Ortigia is the tiny island-heart of Siracusa, a place where Greek temples became cathedrals and myth mingles with the Mediterranean breeze. Settled by Corinthians in 734 BCE, it later dazzled the ancient world as the home of Archimedes; today, it charms with honey-stone palazzi, frescoed churches, and lanes perfumed by orange blossoms and grilled swordfish.

Within a stroll you’ll meet the Duomo di Siracusa (built over the Temple of Athena), the spring of Arethusa, the Temple of Apollo, and the lively Ortigia Market. Across the bridge lies the famed Neapolis Archaeological Park with the Greek Theatre and the echoing Ear of Dionysius—a reminder that Siracusa rivaled Athens in its day.

Practical notes: summer days get hot—sightsee early and enjoy a late siesta or a swim at Plemmirio Marine Reserve. Ortigia is largely pedestrian with ZTL restrictions; walk, bike, or taxi. Expect superb seafood, pistachio everything, and cannoli that ruin you for all others. Card is widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and beach kiosks.

Ortigia (Syracuse)

Compact, walkable, and endlessly photogenic, Ortigia is an open-air museum of Sicily’s layers—Greek, Roman, Arab-Norman, Spanish Baroque. By day, browse market stalls stacked with capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and glistening tuna. By dusk, the stone piazzas glow and the promenade fills with locals on their passeggiata.

Top sights include Piazza Duomo and its Cathedral, the Temple of Apollo, Fonte Aretusa, Castello Maniace, and the Jewish mikveh. Food-wise, don’t miss colossal market sandwiches, crudo platters, silky ricotta cannoli, and Etna-wine pairings. Aperitivo at golden hour on the Lungomare is a ritual worth repeating.

• Where to stay: For boutique hotels, look near Piazza Duomo or the Lungomare. Names to search: Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel, Grand Hotel Ortigia, Ortea Palace, Hotel Gutkowski, or stylish apartments around Via Roma/Via Cavour. Browse options on Hotels.com (Ortigia), Hotels.com (Siracusa), or apartment stays via VRBO (Ortigia) and VRBO (Siracusa).
• Getting there: Fly into Catania (CTA). For flights within/to Europe, check Omio (flights). From outside Europe, compare Trip.com (flights) and Kiwi.com. From Catania Airport, take the regional train or bus to Siracusa (about 1h15–1h30, ~€8–€12). For trains and buses in Europe, use Omio (trains) and Omio (buses).

Day 1: Arrival, First Tastes of Ortigia

Afternoon: Arrive in Catania, connect to Siracusa (~1h15 by regional train; book via Omio trains). Check in and stretch your legs with a gentle loop: Temple of Apollo, Via Cavour boutiques, and the fountain at Largo Aretusa with its papyrus stands.

Evening: Aperitivo at Caffè del Duomo facing the luminous Cathedral, then dinner at Vin de l’Assassin Bistrot (French-Sicilian plates, great Etna wine list) or Sicilia in Tavola (handmade pasta with swordfish and mint). Nightcap on the Lungomare Alfeo listening to waves against the city walls.

Day 2: Markets, Myths, and the Sea

Morning: Coffee and a pistachio cornetto at Caffè Minerva, then dive into the Ortigia Market. Grab the famous stuffed sandwich at Caseificio Borderi (expect a short wait), or sample deli bites at Fratelli Burgio. Visit the Temple of Apollo ruins at the market’s edge.

Afternoon: Explore the Duomo di Siracusa (Greek columns embedded in the nave) and the Museum of Palazzo Bellomo for medieval and Renaissance art. Continue to the Fountain of Arethusa, the mythic freshwater spring steps from the sea.

Evening: Book a local sunset boat ride around Ortigia’s ramparts (skippers line the marina; weather-dependent). Dinner at Osteria da Mariano (grandma-style Sicilian) or Retroscena (creative market-driven plates). Gelato at Gelateria Gusto to finish.

Day 3: Greek Siracusa—Neapolis Archaeological Park

Morning: Taxi or bus to the mainland’s Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (10–15 minutes). See the vast Greek Theatre (still used in spring for ancient drama), the limestone quarry of the Latomie, the Ear of Dionysius with its haunting acoustics, and the Roman Amphitheatre.

Afternoon: Light lunch back in Ortigia—try A Putia for caponata, panelle, and pasta alla norma—or pick up arancini and salads from Fratelli Burgio. Return for a relaxed hour browsing artisan shops along Via Roma (ceramics, coral, olive wood).

Evening: Walk to Castello Maniace for golden-hour photos over the bay. Dinner at Don Camillo (historic fine dining; great for tasting menus) or Taverna Sveva near the castle for hearty seafood and candlelit, stone-walled ambience.

Day 4: Baroque Noto, Vendicari Reserve, and Marzamemi

Morning: Train to Noto (~35–45 minutes; ~€4–€6 via Omio trains). Admire the soft-amber Cattedrale di San Nicolò and the grand Corso Vittorio Emanuele balconies. Treat yourself at Caffè Sicilia (almond granita, citrus jams, and iconic pastries).

Afternoon: Head to Vendicari Nature Reserve (taxi ~20 minutes). Walk dunes and lagoons to Calamosche beach—bring water and sandals; there are few facilities. Continue to the seaside village of Marzamemi for a late lunch at La Cialoma (on the piazzetta; tonnare di Marzamemi specialties) or Cortile Arabo (sea-view plates). Off-season, check hours and consider booking.

Evening: Return to Ortigia (train/bus via Omio buses or taxi). Casual dinner at O’ Scina for spaghetti ai ricci (when in season) and simple grilled fish. Digestif of almond liqueur along the waterfront.

Day 5: Sea Day—Plemmirio, Arenella, and Fontane Bianche

Morning: Coffee and brioche at Caffè del Duomo, then make for the Plemmirio Marine Reserve (short taxi). Snorkel the clear coves at Varco 33/34 or kayak with a local operator; bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.

Afternoon: Continue to Arenella or Fontane Bianche beaches. Choose a lido for sunbeds and lunch—many serve grilled sardines, pasta alle vongole, and salads. Note: some lido restaurants are seasonal (May–Oct), but there’s usually at least a beach bar open weekends in shoulder seasons.

Evening: Back in Ortigia, aperitivo at Barcollo (cozy wine bar). Dinner at Cortile Verga for refined Sicilian dishes in a pretty courtyard, or go vegan/vegetarian at MOON Ortigia with creative seasonal plates.

Day 6: Full-Day Mt. Etna and Taormina (from Catania) — Guided Experience

Rise early and take the train to Catania (~1h15; €8–€12 via Omio trains) to join this comprehensive day tour that pairs Europe’s highest active volcano with Sicily’s most storied hill town. Transport, guiding, and key stops are organized, so you can focus on views, tastings, and photos.

Featured tour: Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania. Expect lunar lava fields, Silvestri craters, optional cable car upgrade (weather-dependent), honey and liquor tastings, and a leisurely Taormina stroll (Greek Theatre views over the Ionian). Return to Catania, then evening train back to Siracusa.

Dinner back in Ortigia: Late table at Don Camillo or a casual platter at Fratelli Burgio if you want something light after a big day.

Optional alternative (hands-on food day in Taormina): Travel to Taormina (~1h45–2h via train to Giardini Naxos and bus up). Join Seaview Cooking Class & Taormina local flavors with Chef Mimmo for market picks, pasta and fish prep, and a seaside lunch—you’ll bring Sicilian technique home with you.

Day 7: Ortigia Slow Morning & Departure

Morning: Last coffee at Caffè Minerva or Caffè del Duomo. Pick up edible souvenirs at the market: capers from Pantelleria, pistachio crema, almonds from Avola, dried tomatoes. Stroll one more time through Piazza Archimede and its playful Fountain of Diana.

Afternoon: Check out and head to Catania Airport (train or bus ~1h15; search schedules on Omio or Omio (buses)). For flights, compare Omio (Europe flights), Trip.com, or Kiwi.com. Arrivederci, Ortigia!

Eating & Drinking Shortlist (save this!)

• Breakfast/Coffee: Caffè del Duomo (grand piazza views), Caffè Minerva (classic pastries), Caramel Caffetteria (sweet treats).
• Lunch: Caseificio Borderi (legendary market sandwiches), Fratelli Burgio (deli boards, salads), A Putia (home-style Sicilian small plates).
• Dinner: Don Camillo (historic, refined), Vin de l’Assassin Bistrot (romantic, French-Sicilian), Retroscena (modern Sicilian), Taverna Sveva (stone-walled, near the castle), O’ Scina (traditional trattoria).
• Aperitivo & Wine: Barcollo (intimate wine bar), Cortile Verga (courtyard cocktails), casual kiosks along Lungomare Alfeo for sunset spritzes.
• Gelato & Sweets: Gelateria Gusto (creamy classics), assorted cannoli at the market, and in Noto don’t miss Caffè Sicilia’s granita.

Getting Around & Practical Tips

• On foot: Ortigia is best walked; most sights are 5–15 minutes apart.
• Buses/Trains: For regional connections (Siracusa–Noto–Catania–Taormina), check Omio trains and Omio buses. Siracusa–Noto ~35–45 minutes (~€4–€6). Siracusa–Catania ~1h15 (~€8–€12). Siracusa–Taormina (via Giardini Naxos) ~1h45–2h (~€10–€16).
• Boats & Beaches: Local skippers offer Ortigia coast and sea-cave trips (seasonal). Plemmirio is rocky—bring water shoes. Lidos at Arenella and Fontane Bianche rent umbrellas and loungers.
• Seasonality: July–August are hot and busy; May–June and Sept–Oct are ideal. Some beach clubs and rural restaurants close in winter; always check hours locally.

Bonus idea (another guided option from the Etna/Taormina area): If wine is your priority, consider a different day out—Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries—and build it into a future trip or an extended stay around Taormina.

Across seven days, this Ortigia-focused itinerary balances ancient history, irresistible food, and sea-sprayed relaxation, with two spectacular forays east to Etna and Taormina and south to Noto’s Baroque glow. You’ll leave with full memory cards, fuller bellies, and a promise to return for another evening on Piazza Duomo as the stone turns to gold.