The perfect Syracuse Day Trip
Best Things to do and see if you only have one Day in Siracusa Sicily

Looking for the perfect one day itinerary for your Syracuse Day Trip? Perfect, keep reading!

With 2 really fantastic main attractions, the historic old town on Ortigia Island and the Neapolis Archaeological Park, there is lots to do and see if you only have one day in Siracusa, Sicily.

I managed to visit those two highlights in a day without feeling stressed and even added highlights in the modern city of Syracuse.

Find here, my one day Syracuse itinerary including the visit of the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in the morning and strolling through the sights of the beautiful Island of Origia in the afternoon.

Syracuse Day Trip Morning: Neapolis Archaeological Park

The Neapolis Archaeological Park was founded in 1952 to protect and make accessible the most important monuments of the ancient Greek district of Neapolis.

There are several routes that have been laid out for us tourists, and I really recommend the longest one, the blue route, which takes about 90 minutes to complete. It takes you past all the important buildings and archaeological sites within the park.

The tomb of Archimedes

That first section of the “blue tour” is a one-way-path which you will have to return.

It leads to the Grotticelle necropolis and the supposed tomb of Archimedes. All that remains of the imperial tombs are cave openings, and whether the ancient Greek mathematician was actually buried here has not been proven.

The tomb itsself is rather unspectacular, but the path leading to it, is all the more beautiful. The walkway passes blooming orange and lemon trees, high cliffs and beautiful green vegetation, such as a huge ancient tree.

Latomia del Paradiso

The blue path continues through the Latomia del Paradiso, an ancient quarry that is now located in what appears to be a sunken, overgrown garden.

The quarry collapsed in an earthquake in the 16th century, creating the beautiful garden we see today. This area was once completely covered.

The Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio)

Within this beautiful garden is the Ear of Dionysius, an artificial cave dug into the limestone. It is just one of the many caves of the former quarry, with a length of 65 meters and a height of 23 meters.

It is shaped like a shell and amplifies sounds up to 16 times! According to legend, Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse, who had this cave built, overheard his workers thanks to this echo.

Greek Theater (Teatro Greco)

The absolutely impressive Greek theater has room for up to 20,000 people and is still used for theater performances and concerts in summer. We couldn’t see much of the ancient stones while they were being set up for these performances.

Like the theater of Taormina, it was partially destroyed in 1526 by Charles V, who used the marble as building material for the fortifications of the old town on the island of Ortigia.

The impressive monument dates back to the 5th century BC and was the largest Greek theater in the world of its time with a diameter of almost 140m (460ft).

The sound of the theater was particularly good, as below the third tier was the huge grotto “Ear of Dionysius”, which amplified the sound.

Above the theaters last row is the Via dei Sepolcri, the street of the tombs. Today, only a short section of it is still accessible to visitors. Caves were dug directly into the rocks where the Greeks buried their dead.

In the middle is the nymph grotto with a small waterfall. This water comes from the 30km (18,6mi) long aqueduct from 480 BC which was still in operation until the 1950s.

The view from the top row of the theater is also outstanding: I was even able to see Mount Etna, as it was a clear day.

Altar of Hieron II

An elongated “pile of stones” on a large open space that looked rather uninteresting to me was the largest known altar of antiquity, the Altar of Hieron II. Many of the missing stones were used by the Spanish to build the old town and fortifications on the island of Ortigia.

The incredible length of the altar of 198.40 meters (650feet) can still be seen today on the preserved base. During annual celebrations, 450 bulls were sacrificed on it!

Roman Theater (Teatro Romano)

In addition to the Greek theater, this Roman theater was built after the Roman conquest in the 3rd century AD. At 140m (460ft) long and 119m (390ft) wide, it was one of the largest amphitheaters of its time.

The stage area could even be filled with water so that naval battles could be staged.

Syracuse Day Trip Lunch time: Modern Siracusa

Since we had found a good parking spot for our rental car, we decided to walk from the Archaeological Park of Neapolis to the old town on the island of Ortigia. To get there, we had to cross the center of modern Syracuse.

Even if in this modern part of the city has some sights worth to be visited, if you need to skip anything during your Syracuse day trip, this part of town would be it.

Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime

After so much ancient history, the noisy reality outside the walls takes some getting used to.

On our way towards Ortigia Island, we walk along the Viala Teocrito in the “new” part of town to the Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime.

This striking concrete building is the largest pilgrimage church in Sicily. It was founded in 1953 because of a weeping image of the Madonna.

Construction began in 1966 and was completed and consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1994. However, its exterior is more reminiscent of a spaceship from a bad Hollywood movie than a modern church. Inside, there are 16 chapels, and it can accommodate up to 11,000 worshippers.

Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi

Opposite this interesting basilica is the archaeological museum. It is one of the most extensive archaeological museums in Italy and Europe.

As we only had that one day in Sicarusa we had unfortunately no time for a visit. Should you have more spare time, you should absolutely put the museum on your do-to-list.

The collection contains 18,000 exhibits from the eastern part of Sicily from the island’s prehistory and early history to the early Christian period, which are presented to the public over an area of 9,000 m².

Church and catacombs of San Giovanni

In a side street of the museum, in Piazzale San Marziano, we discovered the Chiesa di San Giovanni church and its catacombs. The church has Byzantine origins and was the city’s first cathedral. Due to the earthquake of 1693, only ruins remain today.

The catacombs here in Syracuse are second in importance and size only to the catacombs in Rome. They housed over 10,000 tombs!

Both, the church and catacombs can only be visited as part of a guided tour. This lasts 40 minutes and is given in Italian and English.

I highly recommend a visit to these impressive places, even though we felt a little chased through this mystical place and photography is forbidden!

Syracuse Day Trip Afternoon: Ortigia Island

We leave the new city center via one of two bridges that connect the island of Ortigia to the mainland. Except for the archaeological park, most of Syracuse’s historical buildings and sights are located on Ortygia.

Waterfront promenade to Castello Maniace

I recommend walking along the Foro Vittorio Emanuele II promenade to the very tip of Ortigia. On that relaxing stroll, we first pass the small marina and then a few small, warped fishing boats moored next to larger yachts on the quayside.

To our left is the Porta Marina, the ancient gateway to the city, which was built by the Spanish in 1500.

The promenade ends at the small Giardino Aretusa, a beautiful, tranquil garden with ancient giant trees and a small fountain in the middle.

Fountain of Arethusa (Fonte Aretusa)

The pedestrian path now leads a little uphill to the Fonte Aretusa. The Fountain of Arethusa, which stands almost directly by the sea, is a natural freshwater spring!

In ancient times, it was the city’s most important water supply. Even Papyrus, which is very rare in Europe, grows here.

While we were still quite alone on the waterfront promenade, this is where the hustle and bustle and the narrow streets of the old town begin.

Along the water, the Lungomare Alfeo, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar line up until we reach the large forecourt of the Castello Maniace, at the tip of the island of Ortigia.

Castello Maniace

The impressive military fortress dates back to the 13th century. Apart from some damage caused by an explosion and a few reconstructions on the upper level, the exterior of Castello Maniace has remained unchanged since then.

From the forecourt you have a fantastic view of the Mediterranean and the Lungomare d’Ortigia, the other side of the peninsula.

From this southernmost tip, we make our way back. Of course, we take a look at the small stone and pebble beach, Spiaggia di Cala Rossa, far below the high wall that separates the sea from the city.

Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Colonne (Duomo di Siracusa)

We wander through the narrow streets of the old town, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, and soon find ourselves in front of another of Syracuse’s many sights.

In ancient times, a temple dedicated to Athena stood on what is now Piazza del Duomo. Later the cathedral was built over this temple. Some of the columns were incorporated into the cathedral and can still be seen inside and outsite.

Not only the cathedral, but also the Piazza del Duomo is beautiful: baroque building facades, aristocratic palaces and inviting cafés and bars.

Piazza Archimede and Fontana di Diana

After strolling through some more narrow streets, we reach Piazza Archimede. Surrounded by numerous beautiful palaces from the 14th and 15th centuries, the large fountain of Diana stands at its center.

The fountain is particularly spectacular in the evening when it is illuminated from below!

Temple of Apollo

On Via Dione we come to the remains of the Temple of Apollo. It stands in the middle of the surrounding houses and although it is fenced in, it can still be admired.

With a length of 58m (190ft) and a width of 24.5m (80ft), it was one of the largest temples in antiquity. It is also the oldest known Doric temple in Western Europe.

It has been rebuilt several times: From a Byzantine, first to a Christian church, then to be converted into an Arab mosque. Later a basilica and then a military barracks.

Way back from Ortigia through the new town

By now we are not quite as fit as we were in the morning. If you only have one day for Syracuse, you have to get a lot done… That’s why we want to take the most direct route back to the car.

We come across another interesting church, the Chiesa di San Tommaso al Pantheon. Construction began in 1919 and the church is considered the most important memorial to the fallen of the First World War, as the remains of the Syracusan soldiers rest in it.

We slowly drag ourselves northwards along Corso Gelone until we are back at the entrance to the Neapolis archaeological park. Exhausted but happy about that fantastic day trip to Syracuse, we reach our rental car.

Walking route details for one day in Siracusa Sicily

How to get to Syracuse by car and where to park

Syracuse is located approx. 67 km south of Catania and therefore a great day trip. The journey takes a little less than an hour.

Alternatively, you can also take the train. There is a direct connection from Catania Central approximately every 2 hours, with a travel time of around 1:15 hours.

There are countless parking lots around the Neapolis archaeological park. Some more, some less trustworthy.

Just like driving on the island, parking is also creative: we were allocated a “parking space” along the road just below the park. € 2.00 for the whole day. The two English people who came after us had to pay € 4.00….

Alternatively, you can park in the official parking lots with blue markings on the street and pay your ticket at the parking meter. Here the costs start at a minimum of €1.00 per hour.

One day in Syracuse Sicily guided tours

The many sights of Syracuse with all their history can be overwhelming. So much to see and so much information to take in!

If you prefer to save yourself this “work” and “preparation” of exploring Syracuse by yourself, I recommend this 3-hour Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour. The tour includes both the archaeological park and the old town on the island of Ortigia, starting in Siracusa.

Should you have no car at your disposal, I recommend the following day trip from Catania, visiting Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Like Cefalù being worth visiting, so is Siracusa! There is lots to see and do if you have only one day in Siracusa, Sicily. The Neapolis archaeological park offers some fantastic insites on anciant history and the Ortigia Island is a beautiful Italian old town.

A Syracuse day trip should absolutely be on your to-do-list when visiting Sicily! If possible, try to extend your time in the city to include an overnight stay.

You could end your day’s exploration with a memorable dinner on the Ortigia Promenade, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and by strolling through the historic streets of this beautiful Italian city.

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