Syracuse, situated on the southeastern coast of Sicily, is a beautiful coastal town steeped in rich history. Thanks to its charming old town and abundance of ancient Roman ruins, there's plenty waiting for you to explore.
Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Syracuse, Sicily. Without further ado, here are the 10 best things to do in Syracuse for solo travelers. Let's begin by taking a look at the itinerary map below:
- Syracuse Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Syracuse?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Syracuse
-
10 Best Things to Do in Syracuse
- Check Out the Temple of Apollo
- Explore Archimedes and Da Vinci's Grand Inventions at Archimedes & Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Hang Out at Fontana di Diana
- Visit the Cathedral of Syracuse
- Admire the Facade of Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia
- Stroll Around Arethusa Spring
- Explore Castello Maniace
- Explore Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Check Out Catacombe di San Giovanni
- Spend a day in Noto
- More Syracuse Activities
- Where to Eat and Drink in Syracuse, Sicily?
- How to get to Syracuse?
- Further Reading for Sicily
Syracuse Itinerary Map
| ❤️ Must Visit: | Cathedral of Syracuse |
| 🥘 Place to Eat: | Terra Mia |
| 🏛️ Best Museum: | Leonardo da Vinci Museum |
| ☀️ Great Day Trip: | Noto |
Quick Summary: Things to do in Syracuse
- LoL Hostel Siracusa (Budget)
- Aretusa Vacanze B&B (Mid-Range)
- Grand Hotel Des Etrangers (High-End)
- From Taormina: Siracusa & Noto Small-Group Tour (10 hours)
- Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves (1 hour)
- Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour (3 hours)
10 Best Things to Do in Syracuse
1. Check Out the Temple of Apollo
One of the highlights of visiting Syracuse is exploring the beautiful old town on the island of Ortigia, a historic district in Syracuse that has a rich history dating all the way back to the Greek time period and one of the first sights you will see from that period as you enter the island is the Temple of Apollo.
Despite its name, the island of Ortigia is not some exotic island you have to take a boat to. In fact, you can easily walk across the traffic bridge from the mainland to the island in less than 2 minutes.
As you enter, you will find a sizable Greek ruin which is considered to be one of the oldest Greek structures on the island, dating back to the 6th Century BC. It is believed that the temple was built by the Greek colonizers when they colonized Sicily.
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The temple was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, and prophecy. It was constructed using local limestone and features six columns on the front and back, and 14 columns on the sides. The place is a beautiful relic from the Greek period and if you are interested in the history, you are going to love this place.
Where to Stay in Syracuse?
2. Explore Archimedes and Da Vinci's Grand Inventions at Archimedes & Leonardo da Vinci Museum
As you explore the island of Ortigia, you will stumble upon the Archimedes & Leonardo da Vinci Museum, a museum housing a collection of models of inventions created by two of history's most brilliant minds, Archimedes and Leonardo da Vinci.
The museum offers you an opportunity to explore the fascinating and weird world of Leonardo da Vinci and Archimedes, who were both known for their pioneering inventions and ideas with an interactive exhibition.
From incredible flying machines to weird parachute ideas, you will have a chance to play around with some of these contraptions while also learning more about the life and times of these two great inventors, including their contributions to mathematics, engineering, and art.
If you are interested in technology and history, be sure to drop by the museum. The museum is open daily from 10:30 AM to 7 PM and the entrance ticket is 7 EUR per person.
3. Hang Out at Fontana di Diana
As you make your way down across the island, you will stumble upon Fontana di Diana or the Fountain of Diana is a stunning Baroque-style fountain built in 1907 featuring a magnificent statue of Diana, the ancient Roman goddess of the hunt, holding a bow and an arrow.
The fountain is located in the Piazza Archimede, one of the most famous and picturesque squares in Syracuse. The square is surrounded by elegant Baroque buildings, cafes, and shops, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike which makes for a great place to hang out.
The Fontana di Diana also gets lit up at night, providing a stunning backdrop for evening strolls and a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful romantic surrounding. Be sure to drop by here after sunset!
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Syracuse? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Visit the Cathedral of Syracuse
One of the most famous landmarks on the island of Ortigia is the Cathedral of Syracuse, a beautiful Baroque-style cathedral located right at the center of the island at the Piazza del Duomo, a large rectangular square surrounded by beautiful old buildings of the same style.
The Cathedral of Syracuse was originally built in the 7th century AD as a Greek temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. The temple was later converted into a Christian church, and then a mosque during the Arab occupation of Sicily in the 9th century. The current structure dates back to the 17th century when it was rebuilt in the Baroque style during the Spanish period.
One of the most striking features of the cathedral is its impressive facade with two bell towers and a central dome. The exterior, like all the other architectures you find in Sicily, was built using volcanic lava stones which Sicily has plenty of.
The interior is adorned with beautiful artwork and frescoes, including a famous painting of the Madonna and Child by Caravaggio. You can also explore the crypt located under the church, which contains the remains of Saint Lucy, the patron saint of Syracuse.
Unfortunately, when I was there, there was a wedding being held there so I was unable to see the inside but hopefully, you will have better luck than I did! The cathedral is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM every day and the entrance fee is 2 EUR per person. Definitely one of the best things to do in Syracuse.
5. Admire the Facade of Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia
Located in the same square as the Cathedral of Syracuse, you will also find Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, a Baroque church built in the 18th Century and known for its incredible facade.
The details on the church's facade are pretty incredible with 2 levels divided by a metal balcony. The entrance is flanked by two spiraling Solomonic helical columns while the symbols of the martyred patron of Siracusa, St Lucy as well as the coat of arms of the Spanish monarchy who rebuilt the church are decorated on the sides.
It is a great place to drop by as you continue to explore the island of Ortigia. The church is open from 11 AM to 4 PM every day except Monday and it is free to enter.
6. Stroll Around Arethusa Spring
Arethusa Spring is probably the most unique attraction you will see in Syracuse. This natural spring is located right in the middle of the street on the southwestern side of the island and you can stroll around its shaded green space and escape the bustling city above.
The spring is surrounded by lush vegetation, including palm trees and papyrus, and is home to a variety of fish and other marine life. You can walk along the edge of the spring and enjoy stunning views of the water and the surrounding area.
The place got its name from the Greek nymph Arethusa, and a legend has it that the nymph transformed into a spring to escape the advances of the river god Alpheus who pursued Arethusa to the island of Ortigia and was able to mingle his waters with the spring, resulting in a unique blend of salt and fresh water.
The spring is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and so if you wish to enter the premise, be sure to align our visit accordingly. The entrance fee is 3.5 EUR per person.
7. Explore Castello Maniace
Castello Maniace is probably one of the most important and impressive structures in Syracuse and it is located on the southern tip of the island of Ortigia.
It is a medieval castle built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, who was a prominent figure in the Holy Roman Empire during that period. The castle was designed to protect the city from attacks by sea hence why it is located on the far point of the island.
The castle features an impressive facade with towers and battlements and a large central courtyard. The interior contains several rooms and chambers, including a chapel and a prison you can explore.
The castle also features a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the city of Syracuse which makes it a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of Syracuse.
The castle is open from 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM from Tuesday to Saturday while on Sundays and Mondays, the place is open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The ticket is 10 EUR per person and you can buy it online from here.
8. Explore Neapolis Archaeological Park
After spending time on the island of Ortigia, it is time to explore what the mainland of Syracuse has to offer, and there is no better place to begin this journey than at the Neapolis Archaeological Park.
Neapolis Archaeological Park is an ancient Greek and Roman archaeological site located on the hills of Syracuse and it is home to a wide range of ancient structures and monuments, including a Greek theater, a Roman amphitheater, a sacrificial altar, and several quarries.
One of the highlights of visiting Neapolis is seeing the impressive Roman amphitheater, a well-preserved amphitheater built in the 3rd century AD that was used for gladiatorial games and other public events with a capacity that can accommodate over 15,000 spectators. That's pretty impressive for a structure built almost 2000 years ago.
At the park, you will also find the massive greek theater that is considered to be one of the largest and best-preserved theaters in the ancient world. It was built in the 5th century BC and it remains in use for a wide range of performances, including plays and musical performances to this day.
Unfortunately, since the theater is still being used, much of the stone surfaces are covered in wooden planks to protect the surface for when they conduct events which is a shame as I would have loved to see what the actual well-preserved stone of the theater must have looked like.
Other notable attractions in the park are the Ear of Dionysius, a sinuous ancient cave with a legend claiming it was built by the tyrant Dionysius, a cruel, suspicious, and vindictive ruler of Sicily in the 1st Century BC, the ancient quarries of Latomie del Paradiso, and more.
Be sure to spare at least an hour here to really explore all the attractions in the area. Although the ruins here aren't as well maintained, and many areas are closed off due to renovations, the place does have potential and if you love history, be sure to drop by here while you are in Syracuse.
The archeological park is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day and the entrance fee is 10 EUR per person. You can also go on a guided tour here which will allow you to learn more about the ruins here from a local guide.
9. Check Out Catacombe di San Giovanni
When you are done at the archeological park, be sure to check out Catacombe di San Giovanni, a network of underground tunnels located under Syracuse with tombs, sarcophagi, and more.
The catacombs were built in the 4th century AD under a church and were used to bury early Christians in the city. They were rediscovered in the late 1800s and have since been restored and opened to the public.
The place contains hundreds of tombs, many of which are decorated with beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. You can also see a number of ancient artifacts, including lamps and other items that were left with the deceased as offerings.
You can only access a portion of the underground tunnels and it shouldn't take very long to see everything along the approximately 200-meter-long tunnel but since it is way underground, the temperature becomes a little cooler which makes for a great place to escape the summer heat of Sicily.
If you want to see something unique and cool in Syracuse, be sure to check out the Catacombe di San Giovanni. The catacombs are open from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 2:30 PM to 5 PM every day and the entrance fee is 10 EUR per person.
10. Spend a day in Noto
Last but not least, be sure to spend a day in Noto, a charming little city known for its stunning baroque architecture, rich history, and its warm Mediterranean climate, a perfect destination for a day trip from Syracuse.
The Noto's Old Town is home to the stunning Noto Cathedral, probably one of the most well-known landmarks here. The cathedral was built in the late 17th century in the amazing Sicilian-Baroque architectural style with a beautiful facade comparable to those of the church of Notre Dame in Versailles.
Just across the cathedral, you will also find Palazzo Ducezio, another great Sicilian-Baroque style palace built in a style of a French palace of the same period that you should visit as well as other stunning structures in the area like Nicolaci Palace and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Immaculate.
If you are looking for a great viewpoint over the old town of Noto, you can't go wrong with the Bell Tower of St. Charles Church, an 18th Century church with a bell tower that dominates much of Noto's Old Town.
From the bell tower, you can see Noto Cathedral and its dome as well as the beautiful sandstone-colored roof-tops of houses, and the beautiful landscapes surrounding Noto. It is truly the best viewpoint you can get here.
Photos by Stefano Mortellaro.
Last but not least, if you can choose when to visit Noto, I highly recommend you align your trip on the day of the Flower Festival of Noto, an annual flower event where the city is lit up with colorful flowers, spread out across the main street of the Old Town.
To get from Noto to Syracuse, all you have to do is catch a bus operated by Interbus from Syracuse's bus station and it will take you to Noto in less than 1 hour dropping you off near Noto's old town. The bus runs every hour and it should cost you around 9 EUR. You can book the ticket online here.
To get back to Syracuse, you just have to wait for the bus at Noto's bus stop for about 30 minutes and the bus will take you back to Syracuse in no time. You can also take the train but it runs less often and the train station is a little further south from the Old Town which might not be as convenient as taking the bus. Definitely one of the best things to do in Syracuse so do not miss it.
Where to Eat and Drink in Syracuse, Sicily?
Lunch at La Nuova Mensa
If you are looking for an affordable local family-run restaurant to try in Syracuse, I highly recommend La Nuova Mensa, a nice cafeteria-style restaurant that offers a selection of local dishes each day.
The place is popular among the locals as well as the policemen in Syracuse as it serves as a cafeteria for the police force in that district so do not be alarmed when you see several policemen hanging out at the restaurant.
They often serve menus of the day like pasta and lasagna that cost as low as 6 EUR per dish. Although the menu items are all in Italian, you can often use Google Translate to help you pick or you can ask the daughter of the owner of the restaurant there. She's very friendly and has a good command of English.
All in all, if you are looking for a nice family-run place to try real local cuisine, be sure to drop by La Nuova Mensa. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 3:30 PM and from 6 PM to 10 PM every day.
Have Dinner At Osteria Terra Mia
If you are looking for a place to have a nice delicious dinner experience with 3 courses meal, I highly recommend you check out Osteria Terra Mia, a nice small restaurant popular among the locals here.
They serve all kinds of homemade Sicilian dishes from steaks to pasta at an affordable price, although not as affordable as La Nuova Mensa I recommended above. The good thing here is they also have an English menu so you can order to your heart's content.
If you are looking for a proper local meal to have in Syracuse, be sure to check out Osteria Terra Mia. The place is open from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and again from 8 PM to 11:30 PM every day except on Mondays.
How to get to Syracuse?
From abroad, you just have to fly into Catania, a major travel hub located on the eastern side of Sicily and from there you can take a train from Catania Central to Syracuse, taking around 1 hour and cost 9 EUR. You can book the train ticket here.
That is it for the 10 Impressive Things to Do in Syracuse, Sicily for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Syracuse, Italy! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Syracuse, Italy independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Sicily
I hope you found this Italy travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary for Sicily? Check out: One Week Backpacking Sicily Itinerary.
- First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
- Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2-Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary
- The capital city of Sicily, Palermo, is a diverse city steeped in rich and unique history, cultures, and traditions, and it is the best place to begin your journey in Sicily. Planning a trip to Palermo? Be sure to check out the 17 Best Things to Do in Palermo.
- A great day trip from Palermo, Cefalù is a great destination complete with beautiful beaches and epic hikes. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Cefalù.
- One of the highlights of visiting Sicily is walking among the ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples. Here is a complete travel guide to the Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
- Wondering what other things to do in Agrigento other than the Valley of the Temples? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Agrigento.
- Planning to visit Noto and its famous flower festival in Sicily? Check out the 8 Best Things to Do in Noto.
- If you are looking for a great base to explore Puglia and Southern Italy, Bari is the best place to be. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Bari.
- Known for its unique cave dwellings and rock-cut architecture, Matera is one of the upcoming places for travelers to visit in Southern Italy. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Matera.
- For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Central Italy Itinerary.
- Rome needs no introduction from me. From the well-trodden attractions like the Colosseum to hidden gem spots like the Appian Way, here are the 20 Best Things to Do in Rome you shouldn't miss!
- Wondering what you can do in Rome in 3 days? Check out our 3-day Backpacking Rome Itinerary.
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.