Siracusa Holidays

In the ancient world, Siracusa stood toe-to-toe with Athens in terms of world influence, attracting the likes of Plato and Aeschylus to its shores. Today, it’s one of Sicily’s most-visited destinations, offering a combination of historic sights and chic Italian style. Ortigia island's Baroque palazzos, piazzas and fountains are in the heart of the action. And the Greek ruins in the north of the city are some of the best in all Sicily.

Ortigia island is connected to the mainland by three bridges. Walk across Ponte Nuovo and head for Piazza Duomo, a gleaming, alabaster-white square. Its centrepiece is the cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece built on top of the ancient Temple of Athena. In nearby Piazza Archimedes, named after the city’s most famous son, there’s the Fountain of Diana. And from here you can navigate Corso Matteoti and Via Roma, where boutiques, trattorias and pavement cafés vie for your attention. Another option is to stroll along the Lungomare to the Byzantine castle that overlooks the sea.

You won’t see any long, sandy beaches in Siracusa, but there’s a handful of bathing platforms on Ortigia island, perched above the crystalline Ionian Sea. If you’re intent on finding sand, Arenella Beach is just 15 minutes’ drive away. This wide expanse of fine golden powder melts into shallow, child-friendly waters. There’s a wide choice of restaurants and bars here, too, plus kayaks and pedaloes for rent.

Siracusa’s former glories come to life at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, a five-minute bus ride from the town centre. This large site has an important Greek theatre, which is still used for summer performances. Elsewhere, you’ll find limestone quarries, plus the Ear of Dionysius, a manmade grotto where water was once stores. And five minutes’ walk from the park is Paolo Orsi Museum, one of the country’s very best archaeological museums.