Ortigia Is One of many Most Stunning Locations in Italy—and It is Walkable From Mainland Sicily

Though vacationers flock to Sicily yearly in the hunt for Mediterranean Sea views, imposing historical structure, and recent seafood, many miss a go to to the gorgeous metropolis that has all of it: Syracuse and its historic heart, Ortigia. Positioned on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is commonly ignored by vacationers in favor of Taormina, its opulent cousin to the north. However its distinctive mix of coastal Italian tradition, coupled with wealthy historical past and Baroque-style structure, make it a must-visit vacation spot.

Syracuse started as an historical Greek settlement practically 3,000 years in the past, and its magnificence has beckoned each vacationers and empires for hundreds of years (Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Norman, to call a couple of). Even the Roman orator, Cicero, referred to it as “the best Greek metropolis and probably the most lovely of all.” Steeped in layers of historical past, Syracuse was named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site as a result of its historic and cultural significance.

Syracuse’s previous city and crown jewel is the island of Ortigia. Perched on the ocean on the metropolis’s southern edge and linked solely by two bridges, Ortigia is taken into account probably the most lovely locations in Italy. Simply two miles in circumference, this small island has all the pieces vacationers to Italy crave: charming cobblestone streets and Baroque-style piazzas, historical historical past round each nook, infinite views of the glowing sea, and recent Sicilian-style seafood. Plus, it is linked by prepare to many well-liked Sicilian spots like Taormina, Noto, Ragusa, and Modica.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to discover Ortigia on a current journey to Sicily, and picked up many wonderful experiences on the island. However to assist vacationers absolutely respect the vacation spot, I requested for extra insights from Linda Sarris, a Palermo-based journey professional, creator, and personal chef who organizes unbelievable experiences all through Sicily. Right here’s all the pieces you’ll must discover the magical island of Ortigia.

Greatest Motels

Algilà Ortigia Charme Lodge

Located close to the water on the jap aspect of the island, Algilà is housed in a renovated Baroque palace and spreads throughout three attractive constructing complexes. There are a number of room sorts, every uniquely designed and embellished with restored picket paneling, wrought-iron detailing, and stone archways. We additionally beloved the complimentary breakfast buffet and Sarris recommends attempting the in-house restaurant for dinner.

Ortea Palace Lodge, Autograph Assortment

As soon as a historic Nineteen Twenties submit workplace, Ortea Palace Lodge is conveniently situated proper throughout the bridge from mainland Syracuse and is taken into account to be the most effective in Sicily. A part of the Marriott’s Autograph Assortment, the property’s dazzling foyer and spacious rooms are outfitted with Italian marble and chic furnishings, with many lodging boasting sea views, too. Company can unwind within the indoor swimming pool, get pleasure from full spa therapies, or seize a drink at Incanto, the resort’s rooftop terrace with panoramic vistas of town.

Lodge Gutkowski

Sarris describes Lodge Gutkowski as “an eclectic little boutique resort” unfold out over two buildings overlooking the water. Each just lately renovated buildings date again to the nineteenth century and home 26 rooms with their very own fashionable combine of contemporary and vintage furnishings. Company love the breakfast with native components and enjoyable on the terrace, proper on the water’s edge.

Lùme

Sarris recommends this small however fashionable six-room resort not removed from the water, noting its design and bistro. Meant to resemble a household dwelling, Lùme feels comfy and intimate, and it is stuffed with charming particulars and pops of shade. Get pleasure from night aperitivo on the rooftop terrace or strive one of many many sorts of massages supplied within the on-site hammam.

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover Ortigia Avenue Market.

From Monday by way of Saturday, numerous stalls line the northern nook of Ortigia, stuffed with colourful textiles, native spices and nuts, produce, and recent seafood. The colourful market feels just like the cultural coronary heart of town, with neighbors greeting one another as they store and distributors bartering throughout stalls. It is situated proper by the water and dotted with informal eating places the place you may seize a fast chunk and benefit from the views. If you happen to can, snag a bag of Sicilian almonds from one of many stalls—their delicate, buttery taste is not like any you’ve had earlier than.

Expertise historical Siracusa at Neapolis Archeological Park.

Good for historical past and nature lovers alike, this archaeological park is situated within the coronary heart of Syracuse, a straightforward mile-and-a-half stroll or 10-minute taxi trip from Ortigia. Neapolis Archeological Park is filled with historical wonders, together with a Greek theater relationship again to the third century B.C.E., a Roman amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius, a large limestone cave carved into the hill. The park itself is attractive and peaceable, faraway from the bustling metropolis. Stroll alongside winding pathways lined with centuries-old lemon and orange bushes, and marvel on the limestone grottos as you are taking within the historic websites. Sometimes, the park hosts fashionable artwork installations for guests to admire throughout their go to.

Stroll the whole island.

Small and simple to navigate, Ortigia is finest explored on foot. Begin alongside the lungomare, the outer path alongside the water, the place you’ll discover scenic viewpoints and locals sunbathing on the rocky seashores beneath. Then, head into town heart and wander by way of the charming cobblestone streets and piazzas. Don’t miss a few of Ortigia’s main sights, together with the Maniace Citadel, Temple of Apollo, Cathedral of Syracuse, and Fountain of Diana, alongside the best way. Finish your strolling tour on the western aspect of the island on the mythologically famed Fountain of Arethusa, and seize a drink at Zefiro or at one of many many waterfront bars alongside Lungomare Alfeo for sundown.

Go to the Cathedral of Syracuse.

Also referred to as the Duomo di Siracusa, this gorgeous church is infused with historical past. It started because the Greek Temple of Athena, constructed within the fifth century B.C.E., and its unique doric columns are nonetheless included into the partitions of the church. Immediately, its unbelievable Baroque facade is the point of interest of Ortigia. A number of layers of architectural historical past may be seen all through the cathedral because it has been reworked a lot of occasions by Byzantine, Arabic, and Norman settlers. The piazza surrounding the Cathedral of Syracuse is equally elegant, with different Baroque-style structure woven amongst charming cafes and eating places. It’s the right place to cease, have a espresso, and take within the view.

Take a ship tour.

To completely absorb the fantastic thing about Ortigia, Sarris recommends hopping on a ship tour. Ortigia Island Tour gives quite a lot of choices, from a daytime tour of Ortigia and its gorgeous close by sea caves to a sundown aperitivo cruise. Absorb the sunshine and study a little bit of historical past as you uncover a few of Ortigia’s defining landmarks from the ocean.

Greatest Nightlife

Zefiro

For excellent cocktails and a enjoyable vibe with a good higher view, head to Zefiro. Sarris describes it because the “excellent spot to catch the sundown,” and we couldn’t agree extra. This seafront cocktail bar is ideally situated on the western coast of the island, proper beneath Belvedere Largo Aretusa, a bustling piazza that locals and vacationers flock to within the night. Sip an expertly crafted cocktail whereas watching the solar dip behind the Ionian Sea. For sunbathers visiting within the hotter months, Zefiro additionally rents out seaside recliners for the day of their solarium.

Greatest Eating places

Caseificio Borderi

Searching for lunch close to the bustling Ortigia Avenue Market? Attempt one of many monumental sandwiches at Caseificio Borderi. Every one is loaded with Italian meats and cheeses, in addition to native delicacies like pistachio pesto, artichoke cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Sicilian caponata. Attempt to seize a spot at one of many deli’s outside tables or take your sandwich to go and eat it alongside the water.

Fratelli Burgio

Sarris recommends consuming at Fratelli Burgio, the salumeria proper subsequent door to Caseificio Borderi. Fratelli Burgio makes wonderful salads and sandwiches, but it surely’s particularly famend for its charcuterie boards. Every one options little bowls stuffed with native meats, cheeses, greens, and scrumptious house-made spreads. Snag a seat outdoors for lunch or peruse the store for Sicilian goodies you may take dwelling with you.

Apollonion Osteria da Carlo

If you happen to’re craving a seafood dinner, take into account Apollonion. Nestled on a aspect road behind the Temple of Apollo, this small osteria is understood for its tasting menu, absolutely depending on the every day catches of the day. Reserve a desk within the cozy, stone-walled eating room, order a glass of Sicilian wine, and sit again as Apollonion brings out course after course of recent seafood dishes, all ready in native kinds. The restaurant additionally gives an à la carte menu.

Cortile Verga

“Reserve forward and spend your night on this cocktail bar that serves small plates and among the finest drinks on the town,” says Sarris. Positioned in a stunning 18th-century courtyard, the romantic atmosphere of Cortile Verga is unmatched. Along with its mixture of basic and inventive cocktails, it serves quite a lot of modern bites and bruschettas, from salmon tartare and an eggplant mille-feuille to recent shrimp salad and burrata with anchovies.

Antica Locanda

To expertise true Sicilian hospitality, go to this homey dinner spot on the western aspect of Ortigia. Antica Locanda doles out comforting Sicilian dishes, from platters of recent fish to beneficiant bowls of seafood pasta. We beloved the appetizer of mussels with croutons, however maybe much more spectacular than the meals is the heat of the workers. The chef and proprietor and his crew exit of their strategy to welcome visitors, provide options, and make you’re feeling such as you’re having dinner in a Sicilian dwelling.

Greatest Time to Go to

Whilst you can go to any time of yr, Syracuse and Ortigia are finest loved through the hotter months—spring by way of fall. Throughout the summer season, Ortigia (like all of Sicily) experiences excessive temperatures and sunny skies, excellent for boat rides and taking a dip within the Mediterranean (don’t neglect to pack your water footwear). For artwork lovers, a sequence of classical performs are placed on in Neapolis’ historical Greek theater each Might and June. We particularly suggest visiting through the shoulder seasons of March to Might and September to October, because the climate is milder and town is much less crowded.

The best way to Get There

Ortigia is situated about an hour south of the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). When you fly in, you may simply attain town by taxi. For a cheaper different, the Interbus runs each half-hour or so between the airport and Siracusa-Corso Gelone 50 (the cease for Ortigia). Tickets may be purchased forward of time on-line or at an airport kiosk. Alternatively, you may hire a automotive from the airport. If you happen to select this feature, we suggest asking your resort for parking choices, as many provide handy valet providers for a small, further price.

The best way to Get Round

When you’re on the small island of Ortigia, the easiest way to get round is by strolling. Ortigia is barely about two-thirds of a mile lengthy by one-third of a mile extensive, making it manageable on foot. If you wish to take a taxi to Neapolis Archeological Park or elsewhere in Syracuse, there are lively taxi stands proper by Ortigia’s principal bridge, close to the Temple of Apollo. Syracuse’s prepare station is a few mile from Ortigia, and from there, you may take simple day journeys to Noto, Ragusa, Catania, and Taormina.