If you only have a few days to explore Siracusa, one of Sicily’s most captivating cities, good planning makes all the difference.
Located on the island’s southeastern coast, Siracusa is a place where ancient history, sea breeze, and Sicilian warmth come together in perfect harmony. Once among the most powerful cities of the ancient world, today it offers visitors a blend of archaeological treasures, baroque architecture, lively markets, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
To help you make the most of your stay, here’s a 3-day itinerary packed with the best things to see, taste, and experience in Siracusa and its surroundings.
Day 1
If you are coming by car park it in the port area close to the Sant’Antonio dock, and walk towards the Ortigia island, the true heart of Siracusa. After the Umbertino Bridge you will find in front of you the magnificent Apollo Temple.
On the left side of the temple there is the traditional Ortigia Market, which is held every morning but Sunday: don’t miss your chance to dive into the fragrance of seasonal fruit and fresh fish. Back to the Apollo Temple take Corso Matteotti which leads to Piazza Archimede where the Diana Fountain is located.
In the square keep on the left and take Via Roma. After a few hundreds meters on your left you will spot the Province Information Office – the only one in town – where you cold get some useful information about the scheduled shows and events. Keep going on Via Roma and on your right you will find the Minerva Temple, whose ancient columns are today embedded in the Siracusa Cathedral.
If you descend from Piazza Duomo you can continue towards the Aretusa Spring, a sweet water spring linked to the ancient legend of Aretusa and Alfeo: Alfeo, a Greek god, fell in love with Aretusa, who escaped him turning into a spring, but Zeus turned Alfeo into a river so he could cross the sea and join his loved one in Siracusa.
Keep going down and you will reach the seaside. In Piazza Federico di Svevia you will find the entrance for the Maniace Castle and since you are here you may enjoy some seafood for lunch, while in the afternoon I suggest you to visit the Pupi Museum or attend to a show with these typical Sicilian puppets.
Wandering through Siracusa’s baroque streets and seaside promenades, you’ll quickly notice that Sicily’s charm isn’t only about history and landscapes — it’s also about style. And if you’d like to discover even more of what makes the island so special in summer — from its vibrant towns to its timeless charm — read our related article Sicily in the Summer: What I Look Forward To.
Also if you’d like to bring home a wearable memory of your trip, take a look at Sicily Clothing – Le Siciliane, a fashion brand that celebrates the island’s Mediterranean colours and craftsmanship through elegant, contemporary designs.
For a light and casual look inspired by Sicily’s sunshine and sea breeze, explore the Women Sicily t-shirts collection — perfect for summer adventures, sunset walks, or simply keeping the Sicilian spirit alive wherever you go.
Day 2
During the morning you should take a walk in the wonderful Latomie dei Cappuccini – caves used as prisons in ancient times and now a fascinating garden dug underground – which are open until one o’clock. And ater your tour have a delicious arancino while overlooking the port of Siracusa from a terraced bar.
In the afternoon you may visit the huge Neapolis Archaeological Park which includes the ruins of Greek and Roman Siracusa, as the Greek Theatre, Dionisio’s Ear and the Roman Amphitheatre. A possible alternative in case of bad weather is the Archaeological Museum ‘Paolo Orsi’.
Day 3
For your last day enjoy a guided tour to the striking San Giovanni Catacombs, and if you still have some time in the afternoon I recommend to take a boat trip around Ortigia, but don’t forget to bargain a bit over the price!
If this isn’t enough to fill your journey, get to the river Ciane, just outside of Siracusa, and have a trip by canoe towards the springs: you will move amid the largest papyrus colony of Mediterranean Europe, one of Siracusa’s symbols.
Conclusion
Three days in Siracusa are enough to fall under the island’s spell — a mix of sea, sunlight, and stories that stay with you long after you leave. Whether you’re wandering through the narrow lanes of Ortigia, tasting the island’s legendary sweets, or simply watching the waves roll in at sunset, Siracusa reveals Sicily’s soul at every turn.
Before you go, take a moment to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and enjoy one last espresso by the sea. Sicily has a way of reminding travellers that beauty isn’t just in its monuments — it’s in its rhythm, its flavours, and its effortless style.
And if you’d like to see a quieter, more authentic side of the island, venture inland and discover its rural charm in Partanna and Salemi: Sicily’s Rural Inland — a journey through the heart of traditional Sicily, far from the coastal crowds.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
