UNESCO-listed Greek and Baroque city: the Neapolis archaeological park, Ortigia island, the Duomo built into a Greek temple and the Fountain of Arethusa.
Siracusa lies about 65 km south of Catania on Sicily's southeastern coast and combines a Greek archaeological park with the compact island old town of Ortigia. The Interbus IN01 coach runs from Catania Airport to the Siracusa terminal at Corso Umberto 196 in about 70 minutes for roughly EUR 6.20 one way, and regional trains from Catania Centrale take about 1h 10min to 1h 20min. The terminal is around 22 minutes on foot from Piazza Duomo. Drivers take the A18 and SS114 in about an hour but should park outside Ortigia, which is a restricted traffic zone, and cross the bridge on foot.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park on the mainland holds the Greek Theatre, the Roman amphitheatre, the quarry known as the Latomia del Paradiso and the cave called the Ear of Dionysius. Ortigia, connected by short bridges, is centred on Piazza Duomo, where the cathedral was built into a Greek temple of Athena and its Doric columns remain visible in the walls. Nearby are the Baroque palaces along Via Roma, the Fountain of Arethusa with its papyrus plants, the seafront promenade of Lungomare di Levante and the covered market on Via de Benedictis, a good place for sandwiches, cheese and fruit.
A one-day arc starts at Neapolis soon after opening, when the heat is lower and tour groups have not arrived, then crosses to Ortigia for lunch. Fish, sea urchin pasta, ricotta cannoli and lemon granita are common choices in the lanes around Piazza Duomo. The afternoon is for the cathedral, Fountain of Arethusa and a slow walk around the island edge, finishing with an aperitivo at sunset before the return coach or train.
The best seasons are March to June and September to November, because July and August are hot and the archaeological park has little shade. Distances inside Ortigia are short, but the combined walking between the park, the bus terminal and the island can reach several hours, and a hat, water and flat shoes are advisable. Tickets for the archaeological park are paid separately, and prices should be checked locally before travel.
| Distance | About 65 km (40 miles) south of Catania |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 70-80 minutes by coach or train |
| Getting there | Interbus line IN01 coach from Catania Airport to the Siracusa bus terminal at Corso Umberto 196, about 70 minutes, EUR 6.20 (~$7.13) one way and EUR 9.60 (~$11.04) return; tickets at interbus.it |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Piazza Duomo, Ortigia, 96100 Siracusa SR |
How to get there
- Interbus IN01 coach from Catania Airport: about 70 minutes, EUR 6.20 (~$7.13), about 36 departures on a mid-August weekday; terminal is about 22 minutes on foot from Piazza Duomo
- Regional train from Catania Centrale to Siracusa: about 1h 10min-1h 20min, roughly EUR 6-10 (~$7-11.50) as reported (trenitalia.com)
- Driving: A18/SS114, about 1 hour; park outside Ortigia (ZTL) and walk over the bridge
Location
Piazza Duomo, Ortigia, 96100 Siracusa SR
37.0592, 15.2932 View on map
Highlights
- Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius in the Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Duomo of Siracusa built into a Greek temple of Athena
- Fountain of Arethusa and the Ortigia seafront
- Ortigia covered market on Via de Benedictis
- Baroque palaces along Via Roma
Tips for visiting
- Take the Interbus IN01 coach or the regional train from Catania Centrale; both take about 70 to 80 minutes.
- Start at the Neapolis park soon after opening to avoid midday heat and groups.
- Park outside Ortigia, a restricted traffic zone, and walk over the bridge.
- Bring a hat and water, as the archaeological park has little shade.
- Buy lunch at the Ortigia market for a cheaper meal than the restaurants on Piazza Duomo.
When to visit
March to June and September to November are best; reach the archaeological park in the morning and spend the late afternoon in Ortigia.
Accessibility
Ortigia has mostly flat streets with uneven paving, and the Neapolis park has stone steps and rough ground, which limits wheelchair access in the theatre and caves.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the trip from Catania take?
The coach and regional train take about 70 to 80 minutes, and driving takes about an hour. Fares are around EUR 6 one way.
Can visitors drive into Ortigia?
Ortigia is a restricted traffic zone, so parking outside the island and crossing the bridge on foot is recommended.
What are the main sights?
The Neapolis Archaeological Park, the Duomo built into a Greek temple, and the Fountain of Arethusa are the main sights. The Ortigia market is a popular food stop.
Is one day enough?
One day covers the park and Ortigia at a steady pace. Slower travellers may want an overnight stay.