Our most recommended things to do in Syracuse

Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves

1. Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves

Immerse yourself in Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse as on this guided boat tour. Enjoy listening as your skipper tells you about geological formations and step back in time with stories and information regarding the area's rich history. Board a comfortable boat and embark on your water adventure. Glide from the bridges of Ortigia and will enter the "big port" of Syracuse where you can gaze out of the the stunning Alfeo Promenade of Ortigia. Sail outside the port to circumnavigate the entire island. Follow the coast north of Syracuse to see some naturally-formed sea caves. Cruise into the "small port" and navigate inside the Ortigia canal that divides the island from the city. Have the chance to stop and take a dip in the turquoise waters with views of the shore. Pass under the bridges to return to the starting point of the tour.

Syracuse: Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif

2. Syracuse: Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif

Discover the caves and coves of Ortigia Island and admire a spectacular sunset on a sunset cruise. Savor prosecco with a tasting platter showcasing the best of local restaurant produce during your boat tour. Begin the cruise by sailing toward the exit from the small port and heading toward the north coast. Here, meet the Capuchin cove and the first Capuchin cave before passing in front of the dolphin-shaped rock. Next, enter the Coral Caves and marvel at the walls of soft red coral in each cave. Continue to the Grotta Dell’Amore, where the local partner will take photos you can collect at the end of the tour. After, enter the largest cave on the Syracusan coast, the Grotta delle Stalattiti. See the impressive variety and play of colors formed inside the cave, as well as the strange shapes created naturally by the force of the waves and humidity. Then, tuck into the onboard platter and uncork a delicious prosecco as you begin to return to Ortigia Island. On the way, stop for a swim in crystal-clear waters near Maniace Castle. Hop back on the boat and wait for the sunset to arrive as you listen to the onboard music, played throughout the cruise. After admiring the sunset, conclude the tour by passing under the Umbertino Bridge.

Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Entrance Ticket

3. Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Entrance Ticket

The Neapolis Archaeological Park is a must-do for anyone interested in archeology and the classical world. Skip the lines with this entrance ticket and discover its many ancient wonders for yourself including the Greek theater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Altar of Hieron II. Check out the Greek theater, one of the park's most famous attractions and a truly impressive example of classical civic architecture. Another one of the park's most iconic sites is the Ear of Dionysius, a man-made cave named by the painter Caravaggio. Continue on and discover the fascinating history of some of the park's other key sites. Visit the Roman amphitheater that dates back to the 3rd-4th century AD, the Cave of the Cordari, and the Altar of Hieron II which is dedicated to Zeus Eleutherios.

Siracusa: Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto

4. Siracusa: Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto

Embark on a boat tour of Ortigia with this tour from Siracusa. View the historic center of Siracusa from the water. Travel along the coast to admire Maniace castle and several sea caves. Push off from Siracusa and pass under the Umbertino bridge. Take in sweeping views of the entire port. Go by the luxurious yachts at Foro Italico, and catch a glimpse of a cathedral dome. Observe the legendary Arethusa fountain. Exit the port and see the immense Maniace castle. Head out to the northern coast of Syracuse. Have some fresh fruit and juice as you travel to a spot where you can get out and have a 10 minute swim. Enter Capuchin cave, Coral cave, a stalactite cave, and the heart-shaped Cave of Love. Snap souvenir photos with the heart behind you.

Syracuse: Boat Trip with Lunch, Wine, and Swimming Stops

5. Syracuse: Boat Trip with Lunch, Wine, and Swimming Stops

The next excursion will allow you to spend a half day in total relax admiring the entire sea itinerary of our wonderful city. First we will visit the north side of Siracusa wich is known by the presence of the sea caves and by the peculiar rocks that remind different animals shape and then we move to the natural reserve of Plemmirio with its renowned gulf of Pillirina. Afterwards we'll sail around Ortigia island admiring its historic part wich includes the ex borboun prison, the Viliena fort, the spanish walls, the Maniace castle, the Levante waterfront, the Alfeo waterfront , the Aretusa spring and the immense Big Harbour of Siracusa. During the tour you will have cold soft drinks and seasonal fruit. Moreover our staff will provide to delight you with a big typical starter and a lunch or a dinner cooked up directly on board. This experience includes also more stops for swimming during the exploration of those places where we sail and a guide.

Syracuse: Ortygia Walking Tour

6. Syracuse: Ortygia Walking Tour

Embark on a walking tour crossing the picturesque streets of the old part of Syracuse and discovering the traces left by all the different people who governed Sicily. You will meet your guide at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple where you will be given a short introduction to the history of the town. After a short walk, you will reach Cathedral Square and be surprised by the magnificent bright limestone buildings: the town hall, Palazzo Beneventano, the bishop's palace, and St. Lucy's Church, but most of all the Cathedral itself. It is the only church still in use today which many years ago was a pagan temple, and you should not miss the opportunity to visit its interiors (optional visit, admission fee not included). The tour then continues to Aretusa Fountain near the sea. The myth of Aretusa was told by Ovidius and in its clear fresh water grows papyrus which was probably brought here when Archimedes lived in town. The way back leads through the Jewish Quarter to Via Maestranza, the street where the nobility of the town had their pompous homes. On Archimedes Square, the neoclassical Fountain of Diana remembers once more the glorious past of Syracuse. The tour will end at the local fish and fruit market where you can take a breath of local life, colors, and scents.

Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

7. Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

Explore ancient Syracuse on a 3-hour guided tour and learn about early Greek history through architecture and religious practices. The evidence of Syracuse as capital of the Mediterranean is ever-present, and seen in the glory of its Cathedral, the ancient Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater. Admire the beauty of the Cathedral of Syracuse, which incorporates the pagan Temple of Athena. Learn about its various architectural styles from your guide. Continue to the Archeological Park to see the Paradise Latomia and the Ear of Dionysos. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Ionian Sea from the Greek Theater.

Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Tour

8. Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Tour

Meet your certified guide at the entrance gate of the Neapolis Archaeological Park and visit the most important ancient Greek and Roman monuments in Syracuse. Discover the history and archaeological importance of this ancient Greek sight from your knowledgeable guide. During your walking tour, see the ancient Greek theatre, cut in the rock of the Temenite Hill, and explore the "Latomie del Paradiso", an ancient stone quarry with beautiful local flora. Next, marvel at the legendary "Ear of Dionysius", located inside the quarries. Be amazed by this grotto famed for its shape and echoing sounds. Finish your tour with a visit to the altar of Hieron and the Roman amphitheater.

Siracusa: Ortygia Island Boat Tour with Grotto Visit

9. Siracusa: Ortygia Island Boat Tour with Grotto Visit

Meet your skipper at the convenient meeting point. A boat ride around Ortigia is one of the best ways to visit this beautiful place: between the sound of the wind and the intoxicating smell of the sea you will discover one of the jewels of the Sicilian tourist panorama. Admiring Ortigia by boat will allow you to admire some of its most significant monuments and historic buildings: the Venetian Palace, the Umberto I Bridge and the Small Port, the former Bourbon Prison, the Spanish walls and the Lungomare di Levante, the Viliena Fortress, the Maniace Castle and the Fonte Aretusa. Continue with the exploration of the sea grottos (the Capuchin Latomie, the Ear of Dionysius, the Heart-Shaped Lovers', and the Holy Spirit grottos) on the north side of Syracuse, entering the caves and admiring stalactites, stalagmites, and coral formations up close. This excursion in Ortygia will also offer you the opportunity, in non-adverse weather conditions, to take a short stop for a dip, where the water is a deep blue.

Syracuse: Island of Ortigia Boat Trip and Sea Caves

10. Syracuse: Island of Ortigia Boat Trip and Sea Caves

An unique and relaxing tour, rich in history, monuments, sea caves and nature. A beautiful and fantastic experience, advisable to photograph the beautiful landscapes and sunsets. Starting from the "Umbertino" bridge, continuing from the small port of "S. Lucia" we head towards the sea caves and the heart-shaped cave (Syracuse side). After that you go on along the "Alfeo" seafront on the island of Ortigia, where you will admire the Maniace Castle and the "Fonte Aretusa" , where you can take a short stop to get a bath and photograph the beautiful panorama it offers us. At the end of the tour you will see "Porta Marina".

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What people are saying about Syracuse

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,135 reviews

The trip to Ragusa, Modica and Noto was excellent… though, our guide didn’t speak much English and served more as a driver to each site than an actual guide. Some local information was provided and some rudimentary conversation was had in Italian. It would have been appreciated to have individual maps provided ahead of the drop-offs. The water bottles provided were appreciated. A little less time in Ragusa would have allowed a bit more time in Noto. The recommendation to visit the Bonajuta chocolatier in Modica was appreciated - and is highly recommended. Our ‘guide’ was an excellent driver and did make two stops so that some great panoramic photos could be taken of Ragusa and Noto. Highly recommend visiting all three towns - given our circumstances, it was the best way for us to enjoy them within our schedule. Much appreciated!

We didn't get a reminder about the tour the day before as you usually do, we arrived at the wrong time and moved on disappointed, that they didn't know us as they did two days before on the tour in Catania. Very disappointing. Hope we get a refund!

Francesco provided all of us with an excellent tour. He was very knowledgeable and prompt. The wine and food tasting was also very good. I would highly recommend.

Stephen was great! Fun boat ride and tour of the caves and around ortigia. Would definitely recommend

Overall nice trup across several beautiful cities.