On the Ionian edge of Sicily, Siracusa blends 2,700 years of history with breezy island living. Founded by Corinthian Greeks and home to Archimedes, it rivaled Athens in the classical world. Today, Ortigia—the old town on a small island—glows at golden hour, its Baroque facades and stone lanes framed by a brilliant sea.

Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park of Neapolis with its Greek Theatre and the echoing Ear of Dionysius, Ortigia’s dazzling Piazza Duomo, and Castello Maniace guarding the harbor. Food lovers will linger at Ortigia’s market for towering panini and local cheeses, then cap afternoons with granita, cannoli, or seafood caught that morning.

Practical notes: Fly into Catania (CTA); Siracusa is about 1–1.5 hours by train or bus. Ortigia is mostly pedestrian and has ZTL access controls; park outside and stroll in. The best times to visit are spring and fall for mild weather. Expect sublime seafood, pistachio everything, and sunsets you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

Siracusa

Siracusa is split between the mainland and Ortigia, a compact island of Renaissance palazzi, sunny piazzas, and fisherman’s boats. You’ll walk through layers of history: a Baroque cathedral built over a 5th-century-BC Greek temple, an underground Jewish mikveh, and a medieval castle at the water’s edge.

• Top sights: Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral (with Doric columns inside), Fountain of Arethusa, Temple of Apollo, Castello Maniace, Archaeological Park of Neapolis (Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Ear of Dionysius), Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi, Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime.
• Why base here: Easy access to Noto, Vendicari, Marzamemi, and Mount Etna/Taormina—yet with a serene, walkable home base and standout dining.
• Food favorites: Street-side arancini, grilled swordfish, pasta con le sarde, tuna bottarga, pistachio gelato, and market sandwiches layered with local ricotta, caponata, and salumi.

Where to stay (Ortigia vs. mainland): Choose Ortigia for romance and car-free strolls near the Duomo, or the mainland for easier parking and proximity to the archaeological park. Browse apartments and boutique stays here: VRBO Siracusa | Hotels.com Siracusa.

How to get there: Fly to Catania (CTA). From within Europe, compare flights on Omio. From outside Europe, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Catania Airport to Siracusa: train 1h10–1h30 (~€7–€12) via Omio trains, or bus ~1h20 (~€6–€10) via Omio buses. Ferries to Sicily (e.g., from Naples) can be compared on Omio ferries.

Day 1: Arrival in Siracusa, sunset on Ortigia

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your Ortigia stay. Shake off the journey with a gentle loop: Temple of Apollo, Via della Maestranza’s balconies, and the mythic Fountain of Arethusa where papyrus still grows—the only wild papyrus in Europe.

Evening: Aperitivo in Piazza Duomo as the limestone turns honey-gold. For dinner, book Sicilia in Tavola (beloved for daily seafood and handmade pasta) or Don Camillo (refined Sicilian flavors and an excellent cellar). Finish with gelato at Gelateria Belfiore or a pistachio cannolo.

Day 2: Ortigia market, Duomo, and Castello Maniace

Morning: Start at Ortigia Market. Grab a cappuccino and a flaky cornetto at a market bar, then order the most famous sandwich in town at Caseificio Borderi—stacked with fresh cheeses, local veg, and olive oil. Peek at the Temple of Apollo ruins nearby.

Afternoon: Tour the Cathedral—look closely to spot the ancient Greek columns embedded in the walls—then step into Santa Lucia alla Badia to see Caravaggio’s Burial of Saint Lucy. Walk down to Castello Maniace at the tip of Ortigia; its ramparts frame luminous sea views. If the weather’s calm, join a small-boat circuit around the island to see sea caves and swim.

Evening: Sunset along Lungomare di Levante, then dinner at A Putia (homey, seasonal plates) or Le Vin de L’Assassin Bistrot (French-Sicilian). Nightcap at Cortile Verga, a cozy wine bar in a hidden courtyard.

Day 3: Greek Theatre and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis

Morning: Taxi or stroll to the Archaeological Park. Explore the Greek Theatre—still used each May–June for classical plays—then the Roman Amphitheatre. Test the eerie acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius, a quarry cave that amplifies whispers.

Afternoon: Snack stop: Bar Pasticceria Midolo for arancini or a slice of cassata. Continue to the Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi, one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums, rich in Greek vases and archaic sculptures. Swing by the modern Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime for its striking cone silhouette.

Evening: Back on Ortigia, try Osteria da Mariano (classic Sicilian comfort) or Locanda Maniace near the seafront. For gelato, seek out brioche con gelato—Sicily’s iconic “ice-cream sandwich.”

Day 4: Day trip to Noto, Vendicari, and Marzamemi

Morning: Train to Noto (35–45 minutes, ~€4–€6 via Omio trains). Climb Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the Baroque Cathedral and San Nicolò’s steps for a postcard view. Treat yourself at Caffè Sicilia—Corrado Assenza’s granita and pastries are a pilgrimage for food lovers.

Afternoon: Continue by bus or taxi to the Vendicari Nature Reserve for dune-backed beaches and flamingo-spotting in season, or to Marzamemi, a photogenic fishing village. Lunch alfresco at La Cialoma for seafood spaghetti and swordfish.

Evening: Return to Siracusa. Dine light at Fratelli Burgio (market boards of cheeses, caponata, and cured fish) or MOON – Move Ortigia Out of Normality (creative vegetarian/vegan plates) before a slow wander past the illuminated Duomo.

Day 5: Mount Etna and Taormina (full-day tour)

Join a guided day tour that pairs Europe’s highest active volcano with Sicily’s most famous hill town. You’ll explore craters and lava fields on Etna, learn about eruptions, and then stroll Taormina’s flower-draped lanes and Roman theatre with far-reaching Ionian views.

Recommended tour: Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania

Logistics: Take an early train to Catania (1h–1h15 via Omio trains) to meet the tour; return to Siracusa after. Pack layers and sturdy shoes; volcanic zones can be breezy even in summer.

Alternative for adventure lovers: Etna by Jeep: Exploring Craters and Lava Caves and Etna Wines

Food-focused option: Tour Etna & Wine Tasting pairs volcanic terroir with native grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

Optional in Taormina (if you extend your time there): Taormina: Sicilian Street Food & Wine Tour by Do Eat Better for a guided tasting crawl through the old town.

Day 6: Beaches, snorkel coves, and the Plemmirio Marine Reserve

Morning: Taxi or bus to Fontane Bianche (soft sand, turquoise shallows) or Arenella (family-friendly beach clubs). Rent loungers at a lido, or stake a free spot and plunge in. Coffee and warm brioche from the beach kiosks are a Sicilian rite of passage.

Afternoon: Head to the Plemmirio Marine Reserve for rocky coves and snorkeling in crystalline water—Cala Mosche and Pillirina viewpoints are favorites. Bring reef shoes and water; facilities are limited. For a casual seaside lunch, try a lido’s grilled catch of the day or a pane e panelle sandwich.

Evening: Back on Ortigia, stroll to the little swimming platform at Cala Rossa for a sunset dip. Dinner at Osteria da Carlo (straightforward, ultra-fresh seafood) or Regina Lucia on Piazza Duomo for a refined take on Sicilian classics.

Day 7: Giudecca quarter, artisan shopping, and departure

Morning: Explore the Giudecca (Jewish Quarter) and descend to the underground miqweh (Jewish ritual bath) on a guided visit. Browse artisan shops for ceramics, olive wood boards, and sea-salt blends—light, packable souvenirs.

Afternoon: Brunch on Ortigia—order pasta alla norma or swordfish with mint and lemon—then check out and transfer to Catania Airport. Trains run ~hourly (1h10–1h30; compare on Omio). For flights, see Omio (Europe) or Trip.com/Kiwi.com for long-haul routes.

Evening: If you have extra time before your flight, grab one last granita al limone and do a final lap of Piazza Duomo—this square is Siracusa’s living room, and it’s hard to say goodbye.

Coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites to mix in all week:

• Breakfast/coffee: Market bars on Ortigia for cappuccino and cornetti; Caffè Minerva near the Duomo for a mid-morning espresso and almond biscotti.
• Casual lunches: Caseificio Borderi (legendary market panini), Fratelli Burgio (cheese and salumi boards, caponata, stuffed peppers).
• Dinners: Sicilia in Tavola (seasonal seafood pastas), Don Camillo (creative Sicilian tasting menus), A Putia (rustic, soulful plates), Locanda Maniace (coastal vibes), Le Vin de L’Assassin (French twist), Osteria da Carlo (no-frills fish done right).
• Sweet treats & drinks: Gelateria Belfiore for pistachio gelato; brioche con gelato on summer nights; Cortile Verga or Enoteca Solaria for Sicilian wines like Nero d’Avola and Etna Rosso.

Local tips: Book the Greek Theatre if you visit in May–June for the classic drama festival. Carry small coins for beach parking and markets. In summer, reserve dinner tables and boat/snorkel trips in advance.

Ready to lock in your stay in the heart of Ortigia? Compare options on VRBO and Hotels.com, and plan your rail/bus legs with Omio trains and Omio buses.

In one week, you’ll have traced Siracusa’s arc from Greek superpower to modern seaside town, tasted your way through markets and trattorie, and stood on the flanks of Mount Etna. It’s a trip that marries myth and the Mediterranean—slow mornings, blue afternoons, and starry, lemon-scented nights.