Siracusa

Have your own Eureka moment.Archimedes' hometown is enjoying a renaissance.

Video about Siracusa

With a history stretching back 27 centuries, there's a lot to see and do both in and around Siracusa. While the main, relatively modern, town of Siracusa itself isn't so impressive, the tiny island of Ortigia, occupying less than half a square mile, is the real thing. It is still a functioning town in its own right, with over 3,000 inhabitants. This is where you'll spend much of your time. Oddly, the city only made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, but the Greeks found plenty to like when they set up home in what they first called Neapolis (new city) and in the 5th century BC it rivaled Athens itself in population.

Although it is the hometown of Archimedes and the location of various ancient Greek and Roman ruins, many come here to admire the Baroque architecture you'll find around the town. Like many places in Sicily, at the crossroads of so many empires and dominions, there are traces to be found of each of the civilizations that passed through Siracusa. The Duomo or Cathedral of Siracusa is the perfect example of this. Siracusa makes for a great base from which to explore the south-easternmost corner of Sicily, such as the other Baroque towns of Noto, Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa.

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Siracusa

Spend some time in Siracusa on a tour that takes in other cities in Italy and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Siracusa and other destinations throughout Italy and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

The Highlights of Eastern Sicily Custom Itinerary

The Highlights of Eastern Sicily

Taormina, Ragusa, Siracusa

Explore Eastern Sicily & Malta Custom Itinerary

Explore Eastern Sicily & Malta

Taormina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Valletta

Best of Sicily Custom Itinerary

Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Siracusa, Etna

Two Weeks in Rome, the Amalfi Coast & Eastern Sicily Custom Itinerary

Two Weeks in Rome, the Amalfi Coast & Eastern Sicily

Rome, Sorrento, Taormina, Ragusa, Siracusa

UNESCO in Italy Custom Itinerary

UNESCO in Italy

Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, Alberobello, Brindisi, Siracusa

Where to stay in Siracusa

You'll find our accommodation selection in Siracusa focuses on the island of Ortigia. With everything from serviceable three-star with an historical twist to a classical grand hotel, there's plenty of choice. When we prepare your custom trip plan we will make some suggestions to fit your taste and budget.

Classy Spa Hotel in Siracusa

Classy Spa Hotel

A classy hotel in grand old style, with sea views from the terrace, a wonderful spa and all the amenities.

Elegant Historical B&B in Siracusa

Elegant Historical B&B

Surprisingly elegant for a 3-star hotel, this one is located in a unique historical building.

Elegant Boutique Hotel in Siracusa

Elegant Boutique Hotel

A lovely, elegant hotel near the sea but still in the heart of Siracusa.

Things to do in Siracusa

We've got a broad range of city tours, day trips and excursions to keep you busy in and around Siracusa. Delve into the villages used to film The Godfather, explore the past with a private tour of te island of Ortigia, or sharpen your cooking skills with a cooking class. Siracusa is also a great base for exploring much of the rest of Sicily, from Mt. Etna to Ragusa. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.

Etna Volcano and Taormina Private Tour

Etna Volcano and Taormina Private Tour

Noto, Tellaro and Marzamemi Private Tour

Noto, Tellaro and Marzamemi Private Tour

Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Noto Private Tour

Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Noto Private Tour

Ortigia & the Archeological Park Private Tour

Ortigia & the Archeological Park Private Tour

Siracusa Cooking Class Group Tour

Siracusa Cooking Class Group Tour

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

5.0 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Siracusa, based on 2 reviews

Review by Mark & Karen

Mark & Karen

New York

JayWay Travel's degree of professionalism and detail was unsurpassed. Exceeded our expectations!

JayWay Travel's degree of professionalism and detail was unsurpassed. Exceeded our expectations!

Year : 2022
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa, Etna, Salina, Lipari, Catania
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2022
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa, Etna, Salina, Lipari, Catania
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Mary & Tom

Mary & Tom

California

Our trip to Florence and Sicily was our fourth with JayWay and we have given each experience an A+. As usual our transfers and guides were all experienced and right on time. Our special events - cooking class, walking food tour, dinner in the vineyard, city walking tours and a day's drive to Mt Etna were all exceptional. Best of all it was a vacation with no worries. We love Jay Way Travel!

Our trip to Florence and Sicily was our fourth with JayWay and we have given each experience an A+. As usual our transfers and guides were all experienced and right on time. Our special events - cooking class, walking food tour, dinner in the vineyard, city walking tours and a day's drive to Mt Etna were all exceptional. Best of all it was a vacation with no worries. We love Jay Way Travel!

Year : 2021
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Florence, Rome, Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Siracusa, Taormina, Florence
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2021
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Florence, Rome, Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Siracusa, Taormina, Florence
Rating :

5 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Siracusa

Siracusa or Syracuse?

The city's name in Italian is Siracusa, with Syracuse being the anglicized version. We've opted to refer to it as Siracusa – that's what any signage and locals you meet will refer to it as.

What are Siracusa's prices like?

In the center, a quick lunch with a drink costs around 15-20 euros. Museums and landmarks generally cost 5-20 euros. For a full dinner, budget at least 25-30 euros.

How can I get around Siracusa?

The most interesting part of Siracusa, Ortigia, is quite small, and fully pedestrianized. To get around the rest of the city there are two bus services you can use:

* Extraurban service AST – Sicilian Transport Company (www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it) Tel. +39 0931 462711, Toll-free number: 840 000 323

or

* Interbus Bus, Segesta, Etna Transport (www.interbus.it) Tel. +39 0931 66710

Is Siracusa safe?

Siracusa is a very safe place. However, pickpocketing is a possibility in crowded, touristy areas.

How long should I stay in Siracusa?

We recommend spending three nights in Siracusa, so you can spend a day exploring Ortigia and the Archeological Park, then use the following day to relax or embark on a day trip.