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Syracuse is the Italian city that best preserves Greek historical sites, in fact, its own name already transports you back to the ancient Greek Empire. Syracuse was the most important metropolis in Sicily during the glory of the empire. And as we could see, that sublime prosperity has remained to the present day; especially on the Ortigia Island. Here we can still see the limestone columns of a majestic Greek temple supporting what is nowadays the cathedral.
Syracuse best exemplifies the integration of centuries of history that I have ever viewed. That’s why it’s my favorite of the cities we toured on our 10-day Sicily trip. Cycling through Ortigia and snorkeling in the outstanding safeguarded marine area of the Plemmirio just 20 minutes from the center of Siracusa is a privilege.
Death Valley National Park is one of the four national parks located in the Mojave Desert, an area we previously covered in this text.
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top things TO DO IN SYRACUSE in one day
Syracuse presents not only history but one of the most natural beaches we saw in Sicily. Spending a day in Syracuse seems to me essential both for those who are traveling through the north or the south of Sicily.
In this section, we will discuss the must-see locations in Syracuse that can be experienced in a single day. Additionally, at the end of the article you will find a Syracuse map highlighting all the points of interest and attractions.
Ortigia island
Ortigia is an island of merely two square kilometers that connects with the larger island of Sicily through two abbreviated bridges. Experiencing this landmark comprises the most essential activity to engage in within Syracuse.
Subsequent going through the Ponte de Santa Lucía, vibe streets radically distinguished compared remainder Syracuse. We frequented Ortigia times amid our day Syracuse: single afternoon riding byways bicycle, additional night see light urbanity further closing see emerge Forte San Giovannello.
During the afternoon we could observe not only the highlights but also the natural splendor of a city that has managed to preserve the legacy of the past. It was established by Corinthians, who arrived in 735 BC. and was -and still is- the center of Syracuse.
This is why I suggest besides visiting the major attractions, trying to get lost down as many alleyways as possible to absorb the essence of the city.
TEMPIO DI APOLLO
The Tempio di Apollo had been one of the most expansive Greek temples in Sicily. However, even today, only the ruins remain standing. We happened upon it nearly by accident while cycling Ortigia.
FONTANA DI ARTEMIDE
This restored fountain is dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemisia. It represents the myth of Arethusa and Alphaeus, about which I will speak later.
The fountain is located in the square of Archimedes, in remembrance of the renowned mathematician who was born in Ortigia in 287 BC. The square is surrounded by historic palaces.
DUOMO DI Siracusa
Undoubtedly, the Duomo di Siracusa is one of the most beautiful and unique cathedrals in Sicily and likely in Europe.
The Sicilian baroque front with its convex forms is stately. The color of granite and marble gives an aspect of grandeur to this old gem.
The architectural feature that astonished us the most were the Greek pillars upholding the cathedral, as this cathedral was constructed upon the Greek columns of the Temple of Athena.
It is impossible not to feel transitory when you are near them and comprehend that they have been standing there for centuries; bearing the weight of the Greek temple, later a mosque during the Arab conquest and currently propping up the cathedral.
We will depart while they continue shouldering history`s weight and instilling us with a sense of volatility. Undoubtedly, it is Syracuse`s primary attraction in a single day.
The Cathedral of Syracuse and the main square should be visited during three different times; one when it is open to view its interior, another at night, as the illumination of the square will certainly captivate you with the beauty of Ortigia, and the last with the first Lights at dawn, when you can contemplate the building in solitude and see how the initial rays paint the marble in orange.
Fonte Aretusa
The next item we will visit on our day in Syracuse is the Fonte Aretusa.
Before sharing more details, I will first tell you the myth of Aretusa and Alfeo.
Arethusa was a virtuous nymph shielded by the goddess Artemis to whom she had sworn chastity.
During a very warm day, the nymph decided to undress and bathe in a river in a forest in Greece. The hunter Alpheus saw her and wanted to violate her so Arethusa requested help from her protective goddess Artemisia.
The goddess transformed her into a fountain far away from there, in Ortigia, to escape from the assault. Alpheus, who was an obsessive tracker, asked Zeus for assistance, which turned him into a river in Greece.
The hunter did not give up and crossed the sea, even managing to construct an underground passage to reach the fountain wherein Arethusa had been transformed.
Fonte Arethusa is a fresh water spring that connects with the sea. In ancient times it supplied the island of Ortigia with water. Today it is one of the most visited attractions on the island where ducks, fish and papyrus plants live.
CASTELLO MANIACE
The Castello Maniace is constructed on a Byzantine fortress from 1038. The reconstruction was implemented in 1239 by Emperor Federico II. Its location at the tip of Ortigia makes it ideal for defending the city from sea attacks.
As of now this location can no longer be visited since it is under the control of the Military Heritage organization.
FORTE SAN GIOVANNELLO
The Forte San Giovannello is ideal if you enjoy rising early to watch the sunrise. It would not essentially be a mandatory activity in Syracuse for a single day, although it is highly recommended.
We arrived as the sun began to rise over the horizon.
From this fortification, you can see the entire eastern coastline of Ortigia, such as the protruding ground spout.
We loved to stroll around the coast and to see the life of Ortigia with the first lights.
After sunrise, we made the most of the early morning hours to experience Ortigia when most visitors were still asleep.
Neapolis ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Exploring the archaeological ruins at the Neapolis Park is another top activity to experience in Syracuse in a single day.
The entrance fee is €9 and incorporates a tour of different monuments and points of interest. We do not expend more than an hour there, although, if you have a love of archaeology and ancient history you will surely need all morning to conduct a comprehensive visit.
I suggest visiting it very early, which is when fewer visitors are there and the heat is more bearable.
The remains belong to the Greek era but ruins from the Norman domain until the Middle Ages can also be found, such as the Roman Empire and the Hellenistic period.
Among the different remains we will find:
- The Greek amphitheater, which could also be inundated to make liquid fights and fluid battles amid the Roman Realm by putting liquid in swimming pools.
- The Altar of Hierón II where, during festivals, they sacrificed dozens of oxen as an offering to the gods and of which only the old ruins now remain.
- The Greek Theater quite plundered since many of the stones from the stage and stands were reallocated in the construction of the fortification of Ortigia.
- The Ear of Dionysius, the primary cave of the Latomia of Paradise. A series of artificial caverns that were formed when using the rock as a quarry. It was later used as a prison.
THE BEST BEACH IN SyRACUse ITALY – PREMMIRIO
If during your stay in Syracuse you want to spend one day on the seaside I recommend you to visit the protected marine area of Premmirio. None of the other beaches of Syracuse provides the beach experience you will find there.
This natural setting is found along the shoreline of the Peninsula della Maddalena,
Reaching there is fairly straightforward from Ortigia as it necessitates approximately 20 minutes. In what we squandered most of the time was in deciding which part of the peninsula we wanted to see.
Our initial idea was to reach the Faro di Capo Murro di Porco.
Upon arriving and parking, on the path leading to the lighthouse we discovered a map that provided a brief explanation of the regulations in the protected Plemmirio area. Specifically, it outlined in which locations scuba diving could take place, which zones had high protection status, and which had medium protected designation.
The terrain proved difficult to traverse, access to the sea was quite complicated and there existed no location offering some shade, so we returned to the map and opted to modify the location.
Then we traveled to point 29, Via Degli Zaffari.
We parked the vehicle and walked towards the sea on an almost lunar terrain. After finding the route to get down to the little beach, we were instantly hypnotized by the environment.
The beach is not sandy, but it was compensated by being practically on our own in that paradise.
We left our towels in the shade of a cliff and submerged ourselves in the crystal clear and refreshing waters. At the base of the cliffs were sea caves housing all kinds of marine life.
We spent the morning swimming and snorkeling in what for me was the most beautiful beach for snorkeling of the trip.
ONE DAY ITINERARY IN SYRACUSE ITALY
Upon arriving in Siracusa the night before I recommend planning your day in Syracuse as follows:
- Sunrise in Ortigia, seen from the Forte San Giovannello maintained the key points.
- Early mornings at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, when fewer tourists are present and conditions are less hot.
- Mid-morning on some of the beaches of Syracuse. If you like snorkeling, we recommend Plemmirio
- Afternoon in Ortigia to visit the interior of the Duomo di Siracusa and the remainder of the tourist attractions
- Night in Ortigia to see street lighting
With this itinerary, you will experience everything that Siracusa has to offer in a single day.
WHERE TO STAY IN SYRACUSE
The region considered most scenic across Syracuse is the island of Ortigia. However, inside the island, the costs are quite elevated so if interested in staying here at a good value one should reserve in advance. An apartment was located through this listing that provided quite reasonable pricing for being in the heart of Ortigia.
If you stay outside Ortigia you can save significantly. In that case, I suggest renting an apartment where you can borrow bicycles to comfortably visit Ortigia.
If you want to check other lodging options in Syracuse through Booking you can search them here.
WHERE TO EAT in syracuse
To conclude this travel guide about things to do in Syracuse in one day I will recommend a place for breakfast, another for lunch or dinner and a last one to have a snack at any time of the day.
BREAKFAST IN BAR DEL PONTE
We had breakfast at the Bar del Ponte after witnessing the sunrise at Forte San Giovannello. The pastry filled with ricotta cream will make your mouth water. If a chance comes to breakfast here do not hesitate.
MEal or diner at THE CAMBUSA
La Cambusa eatery was recommended by our Airbnb host. It’s a place especially for seafood, so Dani enjoyed it more than I did. However, my vegetable pasta dish was also delicious.
The cost was somewhat higher than at other dining establishments, but the quality was indeed very good. This explains why it attracts not just visitors but locals from Syracuse who typically go there for evening meals. However, remember to make reservations since it can fill up.
INDULGING IN ICE CREAM AT ANY TIME AT LA GELATERIA FIORDILATTE
In the gelato shop Fiordelatte we obtained one of the finest frozen treats of the voyage. The creamy texture of their creations is unrivaled. Additionally, the countless flavors and the cordiality of the staff made it my preferred Sicilian ice cream establishment. If you travel to Syracuse you cannot overlook it; to have breakfast, to have lunch and even to have dinner. Ice cream for everyone!!
SYRACUSE MAP
Finally, on the following Syracuse map you will find all points of interest and tourist attractions represented.
We hope your day in Syracuse is as enjoyable and complete as ours was, and if you have any questions we will be glad to help in the comments 😉
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