Siracusa (Syracuse) was once the mightiest Greek city in the Mediterranean, rivaling Athens. Today, its soul lives on in the Neapolis Archaeological Park—where the Greek Theatre still hosts performances—and on the island of Ortigia, a honeyed maze of palazzi, piazzas, and sea-sprayed promenades.

Expect big flavors with humble roots: pistachio-studded pastries, tuna and swordfish fresh from the market, and Nero d’Avola wines grown on volcanic slopes. Mornings hum at the Ortigia market; afternoons drift by swimming coves and castle ramparts; sunsets turn limestone facades to gold.

Practical notes: summers are hot (midday breaks are real), many shops close for riposo, and Ortigia has ZTL (limited traffic) zones—stay car-light. Trains connect Siracusa with Catania and Taormina for effortless day trips. This 7-day itinerary blends archaeology, coastline, Baroque towns, and a scenic foray to Mount Etna.

Siracusa

Base yourself on Ortigia, Siracusa’s historic heart, where the Duomo incorporates the columns of a 5th-century BC temple to Athena. Wander to Castello Maniace at the tip of the island, peep into artisan boutiques, and refuel on ricotta cannoli and almond granita.

Top sights include the Neapolis Archaeological Park (Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius), the underground Jewish mikveh in La Giudecca, seaside walks on Lungomare Alfeo, and easy nature escapes to Plemmirio Marine Reserve and Vendicari Reserve.

Where to stay (walk-everywhere Ortigia or just across the bridge):

• Self-catering apartments and waterfront homes on VRBO Siracusa.
• Boutique hotels and historic palazzi via Hotels.com Siracusa.

Getting there (first-city transport): Fly into Catania (CTA). From outside Europe, compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com; within Europe, also check Omio flights. CTA to Siracusa: train via Catania Centrale (~1h15, ~€7–10) on Omio trains, or direct bus (~1h10–1h30, ~€7–9) on Omio buses.

Day 1: Arrival in Ortigia, Siracusa’s Seaside Soul

Morning: Travel to Siracusa. Drop bags and freshen up.

Afternoon: First stroll across Ponte Umbertino into Ortigia. Visit the Temple of Apollo ruins, then meander to Piazza Duomo to admire the cathedral’s ancient Doric columns embedded in its Baroque facade.

Evening: Aperitivo on Piazza Duomo or along Lungomare Alfeo; order an Aperol spritz or a glass of Etna Rosso. Dinner at Sicilia in Tavola (small, beloved spot for pasta alla Norma and fresh fish), or book Don Camillo for refined Sicilian tasting menus. Gelato at Gusto on Via Cavour before a moonlit passeggiata.

Day 2: Greek Siracusa—Neapolis Park and Underground Catacombs

Morning: Coffee and cornetto at Caffè Minerva (try almond granita with brioche), then taxi or bus to Neapolis Archaeological Park. Explore the Greek Theatre (performances May–June), the Ear of Dionysius cave, and the Roman amphitheater. Allow 2–3 hours; tickets ~€16.

Afternoon: Visit the Catacombs of San Giovanni and the modern Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime. Return to Ortigia for lunch: Fratelli Burgio in the market offers platters of caponata, cheeses, olives, and panini.

Evening: Sunset along the Aretusa Fountain, where papyrus grows. Dinner at Le Vin de L’Assassin Bistrot (French-Sicilian plates like swordfish with lemon-butter) or MOON – Move Ortigia Out of Normality (inventive vegetarian). Nightcap at Enoteca Solaria with a flight of Nero d’Avola and Grillo.

Day 3: Ortigia Market, Sea Caves by Boat, and Maniace Castle

Morning: Ortigia market (Mon–Sat, best before noon): watch fishmongers fillet tuna and swordfish. Grab a legendary sandwich at Caseificio Borderi (queue moves fast; their ricotta and sun-dried tomato combo is worth it).

Afternoon: Take a 1-hour small-boat tour from the Ortigia marina for sea caves and island views (~€20–25 pp, cash). After, tour Castello Maniace (~€8) at Ortigia’s tip for breezy ramparts and Ionian panoramas.

Evening: Explore La Giudecca’s lanes and, if available, book the guided tour of the underground Jewish mikveh (~€15). Dinner at Locanda Maniace for grilled prawns and spaghetti with bottarga, then gelato repeat—you’ve earned it.

Day 4: Baroque Noto and Wild Beaches at Vendicari

Morning: Train to Noto from Siracusa (~35–40 min, ~€4–6; check Omio trains). Climb Corso Vittorio Emanuele from Porta Reale to the golden-stone Noto Cathedral. Pop into side streets for wrought-iron balconies and hidden courtyards.

Afternoon: Granita-and-brioche at Caffè Sicilia—almond or mulberry in season—then taxi or bus to Vendicari Nature Reserve. Walk to Calamosche Beach for translucent shallows and dunes (carry water; limited shade).

Evening: Return to Siracusa. Casual dinner at Schiticchio Pizzeria (long-fermented dough, classic margherita or pistachio-mortadella combo) or A Putia for rustic pastas and local wines.

Day 5: Plemmirio Marine Reserve—Snorkel, Sun, and Slow Lunch

Morning: Short taxi or drive to the Plemmirio Marine Reserve (15–25 min). Choose an access point (Arenella for sandy beach; rocky coves near Punta della Mola for snorkeling). Pack water shoes and a mask; entry is free.

Afternoon: Long lunch back in Ortigia: order a seafood crudo plate or busiate with pistachio at a simple trattoria near the market. Browse artisan shops for ceramics and papyrus souvenirs.

Evening: Wine hour at Enoteca Solaria or a spritz on Lungomare Alfeo. Upgrade dinner at Don Camillo (reserve) or keep it low-key with grilled catch-of-the-day at a family-run osteria.

Day 6: Mount Etna and Taormina Day Trip (Volcano, Vistas, and Dolce Vita)

Morning: Early train to Catania (~1h15, ~€7–10 via Omio trains) to join a guided excursion. The classic combo covers craters, lava fields, and then the terrace-lined lanes of Taormina.

Afternoon: Recommended tour: Tour Etna & Wine Tasting—walk crater rims and sample Etna DOC reds and whites; learn how volcanic soils shape Nerello Mascalese and Carricante wines.

Evening: If time in Taormina, stroll Corso Umberto to the Greek Theatre for a golden-hour view over the bay. Return to Siracusa by train (~1h45–2h from Taormina-Giardini, ~€9–14 on Omio trains).

Alternate culinary option in Taormina: join Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo for hands-on Sicilian classics with a sea-breeze backdrop.

Day 7: Siracusa Slow Morning and Departure

Morning: Final cappuccino at Caffè Minerva, then choose a last stop: the Papyrus Museum (unique to Siracusa) or a relaxed swim at nearby Fontane Bianche Beach (clear, family-friendly shallows).

Afternoon: Lunch at Fratelli Burgio (stock up on jarred caponata and pistachio pesto for home). Depart for Catania Airport by train or bus (plan 1.5–2 hours door to door via Omio trains or Omio buses).

Evening: Flights home—outside Europe, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; within Europe see Omio flights.

Local Dining Shortlist (save this)

• Breakfast/coffee: Caffè Minerva (granita, brioche; piazza-side people-watching).
• Market eats: Caseificio Borderi (heroic sandwiches), Fratelli Burgio (deli boards, wines).
• Lunch: A Putia (hearty Sicilian staples), Locanda Maniace (sea-view seafood).
• Dinner: Sicilia in Tavola (cozy, reservations essential), Don Camillo (special-occasion tasting menus), Le Vin de L’Assassin (French-Sicilian bistro).
• Pizza: Schiticchio Pizzeria (crisp crusts, seasonal toppings).
• Drinks: Enoteca Solaria (regional wine flights) and Lungomare Alfeo kiosks at sunset.

Getting Around

• On foot: Ortigia is compact; wear comfy shoes on cobbles.
• Trains/buses for day trips: check Omio trains and Omio buses for Siracusa–Noto (~40 min), Siracusa–Taormina (~1h45–2h), Siracusa–Catania (~1h15).
• Ferries: seasonal coastal ferries appear occasionally—browse Omio ferries if you’re extending travels.
• Driving: useful for Plemmirio and Vendicari; note Ortigia’s ZTL (park outside and walk in).

In one week, you’ll have traced Siracusa from Greek splendor to Baroque grace, swum coves and reserves, and tasted Sicily from market panini to volcanic wines. Keep a little sand in your shoes and a bottle of Nero d’Avola in your bag—this is a place that lingers.