Syracuse is where Sicily's Greek story was written in its grandest chapter. The Neapolis Archaeological Park holds the great Greek theatre, carved into the hillside in the fifth century BC and still used for classical drama festivals, along with the Roman amphitheatre, the Altar of Hieron and the Latomia del Paradiso, a quarry garden where the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with extraordinary acoustics, opens in the cliff. It is the ancient heart of the city, and a Tiqets ticket gets you into the theatre and the park. Across the bridge, the island of Ortigia is the old centre, and it is a joy to wander. The Duomo is built around the columns of a Greek temple of Athena, the Piazza del Duomo is among the most beautiful baroque squares in Italy, and the Fountain of Arethusa, with its papyrus plants, is a favourite spot. Add the daily market, the seafront promenade and Castello Maniace at the tip, and you have a day of layered history and good eating.
Structure of a day: begin at Neapolis in the morning, when the stone is cooler and the crowds smaller, and allow around two hours. Then take a taxi or bus to Ortigia for lunch and an afternoon of strolling. The Duomo is the highlight, a baroque facade that conceals Doric columns from the temple that preceded it, and its interior shows how successive cultures reused the same walls. The Maniace Castle, built by Frederick II, guards the southern tip, and the sea views along the promenade are lovely at sunset.
Eating in Ortigia: the market along Via de Benedictis sells produce, cheeses and fish, and several stalls will prepare sandwiches and seafood to eat on the spot. Look for local specialities such as pasta with sea urchin or swordfish, almond granita and fresh ricotta pastries. Evenings are lively, and the old lanes fill with diners.
Practical notes: Syracuse is about an hour from Catania by train or car and roughly one and a half hours from Taormina, so it works as a day trip from either base or as an overnight stay for a slower pace. The park has little shade, so bring a hat and water. If the theatre is hosting its classical season, parts of the site may be restricted, so check the official calendar. The Greek theatre ticket may sometimes bundle other sites, such as the Roman amphitheatre, so read the details before buying.
What to expect
The experience
A morning in the Neapolis archaeological park followed by an afternoon walking Ortigia island, with the Duomo, the market and the seafront.
Best time
Spring and autumn; in summer visit the park early and save Ortigia for the evening.
How long
A full day, around five to seven hours.
Tips
Bring a hat and water for the park, check the classical-drama season calendar and eat lunch at the Ortigia market.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and travellers who like a walkable old town with great food.
- Families
- Children enjoy shouting in the Ear of Dionysius; the market and the seafront keep them fed and entertained.
- Couples
- Sunset on the Ortigia promenade, then dinner in the lanes.
- Pair with
- The Valley of the Temples, the Greek Theatre of Taormina and a Mount Etna excursion.
- Time needed
- A full day trip from Catania or Taormina.
Good questions
How far is Syracuse from Catania?+
About an hour by train or car, and around ninety minutes from Taormina. Tours from both bases are common.
What should I see first, Neapolis or Ortigia?+
Start with Neapolis in the morning when it is cooler, then spend the afternoon and evening in Ortigia.
What is special about the Duomo of Syracuse?+
It is built into an ancient Greek temple of Athena, and the Doric columns are visible inside and outside the church.
Can I see a performance at the Greek theatre?+
A season of classical drama is staged there in late spring, so check the official programme and book early.
Is Ortigia walkable?+
Yes, the island is small and mostly pedestrian, which makes it ideal for an unhurried walk.
