A UNESCO World Heritage Baroque gem: the island of Ortigia, the Neapolis Archaeological Park, and some of Sicily's most beautiful sea.
Founded by Greek colonists from Corinth in the 8th century BC, Syracuse was for centuries one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean, a rival to Athens. Today its historic centre, the island of Ortigia, and the Neapolis Archaeological Park have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
Ortigia is best explored on foot: the Fountain of Arethusa with its papyrus plants, the Cathedral built over the columns of the Greek temple of Athena, the fish market in the morning, alleyways that suddenly open onto the seafront. It's one of the most history-dense urban walks in all of Sicily.
On the mainland, the Neapolis Archaeological Park brings together the Greek Theatre (still hosting classical performances in summer), the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius, a stone quarry with astonishing acoustics tied to a famous legend about Dionysius the Tyrant.
Syracuse is also a starting point for exploring the coast to the south: the beaches of the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the Baroque town of Noto are a short distance away, making it a convenient base for those who want to dedicate more than a day to Val di Noto.
Syracuse & Ortigia is 1 hour from the airport. You can arrange your transfer with a private transfer, car rental, or the scheduled connections listed in our guide to getting around Eastern Sicily.
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