SE

Around Siracusa

Experiences

If you have a free day, these are the places we keep going back to. Each one is close enough for a relaxed trip and beautiful enough to stay far longer than planned.

Something extra

Tours

If you’d like to book a guided tour, boat trip, cooking class, or any other experience in and around Siracusa, GetYourGuide has a wonderful selection you can browse and reserve in advance — many with free cancellation.

Browse Siracusa experiences →

Day Trip Option 1

Noto

Watercolor illustration of Noto CathedralNoto →

The capital of Sicilian Baroque, glowing in honey-colored limestone. Wander the main street at golden hour, then climb the hill to the old town for quiet gardens and sweeping views.

Getting there from Ortigia

By car: About 35–45 minutes from Ortigia (roughly 30 km / 19 miles via the A18 south).

Public transport: AST or Interbus from Siracusa to Noto takes about 35–55 minutes; trains also run from Siracusa to Noto in about 30–35 minutes.

Don’t miss

  • Noto Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Nicolò)
  • Palazzo Ducezio & the Town Hall balcony
  • Via Corrado Nicolaci and its famous balconies
  • Church of San Domenico
  • Belvedere view over the valley

Day Trip Option 2

San Lorenzo

Watercolor illustration of the Vendicari tower above San Lorenzo beachSan Lorenzo, Vendicari →

A pristine stretch of coast inside the Vendicari Nature Reserve. Come here for clear water, wild rosemary, and a slower pace between the baroque towns.

Getting there from Ortigia

By car: About 45–55 minutes from Ortigia by car.

Public transport: Bus from Siracusa to Noto, then a taxi or local bus to the Vendicari area; total travel time is roughly 1–1.5 hours. A rental car is recommended here.

Don’t miss

  • Vendicari Nature Reserve trails
  • San Lorenzo beach (crystal-clear coves)
  • Tonnara di Vendicari ruins
  • Birdwatching along the salt pans
  • Fresh seafood at a nearby marzamemi trattoria

Day Trip Option 3

Marzamemi

Watercolor illustration of a taverna terrace in MarzamemiMarzamemi →

A tiny fishing village built around an ancient tuna fishery. The evenings here are magical — lanterns over stone streets, aperitivo by the water, and the sound of the sea just steps away.

Getting there from Ortigia

By car: About 50 minutes to 1 hour from Ortigia by car.

Public transport: Bus from Siracusa to Pachino, then a short taxi ride to Marzamemi; total travel time is around 1.5 hours. Schedules are limited, especially on Sundays.

Don’t miss

  • Piazza Regina Margherita at sunset
  • The historic Tonnara di Marzamemi
  • Stone houses and artisan shops
  • A long dinner of local fish and wine
  • Pasticceria for a late-night cannolo

Day Trip Option 4

Ragusa

Watercolor illustration of the Duomo di San Giorgio in Ragusa IblaRagusa Ibla →

Two towns in one: the modern upper city and the storybook old quarter, Ragusa Ibla, tumbling down the hillside. It's baroque, romantic, and perfect for getting lost.

Getting there from Ortigia

By car: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from Ortigia by car.

Public transport: AST bus from Siracusa to Ragusa takes about 2 hours; train via Ferrovie del Sud Est usually requires a change and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Don’t miss

  • Duomo di San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla
  • Giardini Iblei park and views
  • Santa Maria delle Scale staircase
  • Piazza Pola and the old palazzos
  • A walk down the winding streets at dusk