Sicily’s eastern coast is a historic area packed with landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. While most international travelers head to Taormina to admire its elegance, there’s a stunning city that often goes unnoticed: Syracuse. The small Italian town has a millennia-long history and features a dramatic coastline. Therefore, if you’re about to visit Sicily, the best Syracuse tours in this article will enhance your Sicilian journey.
After traveling extensively around eastern Sicily, I believe that Syracuse is a must-see location. The combination of vibrant local life and ancient landmarks make Syracuse one of the best places to see in Italy. Moreover, the city’s proximity to the sea and the marvelous Ortygia create a unique atmosphere that will fascinate you. That said, in this article, you’ll find the best tours in Syracuse to make the most of your stay. In addition, you’ll also find info on how to book these tours, their price, and their duration.
So, let’s discover the best Syracuse tours and what you can enjoy in Italy’s picturesque town.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The best Syracuse tours – Sicily’s gem
Known for its Greek and Roman heritage and as the birthplace of Archimedes, Syracuse enjoys a fantastic location in the Mediterranean Sea. What appears to be today a medium-sized waterfront city, during the 5th century BC, Ancient Siracusa had Athens’ size.
There are plenty of things to do in Syracuse, and seeing everything in one day might be challenging. However, in the following lines, you’ll read what’s to enjoy in town and how to fit everything into your Syracuse itinerary. So, here’s what to do in Sicily’s hidden gem.
Ortygia and Neapolis guided walking tour
Due to its relatively compact size, Syracuse is a great place to explore its key attractions on foot. This fantastic Syracuse walking tour will take you to the city’s landmarks, and your guide will share plenty of info about the historic town. And, of course, you’ll explore the fascinating Ortygia, the city’s ancient center and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you stroll around the city, your guide will tell you about the area’s Greek history, with a strong focus on architecture and religion. The cosmopolitan flair of Syracuse will be omnipresent in this walk, and you’ll get an overview of why it was once the most important Mediterranean city. The impressive Cathedral of Syracuse, the iconic Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater, and the Roman Amphitheater are some of the famous spots you’ll discover.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park, where the famous Ear of Dionysos and the Paradise Latomia are located, are the city’s highlights, and locals are truly proud of them. Moreover, the Ionian Sea views from the Greek Theater are breathtaking, and if you’re an antiquity lover, this walking tour is for you.
Duration: 3 hours.
Price: from 250 euros per group of 4.
How to book: Book here the Ortigia and Neapolis guided walk.
Siracusa: Ortygia boat tour with Marine Grotto
Ortygia (or Ortigia) is the historical center of Syracuse and the city’s most famous location. There’s no Syracuse tour that won’t take you through Ortygia, and apart from its history, it’s the place to admire the town’s coastline.
Now, this Syracuse boat tour will elevate your Sicilian experience because it’ll show you Ortygia’s beauty from the sea. Instead of walking in Ortygia, this boat trip will let you admire the city’s center from the water. In addition, you will travel along the coast, and you’ll see the fascinating sea caves of the area and the famous Maniace Castle. The celebrated Arethusa Fountain, where the patron figure of the ancient city returned to Earth from her underwater home, is also a spot you’ll see while sailing across the coastline.
To further enhance your boat tour, the operators will offer you fresh fruits and drinks on the way to Maniace Castle. Additionally, you can also swim for some minutes in the Mediterranean before visiting a chain of natural caves, like the Capuchin and the Coral Cave. Overall, this is hands down one of the best Syracuse boat trips, and if you feel like observing an ancient city from the sea, look no further.
Duration: 2 hours.
Price: from 35 euros.
How to book: Book here the Ortygia tour with Marine Grotto.
Bonus Syracuse tour
If you feel like taking a boat tour during sunset and enjoying an aperitivo while admiring ancient Siracusa, there’s an extra option. Specifically, you can embark on a sunset boat trip from Syracuse and enjoy the golden hour onboard a small boat. Touring Syracuse’s coastline at this time of the day is an unforgettable experience that will surely be a highlight of your Sicilian journey.
This tour lasts two hours and costs 55 euros per person. You can book the Ortigia sunset tour with Aperitif here.
Day trip from Syracuse: Visit Mount Etna
If you base yourself for more than one day in Syracuse -I encourage you to do so- visiting Mount Etna should also be in your Sicily itinerary. Walking the slopes of an active volcano is a memorable experience, and it ranks among the best things to do in Sicily. I took a volcano tour while traveling around Sicily, and you can read my Mount Etna impressions here.
Now, Syracuse is not far from Etna, and it’s a great day trip to consider. Europe’s tallest active volcano offers breathtaking views, and the excursion will also expose you to the beauty of Sicilian nature. You will reach an altitude of 2,000 meters, and from there, you will start hiking the craters. If you feel more adventurous, you can also purchase the high-altitude option, which will take you even closer to the volcano’s peak. Finally, at the tour’s end, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a lava flow cave and taste local food on a farm.
For nature lovers, that’s a great addition to your visit to Sicily. The tour operators are highly skilled, and there’s nothing to worry about. Seeing an active volcano is a unique experience, and Syracuse’s proximity to Mount Enta makes it one of the best day trips in the region.
Duration: ~8 hours.
Price: from 108 euros per person.
How to book: Book here the day trip to Mount Etna.
Syracuse traditional cooking class
Sicilian cuisine is famous worldwide for its healthy approach and delicious taste. That said, there’s probably no better place in Italy to take a cooking class and enjoy a visit to the local market.
Your guide will be a local chef, and you’ll visit the ancient market of Syracuse together. The culinary tradition and the loud environment will fascinate you while searching for local ingredients in Ortygia. The smells and the colors of the market will create a memorable canvas of impressions for sure.
Afterward, your chef will take you to their kitchen, and you’ll start cooking a delicious Sicilian meal together. The chef will share recipes and old stories while guiding you through the preparation of traditional Sicilian dishes. Enjoying an Italian meal that you cooked yourself sounds fantastic, right?
Duration: 4 hours.
Price: from 95 euros.
How to book: Book here the traditional cooking class.
A day trip from Syracuse to Taormina
Exactly like with the Etna trip, if you have more than one day in Syracuse, it’s a great option to visit Taormina. Nestled on a hilltop, the small town of Taormina is a stunning location that even Goethe fell in love with. Although it often feels packed, the city is the most famous spot in Sicily and deserves a visit.
This day trip from Syracuse also comes with an extra: it adds two more stops to your Syracuse itinerary: Ragusa Ibla and Modica. Both of these locations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their baroque heritage and beauty. Moreover, the tour’s price includes lunch in a traditional trattoria. Then, after exploring the two locations and having lunch, it’s time to visit Taormina.
Overall, this is a fantastic day trip from Syracuse for history and architecture lovers.
Duration: ~9 hours.
Price: from 259 euros.
How to book: Book the day trip to Taormina.
FAQ about the Syracuse tours
I add a short section here to reply to some frequently asked questions about the Syracuse tours. Consider this short FAQ section as Syracuse travel tips to further enjoy your tour or day trip.
Is Syracuse worth seeing?
Syracuse is one of the prettiest Italian cities. The Ortygia waterfront promenade is one of the most amazing places you’ll find in Sicily, and it’s a must-do when visiting the town.
Do you have some travel tips for the Syracuse tours?
Syracuse can be relatively warm, even off-season. Therefore, I suggest you bring a hat and sunglasses. Also, make sure to have a bottle of water and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. All these are must-haves if you don’t want to exhaust yourself while visiting Syracuse.
How much time do you need in Syracuse, Italy?
Despite its compact size, there are plenty of things to see in Syracuse. If you’d like to have a good overview of Ortygia, go on a short boat trip and visit Mount Etna and Taormina, 3-4 days in Syracuse is the ideal timeframe. It will give you enough time to discover the city and its nearby attractions and also have enough time to enjoy your stay.
Is Siracusa walkable?
Yes, Syracuse is a walkable city. Despite being a millennia-old place, its streets are walkable, and it’s pure joy exploring it.
The best Syracuse tours: Conclusion
Syracuse is one of the prettiest cities I’ve visited in Italy. The city’s compact size and the waterfront promenade across Ortygia make Syracuse an unbeatable destination. In addition, the city’s ancient past and the landmarks you’ll see everywhere make Syracuse an ideal place for history lovers. The Neapolis Archaeological Site and the Greek Theater are known worldwide and will create long-lasting memories.
Apart from the city’s highlights, Syracuse’s strategic location will allow you to explore this side of Sicily further. A tour to Mount Etna and a visit to Taormina are two unmissable experiences. Syracuse often stays off the radar of international travelers; however, it is a stunning city with vibrant local life and fantastic sea views.
Therefore, I strongly recommend a visit to Syracuse, Italy, and I encourage you to join at least one of the tours mentioned above. Apart from giving an extra layer of depth to local culture, they’ll help you interact with local guides that know everything about the city.
More about Sicily: Catania guide, Wine tours from Catania, My Syracuse Travelogue
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Share this article about the best tours in Syracuse, Italy, with your friends.
Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos