Ortigia, Sicily, Is One of many Most Stunning Locations in Italy

Though vacationers flock to Sicily yearly searching for Mediterranean Sea views, imposing historical structure, and contemporary seafood, many miss a go to to the beautiful metropolis that has all of it: Syracuse and its historic heart, Ortigia. Positioned on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Syracuse (Syracuse in Italian) is usually ignored by vacationers in favor of Taormina, its opulent cousin to the north. However its distinctive mix of coastal Italian tradition, coupled with wealthy historical past and Baroque-style structure, make it a must-visit vacation spot.

Syracuse started as an historical Greek settlement almost 3,000 years in the past, and its magnificence has beckoned each vacationers and empires for hundreds of years (Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Norman, to call a couple of). Even the Roman orator, Cicero, referred to it as “the best Greek metropolis and essentially the most lovely of all.” Steeped in layers of historical past, Syracuse was named a UNESCO World Heritage Website resulting from its historic and cultural significance.

Syracuse’s previous city and crown jewel is the island of Ortigia. Perched on the ocean on the metropolis’s southern edge and linked solely by two bridges, Ortigia is taken into account probably the most lovely locations in Italy. Simply two miles in circumference, this small island has all the pieces vacationers to Italy crave: charming cobblestone streets and Baroque-style piazzas, historical historical past round each nook, infinite views of the glowing sea, and contemporary Sicilian-style seafood. Plus, it is linked by practice to many fashionable Sicilian spots like Taormina, Noto, Ragusa, and Modica.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to discover Ortigia on a current journey to Sicily, and picked up many superb experiences on the island. However to assist vacationers absolutely recognize the vacation spot, I requested for added insights from Linda Sarris, a Palermo-based journey skilled, creator, and personal chef who organizes unimaginable experiences all through Sicily. Right here’s all the pieces you’ll must discover the magical island of Ortigia.

Finest Inns

Algilà Ortigia Charme Lodge

Located close to the water on the jap facet of the island, Algilà is housed in a renovated Baroque palace and spreads throughout three beautiful constructing complexes. There are a number of room varieties, every uniquely designed and embellished with restored wood paneling, wrought-iron detailing, and stone archways. We additionally beloved the complimentary breakfast buffet and Sarris recommends making an attempt the in-house restaurant for dinner.

Ortea Palace Lodge, Autograph Assortment

As soon as a historic Nineteen Twenties publish workplace, Ortea Palace Lodge is conveniently situated proper throughout the bridge from mainland Syracuse and is taken into account to be among the best in Sicily. A part of the Marriott’s Autograph Assortment, the property’s dazzling foyer and spacious rooms are outfitted with Italian marble and stylish furnishings, with many lodging boasting sea views, too. Visitors can unwind within the indoor swimming pool, get pleasure from full spa therapies, or seize a drink at Incanto, the lodge’s rooftop terrace with panoramic vistas of town.

Lodge Gutkowski

Sarris describes Lodge Gutkowski as “an eclectic little boutique lodge” unfold out over two buildings overlooking the water. Each lately renovated buildings date again to the nineteenth century and home 26 rooms with their very own fashionable combine of contemporary and vintage furnishings. Visitors love the breakfast with native components and stress-free on the terrace, proper on the water’s edge.

Heaps

Sarris recommends this small however fashionable six-room lodge not removed from the water, noting its design and bistro. Meant to resemble a household house, Lùme feels snug and intimate, and it is stuffed with charming particulars and pops of colour. Get pleasure from night aperitif on the rooftop terrace or strive one of many many kinds of massages provided within the on-site hammam.

Finest Issues to Do

Discover Ortigia Road Market.

From Monday by means of Saturday, varied stalls line the northern nook of Ortigia, stuffed with colourful textiles, native spices and nuts, produce, and contemporary seafood. The colourful market feels just like the cultural coronary heart of town, with neighbors greeting one another as they store and distributors bartering throughout stalls. It is situated proper by the water and dotted with informal eating places the place you possibly can seize a fast chunk and benefit from the views. In the event you can, snag a bag of Sicilian almonds from one of many stalls—their delicate, buttery taste is in contrast to any you’ve had earlier than.

Expertise historical Siracusa at Neapolis Archeological Park.

Excellent for historical past and nature lovers alike, this archaeological park is situated within the coronary heart of Syracuse, a simple mile-and-a-half stroll or 10-minute taxi experience from Ortigia. Neapolis Archeological Park is stuffed with historical wonders, together with a Greek theater relationship again to the third century B.C.E., a Roman amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous limestone cave carved into the hill. The park itself is beautiful and peaceable, faraway from the bustling metropolis. Stroll alongside winding pathways lined with centuries-old lemon and orange timber, and marvel on the limestone grottos as you’re taking within the historic websites. Often, the park hosts trendy artwork installations for guests to admire throughout their go to.

Stroll your complete island.

Small and simple to navigate, Ortigia is finest explored on foot. Begin alongside the promenadethe outer path alongside the water, the place you’ll discover scenic viewpoints and locals sunbathing on the rocky seashores under. Then, head into town heart and wander by means of the charming cobblestone streets and piazzas. Don’t miss a few of Ortigia’s major sights, together with the Maniace Fortress, Temple of Apollo, Cathedral of Syracuse, and Fountain of Diana, alongside the way in which. Finish your strolling tour on the western facet of the island on the mythologically famed Fountain of Arethusa, and seize a drink at Zefiro or at one of many many waterfront bars alongside Lungomare Alfeo for sundown.

Go to the Cathedral of Syracuse.

Also referred to as the Duomo di Siracusa, this beautiful church is infused with historical past. It started because the Greek Temple of Athena, constructed within the fifth century B.C.E., and its unique doric columns are nonetheless included into the partitions of the church. Immediately, its unimaginable Baroque facade is the point of interest of Ortigia. A number of layers of architectural historical past will be seen all through the cathedral because it has been reworked numerous instances by Byzantine, Arabic, and Norman settlers. The piazza surrounding the Cathedral of Syracuse is equally elegant, with different Baroque-style structure woven amongst charming cafes and eating places. It’s the right place to cease, have a espresso, and take within the view.

Take a ship tour.

To totally soak up the great thing about Ortigia, Sarris recommends hopping on a ship tour. Ortigia Island Tour presents quite a lot of choices, from a daytime tour of Ortigia and its beautiful close by sea caves to a sundown aperitif cruise. Absorb the sunshine and be taught a little bit of historical past as you uncover a few of Ortigia’s defining landmarks from the ocean.

Finest Nightlife

Zephyr

For nice cocktails and a enjoyable vibe with a fair higher view, head to Zefiro. Sarris describes it because the “good spot to catch the sundown,” and we couldn’t agree extra. This seafront cocktail bar is ideally situated on the western coast of the island, proper below Belvedere Largo Aretusa, a bustling piazza that locals and vacationers flock to within the night. Sip an expertly crafted cocktail whereas watching the solar dip behind the Ionian Sea. For sunbathers visiting within the hotter months, Zefiro additionally rents out seaside recliners for the day of their solarium.

Finest Eating places

Borderi dairy

In search of lunch close to the bustling Ortigia Road Market? Attempt one of many huge sandwiches at Caseificio Borderi. Every one is loaded with Italian meats and cheeses, in addition to native delicacies like pistachio pesto, artichoke cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Sicilian caponata. Attempt to seize a spot at one of many deli’s outside tables or take your sandwich to go and eat it alongside the water.

Burgio brothers

Sarris recommends consuming at Fratelli Burgio, the salumeria proper subsequent door to Caseificio Borderi. Fratelli Burgio makes wonderful salads and sandwiches, however it’s particularly famend for its charcuterie boards. Every one options little bowls stuffed with native meats, cheeses, greens, and scrumptious house-made spreads. Snag a seat outdoors for lunch or peruse the store for Sicilian goodies you possibly can take house with you.

Apollonion Osteria da Carlo

In the event you’re craving a seafood dinner, contemplate Apollonion. Nestled on a facet road behind the Temple of Apollo, this small osteria is thought for its tasting menu, absolutely depending on the each day catches of the day. Reserve a desk within the cozy, stone-walled eating room, order a glass of Sicilian wine, and sit again as Apollonion brings out course after course of contemporary seafood dishes, all ready in native types. The restaurant additionally presents an à la carte menu.

Verga courtyard

“Reserve forward and spend your night on this cocktail bar that serves small plates and a number of the finest drinks on the town,” says Sarris. Positioned in a beautiful 18th-century courtyard, the romantic atmosphere of Cortile Verga is unmatched. Along with its mixture of basic and inventive cocktails, it serves quite a lot of modern bites and bruschettas, from salmon tartare and an eggplant mille-feuille to contemporary shrimp salad and burrata with anchovies.

Historical inn

To expertise true Sicilian hospitality, go to this homey dinner spot on the western facet of Ortigia. Antica Locanda doles out comforting Sicilian dishes, from platters of contemporary fish to beneficiant bowls of seafood pasta. We beloved the appetizer of mussels with croutons, however maybe much more spectacular than the meals is the heat of the workers. The chef and proprietor and his staff exit of their method to welcome friends, supply recommendations, and make you’re feeling such as you’re having dinner in a Sicilian house.

Finest Time to Go to

When you can go to any time of 12 months, Syracuse and Ortigia are finest loved throughout the hotter months—spring by means of fall. Through the summer time, Ortigia (like all of Sicily) experiences excessive temperatures and sunny skies, good for boat rides and taking a dip within the Mediterranean (don’t neglect to pack your water sneakers). For artwork lovers, a sequence of classical performs are placed on in Neapolis’ historical Greek theater each Could and June. We particularly suggest visiting throughout the shoulder seasons of March to Could and September to October, because the climate is milder and town is much less crowded.

Tips on how to Get There

Ortigia is situated about an hour south of the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). When you fly in, you possibly can simply attain town by taxi. For a cheaper various, the Interbus runs each half-hour or so between the airport and Siracusa-Corso Gelone 50 (the cease for Ortigia). Tickets will be purchased forward of time on-line or at an airport kiosk. Alternatively, you possibly can hire a automobile from the airport. In the event you select this selection, we suggest asking your lodge for parking choices, as many supply handy valet companies for a small, further payment.

Tips on how to Get Round

When you’re on the small island of Ortigia, one of the simplest ways to get round is by strolling. Ortigia is simply about two-thirds of a mile lengthy by one-third of a mile large, making it manageable on foot. If you wish to take a taxi to Neapolis Archeological Park or elsewhere in Syracuse, there are energetic taxi stands proper by Ortigia’s most important bridge, close to the Temple of Apollo. Syracuse’s practice station is a few mile from Ortigia, and from there, you possibly can take straightforward day journeys to Noto, Ragusa, Catania, and Taormina.