If there was one place that utterly blew me away during my time in Italy, it was Syracuse. It’s on Sicily’s southeast coast, but Italians call it Siracusa. It has this amazing combination of old ruins, sun-kissed streets, and laid-back seaside atmosphere. It’s one of those places that simply combines history with that relaxed Mediterranean vibe—and honestly, it completely stole my heart.
If you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply want to relax on the beach, then Syracuse is the place for you. Here is the lowdown on the hippest things to do in Syracuse from my fantastic trip to this gem of a town.
1. Wander Through Ortigia Island
Let’s start with the coup de grâce: Ortigia. This small island is the historic center of Syracuse, and I must admit I think it’s the true star of the show.
Walking across that small bridge to Ortigia was like entering a completely different world. Those cobblestone streets wind around those ornate Baroque buildings, adorable squares, and waterfront promenades that just make you want to relax and absorb it all. I spent hours just walking around with my gelato (pistachio, naturally), browsing the craft shops and sunning myself on the lovely buildings.
You must visit the Piazza Duomo – it is honestly one of the most beautiful piazze I’ve ever seen. The Syracuse Cathedral is constructed directly on top of a Greek temple, and you can definitely see some of the Doric columns of the original temple amidst it all. At sunset, the piazza is bathed in these incredible golden tones, and it’s a great place to stop for aperitivo.
2. Visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis!
You simply can’t visit Syracuse without delving into its Greek heritage. The Archaeological Park of Neapolis illustrates well how significant the city was in its time — it was seriously one of the largest players on the Greek scene!
The park has these awesome ruins, you know, the Greek Theatre, and they host shows there during the summer months. I was walking by one day, and I came across a rehearsal, and oh man, it sent chills through me hearing the voices echo off the walls of that old structure.
There’s also the Ear of Dionysius, a giant limestone cave with incredible acoustics. Legend has it the tyrant Dionysius used it to spy on prisoners — spooky and fascinating all at once. Bring a hat and water if you’re visiting in warmer months — the Sicilian sun doesn’t mess around.
3. Check Out Syracuse’s Food Scene
Food is honestly one of the highlights of traveling, and Syracuse does not disappoint. The seafood, the Sicilian cuisine, and that incredible blend of Mediterranean-North African fusion — I was at food heaven.
The coolest place was Caseificio Borderi, this panini stand at the Ortigia market that makes these massive, custom-made paninis loaded with all the local fixin’s. Seriously, do not hold back at all when you talk to the guy assembling the sandwiches — he is essentially a legend and makes lunch an entertainment event.
Treated myself to some incredible pasta with swordfish and eggplant at a sweet little restaurant on the water. And for goodness’ sake, you simply can’t eat a meal in Sicily without stopping for a local glass of wine — try a zesty Grillo or a full-bodied Nero d’Avola.
4. Swim in Crystal-Clear Waters
After several days of looking around, I was starving for some beach action. Fortunately, Syracuse is completely ringed by beautiful coastline. Ortigia has some small rocky areas to swim (you have to go to Cala Rossa for a great plunge right off the island), but the finest beaches are a short drive from the city.
Fontane Bianche was my favorite — a laid-back sandy beach with that amazing turquoise water, similar to the Caribbean feel. It was fairly popular, but it didn’t feel crowded at all to me. I rented a lounge chair for the day, drank granita, and totally forgot about the time.
If you’re okay with forgoing the tourist attractions for a spell, head over to Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile. It’s a hike down the canyon (trust us, wear some decent footwear), but the natural pools at the bottom are totally amazing.
5. Visit Castello Maniace
Hi, if you’re down at Ortigia’s bottom, do visit Castello Maniace, this nifty fortress that Emperor Frederick II constructed back in the 13th century. It isn’t your run-of-the-mill dull castle, mind you — you can walk along on the ancient fortifications and soak up the really intense, boundless blue of the Ionian Sea.
I utterly enjoyed how relaxed it was there during my visit. No crowds at all, only the wind blowing through and the sound of the sea. You can feel a lot of history here, and honestly, it’s well worth that small entrance fee. And, of course, don’t forget your camera — the late afternoon light is gorgeous!
6. Catch the market atmosphere in Ortigia!
Daily (but not on Sundays), Ortigia begins the day on Via De Benedictis with a marketplace. It’s incredibly lively, a bit overwhelming, but full of locals making their daily purchases — always great atmosphere.
You’ll find all manner of goodies here, such as fresh seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables, spices, olives, and even some amazing handmade cheeses. I picked up some sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, and a block of pecorino to snack on — and seriously regretted not having more luggage room to bring half the market back with me.
Even if there isn’t much there, it’s a relaxed spot to hang out and feel the atmosphere, and you can grab a quick snack from one of the street food stalls.
7. Visit Syracuse at sunset!
You know I absolutely adored Syracuse because it truly comes alive at night! When the sun sets, Ortigia’s streets are filled with music, chuckles, and these adorable string lights on the outside tables.
So I just came across this jazz trio jamming one night in a small piazza and stayed on for two hours, drinking some Aperol Spritz and watching people dance. The atmosphere was totally relaxed, chill, and utterly Sicilian.
If you’re a craft beer fan, or a cocktails aficionado, you’re going to love the bar scene here. MOON – Move Ortigia Out of Normality is a really hip artsy bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Worth definitely checking out if you’re after something a bit different!
8. How about a day trip to Noto?
Syracuse is absolutely vibrant, but it’s a great place to visit for seeing the rest of southeastern Sicily too. My personal favorite is Noto — it’s only 40 minutes away and contains some of the most beautiful Baroque structures you will ever see.
There’s this sweet layer of honey over everything in town, particularly in that golden hour when the limestone buildings are glowing. The Noto Cathedral completely steals the show, but honestly, walking down the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is a treat.
I visited Caffè Sicilia during my trip because it was featured on Chef’s Table, and I had their almond granita. No regrets whatsoever, seriously!
Where to Stay in Syracuse: Budget to Luxury
I stayed at this fantastic little guesthouse in Ortigia, and it was incredible. Waking up to church bells ringing and walking out my door into all that history was completely surreal.
There are plenty of cute boutique hotels and Airbnb options to pick from, some of which feature great rooftop terraces or gorgeous views of the sea. Just be aware and book parking ahead of time if you’re planning on coming by car—Ortigia isn’t well-equipped for a large number of cars.
Or if you are looking for something different, these are four great choices for all budgets.
**Budget** B&B La Via della Giudecca
If you need a nice, affordable spot central to Ortigia, then you should definitely look at this great B&B. It’s a short walk to the major attractions, and it has a relaxed atmosphere, clean rooms, as well as a great breakfast to start your day. The owners are friendly and go the extra distance to make you feel at home, so it is a good choice if you’re watching your budget.
**Mid-Range** Algila’ Ortigia Charme Hotel
If you want to pamper yourself a bit without overspending, you might want to consider Algila’ Ortigia Charme Hotel. It has all the contemporary features but with a totally funky retro twist, and it’s literally a stone’s throw from the beach. And even they’ve got this great rooftop area where you can relax and enjoy cocktails watching the sunset over the island.
**Upper Mid-Range** Hotel Livingston Siracusa
Smack in the middle of Ortigia, Hotel Livingston provides a touch of luxury at affordable prices. The atmosphere combines chic modern style with some hip old-school Sicilian flair, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. You can walk to all the main attractions easily and scope out some fantastic local eateries. And they offer an incredible breakfast buffet that will totally prepare you for a day of exploring!
**Luxury** Grand Hotel Minerva
If you’re feeling like pampering yourself, you’ve got to visit the Grand Hotel Minerva—it’s one of Syracuse’s coolest spots. In all seriousness, it’s located directly on the beach, and this swanky 5-star hotel boasts incredible rooms that have breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. And there’s even a rooftop pool, good dining choices, and high-quality service. If you’re looking for a relaxed spot to unwind and treat yourself, this is it!
Final Thoughts: Syracuse is simply amazing!
Syracuse isn’t the sort to boast about how great it is. It’s really laid back, sophisticated, and has a great atmosphere. You can totally catch on with the old ruins and dilapidated buildings, the sea air, and the aroma of freshly baked bread from this small bakery on the corner.
I came here on a whim and totally fell in love with the place. If you’re considering going to Sicily, believe me, treat yourself and relax for a while in Syracuse. It might become your favorite place in Italy altogether — it became mine for sure!