Eco Hotels in Syracuse
Ancient Greek glory, baroque beauty, and Mediterranean shores — stay sustainably in Sicily's most storied city
Why Stay in Syracuse
Syracuse — known in Italian as Siracusa — was once the most powerful city in the entire ancient Greek world. Founded in 734 BC by Corinthian settlers who recognised the strategic brilliance of the natural harbour and the defensible island of Ortigia, the colony grew so rapidly and accumulated such wealth that within two centuries it rivalled Athens itself. The Roman orator Cicero, who served as quaestor in Sicily in 75 BC, described Syracuse as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all." When you walk the streets of Ortigia today, that ancient grandeur is still palpable — layered beneath centuries of Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Spanish rule, each civilisation leaving its own architectural fingerprint on this extraordinary place.
The city's most celebrated native son is Archimedes, the mathematician, physicist, engineer, and inventor who was born here around 287 BC and died during the Roman siege of 212 BC. His contributions to science — the principle of buoyancy, the Archimedean screw, the calculation of pi, innovations in siege warfare — make him one of the most important thinkers in human history, and Syracuse honours his legacy everywhere from street names to museums. The Tecnoparco Archimede on the northern edge of town recreates many of his inventions in interactive, life-size models.
The ancient nucleus of Syracuse is Ortigia, a small island barely one kilometre long and 500 metres wide, connected to the mainland by the Ponte Umbertino and Ponte Santa Lucia. Walking Ortigia is like walking through a living museum: at its centre stands the Duomo, an 18th-century baroque cathedral built directly into the shell of a 5th-century BC Temple of Athena, the massive Doric columns of the original Greek temple still visible along the nave. Nearby, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo — one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily, dating to around 565 BC — sit in the open air beside a busy market street. At the southern tip of the island, Castello Maniace, a 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Frederick II, guards the harbour entrance with imposing limestone walls.
Beyond Ortigia, the Neapolis Archaeological Park contains some of the most impressive ancient monuments in the Mediterranean. The Greek Theatre, carved into the rocky hillside in the 5th century BC, seats approximately 15,000 spectators and still hosts the INDA Festival of Greek Drama each summer — classical tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides performed in the same theatre where they were first staged nearly 2,500 years ago. Nearby, the Ear of Dionysius is an artificial limestone cave 23 metres high with extraordinary acoustics — legend has it that the tyrant Dionysius I used the cave as a prison, listening from above to the amplified whispers of his captives. The park also includes a Roman amphitheatre, the Altar of Hieron II (one of the largest altars of the ancient world), and quarries that once served as prisons for 7,000 Athenian soldiers captured in the disastrous Sicilian Expedition of 413 BC.
The catastrophic earthquake of 1693 destroyed much of southeastern Sicily, and Syracuse was rebuilt in the exuberant late-baroque style that now defines cities across the Val di Noto. In 2005, UNESCO inscribed Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica together as a World Heritage Site, recognising the extraordinary concentration of cultural heritage spanning more than 3,000 years. Today Syracuse offers visitors something rare: a city where you can stand inside a Greek temple that became a Christian cathedral, watch ancient theatre performed in an ancient theatre, swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, and eat some of the finest seafood in Italy — all without the overwhelming crowds of more famous Italian destinations.
At a Glance
Getting the Most from Your Visit
The nearest major airport is Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), approximately 60 kilometres north of Syracuse. The drive takes about one hour along the E45 motorway, and several companies run direct bus services from the airport. Interbus and AST operate regular coaches throughout the day, with fares typically between €6 and €8 one way. The journey takes around 75 minutes including stops. If you prefer the train, Trenitalia runs services from Catania Centrale to Syracuse station, though you'll need to connect from the airport to the city centre station first — a 20-minute bus ride. Car rental is available at the airport and useful if you plan to explore the wider region, though parking in Syracuse itself (especially on Ortigia) is limited and regulated.
Syracuse's main train station sits on the mainland edge of Ortigia, a short walk from the Ponte Umbertino. From here you can reach Catania (1.5 hours), Messina (3 hours), and Palermo (4-5 hours) by rail. Regional buses serve Noto (45 minutes), Ragusa (2 hours), and other southeastern Sicilian towns, though schedules can be infrequent — always check timetables in advance and note that Sunday services are drastically reduced across Sicily.
Once you're in Syracuse, Ortigia is best explored on foot. The island is largely pedestrianised, and you can walk from end to end in about 20 minutes. The Neapolis Archaeological Park is on the mainland, roughly a 25-minute walk or short bus ride from Ortigia. Local buses (AST) connect the main areas of the city, including the beaches to the south.
For day trips, the baroque town of Noto is just 35 kilometres to the southwest — a 40-minute drive or bus ride — and is one of the finest examples of Sicilian baroque architecture, with its golden limestone cathedral and elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The UNESCO-listed Necropolis of Pantalica, 40 kilometres to the west, contains over 5,000 rock-cut tombs dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC, set in a stunning limestone gorge along the Anapo River. The Vendicari Nature Reserve, 30 kilometres south, is a protected coastal wetland with pristine beaches, flamingos, and the ruins of an old tuna fishery. And for those seeking a more adventurous outing, boat trips around Ortigia and the Plemmirio Marine Reserve offer snorkelling in some of Sicily's clearest waters, with sea caves and underwater archaeological remains visible from the surface.
Where to Stay — Areas
Ortigia Island
The historic heart of Syracuse and the top choice for most visitors. Ortigia is a tiny island packed with baroque palaces, ancient temples, seafront restaurants, and winding medieval lanes. Staying here puts you steps from the Duomo, Temple of Apollo, Fonte Aretusa, and Castello Maniace. The atmosphere is magical at night when the limestone buildings glow under warm street lights and locals gather for the evening passeggiata along the waterfront. Hotels range from converted historic palazzi to intimate boutique guesthouses. The trade-off: parking is very limited, and some streets can be noisy during summer evenings.
Mainland Centro
The modern mainland centre of Syracuse stretches from the train station north towards the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Staying here is convenient if you want easy access to the Greek Theatre, the Paolo Orsi Museum, and the Catacombs of San Giovanni without walking across the bridges each time. Hotels tend to be more affordable than on Ortigia, and parking is easier to find. The area is less atmospheric than the island but perfectly practical, and Ortigia is still only a 15-minute walk away.
Fontane Bianche
A popular beach resort about 15 kilometres south of Syracuse, Fontane Bianche takes its name from the natural springs that once emerged along its white-sand coastline. The beach is one of the finest in southeastern Sicily — a wide crescent of pale sand with shallow, turquoise water ideal for families. Hotels and holiday apartments line the beachfront, and there are plenty of lidos (beach clubs) offering sunbeds and restaurant service. It's a good base if your priority is beach time, though you'll need a car or bus to visit Syracuse's historic sites.
Noto / Avola Area
About 35 kilometres south of Syracuse, the area around Noto and Avola offers a different experience altogether. Noto is one of the great baroque cities of Sicily, rebuilt entirely after the 1693 earthquake in a harmonious golden-limestone style. Avola, a few kilometres east, is known for its hexagonal town plan and proximity to beautiful beaches. Staying here makes sense if you want to split your time between Syracuse and the wider Val di Noto — visiting Modica, Ragusa Ibla, and Scicli as well. Many elegant agriturismo (farm-stay) properties dot the countryside between these towns.
Where to Stay — Hotels
Des Étrangers Hotel & Spa
One of Syracuse's most celebrated addresses, Des Étrangers occupies a grand 19th-century palazzo on the Lungomare di Levante, the eastern waterfront of Ortigia. The rooftop pool and terrace offer panoramic views across the harbour to the open Mediterranean. Rooms blend period features — high ceilings, marble floors, antique furnishings — with modern comforts. The hotel's spa uses products from local Sicilian botanicals. Steps from the Duomo and the evening passeggiata along Ortigia's seafront.
Ortea Palace Hotel
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century palazzo overlooking the Porto Grande, Ortea Palace is Ortigia's premier luxury hotel. The grand staircase, original frescoes, and crystal chandeliers recall the building's aristocratic past, while rooms feature contemporary Italian design, Frette linens, and marble bathrooms. The rooftop restaurant and bar are among the most coveted dining spots in Syracuse, with sweeping views of the harbour and Maddalena peninsula. An ideal base for exploring Ortigia's narrow lanes, which begin right outside the front door.
Hotel Livingston
A stylish four-star boutique hotel tucked into the streets of Ortigia, Hotel Livingston combines clean contemporary design with the character of a historic Sicilian building. Rooms are bright and well-appointed with local artwork, quality bedding, and modern bathrooms. The rooftop terrace is a highlight — a quiet spot for breakfast or evening drinks with views over Ortigia's rooftops. Located within easy walking distance of Piazza Duomo, the morning market, and the waterfront restaurants. Good value for the quality and location.
Alla Giudecca
Set in the ancient Jewish quarter of Ortigia (the Giudecca), this boutique hotel occupies a building with extraordinary historical significance. During renovations, a medieval mikvah — a Jewish ritual bath — was discovered beneath the property, complete with underground spring-fed pools. Guests can visit this remarkable archaeological site, one of the most important Jewish heritage discoveries in southern Europe. The rooms above are elegant and atmospheric, with exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and period furnishings that honour the building's layered history. Breakfast is served in a charming courtyard.
Hotel Gutkowski
A beloved boutique hotel on the eastern waterfront of Ortigia, Hotel Gutkowski occupies two adjoining houses overlooking the sea. The aesthetic is artfully minimal — whitewashed walls, local ceramics, vintage furniture, and rooms flooded with Mediterranean light. Several rooms have direct sea views, and you can hear the waves from your bed. The hotel has a loyal following among travellers who appreciate its understated charm, personal service, and location on one of Ortigia's quieter streets, away from the bustle of the Duomo square but still only a five-minute walk from the centre.
Antico Hotel Roma
For travellers seeking a central Ortigia location at a reasonable price, Antico Hotel Roma delivers well. Situated on Via Roma, one of the island's main streets, it's a short walk from both the Duomo and the train station bridge. The building is a classic Ortigia townhouse with a warm, traditional atmosphere. Rooms are clean and comfortable if not extravagant, and the best ones have small balconies overlooking the street. The hotel's real selling point is its unbeatable value-for-location: you're in the heart of everything without paying five-star prices.
Things to Do in Syracuse
Ortigia Island
The ancient island heart of Syracuse, connected to the mainland by two short bridges. Ortigia packs an astonishing density of history into its narrow streets: Piazza Duomo (one of Sicily's most beautiful squares), the ruins of the Temple of Apollo (dating to around 565 BC, one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily), and Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring on the western waterfront where papyrus plants grow — one of the very few places in Europe where papyrus occurs naturally. The spring is linked to a Greek myth in which the nymph Arethusa was transformed into a fountain by the goddess Artemis. Allow at least half a day to wander the island, stopping for granita at a harbourside bar.
Duomo di Siracusa
Syracuse's cathedral is one of the most remarkable buildings in Italy. Its extravagant 18th-century baroque facade, added after the 1693 earthquake, conceals an interior that tells a much older story: the nave incorporates the massive Doric columns of a 5th-century BC Temple of Athena, still clearly visible along the side walls. The temple was originally built to celebrate Syracuse's victory over the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC, and its golden shield was said to be visible to sailors approaching from the sea. Over the centuries, the building has served as a Greek temple, an early Christian church, a mosque during the brief Arab period, and finally a Catholic cathedral. Entry to the Duomo is free, and it's an unmissable experience.
Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco)
Located within the Neapolis Archaeological Park, the Greek Theatre of Syracuse is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Carved into the hillside in the 5th century BC, it seats approximately 15,000 spectators and was the venue for premieres of works by Aeschylus and other Greek playwrights. The theatre still hosts live performances: the INDA Foundation stages a festival of classical Greek drama here every summer (May to July), making this one of the few places on earth where you can watch ancient tragedies performed in their original type of setting. The views from the upper tiers extend across the city to the harbour and the open sea.
Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio)
An artificial limestone cave in the Neapolis Archaeological Park, the Ear of Dionysius is 23 metres high, about 65 metres deep, and shaped roughly like a human ear — hence the name, coined by the painter Caravaggio during his visit in 1608. The cave's acoustics are extraordinary: even a whisper at one end can be heard clearly at the other. According to legend, the tyrant Dionysius I used the cave as a prison, positioning himself at the top to eavesdrop on the amplified conversations of his captives below. In reality, the cave was probably quarried for building stone, but the legend endures and the acoustic effect is genuinely remarkable.
Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi
One of the finest archaeological museums in Europe, the Paolo Orsi Museum houses an extraordinary collection spanning from prehistory to the late Roman period. Highlights include the Venus Landolina (a 2nd-century Roman marble copy of a Greek original), Greek ceramics from Syracuse's golden age, architectural fragments from the great temples, Bronze Age artefacts from the Necropolis of Pantalica, and a stunning collection of terracotta figurines. The museum is set in the grounds of the Villa Landolina, surrounded by gardens. Allow at least two hours — the collection is vast and deeply rewarding.
Fonte Aretusa
A natural freshwater spring on the western waterfront of Ortigia, Fonte Aretusa is one of Syracuse's most iconic sites. The spring feeds a small pool filled with papyrus plants and fish, enclosed by a stone balustrade with views over the Porto Grande harbour. In Greek mythology, the nymph Arethusa fled from the river god Alpheus in the Peloponnese and was transformed into this spring by Artemis, emerging on the other side of the Mediterranean. The spring's papyrus plants are notable: Syracuse is one of only two places in Europe where papyrus grows naturally (the other is along a few rivers in Sicily's southeast).
Castello Maniace
Standing at the southernmost tip of Ortigia island, Castello Maniace is a massive 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Frederick II between 1232 and 1240. The castle takes its name from the Byzantine general George Maniakes, who briefly recaptured Syracuse from the Arabs in 1038. The structure is a perfect square with round towers at each corner, built from pale limestone that glows golden in the afternoon light. Once a royal residence, a military barracks, and a prison, it now hosts exhibitions and events. The walk around the castle's exterior walls offers some of the finest views in Syracuse, looking out across the Ionian Sea towards the distant horizon.
Catacombs of San Giovanni
The largest early Christian catacombs outside Rome, the Catacombs of San Giovanni stretch beneath the ruined Basilica of San Giovanni Evangelista on the mainland. Dating from the 4th to 6th centuries AD, the network of underground galleries contains thousands of tomb niches carved into the rock, along with remnants of frescoes and inscriptions. The catacombs are accessed via guided tour and offer a fascinating glimpse into Syracuse's early Christian community, which was one of the most important in the western Mediterranean — tradition holds that St Paul preached in Syracuse during his journey to Rome.
Walking & Hiking
Ortigia Island Circuit
A comprehensive walking loop around the entire island of Ortigia, taking in all the major sights. Start at the Temple of Apollo ruins near the Ponte Umbertino, head south along Via Roma to Piazza Duomo, continue to Fonte Aretusa on the western waterfront, then south to Castello Maniace at the island's tip. Return along the eastern Lungomare di Levante, passing the Des Étrangers Hotel and harbour views, back to the starting point. The route passes through the morning market (Mercato di Ortigia), the Jewish quarter, and dozens of churches, palazzi, and hidden courtyards. Flat throughout and suitable for all abilities.
Neapolis Archaeological Park Walk
A walk through the Neapolis Archaeological Park covering all the major ancient monuments. Begin at the park entrance on Viale Paradiso and head to the Greek Theatre, the largest and most impressive structure. Continue past the ancient quarries (Latomie) to the Ear of Dionysius and the Grotta dei Cordari, then to the Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century AD) and the vast Altar of Hieron II, which once measured 198 metres long and was used for enormous public sacrifices. The park is mostly unpaved paths with some uneven ground, but manageable for most visitors. Bring water and sun protection — shade is limited.
Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve
A spectacular gorge hike about 30 kilometres southwest of Syracuse, the Cavagrande del Cassibile is a deep limestone canyon carved by the Cassibile River. The trail descends steeply from the rim to a series of stunning natural pools — the Laghetti di Avola — with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. The descent is roughly 300 metres over a rocky, switchback path, and the climb back up is demanding, especially in summer heat. The reward is extraordinary: swimming in pristine turquoise pools surrounded by sheer canyon walls, with almost no development in sight. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and start early to avoid the midday heat. Check locally before going as the trail is occasionally closed for fire risk or maintenance.
Syracuse Travel Guides
Best Time to Visit Syracuse
Month-by-month climate guide, festival calendar, and tips for picking the perfect season
Syracuse Food Guide
Traditional Sicilian dishes, street food, wine, and the best restaurants on Ortigia
Things to Do in Syracuse
Ancient ruins, island walks, boat trips, day trips to Noto, and hidden gems
Nearby Cities
Catania
60 km north · Mount Etna gateway
Enna
130 km northwest · Heart of Sicily
Agrigento
215 km west · Valley of the Temples
Messina
160 km north · Strait gateway
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Syracuse?
Ortigia island is the best area for most visitors. This tiny island is the historic heart of Syracuse, connected to the mainland by two short bridges. It's home to the Duomo, the Temple of Apollo ruins, Fonte Aretusa, Castello Maniace, and dozens of restaurants and bars along the waterfront. Almost everything is within walking distance, and cars are restricted in most areas.
How do I get to Syracuse from Catania airport?
Catania Fontanarossa airport is about 60km north of Syracuse (roughly 1 hour by car). You can take an Interbus or AST direct bus from the airport to Syracuse, which runs several times daily and costs around €6-8 one way. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or private transfer (around €70-90), or rent a car. There is also a train connection from Catania Centrale, though you need to get from the airport to the station first.
Is Syracuse worth visiting?
Absolutely. Syracuse was once the most powerful city in the ancient Greek world — Cicero called it "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all." Today it combines a stunning island old town (Ortigia), one of Europe's finest archaeological parks (Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius, Roman Amphitheatre), the magnificent Duomo built into a 5th-century BC Greek temple, and a UNESCO World Heritage listing. It's less crowded and more affordable than many other Italian destinations.
What is the best time to visit Syracuse?
The best time to visit Syracuse is April to June or September to October. These shoulder months offer warm weather (20-28°C), fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices. May to July brings the INDA Festival of Greek Theatre, where classical tragedies and comedies are performed in the 2,500-year-old Greek Theatre. Summer (July-August) is hot (30°C+) and busy, while winters are mild (10-15°C) and very quiet.
How many days do you need in Syracuse?
Two to three days is ideal for Syracuse. Day one: explore Ortigia island (Duomo, Temple of Apollo, Fonte Aretusa, Castello Maniace, seafood lunch at the fish market). Day two: Neapolis Archaeological Park (Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius, Roman Amphitheatre) and the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum. Day three: day trip to Noto (35km, baroque architecture), the Vendicari Nature Reserve, or the Cavagrande del Cassibile gorge.