If you are planning a trip on the east coast of Sicily, one of the must-see is the city of Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian). This beautiful coastal city is well known for its remarkable historical heritage and its charming old town: Ortigia Island. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days during your travel in Sicily!
What is Syracuse Sicily known for?
The city is notable for its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace of the pre-eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. This 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world.
Does Syracuse have a beach?
Just 15 km from the centre of Syracuse stretches the fine beach of Fontane Bianche, which owes its name to the many freshwater springs which flow here. The white beach and clear blue sea go to make up a natural Paradise – but there is certainly no lack of services and entertainment.
What food is Syracuse Italy known for?
5 Things you must eat in Syracuse
- Baked Ziti. Ziti are a tubular type of durum wheat pasta.
- Pur petti di tonno da zà Cicca. This typical Sicilian food has a very long name, which literally means: “Aunt Cicca’s tuna meatballs”.
- Caciocavallo and local cheeses.
- Arancina/Arancino.
- Caponata modicana.
Is Siracusa Italy safe?
Crime rates in Siracusa, Italy
| Level of crime | 63.46 | High |
|---|---|---|
| Crime increasing in the past 3 years | 67.86 | High |
| Worries home broken and things stolen | 43.33 | Moderate |
| Worries being mugged or robbed | 38.33 | Low |
| Worries car stolen | 45.00 | Moderate |
How many days do you need in Syracuse?
In my opinion, it’s a good idea to stay at least 2 days in Syracuse. It’s the time it will take you to visit all the must-see attractions of the city. Syracuse is also a great starting point for day trips.
Where do celebrities stay in Sicily?
Allegedly, Google Camp—a top secret conference with “a guest list of chief executives, investors and celebrities.” Every year, it’s held at Verdura Resort, a five-star lodging located 15 minutes from the seaside town of Sciacca. And it’s easy to see why.
Is Syracuse good for beaches?
The coast of Syracuse province is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Sicily, thanks to its succession of white, pristine beaches, golden bays, headlands, islands, and breathtaking scenery.
Where can I swim in Syracuse?
You can swim from the rocks on Ortigia, and even mainland Siracusa, but leave your belongings at your hotel. The Musciara Siracusa Resort has a private beach for guests.
Does Sicily have sandy beaches?
Surrounded by the blue, inviting waters of the Mediterranean, the island is famed for its golden sandy beaches, picturesque coves and lively coastal resorts. From the tourist beaches of the north to the more rugged parts of the south, Sicily is an island paradise in Italy waiting to be explored.
What is Ortigia?
Ortygia (/ɔːrˈtɪdʒiə/; Italian: Ortigia; Greek: Ὀρτυγία) is a small island which is the historical centre of the city of Syracuse, Sicily. The island, also known as the Città Vecchia (Old City), contains many historical landmarks. The name originates from the ancient Greek ortyx (ὄρτυξ), which means “Quail”.
Are there beaches in Ortigia?
The only beach located in Ortigia is the small, pebbled Spiaggia di Cala Rossa located on the southern end of the island: it has free access but is best in the morning hours before shadows creep in the early afternoon.
Where do you swim in Ortigia?
There are two swimming spots on Ortigia. There is a swimming spot on Ortigia by Via Nizza. From piazza Archimede, take via della Maestranza, and then turn right to Belvedere San Giacomo. You can sunbathe on the rocks and swim in the sea.
What is the most beautiful part of Sicily?
The 10 most beautiful places in Sicily: simply unmissable sights
- Taormina. Also called “the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea”.
- Etna. The highest active volcano in Europe.
- Ortigia. It is located on a small island connected to the mainland by three bridges.
- Ragusa Ibla.
- Valle dei Templi.
- Favignana.
- Erice.
- Segesta.
Which side of Sicily is better?
There are beautiful beaches all over Sicily but eastor west is personal preference. Alot of people choose the east coast – Taormina/Etna and Siracusa for historyand the Baroque towns and access to the south east beaches. If youre not planning to hire a car then the east coast is perhaps easier to negotiate.
How do you get around Syracuse Sicily?
To get around Siracusa city you have two choices: use the AST urban transportation service, or the very comfortable ecological mini-bus called “Siracusa d’amare”, we recommend the latter.
Is Catania worth visiting?
While it doesn’t attract the same kind of attention as Palermo, Catania’s unheralded delights are worth exploration: fine architecture, bustling markets, lively cultural events and centuries of history dating to the city’s beginnings as a modest Greek colony.
Is Taormina worth visiting?
Even if you’re not a fan of history, we highly recommend visiting the Ancient Greek Theatre Of Taormina for the setting. The views over the coast and Mount Etna are spectacular. Built around the third century by the Greeks and renovated later by the Romans, this is a fascinating place to wander around.
Can you walk from Syracuse to Ortigia?
By Train. As mentioned, Siracusa train station (maps) is a good 20-30 minute walk away from the centre of Ortigia and 10-15 minutes from popular areas to stay within the city itself. The most common route for arrivals will be to / from Catania Centrale, with journeys taking an hour.
Where do the Kardashians stay in Italy?
Hotel Santa Caterina: the Italian hotel that counts Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardashian among its guests.
Where did the Kardashians stay in Amalfi Coast?
Le Sirenuse is a luxury boutique hotel in Positano, founded & run by the Sersale family. A romantic escape in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, Italy.