[2025 Siracusa Attraction] Travel Guide for Island of Ortigia (Updated Jul)

THIS CHARMING ISLAND COMES WITH HISTORIC, STONE BUILDINGS, SQUARES A TEMPLE AND SHOPS, EATERIES AND A SMALL BEACH. ORTIGIA IS A SMALL ISLAND WHICH IS THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF THE CITY OF SYRACUSE SICILY THE ISLAND ALSO KNOWN AS THE CITTA VECCHIA CONTAINS MANY HISTORICAL LANDMARKS. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

The hotel is in an excellent position overlooking the sea with parking reasonably available. Our room was fairly basic but we did have a sea view and it had everything we needed. Breakfast was very good with fruit, cheeses, cereals, cakes, honey etc. There is a small terrace overlooking the sea but there is no bar service so you have to carry your drinks up to it. We saw afterwards that a glass of wine or Aperol was included in our tariff but we were not offered it and hadn`t realised. The day we left the UK the Daily Telegraph featured the hotel but we certainly paid more than the price quoted in the newspaper. That apart, we had a very pleasant stay in a beautiful part of Sicily and we would return. #gutkowskihotel #syracuse #italy

Waking up among the Baroque church spires of Palermo's old town at dawn, you open the window to salty sea breeze. In this city shrouded in mystery by "The Godfather," the alleys are filled with the aroma of arancini and pistachio gelato. At the seafood market, vendors will hand you freshly shucked oysters to swallow in one gulp with lemon juice, the fresh sweetness shooting straight to your crown. Driving south, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento gleams golden under the scorching sun. Greek temple columns lean crookedly toward the sky, while tourists in tank tops lie directly on the stone steps sunbathing, resembling an open-air theater forgotten by time. Around the corner, you encounter the pure white cliffs of the Turkish Steps, where young men leap from the rock face into emerald bays, splashing water onto girls' floral skirt hems. Syracuse's sunset belongs to Ortigia Island. By the fountain in Piazza del Duomo, children chase pigeons across filming locations from "Malèna," while the Baroque reliefs of Syracuse Cathedral glow honey-colored in the twilight. In a century-old pastry shop at the end of an old town alley, almond syrup coats ricotta cheese, and one bite evokes Monica Bellucci's languid charm. Catania's nights belong to volcanoes and street life. Mount Etna's sulfurous clouds appear eerily dragon-like under moonlight, but afterward you plunge into the seafood market, where the charred aroma of grilled swordfish with lemon mingles with accordion music from street performers, turning even Mafia legends into dinner table stories. Nine days circling the island, wheels blackened by volcanic ash roll past the pier from "Cinema Paradiso." Passing Taormina's cliff-top theater, you chance upon lovers kissing beneath Greek columns. Sicily's romance isn't found in travel guides, but in the ice-cold lemon soda offered by Cefalù fishermen, in the homemade wine pressed upon you by a Realmonte guesthouse owner, in every unexpected moment saturated with sunshine.

#springitinerary There’s something magical about **Syracuse (Siracusa)**, a sun-drenched gem on Sicily’s southeastern coast. Steeped in ancient Greek history, Baroque beauty, and the freshest seafood, this city stole my heart over a dreamy weekend getaway. Here’s how I made the most of 48 hours in this coastal paradise. --- ## **Day 1: History, Sea Breezes & Aperitivo** ### **Morning: Time Travel in Ortigia** I started my day in **Ortigia**, Syracuse’s tiny island heart, where every alley whispers stories of Greek myths and medieval charm. Must-dos: - **Piazza del Duomo** – A Baroque masterpiece, with a cathedral built atop an ancient Greek temple (look for the Doric columns inside!). - **Fonte Aretusa** – A freshwater spring where, according to legend, the nymph Arethusa emerged. The papyrus plants here are surreal! - **Local Market (Mercato di Ortigia)** – A feast for the senses! I sampled **olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh ricotta** while chatting with vendors. ### **Afternoon: Seafood Lunch & Sunbathing** Lunch was at a tucked-away trattoria—**spaghetti ai ricci (sea urchin pasta)** with a glass of crisp **Grillo wine**. Afterward, I lounged at **Cala Rossa**, a hidden rocky cove with turquoise water, just steps from the city center. ### **Evening: Sunset Aperitivo & Nighttime Strolls** As golden hour hit, I grabbed an **Aperol spritz** at a canal-side bar near **Ponte Umbertino**, watching boats drift by. Dinner was at a rustic *osteria*—**sarde a beccafico (stuffed sardines)** and **cannoli** for dessert. The moonlit streets of Ortigia, with their laundry-strung balconies, felt like a film set. --- ## **Day 2: Ancient Ruins & Coastal Adventures** ### **Morning: The Archaeological Park of Neapolis** A short walk from Ortigia led me to Syracuse’s **Greek Theater**—carved into limestone hills and still used for performances! Nearby highlights: - **Ear of Dionysius** – A eerie, echo-filled cave where tyrants allegedly spied on prisoners. - **Roman Amphitheater** – Less grand than the Greek one, but hauntingly beautiful. ### **Afternoon: Beach Bliss at Fontane Bianche** I hopped on a bus to **Fontane Bianche**, a postcard-perfect beach with powdery sand and shallow aqua waters. A lazy afternoon of swimming and a **granita di mandorla (almond slushie)** was pure bliss. ### **Evening: Farewell Feast** Back in Ortigia, I wandered the **Giudecca** (former Jewish quarter) before my last meal: **pasta alla Norma (Sicilian eggplant pasta)** at a family-run *trattoria*. The owner insisted I try **limoncello**—because in Sicily, no meal ends without a "little something extra." --- ## **Final Thoughts: Why Syracuse?** Syracuse is the kind of place where **history isn’t just preserved—it’s alive**. Between Greek ruins, Baroque churches, and fishermen mending nets at dawn, it feels untouched by time. And the food? *Chef’s kiss.* *

Sicily, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is not only a place of breathtaking beauty that inspires poetry, but also a culinary paradise that makes you want to sing! Here's a humorous and practical guide for your Sicilian adventure: ✅Must-sees: 1. Taormina This place looks like it's straight out of a postcard! With Mount Etna smoking in the background and the ancient Greek Theatre basking in the sun, you'll feel like you've stepped into a historical drama. But be careful not to get swept away by the wind—Sicilian breezes are known for their "unexpected hugs"! 2. Palermo Palermo is a melting pot of architectural styles—Arab, Norman, and Byzantine—making you feel like you're traveling through time. Don't forget to visit Palermo Cathedral, where the architectural style is so complex it looks like the architect had one too many espressos and experienced a burst of inspiration. 3. Agrigento Home to ancient Greek temples, Agrigento will make you feel like a hero from Greek mythology. But don't get too carried away; you're not Hercules, so don't try lifting those massive stones. 4. Syracuse The birthplace of the great Greek mathematician Archimedes, Syracuse offers a glimpse into the past, especially on the island of Ortygia. Who knows, you might even have a flash of inspiration and come up with "Archimedes' Principle 2.0"! 5. Mount Etna Europe's highest active volcano, climbing Mount Etna will make you feel like a true explorer. But don't get too cocky—the volcano won't stop erupting just because you're charming. Listen to your guide and prioritize safety! 🍲Food Recommendations: 1. Arancini Sicily's signature snack, arancini are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. But be careful, they're hot! Don't be like those people who burn their mouths and then pretend everything's fine. 2. Cassata This dessert is so sweet it'll make you question your existence, but you won't be able to stop eating it. Pair it with a cup of black coffee to balance the sweetness, or you might turn into a human sugar cube. 3. Pannella Chickpea fritters might sound ordinary, but they're surprisingly delicious. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a squeeze of lemon juice, they're so tangy and refreshing you'll want seconds. 4. Pasta con le Sarde Sicilian pasta with sardines and pine nuts offers a unique flavor combination that will make you want to give the chef a standing ovation. But don't eat too fast—savor the flavors. Gobble it down and you'll be disrespecting the food! 5. Cannoli Crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta cream, cannoli are pure bliss. But don't be greedy—too many cannoli might make you question your life choices. Enjoy them in moderation and save room for other delicacies. 📝Tips: - The Sicilian sun is intense, so wear sunscreen unless you want to become a "roasted piglet." - Sicilians are warm and welcoming, but don't let their enthusiasm cloud your judgment. Be polite and don't touch their belongings without permission. - Sicilian transportation can be a bit unpredictable. Buses might be late, but don't worry—take your time and enjoy the scenery. In short, Sicily is an unforgettable destination. Have fun, eat well, and don't forget to bring your good mood and camera to capture those beautiful moments!

Travel writer Rick Steves once said: "If you love Rome in southern Italy, go further south. It will be more beautiful there." 🎈, and Ortigia in Sicily is almost at the southernmost tip of Italy. It is really an extremely beautiful Baroque-style island 😍. 📍Ortigia, Sicily, Italy 📖About Ortigia: Ortigia is the historical core area of ​​Syracuse. This small island has a long history of more than 3,000 years. It is located on an island and is closely connected to the mainland of Syracuse by two bridges. It is famous for its rich Greek culture and is listed as a landmark by UNESCO. 💐Tips for checking in: 🔹Cala Rossa Spiaggia This is definitely the main beach in Ortigia. There are several other swimming areas on the island, such as near the pier in front of Giardino Aretusa, or walking down the stairs of Forte Vigliena to the beach. 🔹Siracusa Cathedral Built in the 7th century, it is the most important monumental building in Ortigia. It is located on the ruins of a Greek temple. After the earthquake in 1693, the facade of the church was rebuilt in Baroque style. This is definitely a must-see attraction when you visit here🤩. The exterior decoration of the church is super gorgeous✨, with exquisite carvings covering the walls, spiral patterns on the columns, and colorful and delicate religious murals painted on the vaults, full of mysterious and solemn atmosphere😏. 🔹Cathedral Square Wow, it is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy🤗, an outstanding example of Baroque architecture, surrounded by many beautiful Baroque palaces🤩. The architectural lines on the square are smooth and dynamic🎇, with complex and delicate reliefs on the facades, and gorgeous scrolls and patterns decorated around the windows, showing a unique artistic charm😍. 🔹Temple of Apollo Its history can be traced back to the 6th century BC. It is the first great Doric temple of its kind in Sicily, which is of great significance. Over the centuries, this temple has gone through vicissitudes, from its initial glory to several changes in the long river of history. It has been transformed from a Byzantine church into an Islamic mosque, witnessing the collision and fusion of different civilizations. It is said that many mysterious and moving stories have taken place in the Temple of Apollo, as if telling the glory and legends of the past😜. 🔹Archimedes Square Built in 1878, it carries a long history🤓. In the center of the square is the beautiful fountain of the Roman goddess Diana, which adds a touch of agility and elegance to the entire square😃. This is the center of Ortigia, as if it is the heart of the entire island💖. A long time ago, this might have been an important place for people to gather and communicate, and countless lively scenes and interesting stories had taken place here😜. 🔹Maniace Castle: Wow😮, this simple yet super majestic fortress stands on a promontory on the island of Ortigia, overlooking the Siracusa Golf Course🏌️. It was carefully built by Emperor Frederick II in 1240. The castle has super strong walls and a majestic aura, as if loudly telling of its former glory and supreme majesty🤩! It is said that Emperor Frederick II attached great importance to this castle. It has played an extremely important defensive role in the long history, and it has firmly guarded the peace of one side👏! 🔹Puppet Theater: Hehe😁, puppet tradition is popular in many places in Sicily, and Ortigia is no exception! There will be wonderful performances every day at 5:00 pm, so everyone must remember to buy tickets in advance🎫. The puppet theater has a very long history. Here, the puppets seem to be magically given life, vividly performing various wonderful stories. Legend has it that in the past, puppet shows were one of the main forms of entertainment for people, bringing them countless joys and deep touches🥰. 🔹Wander through the charming alleys: Wow😄, there are cafes and restaurants all around the Piazza del Duomo. It is definitely a great place to stop for a drink or a beer and enjoy the beautiful view of the square🤗. Then, just stroll freely in the charming alleys and explore the churches and palaces on the entire island of Ortigia. This is the best choice😃. 🔹A relaxing stroll along the seaside: Take a leisurely walk along the outer edge of the island, with the magnificent sea on one side and the beautiful buildings of Ortigia on the other. While strolling, you can also see various churches and museums. The entrance to the west promenade is Porta Marina, which is one of the ancient gates to the city that still remains today. 😋 Food recommendations: 1. Gelato: Wow, Italian gelato is one of the specialties of Ortigia. There are so many flavors. You can enjoy the most authentic flavors in the ice cream shops on the street. I highly recommend trying Sicilian flavors, such as pistachio or lemon ice cream. 2. 🍤Seafood: Ortigia is right on the seaside, so seafood is of course an important part of the local cuisine. You can try seasonal seafood dishes such as boiled octopus and fried squid🦑. 3. 🍰Cannoli: This is a Sicilian dessert, made of crispy dough wrapped in fresh cream or chocolate sauce. Cannoli is definitely one of the most representative foods in Sicily, you must try it😋. 4. 🍅Tomatoes and grilled eggplants: Ortigia’s cuisine is based on tomatoes and grilled eggplants, which are paired with other meats and vegetables. You can try traditional dishes such as tomato pasta, roasted eggplant with bread, etc.🥪. 5. 🥧Cannoli Roll: The crust is thin and crispy, paired with fresh cream filling or pistachio sauce, it is really a super delicious dessert😝. 6. 🍜Squid ink wide noodles: Noodles with squid ink taste so delicious, it’s heaven for carb lovers😍. 7. 🍝PASTA A TAIANU - Cefalu's specialty "shallow pot pasta": different ingredients are paired with different pastas. Each meal of pasta has a different shape. It is a paradise for carb lovers🤩. 8. 🍕Eel Pizza: There are also Southeast Asian curry chicken and pasta, these are all signature Mediterranean delicacies😎.

The ancient city of Ortigia, the hometown of Archimedes, is in the city of Siracusa in Sicily. It is the film "Malena - The Legend of Sicily" starring the famous Italian movie star Monica Bellucci. Small town. The city is full of historical sites. The city is like an open-air historical museum, many of which have been eroded by the years. I turned a big circle in the city, just to find the scenes in the movie, the literary youth can not cure the disease.