It was love at first sight. Narrow, winding streets lined with sand-coloured walls, thin balconies outlined by rickety railings, the turquoise Ionian sea sparkling in the sunlight and a picturesque harbour filled with sailing boats (some more than a little rusty!). Siracusa – the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew you were something special.

The 2,700-year-old city of Siracusa (also known as Syracuse) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its warmth and charm have lasted for almost three millennia. I’ve visited Sicily three times and Siracusa is my favourite city by far.

In this post, I will share what to do and see in Siracusa (the city on the mainland) and Ortigia (a tiny island connected to Siracusa via two bridges). Whether you’re staying in Siracusa or Ortigia, you can easily access and enjoy all the recommendations on this list and plan an amazing holiday in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep the blog running and growing, with lots of free content for you to enjoy!

What to See and Do in Siracusa

Walking around Siracusa and Ortigia is like stepping back in time. There is so much history at your fingertips, such as the Temple of Apollo, an ancient Greek temple which dates back to 6th century BC. The temple is just metres from the bridges which connect Ortigia island to Siracusa; Ponte Umbertino and Ponte Santa Lucia. The temple has undergone many transformations throughout the centuries; it was once a Norman cathedral, an Arabic mosque and a church in Byzantine times.

One of the most beloved buildings in Siracusa is the Duomo di Siracusa (Cathedral of Siracusa). Built in the 7th century, the cathedral is incredibly grand, with long marble columns, life-sized figures carved in marble, and intricate details and finishes. It was built on top of a pre-Christian temple dedicated to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. You can still see the Doric columns from the 6th century inside. You can also find beautiful paintings, frescoes, sculptures, and stained glass windows that bathe the church in a warm, ethereal glow. Open every day 9:30 am–6 pm except Wednesdays. €2 to enter (€3 with an audio guide).

The cathedral is in Piazza del Duomo, a large pedestrianised area surrounded by historical buildings, churches and museums. There are lots of cafes and restaurants to relax and people-watch in. You can also find the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, dedicated to Saint Lucia, Patroness of Siracusa. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11:00-16:00 (Free entry).

The main tourist attraction in Siracusa is the Neapolis Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico Neapolis). Inside there’s a large Greek amphitheatre which dates back to 470 BC, along with many well-preserved ruins. When my husband and I visited, the amphitheatre was mostly covered in wooden blocks (to protect the stone). Luckily the other ruins weren’t obstructed. The park is home to a smaller Roman amphitheatre, constructed in the 3rd century. There are also some large quarries, the most famous of which is the Latomia del Paradiso (also known as the Ear of Dionysius). According to the legend, if you stand at one end of the cave and say something, the sound travels all the way to the other end. 

• Opening times: 8:30 am–6:30 pm.
• Entrance price: €13 entrance (concessions available). Cash only.

If you’re a fan of Caravaggio, the renowned Italian artist, you should visit Chiesa di Santa Lucia Extra Moenia. It’s off the beaten track compared to the other attractions mentioned and you are unlikely to see many other tourists there. Here you can find the canvas “Burial of Saint Lucia”. Opening times: Monday – Sunday 9 am–12:45 pm / 3:30–7 pm, except Thursdays which is 11 am–12:45 pm / 3:30–7 pm. (Free entry).  

Another must-see in Siracusa is Fontana di Diana, the focal point of Piazza di Archimede. Built in 1907, this beautiful fountain depicts the Goddess Diana (known as Artemis in Greek mythology). Diana was the Goddess of wild animals, hunting, fertility, childbirth, and the Moon.

The fountains shows Diana surrounded by Tritons riding seahorses, charging horses, the nymph Artemis and the river god Alpheus. According to mythology, Arethusa was so frustrated by Alpheus’ relentless pursuit that she asked Diana to help her, and the goddess transformed her into a well. Alpheus promptly turned himself into a river (as you do) to flow into Arethusa’s well. Even Greek Goddesses couldn’t catch a break from persistent men who wouldn’t take no for an answer! 

It may not be a conventional tourist attraction but I urge you to visit Ortigia market. It is a loud, bustling place where tourists ogle the tantalising food on display and locals fill their wheeled suitcases with fresh produce for the week ahead. If you’re a fan of nuts, this is the place to buy them by the kilo at a fantastic price – I bought 2kgs of pistachio and almonds for a fraction of the price it would cost where I live. You can also buy vacuum-packed meat and cheese to bring the flavours of Sicily home with you. The market is surrounded by stalls selling souvenirs, along with restaurants featuring the market’s delicious produce.

If you have more time there in Siracusa, you might want to visit the Crypt and Catacombs of San Giovanni, the Necropolis of Pantalica or the Archaeological museum. I’ve only seen the Castle of Maniace from the outside, but you can also walk around the grounds and explore the battlements.

Commonly Asked Questions

Where to Stay in Siracusa

If you’re only in Siracusa for a few nights, I suggest staying in Ortigia so you can easily walk to the main sights. There are tons of accommodation options in Ortigia and mainland Siracusa, ranging from basic hotels to family-run guesthouses, cosy boutique hotels to high-end, luxurious apartments.

I’ve personally stayed in this Ortigia apartment and this Siracusa apartment. Each apartment was conveniently within walking distance of the train station, the main bus station and the major tourist attractions.

Here are some other well-rated hotels and guest houses to consider for your trip:

• L’Attico ($) – A private room with en-suite bathroom located near the famous Greek Theatre, ideal for visitors who want a quiet, budget-friendly stay within walking distance of one of Siracusa’s most iconic landmarks.
• Palazzo Spagna ($$) – A beautifully restored residence near Piazza Duomo and Cala Rossa beach, offering spacious apartments with balconies and sea views – a great choice for families or longer stays.
• Alla Giudecca ($$) – Located in Ortigia’s historic Jewish Quarter, this restored medieval residence features spacious suites and even an ancient Jewish ritual bath in the basement, blending history with comfort.
• Matteotti Luxury Residence ($$$) – Stylish serviced apartments in the heart of Ortigia, with modern design, balconies overlooking Piazza Archimede, and walking-distance access to all major sights and restaurants.
• Maison Ortigia ($$$) – An elegant B&B in the UNESCO-listed old town, combining historic charm with modern comfort; it’s steps from Piazza Duomo and the Temple of Apollo.

How to Get to Siracusa

Most people visit Siracusa from Catania city centre. Interbus has buses every 30 minutes between the two cities (€6.20 one-way, travel time 1hr 20 mins). You can also reach Siracusa from Catania airport (approx 50 minutes). 

If you’d rather take the train to Siracusa, you can catch a train from Catania Centrale to Siracusa (€8.40, approx. 1hr 10 mins). Check Trenitalia for schedules, availability and online reservations.

When to Visit Siracusa

Sicily is the most southern point of Europe, so it experiences intense heat waves in July and August. The best time to visit is May and June, or September and October. I have visited Siracusa in June, September and October and have always had wonderful weather. In the autumn there is the possibility of rain, but the showers don’t usually last long. November could also be an option – you can expect a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 58°F (15°C) but it’ll be too cold to swim.

Tap vs. Bottled Water in Siracusa

In Siracusa, it’s best to avoid drinking tap water. It won’t make you ill and it’s fine to cook with, but has a salty taste due to the city’s old plumbing system. The locals stick to bottled water, and restaurants only serve still or sparkling varieties. Luckily, bottles are cheap in supermarkets and easy to recycle.

Getting Around Siracusa

Siracusa and Ortigia are very compact and walkable; you won’t need a rental car to explore them. If you arrive by train or bus, you can easily get a taxi from either station to your accommodation. Uber is not widely available in Sicily but FreeNow is a popular alternative and there are also regular taxis.

If you want to explore further, you can rent a car (compare prices and find the best deals with Discover Cars!) or use trains or buses. There is a good network of buses on the island, mostly run by Interbus, Etnatrasporti, SAIS Autolinee and Flixbus. I suggest searching for routes, prices and timetables on Omio. You can buy tickets directly from Omio, downloading them as e-tickets onto your phone.

Language Tips for Visiting Siracusa

English is fairly well-spoken (especially in hotels, shops, and restaurants in Ortigia) but you might meet some people who speak little or no English. It’s a great opportunity to learn and practise some basic Italian. I recommend the free app Duolingo, and the excellent podcast Coffee Break Italian. 

Staying Connected in Siracusa: SIM Cards & Internet Tips

I recommend using an Airalo E-SIM card for reliable internet access throughout the island. My husband and I have used Airalo multiple times and have always found their E-SIMs easy to set up and hassle-free. They provide E-SIM cards that work in 200 countries, offering flexible durations of 7, 15, or 30 days with various data packages – ideal for both short and extended stays in Sicily.

I hope this post has given you lots of ideas about what to do, see and eat in Siracusa. If you have any other recommendations for Siracusa, please leave them in the comments below – I’d love to hear them!

Planning how to spend your time in Sicily? Check out my suggested 10-day Sicily itinerary and Sicily travel guide for first-time visitors so you have everything you need for your vacation.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow