Are you looking for the best things to do in Siracusa (Syracuse, Sicily) but don’t know where to start? In this guide, I’ll provide you with a list of the main attractions of this wonderful Sicilian city. I promise that your experience will be unforgettable!
Siracusa, this timeless historic town on Sicily’s southeast coast, is characterized by time-worn Roman ruins, sacred religious sites, and an authentic twist of the Sicilian lifestyle that differs from Palermo.
I had been here a couple of times before, but when I had plans to write this post on the best things to do in Siracusa, it gave me another excuse to return two weeks ago.
It was like reliving my childhood all over again. I was awake at the crack of dawn for sunrises curling up over the Mediterranean with a slice or two of Scaccia to reward myself for waking up at 5:00 am. Damn, it felt good!
It was super cool to see the interesting mix of Greek, Roman, and North African influence while still retaining that true Sicilian charm as I got lost (more than a couple of times) in the narrow streets.
This tiny pocket of Sicily is unknown to many, so I get it if you’re wondering what to do in Siracusa, but trust me, it’s worth visiting. Let me offer some guidance with my travel guide, including the must-see spots you need to add to your itinerary.
Walk to the Island of Oritgia
When you get to Siracusa, you’ll hear a lot about visiting Oritgia Island; it’s where the Old Town/Historic Center is, and boy, is it beautiful: golden-bricked building decorated with little plants and cactuses, mopeds parked on every corner, and cats racing from side to side as cafe owners shoo them away.
Visitors often get confused about Oritigia Island and Siracusa. If you look at both of them on a map, Siracusa is on the west, while Oritigia sits on the east; there’s a small bridge that connects the two.
I always tell people that if they’re wondering where to stay in Siracusa, they should opt for Oritgia Island.
The island is very small, but it has everything you need, including shops, bars, and ocean vistas. You can walk around pretty quickly. Some people don’t even notice themselves walking out there; they think it’s actually part of the mainland.
Some of the highlights I’ve included on this list, like the Temple Of Apollo and Arethusa Spring, are on Oritgia Island, so you’ll end up there. It’s also a lovely place for a cappuccino; I loved stopping by Caffè Aretusa, between the views and sweet and floral notes from the coffee.
Visit the Temple Of Apollo
Step back in time and learn the secrets of ancient Greek times in Siracusa at the Temple of Apollo on Oritgia Island. Learning that this structure dates back to the 6th century BC struck me by surprise; the fact that there’s still some of it left is impressive in itself.
The Temple Of Apollo was one of the first temples ever built by Greeks in Siracusa; it’s actually Sicily’s oldest Doric-style temple.
I remember our teachers telling us in school that its original purpose was to honor the god of the sun. Of course, over the years, it was used for all kinds of things, from churches to army barracks.
On my previous visit, I couldn’t enter the temple grounds, so I had to view it from the outside. Don’t worry, though; you won’t have to buy any tickets, and you can see what’s left of the rubble.
Check out the Fountain of Arethusa
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Siracusa, be sure to stop by the Fountain of Arethusa. Seeing this natural landform will blow your mind; it’s a circle-shaped spring that has formed randomly in the middle of a street. You can walk around it and look down right into it.
The Fountain of Arethusa lies on the southwest of Oritgia Island and you can admire it closely from the top of the “Largo Aretusa” walk, where you’ll find many tourists group, especially during weekends.
If you look closely, you’ll see some fish swimming around at the bottom, but the true guest stars are the ducks, who have made the fountain their permanent home. They paddle around leisurely, occasionally diving for food, and provide a charming spectacle that delights both children and adults alike. Adding to the allure, the lush papyrus plants growing directly out of the water lend an exotic touch and remind us that this spring has been providing fresh water since ancient times, when it was the city’s primary water source.
While the area can get quite crowded, early morning or late afternoon visits offer a more tranquil experience, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of the flowing water and the sight of light playing on its surface. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to relax, the Fountain of Arethusa is a must-visit in Siracusa.
I paid a €5 entry fee to get inside, and I have to say, it was well worth it, witnessing the verdant foliage surrounding the massive opening. More info on bookings here.
Go and See a Puppet Show
Have you ever heard about the famous puppet shows in Siracusa? In the early 1800s, the Opera dei Pupi was a unique style of puppet theatre in Sicily that reenacted famous poems from medieval French literature of brutal battles of Moors and knights.
While these shows can be seen in various parts of Sicily, Siracusa is one of the best places to see them, particularly at the Pupi Museum on Oritgia Island.
The experience I had at the Pupi Museum was nothing short of exceptional. I learned about the history of this style of puppetry through different types of marionettes, each with a little explanation. My favorite part was the puppet show itself; they portrayed a brilliant story about French Paladins and saints that I’ll never forget.
At the front desk, make sure you buy the ticket, which includes access to the museum along with the puppet show. In total, it should cost €10.50.
Go Underground at the Catacombe Di San Giovanni
Up for something a bit freaky? It’s time to go underground at the Catacombe DI San Giovanni. Unless you’ve heard of these catacombs before, you wouldn’t think there’s a full complex of tunnels lying under Siracusa. It’s like a whole other world down there, with hundreds of mysterious tombs carefully designed with outrageously creative frescos.
This maze-like web of catacombs was built back in the 4th century; it was seen as a suitable place to bury the dead in Siracusa, and what’s left is open for visitors to come and look at today.
While it’s only possible to see certain parts of the catacombs, the parts you do get to see are truly eye-opening and worth every bit of the €10.00 entrance fee.
Just be aware it gets cold down there, so don’t expect super high temperature you’re used to on land.
Spend Some Time at Neapolis Archaeological Park
Neapolis Archaeological Park is another one of Sicily’s most revered historical sites. It’s comprised of various echoes of ancient civilizations that conquered Sicily, including Siracusa’s only Greek theater, Teatro Greco.
Spend a couple of hours here exploring the grounds, but make sure a good chunk of your time is allocated to seeing Teatro Greco. With a seating capacity of 16,000 people, imagine that people back in the 5th century BC could come up with something like this, it’s mind-boggling.
Some of the other cool sites include the quarry remains, a Roman amphitheater, and much more. At least when you pay for the €16.50 entrance ticket, that covers you for the day, so you can stay and see as much as you like.
Walk Through the Ear of Dionysius
While I should have technically mentioned the Ear of Dionysius in the Neapolis Archaeological Park because it is located there, I thought it deserved its own section.
The Ear of Dionysius is a huge 72-foot-high cave of a unique nature in that all types of sounds, low and high, echo throughout it. Even if you were located at the top, you could hear them.
Nobody is entirely sure how it’s possible; some people believe it’s a mystical force at play, while others just think it’s man-made. Only you can go yourself to witness it and make your mind up.
Previously, visitors were allowed to take a rope to the roof of the caves to hear the sounds, but unfortunately, this became a health and safety hazard, so they got rid of it.
To see the Ear of Dionysius, you’ll need to pay into the Neapolis Archaeological Park, but at least that’s another site you get to see with your ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Beaches in Siracusa?
Unfortunately, beaches in Siracusa are few and far between. The closest thing you’ll get to sand is Spiaggia di Fonte Aretusa on Oritgia Island. But even at that, it’s only a tiny area that fills up fast when the sun is shining.
If you really want some sand, I suggest you take the 20-minute drive to Isola, which has more beaches like Beach Punta Carrozza and Punta della Mola.
How Far Is Siracusa From Catania?
Siracusa is only a 55-minute drive, approximately 66.8 km, from Catania. Plenty of visitors allocate one of their days on their vacation to go there to see Castello Ursino, Teatro Romano, Odeon, and Gates of Porta Garibaldi.
There are plenty of transport options to get there even if you don’t have a car; multiple trains and buses go every day, and the fares are relatively affordable, starting at €6.20.
Your Siracusa Adventure Awaits!
You’ve made it to the end of my rundown of the best things to do in Siracusa. For a relatively small destination, you can pack a lot into a couple of days here, especially if you allocate some time to the mainland and to see Oritgia Island.
I think three days is a nice amount of time here to explore at a leisurely pace without rushing around. Some attractions, like the Neapolis Archaeological Park, will take longer to see than the smaller ones, such as the Arethusa Spring. Having said that, if you’re tight on time, one day in Siracusa is totally doable.