Ortigia, Sicily, Is One of many Most Stunning Locations in Italy

Though vacationers flock to Sicily yearly looking for Mediterranean Sea views, imposing historical structure, and contemporary seafood, many miss a go to to the gorgeous metropolis that has all of it: Syracuse and its historic middle, Ortigia. Positioned on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is commonly neglected 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 almost 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 number of). Even the Roman orator, Cicero, referred to it as “the best Greek metropolis and probably the most stunning of all.” Steeped in layers of historical past, Syracuse was named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site resulting from its historic and cultural significance.

Syracuse’s outdated city and crown jewel is the island of Ortigia. Perched on the ocean on the metropolis’s southern edge and related solely by two bridges, Ortigia is taken into account some of the stunning locations in Italy. Simply two miles in circumference, this small island has all the things vacationers to Italy crave: charming cobblestone streets and Baroque-style piazzas, historical historical past round each nook, countless views of the glowing sea, and contemporary Sicilian-style seafood. Plus, it is related by prepare to many fashionable 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 superb experiences on the island. However to assist vacationers totally admire the vacation spot, I requested for extra insights from Linda Sarris, a Palermo-based journey professional, writer, and personal chef who organizes unbelievable experiences all through Sicily. Right here’s all the things you’ll must discover the magical island of Ortigia.

Greatest Inns

Algilà Ortigia Charme Resort

Located close to the water on the jap facet of the island, Algilà is housed in a renovated Baroque palace and spreads throughout three attractive constructing complexes. There are a selection of room varieties, every uniquely designed and adorned 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 Resort, Autograph Assortment

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

Resort Gutkowski

Sarris describes Resort Gutkowski as “an eclectic little boutique lodge” unfold out over two buildings overlooking the water. Each not too long ago renovated buildings date again to the nineteenth century and home 26 rooms with their very own trendy combine of contemporary and vintage furnishings. Visitors love the breakfast with native elements and enjoyable on the terrace, proper on the water’s edge.

Lùme

Sarris recommends this small however trendy six-room lodge not removed from the water, noting its design and bistro. Meant to resemble a household dwelling, Lùme feels snug and intimate, and it is filled with charming particulars and pops of colour. Take pleasure in night aperitivo on the rooftop terrace or attempt one of many many varieties of massages provided within the on-site hammam.

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover Ortigia Road Market.

From Monday via Saturday, numerous stalls line the northern nook of Ortigia, crammed with colourful textiles, native spices and nuts, produce, and contemporary seafood. The colourful market feels just like the cultural coronary heart of the town, with neighbors greeting one another as they store and distributors bartering throughout stalls. It is positioned proper by the water and dotted with informal eating places the place you possibly can 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 in contrast to any you’ve had earlier than.

Expertise historical Siracusa at Neapolis Archeological Park.

Excellent for historical past and nature lovers alike, this archaeological park is positioned within the coronary heart of Syracuse, a simple mile-and-a-half stroll or 10-minute taxi experience from Ortigia. Neapolis Archeological Park is stuffed 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’re taking within the historic websites. Sometimes, the park hosts trendy artwork installations for guests to admire throughout their go to.

Stroll all the island.

Small and straightforward to navigate, Ortigia is greatest 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 under. Then, head into the town middle and wander via the charming cobblestone streets and piazzas. Don’t miss a few of Ortigia’s main points of interest, 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 facet 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 called 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 authentic doric columns are nonetheless integrated into the partitions of the church. Right now, its unbelievable Baroque facade is the focus of Ortigia. A number of layers of architectural historical past may be seen all through the cathedral because it has been reworked various 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 totally absorb the great thing about Ortigia, Sarris recommends hopping on a ship tour. Ortigia Island Tour gives a wide range of choices, from a daytime tour of Ortigia and its gorgeous close by sea caves to a sundown aperitivo cruise. Absorb the sunshine and be taught 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 “good spot to catch the sundown,” and we couldn’t agree extra. This seafront cocktail bar is ideally positioned on the western coast of the island, proper below 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

On the lookout for lunch close to the bustling Ortigia Road Market? Strive one of many huge 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 out of doors 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 crammed with native meats, cheeses, greens, and scrumptious house-made spreads. Snag a seat exterior for lunch or peruse the store for Sicilian goodies you possibly can take dwelling with you.

Apollonion Osteria da Carlo

If you happen to’re craving a seafood dinner, take into account Apollonion. Nestled on a facet avenue behind the Temple of Apollo, this small osteria is thought for its tasting menu, totally depending on the day by 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 contemporary seafood dishes, all ready in native types. 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 greatest 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 artistic cocktails, it serves a wide range of revolutionary bites and bruschettas, from salmon tartare and an eggplant mille-feuille to contemporary shrimp salad and burrata with anchovies.

Antica Locanda

To expertise true Sicilian hospitality, go to this homey dinner spot on the western facet of Ortigia. Antica Locanda doles out comforting Sicilian dishes, from platters of contemporary 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 group exit of their option to welcome company, supply solutions, and make you are feeling such as you’re having dinner in a Sicilian dwelling.

Greatest Time to Go to

When you can go to any time of yr, Syracuse and Ortigia are greatest loved through the hotter months—spring via fall. In the course of the summer time, Ortigia (like all of Sicily) experiences excessive temperatures and sunny skies, good 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 Could and June. We particularly suggest visiting through the shoulder seasons of March to Could and September to October, because the climate is milder and the town is much less crowded.

The way to Get There

Ortigia is positioned about an hour south of the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). When you fly in, you possibly can simply attain the town by taxi. For a inexpensive various, 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 possibly can lease a automotive from the airport. If you happen to select this feature, we suggest asking your lodge for parking choices, as many supply handy valet providers for a small, further price.

The way to Get Round

When you’re on the small island of Ortigia, one of the simplest ways to get round is by strolling. Ortigia is simply about two-thirds of a mile lengthy by one-third of a mile huge, making it manageable on foot. If you wish to take a taxi to Neapolis Archeological Park or elsewhere in Syracuse, there are energetic taxi stands proper by Ortigia’s predominant bridge, close to the Temple of Apollo. Syracuse’s prepare station is a few mile from Ortigia, and from there, you possibly can take straightforward day journeys to Noto, Ragusa, Catania, and Taormina.