Craving an Italian adventure but wanting to step a little bit off the beaten path? Ortigia might just be your dream vacation. Ortigia is more or less an island city surrounded by the Ionian Sea and hanging on to the larger city of Syracuse by not much more than a couple of bridges. It’s one of the more charming places you can visit in Sicily and has the added benefit of being slightly less tourist-crazy than other nearby destinations. It’s overflowing with stunning architecture, historical landmarks, incredible gastronomy, and unbeatable sea views. Just in case that wasn’t enough for you, Ortigia also wins in its proximity to some pretty awe-inspiring nature (adventurers, right this way) and archeological sites.
Although this “island” city is quite tiny (only 1 km by 500 m, roughly), we think you need to spend at least 3 days there to get the full effect. Some of your days will be spent in charming Ortigia itself while others will find you exploring nearby towns and adventure opportunities. Don’t worry. We’ve done the work for you and built an itinerary. You’re in for a real treat.
Day 1 – Familiarize Yourself With the City
Explore the city
We are firm believers that your first day in a new destination should be all about exploring and getting lost, taking in the sights, sounds, and culture of the place. So, take your first day in Ortigia to do just that. Honestly, you’ll probably be pretty satisfied just wandering aimlessly but we have a few recommendations for you, just in case:
Fontana di Diana. Be sure to stop by this glorious fountain depicting a scene of the goddess Diana rescuing a nymph from the unwanted attention of a river god.
Piazza Duomo. Il Duomo serves as the focal point for Piazza Duomo, a grand piazza tiled in limestone and lined with eateries. Visit the Piazza at night if you’re in the mood to be serenaded by some of the most talented street musicians we’ve ever experienced.
Syracuse Cathedral (il Duomo). This incredible cathedral built right on top of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena is the focal point of Piazza Duomo. With a grand, intricate limestone façade, this is history recycled at its finest.
Castello Maniace. Wander through this stunning example of military architecture dating back to the 1200s.
Take a dip. Once you’re done exploring (or if you need to escape the heat), scramble down a few steep stairs to one of the island’s iconic swimming platforms before you head to dinner.
Dinner time:
For your first night in Ortigia, you have to experience A Putia, a little restaurant in the middle of town boasting some of the best Sicilian cuisine around. Note that they do not accept reservations, so be patient and wait for a table. It's worth it.
Night cap with a view:
One of our favorite places on this tiny island is the Temple of Apollo. Especially at night. There’s something magical about the way the ruins are lit up from below beneath the night sky. Right next to the temple is a hoppin’ bar called BOATS. Sit on the cobbled street overlooking the temple while you enjoy a delightful nightcap.
Day 2 – Adventure Out
Cavagrande Hike
Rise and shine ladies and gents. It’s time to go on one of the best hikes of your life. Pack your hiking shoes, lots of water, snacks, a swimsuit, and some sunscreen. You’re in for a treat. Cavagrande del Cassibile is located about 45 minutes southwest of Ortigia and it’s well worth the trip.
Getting there. You can reach Cavagrande via car or public transport. If you go the public transport route, you’ll need to a lot more time to get there. Catch a bus to Avolo and then call a taxi to take you to the trailhead. Be sure to set up a pick up as it is likely you won’t have cell service at the trailhead.
The hike. Scamper down switchback after switchback into a deep limestone canyon. It will be hot and dry but your final destination will more than make up for it. As you descend, keep an eye out for ancient homes and tombs carved into the limestone on the opposing side of the canyon dating back to the times of the Greek Empire. When you reach the bottom, you will find yourself in a chain of crystal-clear swimming holes flanked by gentle steps of limestone rising up from either side. Jump off the cliffs into the water, swim to your heart’s content, and soak in the sun and scenery. It doesn’t get much better. Take ample time to rest. You’ll have to hike up the same way you came down.
Visit Noto:
Before jetting back to Ortigia, make a stop in the nearby city of Noto. The streets of charming Noto are lined with gorgeous baroque architecture and colorful, painted stairways that lead you from one level to the next of this tiered city. Enjoy an aperitivo at one of the many quaint bars and people watch at Palazzo Ducezio.
Dinner:
Back in Ortigia, take a quick shower to wash off your long day before heading out to Le Vine De L’Assassin for one of the best meals you’ll have in Sicily. From the handwritten menus to the staggering wine list to the glorious local cuisine, this gem of a bistro is the perfect way to cap off one heck of a day.
Day 3 – Archeological Exploration and Caves
Just outside of Ortigia in the city of Syracuse is an incredible spectacle of archeological excellence. Situated on a plateau above the Gulf of Castellammare, this Archeological Park consists of multiple ancient Greek and Roman remains, including the Temple of Segesta, the Greek Theater, and the House of Adonis. Grab a set of headphones and take an audio tour through these wonderfully preserved remains of ancient civilization. For lunch, there is a restaurant at the park that serves up some delicious food with an even more delicious view.
Explore the caves:
After a hot day trekking around the Archeological Park, hop on a boat back in Ortigia to take a tour around the island. There are many outfits that will take you out on a little boat with a few other people (we like this one). If you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and splurge on a private sunset sailboat cruise. Enjoy tasty snacks and adult beverages while you’re at it. Swanky cruise or humble motor boat, you will get an awesome view of the striking caves around the island and an optional dip or two in the turquoise waters of southern Italy.
Dinner:
For your last dinner in Ortigia, we recommend grabbing a pizza at Pizzeria Schiticchio and weaving your way through the quaint streets of the city one last time toward Piazza Duomo. Grab a bottle of wine on your way and sit on the steps of Il Duomo. Take in the scene of locals and visitors passing by and enjoy the inevitable serenade of a local busker or two. [Sight] what a trip!
Ortigia is a magical city loaded with historical significance and jaw-dropping archeological gems. Plus, it’s an awesome hub for those of you looking to wander into Syracuse and other parts of Sicily chasing adventures in nature and throwbacks to ancient times. This tiny island city is often overlooked in the presence of other more popular destinations but it is one that can’t be missed, in our opinion. Go ahead. Buy your ticket!
