Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings VIP Club
Find flights Book transfer
Home / Destinations / Syracuse

Syracuse

Italy · Coast · EUR · 37.069000, 15.287900
Family friendly 6.1/10 · Rank 1507 of 2 709
Best season: April-June, September-October (mild weather, fewer crowds)

Best for

For history lovers, archaeology, Baroque architecture, the sea and Sicilian cuisine.

Best season

April-June, September-October (mild weather, fewer crowds)

Daily budget
$221.00 (≈ 18 546 ₽ · ≈ 197 EUR)
For 7 days
$1 547.00 (≈ 129 824 ₽ · ≈ 1 382 EUR)
Syracuse is an ancient Greek city on the eastern coast of Sicily, where the archaeological park with its huge Greek theatre and the Ear of Dionysius sits alongside the Baroque old town on the island of Ortigia. The cathedral, built from the Temple of Athena, and Piazza Archimede create a unique blend of ancient and medieval architecture.
Summer
45.6°C
Winter
9.0°C
Sea
28.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Sea and beach Hazards Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Hospitable, friendly, proud of their history and culture.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich historical heritage (Greek and Roman monuments)
  • Beautiful beaches with fine sand
  • Delicious Sicilian cuisine
  • Fewer tourists than Taormina
  • Lively atmosphere of Ortigia

Cons

  • Many tourists in summer
  • Littering on beaches
  • Limited nightlife
  • Theft in tourist areas
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
25.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
45.6°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
11.3°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
16.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
9.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
27.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
28.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
autumn-winter (October-December)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
fine sand (golden and white), pebbles in some areas
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden/white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle (sand, shallow)
Waves
Level of waves
mild-moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Fontane Bianche
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Beaches of Syracuse
Top beaches in the area
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Beach dangers are minimal. Main threat is theft in the city and on beaches. Lifeguards on equipped beaches.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins occur on rocky areas, mostly harmless

Corals and reefs — details

  • Mediterranean coral formations, including pink sea fans and cup corals, are found in Siracusa waters. Risk of cuts on contact.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish appear rarely, stings are mild

Sharks — details

  • Sharks, including the hammerhead, mako and great white, inhabit Siracusa waters. Attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Attractions

Ortigia

Ancient historic centre of Syracuse on a small island. Narrow streets, squares, fountains, the Temple of Apollo and the medieval Castello Maniace.

Neapolis Archaeological Park

Grand archaeological park with the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and the famous Ear of Dionysius — one of Sicily's main attractions.

Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa)

Magnificent Baroque cathedral built on the site of an ancient Greek temple of Athena. Located on Piazza del Duomo in Ortigia.

Ortigia Market

Colourful morning market on Piazza del Duomo in Ortigia with local produce, fish, fruit, vegetables and street food.

Fonte Aretusa

Natural freshwater spring on the seafront in Ortigia with papyrus plants and ducks. One of Syracuse's symbols.

Roman Amphitheatre

2nd-century AD Roman amphitheatre in the archaeological park. The arena is carved into the rock and was used for gladiatorial fights.

Basilica San Giovanni

5th-century early Christian basilica with a crypt and catacombs where St. Marcian, the first bishop of Syracuse, was buried.

Best areas

Ortigia

Historic centre on the island with architecture, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Neapolis

Area with the archaeological park, museums and Greek ruins.

Fontane Bianche

Beach area with white sand and crystal clear water.

Must-try food

Pasta fritta alla siracusana

Fried pasta with anchovies, a typical Syracuse dish with a crispy texture.

Pasta alla carrettiera

Spaghetti with tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil — a simple and aromatic dish.

Sarde a beccafico

Sardines baked with wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins — a traditional Sicilian dish.

Arancini

Famous fried rice balls with meat, mozzarella, peas or spinach — a popular street food.

Caponata

Vegetable stew of aubergines, celery, olives and capers in a sweet and sour sauce.

Cassata

Traditional Sicilian dessert with ricotta, sponge cake and marzipan with icing and fruit.

Granita

Semi-frozen Sicilian dessert made from fruit juice or coffee, served with brioche.

Where to go next

Noto

Sicilian Baroque town with magnificent palaces and a cathedral, UNESCO site. ~30 km.

Calamosche Beach

Beautiful beach with fine sand and crystal clear water in the Vendicari nature reserve. ~40 km.

Catania

Large city in eastern Sicily with Mount Etna and Baroque architecture. ~1 hour by train.

Mount Etna

Europe's tallest active volcano with hiking and excursion options. ~1.5 hours by car.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Катании имени Фонтанаросса (CTA).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
Schengen visa for non-EU citizens
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-June, September-October (mild weather, fewer crowds)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$171.00
≈ 14 350 ₽ · ≈ 153 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$292.00
≈ 24 505 ₽ · ≈ 261 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$635.00
≈ 53 289 ₽ · ≈ 567 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽ · ≈ 223 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 107 EUR
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 16 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 31 EUR
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 36 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Syracuse Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Syracuse: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-June, September-October (mild weather, fewer crowds). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Syracuse: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +45.6°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Syracuse: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +9.0°C, during the day — up to +16.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Syracuse: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +28.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Syracuse: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on autumn-winter (October-December). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Syracuse: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "fine sand (golden and white), pebbles in some areas" surface, golden/white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Fontane Bianche. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Syracuse: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Syracuse: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Beach dangers are minimal. Main threat is theft in the city and on beaches. Lifeguards on equipped beaches.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Syracuse: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $221.00 (≈ 18 546 ₽ · ≈ 197 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Syracuse: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $70.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $171.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $292.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $635.00 per night, an apartment — $120.00 per night, a villa — $250.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Syracuse: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $15.00, dinner at a restaurant — $30.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Syracuse: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $18.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.50, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $35.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Syracuse: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ortigia — Ancient historic centre of Syracuse on a small island. Narrow streets, squares, fountains, the Temple of Apollo and the medieval Castello Maniace.; Neapolis Archaeological Park — Grand archaeological park with the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and the famous Ear of Dionysius — one of Sicily's main attractions.; Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa) — Magnificent Baroque cathedral built on the site of an ancient Greek temple of Athena. Located on Piazza del Duomo in Ortigia.; Ortigia Market — Colourful morning market on Piazza del Duomo in Ortigia with local produce, fish, fruit, vegetables and street food.; Fonte Aretusa — Natural freshwater spring on the seafront in Ortigia with papyrus plants and ducks. One of Syracuse's symbols.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Syracuse: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pasta fritta alla siracusana — Fried pasta with anchovies, a typical Syracuse dish with a crispy texture.; Pasta alla carrettiera — Spaghetti with tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil — a simple and aromatic dish.; Sarde a beccafico — Sardines baked with wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins — a traditional Sicilian dish.; Arancini — Famous fried rice balls with meat, mozzarella, peas or spinach — a popular street food.; Caponata — Vegetable stew of aubergines, celery, olives and capers in a sweet and sour sauce.; Cassata — Traditional Sicilian dessert with ricotta, sponge cake and marzipan with icing and fruit.; Granita — Semi-frozen Sicilian dessert made from fruit juice or coffee, served with brioche.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Syracuse: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Ortigia — Historic centre on the island with architecture, shops, restaurants and cafes.; Neapolis — Area with the archaeological park, museums and Greek ruins.; Fontane Bianche — Beach area with white sand and crystal clear water.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Syracuse: is a visa required?
Visa: Schengen visa for non-EU citizens. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Syracuse: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Катании имени Фонтанаросса (code CTA). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $18.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Syracuse: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $221.00 (≈ 18 546 ₽ · ≈ 197 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Syracuse: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Syracuse: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
Syracuse: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Noto — Sicilian Baroque town with magnificent palaces and a cathedral, UNESCO site. ~30 km.; Calamosche Beach — Beautiful beach with fine sand and crystal clear water in the Vendicari nature reserve. ~40 km.; Catania — Large city in eastern Sicily with Mount Etna and Baroque architecture. ~1 hour by train.; Mount Etna — Europe's tallest active volcano with hiking and excursion options. ~1.5 hours by car.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.1/10
Overall rank: 1507 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 926

Best season

April-June, September-October (mild weather, fewer crowds)

Useful information

Currency: EUR
Coordinates: 37.069000, 15.287900