siracusa walking tours

Siracusa free walking tour: Get to feel the vibe of the town walking and learning about the history and visiting the most important monuments of Ortigia, the old town center.

• When: every Monday afternoon (starting time varies seasonally)
• Duration: about: 1h30m
• Participation fee: free donation
• Booking (prebooking required)

Ortygia free walking tour is the first tour in Syracuse, run since 2012, and which is based on the free donation tour philosophy.

Once a week our guides will lead you to discover Ortigia, the old town center of Syracuse, a must-see in eastern Sicily. It is a relaxed tour, lasting about 1h30m, which will allow to discover the history and monuments of our town. The guide will also tell you interesting facts about local lifestyle and advices on what to see or where to eat.

No fixed participation fee is required to take part in this tour. At the end of the walking tour, feel free to tip the guide. Our tours are not funded by public contributions and therefore the possibility of continuing to offer this service also depends on your donations.

The Ortygia free tour is run by local guides and a small local company. Unlike other similar tours, promoted international agencies which take care of the promotion, taking a commission for each tour, all of us are professional guides and the entire amount you leave will remain to the guide who accompanied you.

We are tourism professionals: all our guides are licensed according to Italian laws and, in addition to the free tour, during the year we also offer group tours or private tours that you can gladly book with us.

What is a free walking tour?

A free walking tour is a guided tour that is led by a local guide and is provided free of charge. Instead of charging a fee upfront, the guide relies on tips from participants at the end of the tour.

During the tour, the guide will take you to various landmarks, historical sites, and other points of interest and share knowledge and expertise on the town, providing insight and context that you may not have otherwise known.

The idea behind a free walking tour is to make tourism more accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their budget. This also allows tourists to decide how much they want to pay based on their level of satisfaction with the tour, making it a fair and flexible system.

Tipping the guide helps support the local tourism industry but also rewards the guide for their time and effort in providing an informative and enjoyable experience.

All our guides are licensed, professional guides who also lead free tours as part of their professional services. Our tours are really free: we enjoy our work and the guide will appreciate a tip but it will not be requested at the end of the walking our.

Free tours calendar

Below you can find the calendar with the next scheduled Ortygia free walking tours. Please note: usually free tours are available in Syracuse only once a week from March to October. Click on the requested date to register.

Traditional group tours

At present we only run our Ortygia free walking tour to discover Siracusa. It's organized once per week from mid March to the end of October. If you are looking for other itineraries you can have a look at the tours listed below. These are traditional shared group walking tours, organized by our partners of Hermes Sicily Tours. This tours are scheduled only during the high season, usually during the summer months and the Christmas weeks. Click on the boxes for furher information about each visit.

Neapolis park tour

Explore Syracuse's ancient Greek and Roman ruins on a walking tour of Neapolis Archaeological Park, including the impressive Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre.

Baroque Noto tour

Discover the beauty of Noto's baroque architecture on a walking tour of its historic town center, featuring stunning churches, palaces, and charming streets.

Ortygia classic tour

Stroll through the charming streets of Ortygia, Syracuse's old town center, and visit the stunning Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece with a fascinating history.

Ortygia & Maniace sunset tour

Discover the enchanting charm of Ortygia's old town center on a sunset walking tour, exploring historic landmarks like the impressive Maniace Castle with stunning sea views.

• [email protected]
• Every Monday at 3:30pm

Syracuse Free Original Walking Tour

Discover the enchanting island of Ortygia, the old town center of Siracusa, on our Original Syracuse Free Walking Tour. Follow our guide through the town’s narrow streets and learn about its history and monuments. During the tour, you will see ancient Greek town ruins, baroque churches, and picturesque hidden corners. Ortygia’s highlights include the cathedral square, which houses a church built on top of an ancient Greek temple, and the beautiful promenade, which offers views of the sea and the town’s natural bay. After the tour, our guide will be happy to give you recommendations for other places to visit as well as general information about public transportation, dining, and shopping options.

You can get the most out of your trip if you make genuine connections with insiders who know their way around. However, you’ll get more than just free insider tips on this Syracuse Free Walking Tours!

Siracusa is a small city, but its historic centre deserves to be properly displayed and told. We’ll visit Ortygia’s main attractions, including the Temple of Apollo, the Duomo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the Maniace Castle, where the tour may conclude.

• Learn about the elegant buildings on the enchanting island of Ortygia, the old town center of Siracusa
• Visit ancient Greek town ruins, baroque churches, and picturesque hidden corners
• Walk along the town’s narrow streets and learn about its history and monuments
• Witness Ortygia’s main attractions, including the Temple of Apollo, the Duomo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the Maniace Castle

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This Original Syracuse Free Walking Tour is definitely a good choice to explore one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy. This is a must-tour if you love to learn about rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheatres, and architecture, as well as being the birthplace of the eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes.

What’s Included

✔ Professional guide

✘ Gratuities

✘ Food and drinks, unless specified

Departure & Return

Departure Point: Piazza Duomo, 5, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Return Details : Piazza Duomo, 5, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

What To Expect

Making genuine connections with insiders who know their way around can help you get the most out of your trip. This Syracuse Free Walking Tours, however, will provide you with more than just free insider information!

On our Original Syracuse Free Walking Tour, you will discover the enchanting island of Ortygia, as well as the old town center of Siracusa. Follow our guide through the narrow streets of the town and learn about its history and monuments. You will see ancient Greek town ruins, baroque churches, and picturesque hidden corners during the tour. The cathedral square, which houses a church built on top of an ancient Greek temple, and the beautiful promenade, which offers views of the sea and the town’s natural bay, are among Ortygia’s highlights. Following the tour, our guide will be happy to recommend additional places to visit as well as general information about public transportation, dining, and shopping options.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate

Cancellation Policy

This experience requires good weather. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered or you can also choose a different date. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If the tour is canceled because the minimum numbers of participants aren’t met, you’ll be offered or you can also choose a different date.

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Free walking tour near syracuse, others cities to visit after syracuse, where are you traveling to.

Siracusa Private Walking Tour

Fall into local culture & history.

Enjoy wonderful evening Walking Tour with a friendly local guide, passionate and proud of her native town. Strolling throughout Ortigia, the old city Centre of Siracusa, discover the secrets of 3000 years of history and admire all the treasures that different cultures left after their dominations. Start your 1,5 hours Walking Tour when sun starts to go down and big tourist group are away, to enjoy better an enchanting fairy environment of one of the most beautiful and ancient town in the world. Personal attention of the guide and friendly atmosphere are guaranteed!

Meet Your Guide at Apollo Temple in front of San Paolo Church in Apollonion Street and start Your Walking Tour when it’s already cooling down. After discovering of majestic Apollo Temple continue Your Tour towards via Cavour, one of the most colourful street of Ortigia, where the local people like to spend their evenings. After this explore the beauty of Archimede Fountain and reach interesting Jewish district that was founded in the 3rd century BC.

Continue Your memorable walk through the heart of Ortigia to reach Duomo Square, one of the most beautiful square of all Italy and enjoy the stunning Duomo and Saint Lucy Church. Last stop will be at the Aretusa Fountain with Papyrus plants where Your Tour will end next to the seaside, the perfect place to continue Your evening out.

After the Tour you will fall in love with old Siracusa and will be more knowledgeable than locals.

Siracusa Food & Wine Tour

Downtown Luxury Slum

Siracusa, Sicily – A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Explore Siracusa on a self-guided walking tour, from ancient ruins to hidden gems. Uncover the city’s charm and unravel its stories.

Siracusa is a city draped in seaweed and secrets, where baroque balconies jut out like broken teeth, and every alleyway seems to lead to a forgotten piazza haunted by pigeons and despair. Imagine a place where laundry flaps from windows like tattered flags of surrender. The air is thick with the smell of overripe fruit and fish drying on salty washing lines. But for those who find beauty in decay, Siracusa has a certain undeniable charm. Its crumbling grandeur possesses a strange allure.

If you explore Siracusa, you might just find yourself with a story worth telling. Since the majority of Siracusa’s sights are in Ortigia, it’s easy to set off on foot and explore them. With a full day and a good pair of walking shoes, you should be able to complete this walking tour in Siracusa, and explore all of the sights in depth.

Read on for a free self-guided walking tour of Siracusa that you can do on your own time, using my outline. I’m including a Google Maps link for each of the stops to help you follow along and also so that if you want to enter any of the sites, you’ll be able to see when they’re open. Here’s the full map so you can see what you’re getting into before you start.

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the links at no additional cost to you.

Where to Start

Here’s more information about how to get to Siracusa, getting around Siracusa, where to stay, where to eat, and what else to do in Siracusa.

Once you’ve made it to Siracusa, dropped off your luggage, and maybe had a good sleep and/or something to eat, make your way to Ponte Umbertino to officially start your tour. Ponte Umbertino is one of the two bridges that connects Ortigia to the mainland. From there, you’ll be able to see the first stop on the tour.

1. Statue of Archimedes

This is a two meter high bronze statue of the Siracusan genius, Archimedes, that sits between the two bridges at the entrance of Ortigia. The statue sits atop stone steps which reproduce the famous Stomachion geometric puzzle, creating an interesting perspective effect. Each step is engraved with a symbol of a theory developed by him such as Pi, the principle of levers, and the spiral.

2. Porta Urbica

This is no longer recognizable as a gate in the historic city walls of Siracusa, but it’s free to visit and easy to stop by and take a quick peek.

3. Temple of Apollo

Here, you’ll find barely recognizable ruins of a 6th century BCE temple. This is another site that’s free and easy to visit.

• Hungry: Go to the  Apollonion – Osteria da Carlo  for the multi course fixed seafood menu.

4. Ortigia Street Market

This street market sells a little bit of everything from fresh produce to fresh seafood to dried spices and fruit, to ceramics, clothing, and souvenirs. Expect to be able sample some foods for free or buy small bites throughout the market. There are also some restaurants to sit down to a seafood dinner or meat and cheese board. It’s open Monday-Saturday from around 8am-2pm, but it’s best enjoyed during the earlier hours.

• Hungry? Fratelli Burgio  offers super popular charcuterie boards with various combinations of smoked fish, cured meats and cheeses, vegetables, and preserves. Caseificio Borderi  is a great place to grab a panino. Expect a line to snake around the corner at lunch time.

5. Fountain of Diana

The next stop on your Siracusa walking tour is the Fountain of Diana. Look for the fountain featuring a statue of the goddess Diana and a bunch of cute horses in the center of Piazza Archimede.

• Hungry? Try  A Putia  for home-style Sicilian food. Favourites are the caponata, linguine alla Siracusana, and grilled swordfish. Go early or expect to wait for a table. Pizzeria Schiticchio  is a pizza restaurant with a cozy, cave-like atmosphere and a great selection of local craft beer.

6. Syracuse Cathedral

This Catholic cathedral is built on the skeleton of a 5th-century BC Greek temple to Athena. Syracuse’s 7th-century duomo became a church when St Paul passed by. Its most striking feature is the columned baroque facade added after the 1693 earthquake. Look along the side for a number of thick Doric columns leftover from the original Greek temple. Admission is €2 and well worth it.

• Thirsty? Enoteca Solaria  is a highly rated wine bar with a huge selection of wines, a nice atmosphere, and helpful service. The staff will happily recommend wines to pair with the meats, cheese, olives, and bruschetta that they also serve.

7. Piazza del Duomo

This is a piazza surrounded by flamboyant palazzi, sitting on what was once Siracusa’s ancient acropolis.

• Hungry? Go to  Burgio al Porto  for wine or a cocktail or stay for a meat and cheese board, fish platter, or sandwich stuffed with marinated vegetables.

8. Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia

The Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Lucy, martyred in Siracusa during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian. The church is home to a copy of Caravaggio’s masterpiece, Seppellimento di Santa Lucia (Burial of St Lucy, 1609). The nave ceiling is frescoed with the Triumph of Santa Lucia by Deodato Guinaccia. Look for lots of religious art. The church is free to visit but check opening hours.

• Hungry? Cannoli Del Re  has cannoli in a cone.

9. Castello Maniace

The next stop on your Siracusa walking tour is a little further away from the others but worth the walk. This castle and citadel was built in the 1200s. It is impressive to view from the exterior or you may choose to enter by crossing the bridge over the (now filled) moat. If you have the time, it is worth a visit for the vaulted central hall, small collection of historical artifacts, magnificent sea views, and random exhibitions. Admission is €8.

• Hungry? Trattoria La Foglia  offers a quirky, homey atmosphere and great Sicilian food.

10. Church of Saint John Baptist

This gothic style church was apparently built in the late 1300s, converted to a synagogue in the 1400s, and then again back to a church in the late 1400s. It currently has no roof and is used as a beautiful venue for special events such as weddings. If you are lucky, you will be able to peek in if there is an event taking place or if they are setting up for one.

11. Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo

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This church was built on a medieval synagogue and underneath are catacombs linking a burial crypt, WWII air raid shelter, and Jewish ritual bath. From April to October, Monday to Saturday, there is a pay-what-you-want tour that lasts about 15 minutes. Tours start every 30 minutes with the first tour at 10am and the last tour is at 5pm, with a 2-hour break from 1pm to 3pm.

• Hungry? Stop by  Antica Giudecca  for arancini, calzone, pizza by the slice, and other quick takeaway food. Or stop at  Bistrot Bella Vita  for coffee, cornetti, biscotti, and pastries.

This concludes our walking tour around Ortigia. If you have a second day in Siracusa, there are several sights on the mainland worth seeing as well.

Trapani – A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Palermo – A Self-Guided Walking Tour

What to Eat and Drink in Sicily

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Siracusa, a Wonder of Ancient Sicily

Individual self-guided/guided walking tour, private day trip.

• Discover one of the best-preserved Greek archaeological areas In the Mediterranean. 
• Enjoy some splendid masterpieces of the ancient world.
• Stroll the narrow streets of the old town in the small isle of Ortigia. 
• Take advantage of the personal expertise and local knowledge of your tour guide

WORKS: all the year round.

DEPARTS: daily.

PICKUPS: on your convenient point in Taormina or Catania, areas.

STARTS: make arrangements according to your needs, at the time of reservation.

TOUR LENGHT: 5 hrs., in addition at the transfer time as follows:

– from Taormina area: 3 hours;

– from Catania areas: 2 hrs.

LANGUAGE SPOKEN: English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.

Along the southbound journey, an interesting aspect of the surrounding countryside is the fact that the continental plates of Africa and Europe meet here, allowing you to stand between the two continents. Syracuse, as it is known in English, was built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by Corinthians in 734 BC. It was the most important city in Magna Graecia, and for a time competed with Athens as the most important city of the Greek world. It expresses all the variety and cultural complexity of Sicily, from its origins to our times. The visit at the Neapolis Archaeological Park includes the Greek Theatre (5th century BC), where nowadays the ancient Greek tragedies go in scene; the Roman Amphitheatre, where combats among gladiators were held and the Latomie of the Stone Paradise, ancient hollows which provided the stone for many of the Greek monuments. The most famous of them, is the Orecchio of Dionisio (Ear of Dionysius): according to the legend, the then tyrant Dionysius could hear the whispers of the prisoners that were held in its depths. In reality, it has such an unbelievable acoustic power that the sound produced inside is amplified up to sixteen times.

TOUR INFO  

It  is calculated per person  according to the number of participants and  pick up place, as follows:

2 pax  – 3 pax –  4 pax – 5 pax –  6 pax – 7 pax.

With more participants than two people the price lowers gradually. Over 14 years old, same price as adults. (it is applied a 20% off to guys aged 12-14, who travel with at least two full paying adults).

For exact price calculation, please, send us inquiry via e-mail  

Inclusions: – Private pickups in your convenient point in Catania and Taormina  areas; – Half day service by licensed tour guide in Siracusa (Please note that the guide meet you in Siracusa); – Private car service.

Exclusions:

– Entrance tickets – Meals and drinks – Personal expenses – Tips and gratuities – Optional activities cost

HOW TO BOOK

Privately, a booking form – which  incorporates all terms and conditions (deposit, payment, cancellation and responsibility) – will be sent you, to be signed for acceptance.  If the booking is made within 30 days before the tour’s start date, the full amount is required at the time of reservation. The deposit will be treated as part payment of the total amount due. Inquiry

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Booking for siracusa, a wonder of ancient sicily, privacy overview.

Siracusa Guided Tour

A walking tour to explore this wonderful town with a professional licensed guide. visit the archaeological park and ortygia island..

Siracusa Guided Tour is a walking tour to explore this wonderful town with a professional licensed guide.

Our Guide will lead you to the discovery of the most important beauties as well as the world renowned Archaeological Park and the hidden treasures of Siracusa and Ortygia Island.

Meet your Guide at your hotel or directly in city center and start your guided walking tour strolling through the streets of  Ortygia Island , the heart of the city center connected to the mainland by Umbertino bridge. Siracusa that belongs to the  Unesco heritage,  was founded in 735 B.C. and it was then an important Greek town. Admire the Dome in Baroque style, the Arethusa Fontain, the Maniace Castle, the Temple of Apollo and the beautiful palaces around Ortygia.

Then you will be driven  (by private transportation)  to the  Archaeological Park  that highlights the  Greek Theatre , the  Roman Amphitheatre  and the Paradise Quarry. Later back to Your hotel or to the city center.

Enquire us for more details: Siracusa Guided Tour is a walking tour for people that lodge in Siracusa. Contact our experts if you need a trasportation to reach the town.

• Category Art and Culture
• Location Catania , Port of Catania , Port of Siracusa , Sicily , Syracuse , Taormina
• Category Day Tour
• Tour Type Private

Walking Tour of Ortigia

Alpheios’ sacred stream, precious gem of the great Syracuse, Ortygia, altar of Artemis... Pindar,  The Nemean Odes

The  island of Ortygia  was the first site of the  Corinthian settlers ,   and it contains the complex  historical events of Syracuse  among the streets of Greek origin, the walls of the  Medieval buildings  and the façades of the  Baroque churches . Here, as one can seldom find elsewhere, myth and history, ancient and modern, pagan and Christian, light and shade, combine harmoniously with a natural backdrop of incomparable beauty. 

On this private walking tour , we will stroll along the alleys of Ortygia, that discloses exceptional Greek, Roman, and Late Antiquity monuments not only among the walls of Medieval and Baroque buildings but also under its "basolati" (stone-paved streets).

• Also available in Spanish and French
• Duration 3 hours
• Price per group from € 220.00
• City - Other Activities Siracusa
• cultural tours
• half day tours

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A walking tour of Ortigia island in Syracuse, Sicily

After leaving Catania on our Sicilian road trip, we spent a few glorious days in Siracusa. I could have stayed for ages. I was utterly charmed by the sun-bleached buildings, the bright blue sky, the blazing sun, and the brilliant flowers that spilled over crumbling walls. The people were lovely, the food divine, and the sunsets gorgeous.

The heart of the city is Ortigia island, which is connected to Siracusa by three bridges. The island itself is very small, but it’s bursting with cute little streets to wander down, great restaurants, and many historical sights to see. We had an excellent visit there and saw a lot, so I thought I’d write up a walking tour of Ortigia.

Here’s your free map , which includes all the sights we’ll cover, plus another layer of foodie spots, because, well, you know, it’s Luggage and Life!

Ready? Andiamo !

Luggage and Life’s walking tour of Ortigia island

The Temple of Apollo

The first stop on our walking tour of Ortigia, the Temple of Apollo, is located just over the main bridge, called Ponte Umbertino.  

The temple was constructed in the 6th century BC, when Sicily was ruled by the Greeks as part of the ancient civilization known as Magna Grecia. Built in the Doric style, the Temple of Apollo in Ortigia is one of the oldest examples of this kind of temple in Western Europe.  

Visible today is a long portion of the cella wall. The cella , in Classical architecture, made up the part of the temple that housed a portrayal of the god or goddess the temple was dedicated to.  

In the far corner, you can also see two columns with the remains of the architrave on top, which is the main beam that ran along the top of the columns.

Over the years, the temple was transformed into a church during the Byzantine period, then into a Mosque, and turned back into a church during the Norman reign. After this, it was deconsecrated and used as an army barracks during Spanish rule.

Today, you can see the remains of the decorations at the Museo Archeaologico Paolo Orsi.

Fore more information on the Temple of Apollo, click here .

The fountain of Diana

Pick up Corso Giacomo Matteotti and head down towards stop number two, The Fountain of Diana in Piazza Archimede.

Archimedes, for whom the piazza is named, is a well-known classical scientist. He was born in Siracusa in in 287 BC.

At the center of the piazza is the magnificent fountain of Diana. It was built in 1906 by Giulio Moschetti.  

The fountain depicts the myth of the nymph Arethusa. The story goes that Some Annoying Ancient Dude™ named Alpheus was pursuing her, and she wanted to get away from him so badly that she asked the goddess Diana (Artemis in the Greek pantheon) for help. Diana transformed her into water. Wouldn’t that be handy to escape from Annoying Modern Dudes™ at the club?

In the fountain, you’ll see Diana at the center, with Alphesus the Annoying peering out from behind her, and Arethusa about to give that mofo the slip and become one with the water. Boy bye.  

Arethusa pops up elsewhere in Ortigia. Stay tuned for another fountain dedicated to her.

I loved, loved, loved this fountain. You just keep noticing more and more about it the longer you stand there, staring at it like a goon, blocking traffic.

The sculpture itself is lively, with lots of movement happening, a horse, and a sea creature riding another sea creature. The movement is enhanced by the thin jets of water that shoot up towards the center of the fountain, sprinkling and sparkling in the sun. The bright blue sky and brilliant white buildings around the piazza are the perfect complements to the sandy tones of the sculptures.

For more information on the fountain, click here .

Il Duomo di Siracusa

When you’ve had your fill of the fountain, take Via Consiglio Reginale down to Piazza Duomo to visit the beautiful Cathedral of Siracusa.

The edifice of the church is in the typical Sicilian baroque style, characterized by lots of undulating shapes and details.

This cathedral has a very fascinating aspect, because inside, you can still see the columns and cella of the Temple of Athena, which stood there in ancient times. What was left of the original was incorporated into the modern church, designed by Andrea Palma and completed in 1753.

On my first visit to Ortigia, we didn’t go into the cathedral, but I’m so glad we did go in on my second visit. It’s one of those special buildings in Italy where you can see the layers of history that have unfolded across thousands of years. Don’t miss it. Entry costs 2 euros.

For more information on the Duomo of Siracusa, click here .

The Fountain of Arethusa

Here continues the narrative of the nymph Arethusa, who lives as one with the water. She escaped Alpheus thanks to Diana in Piazza Archimede, and bubbled up again a few streets down in the form of a natural spring.

In contrast to the perfectly sculpted Fountain of Diana, with its sleek figures and engineered water dancing, the Fountain of Arethusa is beautiful in a wild and natural way. Birds and fish mingle with a huge, lush burst of papyrus plants in the middle of the water.

In ancient times, the natural spring provided fresh water for the people of Siracusa and those who defended her. The year 1196 brought an earthquake, and the shifting of the ground changed the source of the spring somehow, causing the water to dry up. However, after a few years, the water returned, but this time, it was brackish.

There are many interesting legends and stories surrounding the fountain. For more information, check out this page .

Castello Maniace

If you continue straight down Via Castello Maniace, you’ll run into its namesake, the Maniace Castle. It has been closed both times I’ve visited, but it’s probably worth a visit!

La spiaggia di Cala Rossa – public beach

Want to take a dip? You can head down Lungomare d’Ortigia until you reach the free public beach. It’s rocky, but the water is really refreshing on a warm day. I also found tons and tons of sea glass there, so if you’re into that, then check it out!

Molo Zanagora: the pier

That’s the end of the walking tour, but if you’re in Siracusa/Ortigia overnight, you should definitely catch the sunset near the boats.

Head towards Molo Zanagora, grab some beers from the stand nearby, and enjoy the view.

Food tips for Siracusa/Ortigia

Have an aperitivo at mokrito.

Mokrito  has a great aperitivo and you get a good view of the sunset there too.

Have a cannolo at Pasticceria Artale

I have to give my sweetheart credit for finding this place. He found it on our most recent visit to Ortigia, when we were there with my parents and three family friends earlier this year. The staff was lovely and extremely patient as he and I ordered for our large group, asking what things were, who wanted what kind of coffee, etc.

They fill the crunchy cannolo shell on the spot with dense, sweet ricotta cream, and dipped each end in chopped pistachios. As I happily munched mine in the afternoon sunshine, and elderly man stopped, smiled and said to us in Italian, “well done, you’ve found the best pasticceria in town!”

Who were we to argue?

Aside from the cannolo , we tried almond cookies, candied fruit, and frappè, which are flat, fried dough sprinkled with icing sugar and are typical of the Carnevale season. Every single thing was delicious.

Have a pizza at Piano B

On my first trip to Siracusa, our Airbnb host gave us a list of restaurants to try. One of them, Piano B , was truly divine.

A bright and busy pizza place, we booked a table for nine o’clock and it was pumping. They have high quality toppings and ingredients from all over Italy, and you can choose the thickness of your crust, ranging from thin and crispy Romana to thick and hearty Siciliano.

I went Romana (obviously). My pizza was topped with creamy mozzarella, sweet and tangy cherry tomato confit, rich, fried eggplant slices, salted ricotta, and a swirl of basil pesto. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. I had a glass of the house Nero d’Avola, and it was also delicious. If you want a great pizza in Siracua, look no further.

Make sure to do a bit of wandering in Ortigia as well. There are charming little streets at every turn, a lively fish market with great restaurants, and undoubtedly, other treasures to discover on this gem of an island.

A note on Siracusa

From Siracusa we explored nearby Noto , Avola, and Marzamemi . If you want to avoid the chaos of Catania and Palermo and explore some smaller towns and cities, Siracusa would be a good home base for doing so.

The majority of the sights to see are on Ortigia island, but Siracusa itself is home to many ancient treasures, including an ancient Greek amphitheater and a limestone cave known as the Ear of Dionysus.

Here’s the map, one more time!

More Sicily guides and posts

Breakfast at Caffè Sicilia in Noto

Visiting Taormina’s Greek Amphitheater and Isola Bella

Marzamemi and La Riserva di Vendicari

A walking tour of Catania

The Catania fish market and Osteria Antica Marina

Where to eat in Catania: a local’s dining guide

Visiting Mount Etna

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Oh, what a beautiful trip! Enjoy, and if you have any questions, let me know!

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The best Syracuse tours: Discover Sicily’s gem

Sicily’s eastern coast is a historic area packed with landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. While most international travelers head to Taormina to admire its elegance, there’s a stunning city that often goes unnoticed: Syracuse. The small Italian town has a millennia-long history and features a dramatic coastline. Therefore, if you’re about to visit Sicily, the best Syracuse tours in this article will enhance your Sicilian journey.

After traveling extensively around eastern Sicily , I believe that Syracuse is a must-see location. The combination of vibrant local life and ancient landmarks make Syracuse one of the best places to see in Italy. Moreover, the city’s proximity to the sea and the marvelous Ortygia create a unique atmosphere that will fascinate you. That said, in this article, you’ll find the best tours in Syracuse to make the most of your stay. In addition, you’ll also find info on how to book these tours, their price, and their duration.

So, let’s discover the best Syracuse tours and what you can enjoy in Italy’s picturesque town.

Table of Contents

*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The best Syracuse tours – Sicily’s gem

Known for its Greek and Roman heritage and as the birthplace of Archimedes , Syracuse enjoys a fantastic location in the Mediterranean Sea. What appears to be today a medium-sized waterfront city, during the 5th century BC, Ancient Siracusa had Athens’ size.

There are plenty of things to do in Syracuse, and seeing everything in one day might be challenging. However, in the following lines, you’ll read what’s to enjoy in town and how to fit everything into your Syracuse itinerary. So, here’s what to do in Sicily’s hidden gem.

Ortygia and Neapolis guided walking tour

Due to its relatively compact size, Syracuse is a great place to explore its key attractions on foot. This fantastic Syracuse walking tour will take you to the city’s landmarks, and your guide will share plenty of info about the historic town. And, of course, you’ll explore the fascinating Ortygia, the city’s ancient center and UNESCO World Heritage Site .

As you stroll around the city, your guide will tell you about the area’s Greek history, with a strong focus on architecture and religion. The cosmopolitan flair of Syracuse will be omnipresent in this walk, and you’ll get an overview of why it was once the most important Mediterranean city. The impressive Cathedral of Syracuse, the iconic Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater, and the Roman Amphitheater are some of the famous spots you’ll discover.

The Neapolis Archaeological Park , where the famous Ear of Dionysos and the Paradise Latomia are located, are the city’s highlights, and locals are truly proud of them. Moreover, the Ionian Sea views from the Greek Theater are breathtaking, and if you’re an antiquity lover, this walking tour is for you.

Duration : 3 hours .

Price : from 250 euros per group of 4 .

How to book : Book here the Ortigia and Neapolis guided walk .

Siracusa: Ortygia boat tour with Marine Grotto

Ortygia (or Ortigia) is the historical center of Syracuse and the city’s most famous location. There’s no Syracuse tour that won’t take you through Ortygia, and apart from its history, it’s the place to admire the town’s coastline.

Now, this Syracuse boat tour will elevate your Sicilian experience because it’ll show you Ortygia’s beauty from the sea. Instead of walking in Ortygia, this boat trip will let you admire the city’s center from the water. In addition, you will travel along the coast, and you’ll see the fascinating sea caves of the area and the famous Maniace Castle. The celebrated Arethusa Fountain , where the patron figure of the ancient city returned to Earth from her underwater home, is also a spot you’ll see while sailing across the coastline.

To further enhance your boat tour, the operators will offer you fresh fruits and drinks on the way to Maniace Castle. Additionally, you can also swim for some minutes in the Mediterranean before visiting a chain of natural caves, like the Capuchin and the Coral Cave. Overall, this is hands down one of the best Syracuse boat trips , and if you feel like observing an ancient city from the sea, look no further.

Duration : 2 hours .

Price : from 35 euros .

How to book : Book here the Ortygia tour with Marine Grotto .

Bonus Syracuse tour

If you feel like taking a boat tour during sunset and enjoying an aperitivo while admiring ancient Siracusa, there’s an extra option. Specifically, you can embark on a sunset boat trip from Syracuse and enjoy the golden hour onboard a small boat. Touring Syracuse’s coastline at this time of the day is an unforgettable experience that will surely be a highlight of your Sicilian journey.

This tour lasts two hours and costs 55 euros per person. You can book the Ortigia sunset tour with Aperitif here .

Day trip from Syracuse: Visit Mount Etna

If you base yourself for more than one day in Syracuse -I encourage you to do so- visiting Mount Etna should also be in your Sicily itinerary. Walking the slopes of an active volcano is a memorable experience, and it ranks among the best things to do in Sicily. I took a volcano tour while traveling around Sicily, and you can read my Mount Etna impressions here .

Now, Syracuse is not far from Etna, and it’s a great day trip to consider. Europe’s tallest active volcano offers breathtaking views, and the excursion will also expose you to the beauty of Sicilian nature. You will reach an altitude of 2,000 meters , and from there, you will start hiking the craters. If you feel more adventurous, you can also purchase the high-altitude option, which will take you even closer to the volcano’s peak. Finally, at the tour’s end, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a lava flow cave and taste local food on a farm.

For nature lovers, that’s a great addition to your visit to Sicily. The tour operators are highly skilled, and there’s nothing to worry about. Seeing an active volcano is a unique experience, and Syracuse’s proximity to Mount Enta makes it one of the best day trips in the region.

Duration : ~8 hours .

Price : from 108 euros per person .

How to book : Book here the day trip to Mount Etna .

Syracuse traditional cooking class

Sicilian cuisine is famous worldwide for its healthy approach and delicious taste. That said, there’s probably no better place in Italy to take a cooking class and enjoy a visit to the local market.

Your guide will be a local chef, and you’ll visit the ancient market of Syracuse together. The culinary tradition and the loud environment will fascinate you while searching for local ingredients in Ortygia. The smells and the colors of the market will create a memorable canvas of impressions for sure.

Afterward, your chef will take you to their kitchen, and you’ll start cooking a delicious Sicilian meal together . The chef will share recipes and old stories while guiding you through the preparation of traditional Sicilian dishes. Enjoying an Italian meal that you cooked yourself sounds fantastic, right?

Duration : 4 hours .

Price : from 95 euros .

How to book : Book here the traditional cooking class .

A day trip from Syracuse to Taormina

Exactly like with the Etna trip, if you have more than one day in Syracuse, it’s a great option to visit Taormina . Nestled on a hilltop, the small town of Taormina is a stunning location that even Goethe fell in love with . Although it often feels packed, the city is the most famous spot in Sicily and deserves a visit.

This day trip from Syracuse also comes with an extra: it adds two more stops to your Syracuse itinerary: Ragusa Ibla and Modica. Both of these locations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their baroque heritage and beauty. Moreover, the tour’s price includes lunch in a traditional trattoria. Then, after exploring the two locations and having lunch, it’s time to visit Taormina.

Overall, this is a fantastic day trip from Syracuse for history and architecture lovers.

Duration : ~9 hours .

Price : from 259 euros .

How to book : Book the day trip to Taormina .

FAQ about the Syracuse tours

I add a short section here to reply to some frequently asked questions about the Syracuse tours. Consider this short FAQ section as Syracuse travel tips to further enjoy your tour or day trip.

Is Syracuse worth seeing?

Syracuse is one of the prettiest Italian cities. The Ortygia waterfront promenade is one of the most amazing places you’ll find in Sicily, and it’s a must-do when visiting the town.

Do you have some travel tips for the Syracuse tours?

Syracuse can be relatively warm, even off-season. Therefore, I suggest you bring a hat and sunglasses. Also, make sure to have a bottle of water and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. All these are must-haves if you don’t want to exhaust yourself while visiting Syracuse.

How much time do you need in Syracuse, Italy?

Despite its compact size, there are plenty of things to see in Syracuse . If you’d like to have a good overview of Ortygia, go on a short boat trip and visit Mount Etna and Taormina, 3-4 days in Syracuse is the ideal timeframe. It will give you enough time to discover the city and its nearby attractions and also have enough time to enjoy your stay.

Is Siracusa walkable?

Yes, Syracuse is a walkable city. Despite being a millennia-old place, its streets are walkable, and it’s pure joy exploring it.

The best Syracuse tours: Conclusion

Syracuse is one of the prettiest cities I’ve visited in Italy. The city’s compact size and the waterfront promenade across Ortygia make Syracuse an unbeatable destination. In addition, the city’s ancient past and the landmarks you’ll see everywhere make Syracuse an ideal place for history lovers. The Neapolis Archaeological Site and the Greek Theater are known worldwide and will create long-lasting memories.

Apart from the city’s highlights, Syracuse’s strategic location will allow you to explore this side of Sicily further. A tour to Mount Etna and a visit to Taormina are two unmissable experiences. Syracuse often stays off the radar of international travelers; however, it is a stunning city with vibrant local life and fantastic sea views.

Therefore, I strongly recommend a visit to Syracuse, Italy, and I encourage you to join at least one of the tours mentioned above. Apart from giving an extra layer of depth to local culture, they’ll help you interact with local guides that know everything about the city.

More about Sicily : Catania guide , Wine tours from Catania , My Syracuse Travelogue

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Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos

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Regular Day Tours From Siracusa

Joining one of our suggested  Regular Day Tours from Siracusa is a great opportunity to discovery the splendour of Sicilian baroque through the visit of two cities belonging to the UNESCO site “Val di Noto”: Ragusa Ibla and Modica.

You’ll be astonished by the architecture of magnificent, fancy palaces and churches, and you’ll have the chance to taste typical Sicilian dishes dining in a local trattoria.

Give to your tour a sweet taste by trying the renowned, scrumptious Modica’s chocolate, still made following the ancient Aztec recipe passed down by Spaniards.

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Half Day Tour Best of Siracusa

• Walking Tour
• Small Group

Small Group Ragusa and Modica Tour from Siracusa

• Semi-Private

Cooking Class and Ortygia Market

• Cooking class

Ortygia Island Boat Tour in Siracusa

• Regular Day Tour