Free walking tours in Syracuse and what to see

Must-sees

Syracuse was one of the great Greek cities of the Mediterranean and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the necropolis of Pantalica. Its heart is Ortigia, the island joined to the mainland by bridges, home to the old town. The cathedral, on a baroque square of pale stone, was built over a Greek temple to Athena, and its Doric columns are still visible inside and outside the building. Close by are the Fountain of Arethusa, a spring with papyrus by the sea, the remains of the Temple of Apollo and, at the tip, Castello Maniace.

On the mainland is the Neapolis Archaeological Park. There you will see the great Greek theatre carved into the rock, the Ear of Dionysius, an artificial cave famous for its echo inside an old quarry, the Roman amphitheatre and the altar of Hieron II. Round off the visit with the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, with an important collection from Greek and prehistoric Sicily.

Free tours and guided visits

Syracuse does have free walking tours, covering Ortigia, the historic centre, on foot with a guide. If you prefer something tailored, there are private tours of the island and guided tours of the Neapolis Archaeological Park, which help you make sense of a large site. From the sea, boat trips circle Ortigia and some reach the Plemmirio nature reserve. There are also tuk-tuk tours of the city.

How long to spend

With a full day you can see Ortigia in the morning and the Neapolis in the afternoon, although you will be rushing. Two days are better: one for the island, the boat trip and the sunset by the sea, and another for the archaeological park and the museum. With more time, Noto and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto are close by.

Where to stay

Ortigia is the most appealing option: there are small hotels and apartments in old buildings, and everything is on foot, although car access is restricted. Just across the bridges, the Santa Lucia district and the modern town have more choice and easier parking. If you want a beach, the south coast towards Fontane Bianche has holiday accommodation.