Your Visit to Ortigia Island

Ortigia Island is brimming with ancient history, archaeological sites, nautical experiences, restaurants and cafes. It is the historic centre of the ancient city of Siracusa or Syracuse, which dates back to 734 A.D. and is now connected to the modern city of Syracusa by two small bridges. It is just a 40-minute drive from Noto and the perfect place for a day trip or night away.

Parking on Ortigia Island is tricky because of the narrow streets and strict resident-only parking. I recommend putting Ortea Palace Hotel in your GPS. Outside of it, there is a good amount of parking, which can be paid for using the Easy Park App. Once parked, it is time to explore the beautiful island. There are many routes you can take; this is one of my personal favourites…‍

Street Market‍

Just a few minutes’ walk from your parked car at Ortea Palace Hotel, you will find Ortigia street market on Via Emmanuele Benedicts. It is open Monday through Saturday from around 8 a.m. until about 1 p.m.

As you would expect from island life, the street market has an amazing selection of fish, as fresh as you can find. It also has all the other amazing local Sicilian produce, including fruit and vegetables, cheese, charcuterie, olives, almonds and all the herbs and spices you can imagine.

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Temple of Apollo

Walking a few moments from the street market along Via del Mercato to Largo XXV Luglio, you will discover the archaeological remains of the Temple of Apollo. It is considered to be the oldest Doric temple in Sicily, having been built around the 6th century B.C.

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‍Marina

From here, walk along Via Savoia towards the marina on the side of the island. When you reach Foro Vittorio Emmanuele Due, turn left and walk south along the marina. In the summer months there are super yachts galore moored along the front.

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Spiaggette do Aretusa

As you continue to walk south, you will reach Spiaggette do Aretusa or Aretusa Beach, one of the smallest beaches you will ever see. Hoards of locals and tourists flock there to cool off, although the water isn’t very cool in the summer months!

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Refreshment

As you continue walking south, follow the marina waterfront path along Lungomare Alfeo. Restauranteurs stand outside their establishments, enticing passing tourists to dine with them. I prefer to walk a little further to the quieter restaurants, my favourite being Sorelle a Mare. It’s a perfect pit stop for a glass of something and a salad or tapas whilst you watch the people on the boats below play boats.

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Maniace Castle

When you reach the end of the marina waterfront, the path turns to the left. You can then continue a little further south and view or enter the castle. Maniace Castle was named after the Byzantine general George Maniakes, who besieged and took the city in 1038. It was built in the 13th century. Being a small island, Ortigia forms a natural fortress, and at the tip of the island, you can explore the ancient castle.

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Ionian Sea

After the castle, walk across the island along Via Gaetano Abela to the Ionian Sea. Then, walk on the seaside of the island of Lingomare d’Ortigia, which becomes Via Eolo. The Ionian Sea and Ortigia Island meet as the street curves around the island’s shape, giving you fantastic views. Remember to look behind you, where the views are also spectacular.

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Spiaggette do Calarossa

Spiaggette do Calarossa, or Calarossa Beach, is another tiny beach. It is accessed by a long staircase down to the beach of small pebbles. A helpful path has been cleared between the larger stones for those wanting to walk out and take a cooling dip in the Ionian Sea.

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Spiaggia Diana nel Forte

Spiaggia Diana nel Forte or Diana nel Forte Beach is much loved by locals. You can find a spot to sunbathe on this rock formation or, in the summer months, on one of the decks constructed by the city.

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The Jewish Quarter

One street back from the seafront, you will find Via Giovanni Battista Alagona and, from there, Vicolo IV Alla Giudecca. You are now at the heart of a beautiful part of the city with narrow streets, where neighbours can pass an aperitivo across the street.

The Giudecca District or Jewish Quarter is an area bordered to the west by Via della Giudecca, to the south by Via Larga, and to the east by the sea. It is crisscrossed by parallel streets: Via dell’Olivo, Vicolos I, II, III and IV Giudecca, Vicolo dell’Arco and Via Minniti.

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Piazza Duomo

You can weave your way across the island to Piazza Duomo. I suggest Via della Giudecca, Via Larga, Vicolo Sant’Anna, Via Roma, Via Giovanni Torre, Via della Conciiazione, Via Santa Lucia all Badia, Via delle Vergini, Piazzetta.

Piazza Duomo, or Duomo Square, is Ortigia’s stunning central square with a dazzling array of sandstone facades. The piazza hosts Syracuse Cathedral, a gorgeous baroque church built on the site of a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena in the 7th century. I recommend finding a cafe for a cooling drink or ice-cold gelato or granita.

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