéron II, a temple dedicated to Zeus, the ear of Denys, where the tyrant Denys would have listened to the conversations of his prisoners.

Similarly, favoring morning visits, especially in the summer because it is very hot and the tourist affluence is very important.

4. The archaeological museum Paolo Orsi

For those who love the historical vestiges of the Roman Empire, this other archaeological park should seduce: the museum houses a collection of statues, sculptures, ceramics from the Sicilian Prehistory to Greek colonization. But we also have access to maps, diagrams and models. It is one of the largest archaeological museums in Europe!

5. The beaches near Syracuse

How to visit Syracuse without making its splendid beaches? What to do in Syracuse when we've already beaten every corner of the city? Go swimming, obviously! Five or six beaches, two of which are really worth a visit south of the city.

Attention, the north is polluted and industrial, especially in Augusta, close to oil refineries at which we will not want to swim. Go south of Syracuse instead, in Ognina – small coves, our favorite "spot" -, Fontane Bianche, Avola, Vendicari, or Calamosche. You'll moan in turquoise and crystalline waters.

6. A boat ride

To enjoy the island, its beaches and crystal clear waters, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat in Syracuse will allow you to explore the beauty of the coastline. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Syracuse!

7. Riserva Naturale Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile

One hour from Syracuse by car, lies the gorges of the Cassibile River, one of Sicily's natural gems. You park on the top of the mountain and there is an easy descent on the side of the mountain to natural swimming pools. In 2014, a major fire ravages vegetation and access stairs, following which the hike is closed to the public.

When we passed in the summer of 2018, we had to climb a row to start the descent – and wait for it, the affluence was important. A splendid view of the canyon reveals itself, an ideal place to picnic in the middle of nature, but which is very frequented. During our passage, the water was really cold, which changes the beaches!

How to get to Syracuse?

The ideal for visiting Syracuse is to arrive at the airport Catania . If you rent a car, you will need 1 hour by taking the road via E45 and SS114 to get to Syracuse. You also have a bus from Catania (€5.70 per single ticket), which leaves every hour from Monday to Saturday (only 6 departures on Sunday).

Finally, there is the solution of the train, which is not recommended because it is very slow (2h of journey to 1h15 for the bus, and 6€ the single ticket). To find cheap flights to Catania, you can visit our partner's website Ulysses .

If you want to visit Sicily as a whole during the same stay, you should come with your own car or rent one on site. You can compare car rental prices in Sicily on the site Rentalcars .

You can also get to Palermo or Catania by ferry. It takes about 10 hours from France to get to Sicily by boat, which will allow you to move on the island freely with your own car. Ferries depart from France and other ports of Italy. You can book your ferry online for Sicily on the site DirectFerries .

Where to sleep in Syracuse?

You will have understood it, the old center of Syracuse, on the island of Ortygie is much more authentic and more enjoyable to live than the city of Syracuse. Choose accommodation in this neighborhood, prices are not higher than in the rest of the city. If you’re in a car, there’s the Talete parking lot at the entrance to Ortygie which is not expensive. You can find a cheap hotel in Syracuse by looking for this Compare hotels .

Do not hesitate to enjoy yourself by renting a village or country house in the vicinity of Syracuse, as you can find it on Airbnb .