Top Cosa Fare a Syracuse, Sicily

Your ultimate guide to the best attractions, activities, and experiences in ancient Syracuse — from the Greek Theatre and Ortigia to boat trips and Baroque day trips.

Syracuse is one of the most rewarding cities to visit in all of Italy — an ancient Greek metropolis that was once the most powerful city in the Mediterranean, where Aeschylus wrote plays, Plato sought wisdom, and Archimedes made his world-changing discoveries. Today, it's a city of extraordinary contrasts: a UNESCO-listed historic island of Baroque beauty and Greek temples; an archaeological park with the largest Greek theatre in existence; a living, breathing Sicilian city with buzzing markets, waterfront restaurants, and warm Ionian coves for swimming.

This guide walks you through the very best things to do in Syracuse, organised so you can plan your days efficiently and not miss a thing. We've covered the iconic landmarks, the hidden corners, the free experiences, and the excursions that make a trip to Syracuse truly unforgettable. All recommendations are based on actual first-hand knowledge of the city — no filler, no made-up suggestions.

1. Walk the Neapolis Archaeological Park

The Neapolis Archaeological Park is the single most important thing to see in Syracuse — and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean. The park sits on the mainland, a 15-minute walk from the Ortigia bridge, and covers the core of ancient Greek and Roman Syracuse.

The Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco) is the park's centrepiece. Carved directly into the limestone of the Temenite hill in the 5th century BC, it seated up to 15,000 people — making it one of the largest theatres of the ancient Greek world. This is where Aeschylus premiered his play The Women of Aetna in 458 BC, and where classical performances are still staged each spring and summer as part of the INDA festival. Stand at the top of the cavea (the seating area) and look down at the stage, with the city and sea beyond — the acoustics are so perfect that you can hear a coin drop on stage from the highest row.

The Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio) is a spectacular limestone cave within the park, 23 metres high and carved into the shape of a human ear. The cave's extraordinary acoustics amplify sound by a factor of 16 — legend has it that the tyrant Dionysius used it to eavesdrop on political prisoners who were held in the cave. The name was coined by the painter Caravaggio when he fled to Syracuse in 1608, and it stuck. The cave is cool, damp, and eerily resonant; even a whisper echoes dramatically.

The Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano) is one of the largest Roman arenas in Italy, dating from the 3rd century AD. Unlike the Greek Theatre, which was used for drama and civic gatherings, this was where gladiators fought and public spectacles were held. The arena could seat around 20,000 spectators, and the underground passageways where animals and performers were held are still visible. The contrast between the Greek Theatre's harmonious natural setting and the Roman Amphitheatre's brutal purpose is striking.

Latomia del Paradiso is the quarry from which the stone for ancient Syracuse was cut. After the catastrophic Athenian defeat in the Sicilian Expedition of 413 BC, thousands of captured Athenian soldiers were imprisoned and worked to death in these quarries. Today, the quarry is a lush, sunken garden filled with citrus trees, wildflowers, and the haunting quiet of a place heavy with history.

Practical information: The park is open daily. Entry is approximately €10. Allow at least 2 hours to explore properly — longer if you want to sit in the Greek Theatre and absorb the atmosphere. Go early (8:30 am opening) to avoid the midday heat and the tour group crowds. Combined tickets with the Paolo Orsi Museum are available at a discount.

2. Explore Ortigia Island

The historic island of Ortigia is the reason many people fall in love with Syracuse. It's a tiny island — barely one kilometre from end to end — connected to the Syracuse mainland by two bridges. Ortigia has been continuously inhabited for over 2,700 years, and every period of that history is visible in its streets, buildings, and squares.

Start at the Ponte Santa Lucia near the Temple of Apollo and walk onto the island. The Temple of Apollo itself, immediately on your left as you cross the bridge, is the oldest Doric temple in Sicily (6th century BC) — a haunting, roofless shell that sets the tone for the historical depth you're about to encounter.

Walk straight along Corso Matteotti and you'll soon reach Piazza del Duomo, widely considered one of Italy's most beautiful squares. It's a sublime ensemble of Baroque palazzi and the magnificent Syracuse Cathedral, which is built directly into the shell of a 5th-century BC Greek Temple of Athena. The original Doric columns of the temple are still visible, integrated into the cathedral walls. Step inside — the nave is free to enter — and you'll see the fluted stone columns rising alongside the Baroque altars, one of the most astonishing architectural palimpsests in the world.

From the square, follow Via Landolina to the waterfront and Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring that emerges at the sea's edge, fringed with papyrus plants. According to Greek mythology, the nymph Arethusa transformed into this spring to escape the river god Alpheus. It's a peaceful, shady spot where you can watch ducks and fish while contemplating the layers of mythology and history.

Walk south along the sea wall to Castello Maniace, a 13th-century Hohenstaufen fortress built by Emperor Frederick II at the island's southern tip. The castle is named after the Byzantine general George Maniakes. Inside, a small museum tells the castle's story, but the real attraction is the panoramic terrace with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. This is the best place on Ortigia to watch the sunset. Entry is approximately €5.

After the castle, continue north along the eastern sea wall — the Foro Vittorio Emanuele promenade — which circles the island's perimeter back towards the bridge. This route gives you sea views, glimpses of the marina, and a complete perspective on how compact and perfectly formed Ortigia really is. The entire island walk, including stops, takes 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace.

3. Visit the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum

One of the most important archaeological museums in Europe, the Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi houses an extraordinary collection of artefacts from Syracuse, other Greek colonies in Sicily, and prehistoric sites across the island. The museum is named after the archaeologist who conducted much of the pioneering excavation work in eastern Sicily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The collection is arranged chronologically across two wings. The prehistoric section includes artefacts from the Palaeolithic through the Bronze Age, including stunning Mycenaean pottery that demonstrates Syracuse's early trading links. The Greek period is the museum's strength: exquisite painted vases, bronze helmets and armour, funerary stelae, and the star attraction, the Landolina Venus — a Greek marble statue of Aphrodite from the 2nd century AD, discovered in Syracuse in 1804, that rivals the more famous Medici Venus in beauty.

The museum has excellent English labelling throughout, and the scale models of ancient Syracuse — showing the city at its peak with its temples, theatres, fortifications, and harbour — are invaluable for understanding the site. Allow 2–3 hours. Located on Viale Teocrito, adjacent to the Neapolis Archaeological Park. A combined ticket with the park is available.

4. Explore the Catacombs of San Giovanni

Beneath the Church of San Giovanni (St John) on the Syracuse mainland, the Catacombs of San Giovanni rank among the largest and best-preserved early Christian catacombs in the world, second only to Rome's in extent. The catacombs date from the 4th century AD (after the Edict of Milan legalised Christianity) and were used for burial through the 6th century.

A guided tour — essential, as the catacombs are a labyrinthine network with limited lighting — takes you through kilometres of underground galleries, burial chambers (loculi carved into the rock walls), and small chapels decorated with faded frescoes and symbols. The catacombs include the Crypt of Saint Marcian, the cave where the first Christian bishop of Syracuse was martyred in 254 AD, and a circular rotonde (rotunda) where wealthier families built mausoleums. The atmosphere is reverent and fascinating rather than spooky, and the guides are knowledgeable. Entry is approximately €8, including the tour. Located on Via San Giovanni, a 5-minute walk from the Archaeological Park.

5. Take a Boat Trip Around Ortigia

Seeing Syracuse from the water transforms your understanding of the city. Ortigia's shape — a teardrop of limestone rising from the Ionian Sea — and its relationship to the mainland harbour only make sense when viewed from a boat. Boat trips depart from the Porto Piccolo and from the quays near Fonte Aretusa, offering a range of options to suit every budget.

Short motorboat tours (30–45 minutes, approximately €20 per person) circle Ortigia, giving you views of Castello Maniace from the sea, the sea caves carved into the island's eastern cliff, and the two harbours that made Syracuse such a formidable naval power. The guides point out the landmarks and share stories about Syracuse's maritime history.

Half-day sailing or motorboat excursions (3–4 hours, €50–80 per person) head south to the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, a stretch of coastline with crystalline waters, dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves, and exceptional snorkelling. The marine reserve is home to a rich variety of Mediterranean fish, and the water visibility in summer can reach 30 metres. Many excursions include a stop for swimming and a light lunch on board.

Sunset boat tours with wine (2 hours, €35–50 per person) are a Syracuse highlight. Departing in the late afternoon, you'll cruise around Ortigia as the sun drops behind the mainland, painting the limestone buildings in shades of gold and amber. A glass of local Nero d'Avola or a Spritz completes the experience. It's romantic, leisurely, and one of the most memorable things you can do in Syracuse.

6. Walk the Mercato di Ortigia

Syracuse's daily market, held every morning (except Sunday) in the streets around the Temple of Apollo, is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Fishermen display the overnight catch on crushed ice — red mullet, sea bass, bream, squid, octopus, and the magnificent local prawns. Farmers from the surrounding countryside bring their produce: tomatoes that smell like summer, fat artichokes, glossy aubergines, bunches of wild oregano, and the blood oranges for which Sicily is famous.

The market is also where you'll find Caseificio Borderi, a legendary deli that sells perhaps the best sandwich you'll ever eat — a crusty roll stuffed with fresh ricotta, prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and whatever else the owner decides to pile on. It's less a sandwich and more a religious experience. Go early (they close when they sell out, usually by 1 pm).

7. Day Trip to Noto

No visit to Syracuse is complete without a day trip to Noto, the jewel of Sicilian Baroque. Forty kilometres south of Syracuse (40 minutes by car, 45 minutes by train), Noto was completely rebuilt after the catastrophic earthquake of 1693 in a unified honey-coloured limestone Baroque style that is simply breathtaking.

Spend the morning walking Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Noto's main thoroughfare, which is lined with churches and palazzi of staggering architectural harmony. The Cathedral of San Nicolò, rebuilt after its 1996 collapse, is the centrepiece, with its sweeping staircase and twin bell towers. The Palazzo Ducezio (the town hall) and Palazzo Nicolaci are equally magnificent. Entry to most churches is free, and the afternoon light on the golden stone is spectacular. Noto is also famous for its gelato — try Caffè Sicilia or Costanzo for the best you'll ever taste.

Combine Noto with a stop at Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village with a charming piazza and excellent seafood restaurants, or Avola, for its sandy beach and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Return to Syracuse in the late afternoon, tired and happy.

8. Visit Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa)

Syracuse Cathedral on Piazza del Duomo is one of the most remarkable buildings in the world — a physical testament to the city's 2,700 years of continuous history. The cathedral is built on the site of a 5th-century BC Doric temple dedicated to Athena, which was itself built on the site of an earlier structure. The temple's original Doric columns were incorporated into the cathedral's walls when it was converted to Christian use in the 7th century AD.

Step inside and look up: the fluted fluted columns of the Greek temple are visible running through the nave, integrated into the fabric of the church. The holy water font is a Roman marble basin. The Chapel of the Crucifix houses a painted wooden crucifix from the 13th century. The cathedral also contains the chapel dedicated to Saint Lucy, the city's patron saint, whose silver statue is paraded through the streets during the annual Festa di Santa Lucia on December 13. Entry to the main nave is free.

9. Swim at Fontane Bianche or Plemmirio

Syracuse's coastline offers excellent swimming opportunities. Fontane Bianche, 15 kilometres south of the city centre, is the closest sandy beach, with fine white sand, clear shallow water, and a row of lidos (beach clubs) that rent sunbeds and umbrellas. It's busy in July and August but has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Regular buses connect Syracuse city centre to Fontane Bianche.

For a wilder swimming experience, the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, on the peninsula south of Syracuse, offers rocky coves and crystal-clear water with stunning visibility. The best spots are Cala dei Sospiri and Cala Greca, where you can claim a patch of flat rock, lay down your towel, and swim in water so clear it looks like gin. These coves are less crowded than the beaches and offer a more natural, untamed swimming experience. Bring water shoes for the rocks.

10. Watch Sunset from Castello Maniace

At the southern tip of Ortigia, the walls of Castello Maniace provide the best sunset viewpoint in Syracuse. Arrive about 45 minutes before sunset, find a spot on the grassy ramparts or the stone walls overlooking the sea, and watch as the sun sinks below the Sicilian mainland. The limestone of Ortigia turns gold, then pink, then amber, and the sea takes on a deep Mediterranean blue before darkening to violet. It's a moment that encapsulates everything wonderful about Syracuse: history, beauty, and the enduring magic of this ancient city by the sea.

Suggested Itineraries

One Day in Syracuse (The Blitz): Morning at Neapolis Archaeological Park (2 hours), quick lunch at the market, afternoon exploring Ortigia (cathedral, Fonte Aretusa, Castello Maniace), sunset from the castle walls, dinner on Ortigia.

Two Days in Syracuse (The Sweet Spot): Day 1: Neapolis Archaeological Park + Paolo Orsi Museum + Catacombs of San Giovanni. Dinner at Osteria da Seby. Day 2: Ortigia Island full exploration + market morning + boat trip in the afternoon. Sunset at Castello Maniace. Dinner in Piazza del Duomo.

Three Days in Syracuse (The Full Immersion): Days 1 and 2 as above. Day 3: Day trip to Noto + Marzamemi or Avola. Evening swim at Fontane Bianche or Plemmirio, followed by farewell dinner at Ristorante Archimede.

Domande Frequenti

Is Syracuse suitable for children?

Yes. Children will love the Ear of Dionysius (whisper echoes are endlessly entertaining), the Greek Theatre (run up and down the steps), the Catacombs (an underground adventure), and the boat trips. The beaches at Fontane Bianche are family-friendly. The archaeological sites are mostly flat and accessible with a stroller, though the catacombs are less so.

What should I wear when visiting Syracuse's churches?

Syracuse Cathedral and other churches require modest dress: shoulders covered, no shorts or miniskirts, no bare midriffs. A light scarf or shawl is useful for covering up. This applies to all visitors regardless of gender.

Are the archaeological sites accessible for people with mobility issues?

The Neapolis Archaeological Park has some uneven terrain and steps. The Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre involve climbing and descending. The Catacombs of San Giovanni are underground with low ceilings and steps. Ortigia's streets are mostly flat and can be navigated with a wheelchair, though some lanes are narrow. It's worth checking with individual sites about specific accessibility provisions.

Is Syracuse expensive for tourists?

No. Syracuse is significantly cheaper than Rome, Florence, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast. A good meal costs €35–50 with wine. A decent hotel room on Ortigia costs €80–130 in shoulder season. Entry to the main archaeological park is €10. Many of the best experiences (walking Ortigia, the market, the cathedral nave, sunset at the castle) are free.

What can I do in Syracuse in the evening?

The passeggiata (evening stroll) along Foro Vittorio Emanuele on Ortigia is a beloved local ritual, especially in summer. Enjoy an aperitivo at a bar overlooking the water, then dinner at one of Ortigia's many restaurants. In summer, the streets and piazzas stay lively until late. Classical performances at the Greek Theatre run from May to July. Most of Syracuse's charm in the evening lies in simply being there, in the warm air, with good food and good company.