Exploring Syracuse, Sicily
Before our most recent trip to Italy, I had never been farther south than the Amalfi Coast. But my mom wanted to see where her grandparents lived in Reggio di Calabria, which is the toe of the boot, so I decided we should go see some of Sicily since we were going to be that far south. After hearing such wonderful things about Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) I found us an apartment for five nights on the island of Ortigia, and this turned out to be my favorite destination of the trip.
Syracuse was once a Greek city, so even though it’s been part of Italy for quite some time now, it has a different feel to it than other parts of the country. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo were less than two minutes from our apartment.
A short walk from there was Piazza Archimede (the city was once home to Archimedes) with the Fountain of Diana in the center.
The Syracuse Cathedral was once a Greek Temple of Athena, and you can still see Greek columns.
We explored the 13th century Castello Maniace, which wasn’t the best castle we’ve ever seen, but it was interesting to see something a little different. Plus we were almost the only tourists there.
Andy and I spent our mornings wandering through piazzas and narrow streets. Being that Ortigia is an island, and a small one at that, it took almost no time at all to get to the water.
Even in October, the weather was still really hot, and we would retreat to our apartment in the afternoon. After dinner, Andy and I would go wandering again, enjoying the same cobbled streets in the slightly cooler evening. Sometimes we’d stop for a drink or two, and I think every night we stopped for gelato. As for my parents, they enjoyed one of my mom’s favorite desserts, cannoli, where it originated. Thanks to a recommendation here, she found the perfect cannoli.
This is definitely an area we want to come back to. The four of us took a day trip to Catania hoping to get a glimpse of Mt. Etna, but the clouds didn’t cooperate, so I’d like to try again someday. And we’ve heard great things about Taormina and a few other places in southern Sicily. Plus it would be wonderful to see northern Sicily. Maybe one of these days, Andy and I can carve out a month or so just for exploring Sicily.
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- How Much We Spent Traveling in Rome
January 6, 2015 @ 12:40 AM
Interesting to learn about a place I didn’t know much of!
January 6, 2015 @ 12:12 PM
Thanks Camille!
January 6, 2015 @ 8:33 AM
This looks wonderful. We are just planning a month in Sicily for April so It was perfect timing. Sounds as though we won’t have any trouble spending a month there. Would you recommend the apartment you stayed in?
January 6, 2015 @ 12:19 PM
Hi Jenny! Sicily is huge, so much to see, and we only saw one little corner, but it was wonderful! Ortigia is a really small island, but it’s part of the city of Syracuse which is much bigger. It’s also close enough to do day trips to Catania and several other smaller places in the area. We did really like the apartment we rented, and yes I’d recommend it. But is it just you and your husband or more than that? It’s a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, which worked really well for us since my husband and I were traveling with my parents. The showers were tiny but manageable, and there wasn’t a hair dryer, so just bring your own. The location was perfect, lots of cafes nearby and more just a few minutes walking. The apartment was this one: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2638585 and don’t forget to grab yourself a $25 Airbnb credit if you don’t have an account yet: https://www.airbnb.com/c/agarland9?s=8
January 6, 2015 @ 1:59 PM
Thanks Ali, yes the apartment looks a bit big for us but I love the island. We will definitely stay there. Great tip.
January 6, 2015 @ 5:21 PM
The island is small enough I don’t think there are any areas that would be too far from anything, so you almost can’t go wrong. Happy travels!
January 6, 2015 @ 11:27 AM
Ortigia looks an enchanting Island to visit. The Syracuse Cathedral is quite beautiful. I think I should like to fly over Mt Etna if I ever have the opportunity to visit Sicily. Great photos and interesting to read about the place.
January 6, 2015 @ 12:21 PM
Thanks Lyn! I bet flying over Mt. Etna would be amazing! Syracuse and Ortigia were really gorgeous, I hope you make it there someday.
January 8, 2015 @ 12:31 AM
That second photo is my favorite! A month in Sicily sounds like a dream. I’d have to make sure to walk around a lot everyday to make up for all the cannolis I’d be eating…
Happy travels 🙂
January 9, 2015 @ 6:01 PM
Thanks Lauren! Yeah, I’d love a month in Sicily, at least! Maybe someday. And Sicily is definitely the best place if you like cannoli!
January 11, 2015 @ 12:41 PM
I love your fountain photos! I would love to visit Sicily, and my husband, who has Italian roots as well, loves cannoli too. Add this to our ever-growing travel list. 🙂
January 14, 2015 @ 12:36 PM
Thanks Joy! I hope you make it to Sicily soon then! It really was gorgeous, at least the little slice we saw.