Syracuse & south east

Syracuse and Ortigia

Syracuse was one of the great cities of the ancient Greek world, and the south-east corner of Sicily around it combines history, baroque towns and long sandy beaches. Together with the Pantalica rock necropolis inland, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The old town is on Ortigia, a small island joined to the mainland by bridges. Its cathedral was built around a Greek temple to Athena, and the temple's columns are still visible in the walls. Nearby, the Fountain of Arethusa is a freshwater spring where papyrus grows beside the sea. In the evening, the lanes and piazzas of Ortigia fill with people eating and strolling.

On the mainland, the Neapolis archaeological park contains a vast Greek theatre cut into the rock, a Roman amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius, a tall cave in an old limestone quarry.

Noto and the southern coast

South of Syracuse, Noto was rebuilt in golden stone after the earthquake of 1693 and is one of the late baroque towns of the Val di Noto, also listed by UNESCO. Its main street is lined with churches and palaces that glow in the evening light. Palazzolo Acreide, inland, belongs to the same group.

The coast is a major draw. Fontane Bianche has a wide sandy bay, while the Vendicari nature reserve protects wild beaches and lagoons where flamingos and other wading birds stop on migration. Further south, Marzamemi is a small fishing village built around an old tuna fishery, with restaurants in its little square. The gorge of Cavagrande del Cassibile has natural pools for swimming.

Food, seasons and getting here

This is the home of Nero d'Avola, named after the town of Avola, and the sweet Moscato di Noto. Pachino is known for its cherry tomatoes, and the almonds of Avola are used in pastries and granita, often eaten with a brioche for breakfast.

Catania airport is the nearest, around an hour's drive from Syracuse, and Mount Etna makes a good day trip. Spring and autumn are warm and comfortable, while high summer is very hot. The area suits families, couples and anyone who wants culture and beaches together.

Browse the villas listed below to find your base, or read more about holidays in Sicily.