Your Visit to Ortigia Island - the Island Capital of Sicily

Ortigia Island is the oldest settlement in Sicily. The Corinthians founded it in the 7th century, and it was the centre of the ancient Greek empire from the 5th to the 3rd century BC.

Ortigia 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 and is now connected to the modern city of Syracusa by two small bridges.

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Driving and Parking

Ortigia Island is a 35-minute drive from Noto. I recommend entering 'Ortea Palace Hotel, Ortigia' into your navigation and parking in front of the hotel upon arrival.

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Street Market‍

Begin your exploration of Ortigia Island at the street market, which is just a few minutes' walk on Via Emmanuele Benedicts. The market is open Monday through Saturday from around 8am until about 1pm.

As you would expect from island life, the street market has a fantastic selection of fish, as fresh as you can find. It also has excellent 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 the oldest Doric temple in Sicily, which was built around the 6th century BC.

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‍Marina

From here, walk along Via Savoia towards the marina on the island's far side. 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 waterfront.

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Spiaggette do Aretusa

As you continue to walk south, you will reach Aretusa Beach (Spiaggette di Aretusa), 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 walk 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 while watching the people below play boating.

Maniace Castle

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

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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Calarossa Beach

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

Diana Fort Beach

Diana Fort Beach (Spiaggia Diana) is again 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 Jewish Quarter (Giudecca District) 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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Cathedral Square

You can weave your way across the island to the Cathedral Square (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.

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

Enjoy your visit to Ortigia Island, the oldest settlement in Sicily!