Morning: Ortigia Island
Start on Ortigia, the tiny island that forms Syracuse's historic heart. Wander its maze of narrow lanes and head straight to Piazza Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. The Cathedral of Syracuse is built right into the columns of an ancient Greek temple to Athena — you can still see them embedded in the walls.
From there, walk to the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring by the sea, said in Greek mythology to be a nymph transformed into water. It's a great photo stop, with papyrus plants growing along its edges (Syracuse is one of the few places in Europe where papyrus grows naturally).
Grab a coffee and a fresh-squeezed orange juice at a café along Via Cavour or Via Roma before diving into the local market.
Mid-Morning: Ortigia Market
The Mercato di Ortigia (open weekday mornings) is a feast for the senses — swordfish being carved to order, mountains of Sicilian tomatoes, pistachios, olives, and cheese. Even if you're not buying, it's worth a stroll, and several stalls sell ready-to-eat snacks like arancini or fresh seafood.
Lunch
For lunch, try:
- Arancini – fried rice balls, often with ragù, ham and cheese, or pistachio
- Pasta alla Norma – with eggplant, tomato, ricotta salata
- Fresh seafood – swordfish, sardines, or a seafood pasta with sea urchin (a Syracuse specialty)
A casual, well-loved spot is Caseificio Borderi, famous for enormous made-to-order sandwiches stuffed with local cheeses, cured meats, and vegetables.
Afternoon: The Archaeological Park
Cross back to the mainland and visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to:
- The Greek Theatre, still used for performances today
- The Roman Amphitheatre
- The Ear of Dionysius, a striking limestone cave famous for its acoustics
Nearby, the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum offers excellent context if you want to go deeper into Sicily's Greek and prehistoric past.
Late Afternoon: Back to Ortigia
Return to Ortigia for a relaxed walk along the sea walls near Castello Maniace, a 13th-century fortress at the island's tip with lovely sunset views over the Ionian Sea.
Evening: Aperitivo and Dinner
Enjoy an aperitivo with a glass of Sicilian white wine (try a local Grillo or Zibibbo) at one of the bars around Piazza Duomo as the square lights up.
For dinner, look for a trattoria serving:
- Pasta con le sarde – sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts, raisins
- Caponata – sweet-and-sour eggplant dish
- Grilled fish of the day
Finish with a granita or cannolo — non-negotiable in Sicily.
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes; Ortigia's streets are cobbled.
- Book Neapolis Park tickets online in high season to skip lines.
- Many shops close for a few hours in the early afternoon (riposo).
- Syracuse is very walkable — a car isn't necessary for a one-day visit.
Syracuse packs thousands of years of history into a compact, walkable city, all wrapped in genuinely excellent food. One day is enough to fall in love with it — and probably enough to start planning a return trip.
Top places to stay
Apollo Suite - 300 meters from centre
Isonzo Suite - 450 meters from beach
Dimore delle Zagare Molo - Amazing views
