Ortigia Is One of the Most Beautiful Places in Italy—and It’s Walkable From Mainland Sicily

Travelers flock to the area Sicily In search of Mediterranean Sea views and ancient architecture, as well as fresh seafood, many people overlook a visit every year to Syracuse and its historic centre, Ortigia. Syracuse (located on the south-east coast of Sicily) is a beautiful city.Siracusa Many travelers overlook Taormina in favor of its more opulent cousin in the north. The unique blend between coastal Italian culture and rich history combined with Baroque style architecture makes it a must visit destination.

Syracuse, an ancient Greek settlement, has been a magnet for travelers and empires throughout the centuries. Cicero referred it to as “the best Greek city of all.” Syracuse is a richly layered city with a long history. It was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its cultural and historical significance.

Ortigia, Syracuse’s old city and crown jewel, is located on the island. Ortigia sits on the edge of the sea, at the southernmost part of the city. It is only linked by two bridges. one of the most beautiful places in Italy. This small island, which is only two miles around, has everything that travelers to Italy are looking for: cobblestone streets, piazzas in Baroque style, ancient history at every turn, views of the sparkling ocean, and seafood cooked Sicilian style. Also, the island is connected to popular Sicilian locations like Taormina. Noto, Ragusa and Modica by train.

I visited Sicily recently and had the chance to experience Ortigia. It was an amazing place. To help travelers appreciate Ortigia, I sought out additional insight from Linda SarrisA Palermo travel expert, private chef and author, she organizes amazing experiences all over Sicily. You’ll find everything you need here to explore Ortigia, the magical island.

Best Hotels

Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel

The eastern part of the island is located near the water. Algilà The hotel is located in a restored Baroque Palace and comprises three beautiful building complexes. Each room is uniquely decorated and designed with restored wood paneling, stone arches, and wrought-iron details. Sarris suggests trying the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. We loved the breakfast buffet.

Ortea Palace Hotel, Autograph Collection

Once a historic post office of the 1920s Ortea Palace Hotel The island is situated just across the bridge from mainland Syracuse. one of the best in Sicily. The property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Its lobby and rooms feature Italian marble, elegant furnishings and many have sea views. In the indoor pool, guests can relax, indulge in spa treatments or enjoy a drink from the rooftop terrace of Incanto.

Hotel Gutkowski

Sarris describes Hotel Gutkowski The two buildings that overlook the water are described as “an eclectic boutique hotel”. Both buildings were built in the 19th century, and have 26 rooms each with a mix of modern and vintage furnishings. The breakfast, which uses local ingredients, and the relaxing atmosphere on the terrace are popular with guests.

Lùme

Sarris highlights the bistro and design of this stylish, six-room hotel located near the water. This hotel is meant to resemble a small family home. Lùme The interior is full of charm and color, with a cozy and comfortable feel. Enjoy evening aperitivo Try a massage in the hammam or on the rooftop terrace.

The Best Things to do

Explore Ortigia Street Market.

On Mondays through Saturdays, stalls in the northern part of Ortigia are filled with textiles and produce. They also sell local spices and nuts. The lively market has a cultural feel to it, as vendors and neighbors barter across the stalls. You can enjoy a quick snack and take in the view at the casual restaurants that line the waterfront. If you can, snag a bag of Sicilian almonds from one of the stalls—their delicate, buttery flavor is unlike any you’ve had before.

Neapolis archeological park is a great place to experience ancient Siracusa.

The archaeological park in Syracuse is a great place for those who love history and the outdoors. You can reach it by walking a mile and a half or taking a taxi. Neapolis Archeological Park The park is filled with ancient wonders. These include a Greek theatre dating back to 3rd century B.C.E. a Roman amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysius – a huge limestone cave carved in the hill. The park is serene and beautiful, away from the busy city. Take in the historical sites as you walk along the winding paths lined with century-old orange and lemon trees. Visitors can sometimes enjoy modern art installations in the park.

Explore the whole island.

Ortigia is a small, easy-to navigate town that’s best explored on foot. Start by walking along the lungomareYou can also walk along the water’s edge, which is lined with scenic views and locals who are sunbathing at the rocky beaches. You can then wander the cobblestone streets of the city centre and the piazzas. Do not miss the main attractions of Ortigia, such as Maniace Castle. Temple of Apollo. Cathedral of Syracuse. and Fountain of Diana. The mythological Fountain of Arethusa is a great place to end your walk on the west side of the island. Grab a drink and enjoy the view. Zefiro Or, you can enjoy the sunset at any of the waterfront bars on Lungomare Alfeo.

Visit the Cathedral in Syracuse.

The stunning Duomo di Siracusa church, which is also known by the name Duomo di Siracusa has a rich history. The original doric columns of the Greek Temple of Athena were still visible in the walls of this church. It was built in the 5th century B.C.E. Ortigia’s focal point is its amazing Baroque-style facade. The cathedral has undergone many transformations by Byzantine, Arabic and Norman settlers. In the piazza around the Cathedral of Syracuse, you’ll find other Baroque architecture interwoven with charming cafes and restaurant. This is the ideal place to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.

Take a tour by boat.

Sarris suggests a boat trip to fully appreciate the beauty of Ortigia. Ortigia Island Excursion There are many options available, from a tour of Ortigia with its beautiful sea caves nearby to a sunset aperitivo cruise. Enjoy the sun and discover Ortigia from the water.

Best Nightlife

Zefiro

Zefiro is the place to go for great cocktails with a fun, upbeat vibe and a view that’s even better. Sarris says it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset, and we can’t agree with him more. This cocktail bar on the seafront is located in a prime location along the western coast, just under the busy Belvedere Largo Aretusa. Locals and tourists alike flock here to enjoy the evening. Watch the sun sink behind the Ionian Sea while sipping a carefully crafted cocktail. Zefiro offers beach recliners to sunbathers in the summer months.

Best Restaurants

Caseificio Borderi

Want to grab a bite near the Ortigia Street Market market? You can get a huge sandwich at Caseificio Borderi. They are stuffed with Italian cheeses and meats as well as local delights such as pistachio cream, sun dried tomatoes, Sicilian caponata, and a pistachio pesto. You can grab a seat at the outdoor tables of the deli or you can take your sandwich and eat it by the water.

Fratelli Burgio

Sarris recommends dining at Fratelli BurgioThe salumeria is right next to Caseificio Borderi. Fratelli Burgio offers excellent salads and sandwiches but is most famous for its charcuterie. Each board is a small bowl filled with charcuterie, local cheeses, vegetables and house-made spreads. You can enjoy a lunch outside or browse the shop to find some Sicilian treats you can bring home.

Apollonion Osteria da Carlo

If you are craving seafood, then consider Apollonion. This small osteria, located in a back street, is famous for its daily catch tasting menu. The cozy stone-walled room is the perfect place to reserve a seat. Order a glass or two of Sicilian wines and enjoy courses of delicious seafood prepared according to local style. The restaurant also offers an à la carte menu.

Cortile Verga

Sarris recommends booking ahead to spend the evening at this cocktail bar, which serves some of the finest drinks and small plates in town. The romantic atmosphere of this restaurant is set in an 18th century courtyard. Cortile Verga It is unmatched. The variety of inventive bites and bruschettas is also unmatched. From salmon tartare to an eggplant millefeuille, to burrata and fresh shrimp salad, the menu offers a mix of creative and classic cocktails.

Antica Locanda

This homey restaurant is located on the western part of Ortigia. Antica Locanda The restaurant serves up comforting Sicilian cuisine, including seafood pasta and generous portions of fish. The staff was warm and welcoming. We enjoyed the mussels with croutons as an appetizer. The chef and his staff go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome, give suggestions, and make them feel as if they are having dinner at a Sicilian family’s home.

The Best Time to Visit

While you can visit any time of year, Syracuse and Ortigia are best enjoyed during the warmer months—spring through fall. In the summertime, Ortigia, like all of Sicily, enjoys high temperatures, sunny skies and warm weather, making it ideal for boat trips and a dip in Mediterranean waters. (Don’t forget your water shoes!). Every May and June, Neapolis’ ancient Greek theatre hosts a series classical plays. We recommend that you visit during the shoulder seasons, from March to May or September to October. This is when the weather is warmer and the city less crowded.

How to get there

Ortigia, located approximately an hour south of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport CTA. You can reach the city easily by taxi once you land. Interbus, a cheaper option, runs between Siracusa and Corso Gelone 50 every 30 minutes (the stop for Ortigia). Tickets can be purchased in advance online Or at an airport kiosk. You can also rent a vehicle at the airport. Ask your hotel about parking options if you decide to go this route. Many hotels offer valet parking for a small fee.

How to Get Around

You can get around the island by walking. Ortigia, which is about two thirds of a kilometer long and one third of a kilometer wide, can be easily navigated on foot. There are taxi stands near the Temple of Apollo, on Ortigia’s main road, if you wish to take a cab to Neapolis Archeological park or anywhere else in Syracuse. Syracuse’s train station The nearest town is Ortigia. You can make day trips from Ortigia to Noto Ragusa Catania or Taormina.