Syracuse in 3 days
Day one holds the island of Ortygia from temple to fortress, day two the Neapolis park and the museums on the mainland, day three heads to Noto.
- How long
- 2
- Arrival
- Catania – Vincenzo Bellini airport (CTA)
- Catacombs
- With a guide and by timed slot only
Day one stays on the island of Ortygia: the temple, the cathedral, the spring and the fortress at the southern tip, all on foot. Day two crosses to the mainland, to the archaeological park, the museum and the catacombs. Day three is for Noto, half a day by coach.
Ortygia: temple, cathedral, spring and fortress
The Temple of Apollo, first on the way. You go round the outside, no ticket, entry free.
From there to the Duomo on Piazza Duomo. Entry €2, closed Sunday (May–September).
Then to the sea, to the Fountain of Arethusa. Entry €5, open Mon–Fri 10–13; Sat–Sun 18–21; when Ortygia is done at a weekend, the spring goes to the end of the day.
A snack on the move: an arancino, €2.00–2.50 (arancino, each).
Maniace Castle at the southern tip of the island, the last stop on Ortygia. Entry €6, closed day: none.
The Palazzo Bellomo Gallery, entry €10, closed Monday.
Neapolis, the museum and the catacombs
Neapolis, three sites in the same park. Entry €14; no closed day.
Lunch outside the park.
The Paolo Orsi museum, entry €10, closed Monday. A joint ticket exists for the park and the museum.
The San Giovanni catacombs, guide only, entry €14. Book the slot before arriving.
Noto, half a day
The Interbus coach to Noto, direct, about 1 h, ticket €5.90.
The main street and the cathedral of Noto.
Back to Syracuse; the evening is for Ortygia or one of the beaches.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Should Ortygia or Neapolis come first?
Ortygia first, because it is done on foot and holds the temple, the cathedral, the spring and the fortress. Neapolis is day two. On a Monday the Paolo Orsi museum and Palazzo Bellomo are skipped, while Neapolis and the fortress are open, so they take that day.
Can the catacombs be visited without a guide?
No, the visit is with a guide and by timed slot only, so the slot is booked in advance.
Ready for Syracuse?
Where to next
Day trips from Syracuse
→Baroque Noto for half a day, fishing Marzamemi and the necropolis of Pantalica for a full day.
Catania · 50 km
→Black Baroque built from lava stone, a fish market behind the cathedral and a volcano at the end of the main street.
How well does Syracuse suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
Front row for the next trip
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