My Top Syracuse Travel Tips

Founded in 733 BC by Corinthian settlers, Syracuse (Siracusa) became one of the first Greek colonies on the island, the first was Giardini Naxos.

Syracuse quickly attained wealth and power, commissioned important buildings, works of art, and founded sub-colonies, extending its territory through warfare to become the strongest city in the Mediterranean.

The ancient city was up to three times the size of the Syracuse that we know today and was divided into five zones, the sparsely populated Epipolae, the necropolis zone of Akradina, residential Tyche, Neapolis (where the theatre is located) and the island of Ortigia (Ortygia) which was the original settlement.

It was once known as the most beautiful city in the ancient world and it is still beautiful today.

Under the tyrant Gelon, Syracuse formed a mighty alliance with other Greeks at Akragas (Agrigento) and Gela and defeated the Carthaginian’s at Himera in 489 BC. Subsequent tyrants such as Hieron (478-466 BC) and Dionysius (405-367 BC) made Syracuse the most powerful city in Sicily and in the Mediterranean. In 413 BC Athens sent a well equipped fleet in what was known as the Great Expedition to put down the threat from what it saw as an ‘upstart colony’ and with help from Sparta the Athenians were sorely defeated.

Despite their warlord image, Syracuse’s rulers were patrons of the arts. Hieron II (265-215 BC) expanded the great theatre and people such as Aeschylus, Pindar, Plato and Plutarch were present at court.

But the end of Syracuse was in sight …

After Hieron II’s death Syracuse sided not with Rome but with Carthage in the Second Punic Wars. After a siege lasting two years Syracuse fell to Rome in 211 BC and began a slow decline, made final in AD 878 when the city was burned down by the Arabs.

Syracuse never again attained the importance it had held for centuries.

The once mighty Greek colony and rival to Athens quietly exists today as a thriving modern city with vestiges of its former glory which are unmissable. Remains of the mighty powerhouse make up some of the most important sites in Sicily, while the small historic centre of Ortigia is one of the most pleasant town centres on the island.

Ortigia is an island on which the oldest part of Syracuse stands. It is joined to the mainland by three bridges. Today Ortigia is very popular for tourism and is a vibrant contrast of colours and sounds. This tiny island is a bustling mix of temples, churches, museums, open piazzas, seaside bars, a market and shops. The sea is dotted with boats and yachts moored in the bay and ancient craft shops are interspersed with sleek modern boutiques located in lower floors of old baroque palaces. Historic squares and enticing alleyways boast restaurants with excellent seafood that ensures Syracuse provides you with a warm welcome.

Visit the ancient city of Syracuse to see the incredibly beautiful Greek theatre more than 2,500 years old. Even today the theatre holds the most important events of the National Institute of Ancient Drama.

In 2005 Syracuse was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Further afield the surrounding countryside and coastline of the Province of Syracuse offers visitors more opportunities to explore and discover beautiful places.

We never need an excuse to visit Syracuse and Ortigia is one of my most favourite places in Sicily. So with that in mind here are my Top Syracuse Travel Tips.

ORTIGIA

Statue of Archimedes

One of the first things to greet you as you cross the bridges from the mainland onto the island of Ortigia is a statue of Archimedes holding a mirror. Archimedes (287-212 BC) the renowned mathematician, engineer and inventor was born in Syracuse. Among his important discoveries is Archimedes Principle, the study of a body’s displacement of its weight in water. He put many of his other inventions, such as the pulley and catapult, to use in war machines and defensive mechanisms when he was requested to act as military advisor to Hieron II but more about that later.

Ortea Palace Hotel

On arrival on Ortigia to the left at Porto Piccolo you will see the newly opened Ortea Palace Hotel which is a magnificent hotel built in 1920 that was known as "Palazzo delle Poste", this is because it was once the headquarters of the Sicilian post office. This Art Nouveau ex-post office offers luxurious rooms, a spa, an indoor pool and a restaurant. Definitely a must for those looking to spoil themselves.

Temple of Apollo

On Largo XXV Luglio you will see the remains of the Doric Temple of Apollo. Built in 575 BC this was the first temple in Sicily with an exterior colonnade of stone columns. Two monolithic sandstone columns remain. Keep a look out for the cats and their cute kittens who have made this ancient site their home.

Fountain of Diana

In Piazza Archimede you can see the Fountain of Diana, the goddess of hunting. At her feet the river god Alpheus looks on in amazement as his beloved Aretusa turns into a spring. In the Greek myth Aretusa the nymph had asked Diana for help to escape the unwanted advances of Alpheus and so Diana turned her into a spring, Aretusa then sunk into the ground and emerged on the island of Ortigia.

Piazza Duomo

Excavations here turned up remains of the 8th century BC houses of the original Sicel culture (the first inhabitants of Sicily in Neolithic times). Around the oblong piazza is the Duomo, the town hall (located atop an Ionic Temple to Artemis) and glamorous outdoor cafés. Definitely the place to be seen.

Duomo of Ortigia

One of the most spectacular buildings in Sicily, the dramatic façade fronts a 5th century BC Doric Temple to Athena. It was transformed into a church in the 7th century AD. Clearly visible inside and out are monolithic Doric columns. Inside you can see renovations and additions made during Arabic and Norman rule in Sicily and Baroque additions from later on during Spanish rule.

Chiesa Santa Lucia alla Badia

This beautiful church is dedicated to the patron saint of Syracuse Santa Lucia and is located in Piazza Duomo. In this church every year the celebrations for Santa Lucia are held in May that celebrate a miracle in 1646 that ended a famine. The church was built between 1695 and 1703. The structure of the church was heavily damaged during the second world war and restoration took place in the 20th century. Behind the altar there is a large painting of The Burial of Santa Lucia painted in 1608 by Caravaggio.

Underground Tunnels & Water Cisterns

Next to the Duomo you will find the entrance to the Ipogeo di Piazza Duomo that are a series of tunnels and water cisterns that date back centuries. The tunnels were used by the local people as an air raid shelter during 1943 to protect them from heavy bombing by the Allies during World War II, but more about that later. One of the tunnels travels under Piazza Duomo and emerges close to the Fountain of Aretusa.

Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco

This palazzo is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Whilst its origins are medieval the Baroque palace you see today is the result of a late 18th century makeover. It has a delightful internal courtyard that can be seen through a gate on Piazza Duomo. Unfortunately the palazzo is not open to the public but it is beautiful to admire from outside.

Fountain of Aretusa

The mythical nymph Aretusa was turned into a spring and bubbles up on the shores of Ortigia. Along the Lungomare Alfeo a little terrace looks down on the spring that now feeds into a pond with ducks and tall papyrus.

Papyrus Museum

Founded in 1989 this museum offers a wide view of the history of papyrus and its uses and contributes to the knowledge of this ancient art along with aspects of the history of Syracuse. The museum contains papyrus documents from XV century BC to the VIII century AD which were produced in Syracuse, materials for writing which were used by Egyptian scribes, antique presses, palettes and brushes. The museum also takes care of the recovery and conservation along with studies of the papyrus plant.

Sicilian Puppet Theatre

Puppeteer Alfredo Mauceri directs traditional Sicilian puppet performances with the families own production based on the myth of Aretusa. You can also watch puppets being made and antique puppets being restored in the family’s workshop also on Ortigia.

Castello Maniace

Frederick II built this castle in around 1239. It takes its name from the Byzantine, George Maniakes, who liberated Syracuse from Arab rule in the 11th century. It recently caught the eye of Hollywood producers but more about that later.

Market

The ancient market of Ortigia typically bustles with local housewives and vendors yelling out the merits of their wares each morning. Farmers and fishermen heap mussels, tomatoes, cherries or whatever is plentiful that season into colourful mounds to entice customers. I have to say that this is my favourite market and where I buy my oregano that is grown in the local countryside and sun-dried tomatoes from the town of Pachino but more about tomatoes later.

Boat Trip

Everyone loves a boat trip right? Book a boat trip to visit three sea caves and to get a beautiful sea view of Ortigia and Castello Maniace. For a touch of romance book a sunset trip and enjoy an apertif onboard whilst you watch the Sicilian sunset over the island and mainland Sicily.

Via Maestranza

Now lined with boutiques and restaurants, this street was where noble families built their Baroque palaces, often incorporating older structures.

Shopping

We all love shopping don't we? From designer boutiques, jewellery shops, shops selling ceramics from Caltagirone and ones selling an abundance of Sicilian food and produce, I am sure that you will be able to treat yourself to something that will keep Syracuse forever in your heart.

Guidecca

Syracuse was one of the first cities in eastern Sicily to welcome Jews. The Giudecca (Jewish Quarter) is a quadrilateral area bordered to the west by Via Giudecca to the south by Via Larga, by the sea to the east and criss-crossed by parallel streets. The situation changed in late 1492 when all the Sicilian Jews left Syracuse and the Guidecca district was left empty. It has retained the same network of streets ever since.

The Greek Ghetto

The six parallel streets between Via Della Giudecca and Via Alagona follow the Greek urban plan. The Greek ghetto is still busy with medieval houses with laundry flapping in the breeze.

Seaside Lunch

With an abundance of fish in Ortigia’s market head along to Lungomare Alfeo and enjoy a seafood lunch of the catch of the day whilst watching boats bobbing on the sparkling blue sea.

Porto Marina

The tree lined promenade that runs along from the Fountain of Aretusa is called Foro Italico. Here you can boat watch and ogle millionaires yachts that are moored along the port.

Ficus Trees

Between the Fountain of Aretusa and just before you reach the Porto Marina you will see some unusual looking trees, these are Ficus Macrophylla, more commonly known as Moreton Bay Fig. These trees have multiple trunks giving them a large girth that look like something out of a mythological tale. It is the perfect chance to hug a tree. Hugging a tree increases the levels of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is for feeling calm and for emotional bonding. When hugging a tree the hormones serotonin and dopamine make you feel happier.

Aquarium

The Aquario offers a close look at marine life in the Mediterranean housed in 40 different tanks. Additional sections are dedicated to fresh water and tropical habitats. The Aquarium is located at Fonte Aretusa.

Galleria Regionale del Palazzo Bellomo

The 13th century Palazzo Bellomo houses the fine arts museum. The most important feature is Antonello da Messina’s Annunciation. The palace itself, built in 1234, is noteworthy for its medieval architecture with 15th century additions.

Walk at Sunset

Do not miss a evening walk around Ortigia across the bridges which glow pink in the sunset, unique to this little island.

Jewish Baths

The mikveh of Ortigia lies 30 feet under the Residenza Alla Giudecca hotel. Mikvehs are used for certain Jewish religious rituals that require immersion in living water that flows naturally. A freshwater spring flows underneath Ortigia which made it the perfect place to build one. There are three central baths surrounded by stone benches where visitors would wait their turn to be bathed. The baths were probably used for cleansing couples preparing for their wedding day and women after menstruation and childbirth.

Movie Locations

Recently Castello Maniace caught the eye of Hollywood and the castle became one of the filming locations for Cyrano starring Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage and also for Indiana Jones 5 starring Harrison Ford.

Solarium Rocks

Ortigia does not have any beaches but if sun worshipping is your thing you will find platforms built on a rocky surface with a seawater swimming pool and a nice view of the sea, you cannot swim in the open sea. There is a bar area and you can rent a sunbed and umbrella. The solarium is located on Via Eolo.

SIRACUSA CITY CENTRE

Sanctuary of Madonna delle Lacrime

This modern church was built to house a plaster icon of a Madonna of the Immaculate Heart that miraculously wept on the wall of a Syracusan couples house for three days in 1953. The event was observed by crowds and samples were taken of the tears which were said to have been tested and proved real. The sanctuary is supposed to resemble a 103 metre tall teardrop and was apparently built this way on the concept that if you stack enough cement towards heaven then god will notice. The construction and design were highly controversial due to its modern architecture which seemed out of place in beautiful Syracuse and some say that it resembles a inverted ice cream cone. Construction of the shrine began in 1966 but was only completed in 1994.

Basilica San Giovanni Evangelista

This ruined church was once the city’s cathedral and was toppled in the 1694 earthquake but you can still admire its 7th century apse and a beautiful medieval rose window that highlights the Syracusan blue sky. The church is now popular for weddings.

Catacombs of San Giovanni

Under the Church you can visit vast catacombs which have burial chambers varying in size to accommodate children, adults and even whole families. The catacombs boast a labyrinth of intriguing tunnels for you to explore.

Cannoli Therapy

Cannoli are one of Sicily's most popular sweets and are a dessert made from crispy rolls of pastry which are deep fried around special tubes then filled with sweetened ricotta and decorated with candied fruits, pistachios or chocolate and they are completely addictive. Visit Franco Neri, at Patesseria Alfio Neri, who is a "Cannolo Therapist" who teaches you that a cannolo should be enjoyed in stages to relish the key elements and ingredients that make up a Sicilian cannolo to open up all your taste buds. His Cannoli are pretty yummy too.

Monument to Pi

That clever man Archimedes was one of the first people to calculate Pi. He approximated the area of a circle by using Pythagorean Theorem to find the area of two regular polygons. Pretend you are a genius and have your photo taken next to the monument to Pi located on the Largo Nicola Calipari square.

Archaeological Museum of Paolo Orsi

Named after the archaeologist Paolo Orsi, this museum specialises in Greek artefacts he and other archaeologists found during digs in Syracuse. Extensive archaeological digs on the site of ancient Syracuse have been successful in uncovering remnants of that great colony with relics such as busts, vases, urns and statues.

Techno Park Archimedes

The Techo Park Archimedes is located near the Archaeological Park in an area of 1,700 meters where you can admire replicas and models built in scale of the inventions of Archimedes. In order to get to know his character, in the historical time he lived in, an audio visual illustrates the life of the scientist and mathematician. The park is divided into subject areas. From simple machines with levers to reconstructions of his war machines in their real size. There is also an area dedicated to hydrostatic and hydraulics.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK & NECROPOLIS

Greek Theatre

The building of this magnificent ancient theatre began in the 6th century BC and it became the largest theatre in Sicily. Many of Aeschylus’s Greek tragedies were first staged here and many are still re-enacted today but more about that later.

Cavea

The cavea (seating area) of the Greek theatre was hewn out of rock and accommodated 15,000 spectators. It’s size is still impressive today.

Roman Amphitheatre

The arena of the Roman amphitheatre was built in the 3rd century BC and is one of the largest of its kind and was built by local stonemasons. The amphitheatre set the scene for many bloody battles with lions.

Altar of Hieron II

Hieron II built this immense altar, which was the largest in the ancient world, in around 225 BC and dedicated it to the god Zeus. Today only the base remains. The altar itself is 20.85 metres wide and 195.8 metres long set atop three steps and it is thought to have been used for the sacrifices of 450 bulls at a time.

Ear of Dionysius

In the Latomia del Paradiso (Quarry of Paradise) the stone was used entirely for the construction of Syracuse. Within the quarry you will find the Orecchio di Dioniso (Ear of Dionysus) cavern which may have got its name from its large opening resembling a human ear. Thanks to the remarkable acoustics words whispered in one part of the cave can be clearly heard elsewhere. This cavern was used in Indiana Jones 5 where it is said to be have been transformed into an old mine.

Nymphaeum and Street of Tombs

The Nymphaeum (grotto) was fed with water from an ancient aqueduct. To the left is the Street of Tombs, an ancient street filled with votive niches and Byzantine tombs.

Necropoli Grotticelli

At the eastern end of one of the quarries in the Archaeological Park is a large necropolis where many tomb chambers were carved out of the limestone. At the corner of Via Teracati is the so called Tomb of Archimedes.

BEYOND SYRACUSE

Pantalica

The Pantalica Necripolis makes up part of the Syracuse UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Anapo River carved a steep gorge through the limestone creating what became Sicily's largest necropolis. There are more than 8000 tombs there. A hike takes you through the gorge which takes you past thousands of burial sites carved into the hillside as well as through a medieval settlement.

Avola

Avola is a charming ancient village renowned for its almond production and it is also known for the very palatable red wine, Nero d'Avola.

Cava Grande

Cava Grande is known as the Grand Canyon of Sicily. It is a canyon of natural spring water and is a perfect place to cool down in the icy cold waters on a hot Sicilian summers day and enjoy a picnic.

Megara Hyblaea

In 1867 excavation work for the construction of the Catania-Syracuse railway unearthed the remains of Megara Hyblaea, a Greek colony founded in 728 BC. Whilst only a small collection of ruins were found you can see Hellenistic baths, temples, walls and houses.

Noto

The UNESCO town of Noto is the chief proponent of the new cities built entirely in the Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake destroyed most of eastern Sicily. Noto was rebuilt using tufa stone that has turned a golden shade after years of sun. The architecture here is breathtaking and dramatic. The town plan involves open, wide streets with plenty of piazzas. Noto also set the scene for the movie Cyrano.

Marzamemi

This charming little fishing village grew up around its tuna factory. Marzamemi is picture postcard perfect and a wonderful spot for a lazy seafood lunch. In the evening it takes on an Ibizan style boho vibe.

Portopalo di Capo Passero

In the extreme south of Sicily is Capo Passero where the Ionian Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea. From Portopalo you will see the nearby island of Isola delle Correnti (Island of Currents) a favourite destination for the most daring surfers in search of the perfect wave.

Pachino

An intriguing sight you will see as you travel around the south eastern countryside and its coastline are curious long white tunnels, hundreds of them. These are the tomato farms of Pachino where a variety of tomatoes are grown. The soil in this area is perfect for growing them being so close to the sea. Pachino tomatoes are much sought after in markets.

Plemmirio

The Maddalena Peninsula located in the Nature Reserve of Plemmirio rises south of Ortigia and offers several beaches and beautiful cliffs and is a place full of myths and legends. It was also one of the landing sites for the Allies in the Second World War.

Palazzolo Acreide

The modern baroque town of Palazzolo Acreide was originally a Greek colony founded in 664 BC. At the archaeological site just next to the village a small 600 seat Greek theatre still remains in good condition and there are also temples to Persephone and Aphrodite which are only ruins. The main town square was used recently by the designers Dolce and Gabbana as a location for a photo shoot for their collections which are always inspired by Sicily where Domenico Dolce was born.

Castello di Eurialo

These 4th century BC fortifications protected the western approach to the mighty Greek Syracuse. Archimedes refined the structure adding a drawbridge, trenches and catapults to protect the castle keep. You can descend into the tunnels which give access to the keep.

Ciane River

The River Ciane’s source is said to be a pool formed by the tears of Cyane who tried to prevent Persephone’s abduction into the underworld by Hades. The mythical entrance to the underworld was supposedly to be at Lake Pergusa in nearby Enna. The river banks are thick with papyrus.

Villa Romana del Tellaro

The Villa Romana del Tellaro is a villa dating from the Roman Empire. The remains of the villa were found in 1971 located on a farm dated from the 17th to 19th century. A section of the porch has a floor which is decorated with mosaics showing laurel wreaths, floral motifs and scenes depicting the legendary Odysseus.

Carob Trees

One thing you will notice in the Province of Syracuse is enormous Carrubi (Carob Trees) which produce a fruit shaped like a brow pea pod with sweet flesh and small hard seeds. Once called “poor man’s chocolate” the deep rich flavour is now prized by the best Sicilian chefs in the region.

War Monument to Fallen in Africa

The monument to the Fallen Italians in Africa is a Fascist era monument dedicated to the Italians who died during the Ethiopian War from 1935 to 1936 and it was assembled only in the 1960's on the seashore of Syracuse. The monument was initially meant to be shipped and assembled in Ethiopia in 1940 however the second world war prevented the transportation and led to its installation more than two decades later at this site, chosen because Syracuse had been a centre for the embarkation of troops for the African wars.

Commonwealth Cemetery

The Syracuse War Cemetery is on the main road that leads into the city and contains 1059 Commonwealth burials from the Second World War, 134 are unidentified. Many of the graves belong to men of the airborne force that attempted landings on the night of the 9th and 10th July when gale force winds forced 60 of the 140 gliders into the sea and blew others wide off course from their objectives.

BEACHES

Fontane Bianche

This village lies on a beautiful beach of fine white sand that gently slopes into turquoise shallow water that could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean.

Calamosche

Calamosche is a sandy little bay that extends for about 200 meters, delimited by two rocky headlands that act as a shield to the currents with the result being an always calm and clear sea perfect for snorkelling.

Arenella

Arenella is a popular beach that mostly boasts private lidos however there is a small free sandy beach in the direction of Syracuse. The water is pristine and warm and a easy drive from Syracuse.

San Lorenzo

This beach is a dreamlike place with soft sand and crystalline waters with plenty of opportunities for water sports.

Ognina

Ognina is a small fishing port with a marina. It has no beach as such but there are lots of little appealing coves.

Marina di Avola

This long golden urban beach has shallow waters that gently slope with picturesque views and is a short distance from the town of Avola.

Vendicari

A spectacular nature reserve with sandy beaches set around a 15th century Aragonese tower which offers a peaceful, natural experience. It’s wetland habitat provides a resting spot for birds migrating to and from Africa that makes it the perfect location for bird watching. Depending on the season look out for beautiful pink flamingos.

EXPERIENCES

World War II Tour

On the 9th and 10th July 1943 Allied Forces landed at Licata, Gela, Pachino and Syracuse. Operation Husky was a major campaign of the second world war involving a large sea and airborne operation. Book a fascinating tour with World War II expert guide Roberto Piccone discovering the landing points and battlefields in the Syracuse area.

Acqua Park

Parco Aretusa is a theme park featuring water slides, lounge areas and a pirate themed kids splash pool. The perfect place for your little people to have a whole lot of watery fun in the sun.

Golf

Anyone for golf? Borgo di Luce Ii Monasteri Resort is a refined refuge on the outskirts of Syracuse and is housed in a villa that was once a Benedictine monastery. It is surrounded by citrus groves, palm trees, carob trees and olive trees with a 18 hole par 71 golf course, large spa, outdoor pool and luxurious suites. Why not join one of the resorts popular golf clinics to perfect your golfing skills?

Quad Biking

This is an adrenalin packed adventure. Take an escorted tour on a quad bike between rivers, gorges and streams in the Iblei Mountain range. Perfect if you love cool and fun adventures.

Cooking Class

With such an abundance of delicious fresh produce enjoy a hands on cooking class with a professional chef in beautiful surroundings. First enjoy a tour of the ancient market of Ortigia before heading off to create some traditional Sicilian dishes from scratch with your delicious purchases.

Trekking

Travel the old military roads with a guide on a nature trek along the River Ciane. Become at one with nature amongst the papyrus plants and other plants and spot migratory birds. Alternatively join a trek amongst the tombs and cave dwellings of Pantalica.

Wine Tasting Experience

Take an exciting trip to a local winery and sample delicious Sicilian wines accompanied by the best local produce whilst enjoying true Sicilian hospitality.

Greek Tragedies

In summer months the Greek theatre of Syracuse comes alive again with Greek tragedies as it plays host to the classical plays of ancient Greek times.

Horse Riding

Make a new four legged friend for life and book an escorted horse ride through the beautiful Syracusan countryside.

Visit a Local Farm

Take a tour around a local farm and meet the farm animals. Taste and learn about Sicily's citrus fruits and olive trees and other local produce followed by a gastronomic Sicilian lunch.

Cycling

Experience the magic of Syracuse on a bike taking in breathtaking terrains and landscapes with your lead cyclist.

Stay at an Agriturismo

An agriturismo is primarily a farm with a number of rooms for guests where you can enjoy the taste of local produce and be made to feel part of the family. Most often they are restored farmhouse or baglios (ancient Arabic forts) located on quiet beautiful terrains where you become part of the family. What could be better than collecting your own eggs for breakfast in the morning?

Glamping

Get back to nature with a glamping (posh camping) getaway in an olive grove taking in the scents of the Syracusan countryside in your posh glamourous tent.

Gli Aromi

Visit the Sicilian herb farm 'Gli Aromi'. The farm produces over 200 different kinds of aromatic and medicinal plants. First take a tour of the farm with Enrico and then enjoy a yummy light lunch cooked by Chef Rita using the herbs that you have just discovered.

EXCURSIONS & ROAD TRIPS

Catania

As Sicily's second largest city Catania has had its fair share of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and although Catania is rich in monuments dating back to Greek and Roman times the city seen today was built mostly after the massive 1693 earthquake utilising black lava stone. Catania's colourful and atmospheric fish market is one of the biggest in Italy.

Taormina

As Sicily's first resort Taormina boasts elegance and style and has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The town draped with bright coloured bougainvillea and geraniums offers breathtaking views, an Ancient Greek theatre and cafés and terraces overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea with a smoking Mount Etna in the distance.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna is Europe's largest active volcano that dominates the eastern side of the island. Mount Etna can be experienced in many ways and is the highlight of any trip to Sicily.

Caltagirone

Named after the Arabic word Cal’at Giran (Castle of Vases) ceramic production has been the main industry in this beautiful town since prehistoric times. This Baroque town, built into a steep hillside, is a pleasure to wander around with characteristic alleyways, cafés and ceramics shops. A stairway leads from the lower town up to the upper part and each of the 142 steps is decorated with colourful majolica tiles typical of the town.

Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa makes a big impression with its terracotta roof tiled buildings clinging dramatically to the side of a cliff, with the Duomo San Giorgio at the heart of the town sited on a rise to emphasize its great height. Many scenes from the TV series Inspector Montalbano were filmed here.

Modica

Modica is known as the town with one hundred churches and it is also famous for its chocolate production.

Scicli

Rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, Scicli combines open tree lined piazzas, palazzos with swirling baroque façades and older structures. To most visitors it is best known as the setting for the police station, along with many other locations, of the TV series Inspector Montalbano.

Agrigento

Agrigento is home to the impressive archaeological site of The Valley of the Temples. There are six temples that partially stand against the backdrop of the distant sea and they are an unmissable sight. The temples are particularly striking at sunset.

Piazza Armerina

Villa Romana del Casale was the hunting lodge of an important Roman official. This Villa at Piazza Armerina was decorated with what is now the best preserved and most extensive set of Roman mosaics in the world. This lavish Villa was constructed over a period of more than 50 years from the late 3rd century to the early 4th century and its public and private rooms, luxurious thermal baths and gardens with pools and fountains were laid out on four terraces. The villas mosaic floors are almost perfectly preserved because the house was buried under a mudslide in the 13th century.

Montalbano Filming Locations

Inspector Montalbano is a fictional character created by the author Andrea Camilleri in a series of novels that were adapted for TV. Most of the filming locations are easily reached from Syracuse by car or you can join an organised Inspector Montalbano Filming Locations Tour.

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I hope that you have enjoyed my Syracuse Travel Tips?

Please note that these tips are formed from my own experiences and contacts in Syracuse

Please feel free to ask me for my recommendations for tour guides and local experiences

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