Location guide for Syracuse

Once the capital of Sicily, Syracuse has suffered a turbulent past dominated by numerous invasions thanks to its strategic coastal location. The different visitors all left their mark on the historic centre of the city located on an island, the point where we suggest that you start your visit. As you cross the small footbridge and head towards the modern centre, you will pass ancient Roman, Baroque, Medieval and Greek monuments. And after a day wandering around the city, it must be time to enjoy some good local cuisine at one of the many seafood restaurants.

10 Things to See and Do
Eat seafood in the Medieval Island of Ortigia
The Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral
The Fontane Bianche Beach
Arethusa's Fountain and its papyrus trees
The Eurìalo Castle
The Greek amphitheatre
The 'Ear of Dionisio' cave
The Paolo Orsi Architecture Museum
Visit nearby Noto and the Acreide Palazzolo
Visit the Nature Reserve of Cavagrande of Cassibile

Events in Syracuse
May - June
If your visit falls within these months, you should not miss the classical productions at the Greek theatre. Restored in 1914, every year an annual programme of plays brings ancient history and its protagonists back to the public, including original works dating back to 456 BC. The sensation of sitting on the tiered steps that surround the semi-circular theatre, looking down at the stage, really makes you feel part of history.
December
Every year, hundreds of people come to Syracuse from across Sicily to celebrate the festival of Saint Lucia, the city's patron saint. A series of events take place over a number of days as the saint is carried through the streets on the shoulders of local citizens, accompanied by music, fireworks and of course, local delicacies.

Local Food and Drink
Fried Lampuga with vinegar
It will not be hard to find this dish in one of the many seafood restaurants on the Island of Ortigia: the lampuga is cut into slices, fried and seasoned with vinegar, and should be accompanied by a glass of local wine.
Siracusa Moscato
Characterised by its intense almond perfume, Syracuse Moscato wine is a dessert wine, best enjoyed with a local dessert.

Spotlight on Arethusa's Fountain and the Papyrus Trees
Arethusa's Fountain is a natural water spring on the island of Ortigia, a fascinating place that has enchanted people since the times of Virgil and Annunzio who wrote about it in their poems. Particularly striking is the group of papyrus trees that grow in the centre of the fountain.

How to get there
Syracuse is on the east coast of Sicily, around 70k south of Catania.
By air: The closest airport is Catania where you can catch flights from major Italian cities, and European destinations. Airlines flying there include Windjet, TUI Fly, Blu Express, Easyjet and Alitalia. From Catania you can take an 'Interbus' from outside the terminal building directly to Syracuse.
By car: Take the SS 114 – Autostrada from Catania to Syracuse, a journey of around 50 mins.
By boat: You can reach Catania by boat from Genova, Civitavecchia, Napoli and Malta.
By train: Syracuse has a railway station which is well connected, especially to the east coast line with direct trains to Catania, Taormina and Messina.