Besides being the co-founder of Uncovered Sicily, I’m a guide in South East Sicily first of all, so I’m delighted to give you some tips and suggestions, which might facilitate your holiday planning for both highlighted destinations and off the beaten path destinations if you're planning a trip to the south-eastern corner of my beloved island.
Siracusa is the most significant destination in south-eastern Sicily. I love to name Siracusa the Sicilian City of Light because it seduces with its special light in every season.
Piazza Duomo in Ortigia
With its many accommodations, and its proximity to top destinations in the area, Siracusa is an ideal and convenient base for exploring this area without long daily drives.
Siracusa is located in the midst of the Val di Noto, a region rich in history, architectural masterpieces, numerous UNESCO sites, and amazing archaeological ruins.
Here's a diverse 3-day itinerary that encompasses history, nature, and food&wine experiences.
I selected my favorite places where I go with family and friends, and the tour that our guests most love. You would need a rental car to reach some of the wonderful destinations located outside Siracusa.
Day 1: Siracusa's heritage
Let’s begin with Siracusa's highlights. Siracusa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cited for its authenticity, and well preserved historical and archaeological sites.
If you're traveling during the high season in summer, I suggest wandering the alleys of Ortygia in the morning, and visiting the Neapolis Archaeological Park in the afternoon. Afternoon is the best moment to visit the Theater and the other monuments of this site, not only avoiding crowds, but also for enjoying the beautiful light and atmosphere at sunset.
Neapolis Archaeological Park
Ortygia is also the best place to have lunch. You could choose between a fast and light lunch at the open-air market (my suggestions: F.lli Burgio or Caseificio Borderi), or at a fish restaurant nearby (my favorite restaurants in Ortygia are Apollonion and L’Ancora).
Ortigia's open-air market
If you're interested in archaeology, you could also visit the Castello Eurialo, an ancient Greek fortress, and enjoy an amazing view of the city and its harbor.
If you prefer museums, don’t miss the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, that houses the most important archaeological artifacts from Siracusa as well as artifacts from other Sicilian ancient sites.
Eurialo castle
Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum
There are other places worth visiting with additional days in Siracusa.
You could explore “underground” Siracusa by visiting the Christian catacombs of St. John or St. Lucy. Or you could visit the Siracusa Jewish Quarter, and enter the miqveh, one of the oldest Jewish ritual baths in Europe.
If you love silence and gardens, I suggest the Capuchin Ancient Quarries (Latomie), a magical place where it feels as if time has stopped.
Capuchins stone quarries
Day 2: Food&Wine experiences from Siracusa and Noto (UNESCO)
Sicily is all about its food tradition and wine; its Pachino tomatoes, red tuna and Nero d’Avola red wine.
Discover the culinary excellences of this territory with one of our food&wine experts on the special The red colors of the southern end of Sicily tour.
You would visit the fishing villages of Marzamemi and Portopalo, enjoy wine tasting and lunch at a winery, and then a walking tour in Noto at sunset with its beautiful light.
Pachino Tomatoes
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Nero D'Avola Red Wine
Noto
Day 3: Trekking at the Vendicari Nature Reserve or....
After enjoying experiences in cities and towns, archaeological and historical sites, and cultural and culinary experiences, here are two great options to enjoy the nature of this territory.
Hiking at the Nature Reserve of Vendicari with a swim. If you like bird watching, bring binoculars and stop to observe the birds living in the lagoons. With any luck, you might see some pink flamingos. Then you can enjoy a swim in one of the most beautiful Sicilian beaches at Cittadella, Calamosche or Eloro all located within the Nature Reserve, or enjoy a swim at the beach resorts in the San Lorenzo Area, not too far from the southern entrance to the Nature Reserve.
Vendicari Nature Reserve
... Pantalica (UNESCO) and Palazzolo Acreide (UNESCO)
You can choose an archaeological trekking tour in Pantalica. Pantalica is a UNESCO site within the Monti Iblei, where archaeology intertwines perfectly with nature. You can follow different paths, but I highly recommend starting from “Sella di Filiporto” (reachable from Ferla), and onward to the ruins of the Anaktoron, the so-called Prince’s palace. Along the path, you will admire prehistoric rock-cut tombs, and medieval rocky churches and settlements. For a bit of adventure, step down to the Calcinara river, and take a dip in its cold waters!
Calcinara stream in Pantalica
Prehistoric necropolis in Pantalica
Palazzolo Acreide is still another Val di Noto UNESCO site, and a great lunch stop with many restaurant options featuring the best meat-based dishes in Sicily. Don’t miss a stop at Bar Corsino for delicious desserts.
With time to spare, and a love of Greek history and ruins, visit the archaeological park of Akrai and its ancient Greek city, and sit on the stone seats of its Greek-Roman theatre.
Archaeological site of Akrai in Palazzolo Acreide
So, why wait? Make the very most of your time, and choose one of our tours with one of our expert guides, and enjoy Siracusa and its fantastic province.
Buon viaggio!
Our special thanks go to Stefania and Giovanni to help us translate this article.