5 Days in Siracusa: History, Beaches & Gelato

Discover ancient charm and modern elegance in Siracusa, Italy.

22 April 2023

A trip to Siracusa, Italy as a tourist offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of this ancient city. Visitors can explore fascinating archaeological sites such as the Greek Theater and the Neapolis Archaeological Park, as well as admire beautiful Baroque architecture in the heart of the city. The stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of Ortigia Island also provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing Mediterranean vacation.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Ancient City

  • Check into Hotel Algila Ortigia Charme in Ortygia, the heart of Siracusa, and take a stroll through its narrow alleys.
  • Visit the Temple of Apollo, an impressive ruin dating back to the 6th century BC.
  • Head to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with excellent acoustics.
  • Admire the Baroque architecture of the Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral and the Fountain of Arethusa.
  • Have dinner at Oinos, a cozy wine bar, and try some local specialties like arancini and swordfish.
Day 2

Beaches and Local Culture

  • Take a bus or a train to Fontane Bianche, a popular beach 15 km south of Siracusa, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
  • Visit the Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, with a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Sicily.
  • Discover the traditional market of Ortygia, with its colorful stalls selling fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables.
  • Attend a performance at the Teatro Greco, a semi-circular ancient theater that hosts concerts and plays in the summer.
  • Taste some gelato at Gelateria Old Bridge, one of the best in Sicily.
Day 3

A Trip to Noto

  • Rent a car or take a bus to Noto, a charming Baroque town 30 km south of Siracusa, and wander around its palaces and churches.
  • Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, the Palazzo Ducezio, and the Church of Santa Chiara.
  • Taste some pastries at Caffè Sicilia, a legendary patisserie that reinvents traditional recipes.
  • Drive to the nearby Vendicari Natural Reserve, a paradise for birdwatchers and beach lovers, and have a picnic.
  • Return to Siracusa and enjoy a seafood dinner at Il Consiglio di Sicilia, overlooking the harbor.
Day 4

Ortygia by Day and Night

  • Start the day with a cappuccino at Caffè del Duomo, a historic café with a view of the Cathedral.
  • Walk along the Lungomare di Levante, a scenic promenade that encircles Ortygia, and have a swim off the rocks.
  • Visit the Jewish Baths, the Bellomo Palace, and the Maniace Castle, all within walking distance.
  • Watch the sunset from the terrace of Antico Mercato, a trendy bar that serves cocktails and aperitifs.
  • Have dinner at Don Camillo, a small restaurant with a seasonal menu that includes fish from the nearby fish market.
Day 5

Wine and Oil Tasting

  • Join a wine tour to the countryside around Siracusa, where some of the best wines in Italy are produced.
  • Visit a local olive mill and taste some olive oil, a staple of Sicilian cuisine.
  • Have lunch at Caseificio Borderi, a deli that serves gourmet sandwiches with cheese and cold cuts.
  • Visit the Catacombs of San Giovanni, an underground cemetery dating back to the early Christian era.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Dioniso Wine Bar, a cozy spot that offers a wide selection of wines from all over Italy.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Siracusa by plane is to fly to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and then take a train to Siracusa. The airport is located approximately an hour away from Siracusa by car, and there are regular train connections between the airport and the city. The journey by plane takes approximately 2 hours from Rome, and the airport is serviced by several major airlines such as Alitalia and Ryanair.

Car

The best way to get to Siracusa by car is to drive from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport. The journey takes approximately an hour and passes through scenic Italian countryside. Car rental is available at the airport, and the drive is relatively easy, but parking in Siracusa can be challenging. However, having a car allows for greater flexibility to explore the surrounding areas.

Train

The best way to get to Siracusa by train is to take a train from Naples or Rome to Siracusa train station. There are multiple daily trains from both cities, and the journey takes approximately 8-10 hours. Siracusa train station is located in the center of the city, making it easy to access accommodation and other tourist attractions. The train journey offers scenic views of the Italian countryside, and trains are comfortable and reliable.

Boat

The best way to get to Siracusa by boat is to take a ferry from Malta. Ferries depart from Valetta and the journey takes approximately 3 hours. The ferry arrives at the Port of Siracusa, which is located near the city center. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and is a great way to experience the beauty of the region by sea.

Bus

The best way to get to Siracusa by bus is to take a bus from Catania. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and there are multiple daily departures. The bus terminus in Siracusa is located near the center of the city. Buses are affordable, reliable and comfortable. A bus ride through the Italian countryside is a great way to take in the scenic beauty of the region.

Destination

Siracusa

If you hear Siracusa and immediately think of a type of pasta, you're not alone. But fear not, this charming city has much more to offer than just a tasty name.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Sicilian Delights: A Family-Friendly Adventure in Siracusa

Siracusa, Italy is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Explore ancient Greek ruins in the Archaeological Park, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Ortigia Island, and indulge in delicious Sicilian cuisine for a memorable vacation that the whole family will love.

Discover Siracusa: History, Food, and Mediterranean Delights

A family friendly trip to Siracusa, Italy offers endless opportunities for both fun and learning. Explore the fascinating archaeological site of the ancient city of Syracuse, where kids can marvel at well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins. Visit the stunning Ortigia Island, known for its vibrant markets, charming streets, and beautiful squares, perfect for a leisurely stroll with the family. Lastly, don't miss out on the opportunity to soak up the sun at the nearby sandy beaches, where children can enjoy playing in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Savoring Siracusa: The Ultimate 2-Day Adventure

Visiting Siracusa, Italy on a limited budget can still be a rich cultural experience. Take a walk through the ancient ruins of the city's historic center, Ortigia, to soak in its architecture and history. Spend the evenings indulging in the local seafood and wine offerings while enjoying the stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Sizzling Siracusa: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Explore the ancient ruins of the Greek and Roman civilizations in Siracusa, Italy on a limited budget. Visit the archaeological park of Neapolis, the Greek theater, and the Roman amphitheater for an insight into the town's old ruins. Stroll through the charming island of Ortygia for exquisite food, cobblestone streets, and a charming atmosphere.