Things To Do
Piazza Del Duomo
Visit the stunning cathedral built on the ancient Temple of Athena, showcasing Baroque and Greek architecture. It is the heart of Ortigia, surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.
Food & Drink
LOUNGE BARS & APERETIVO Verga Courtyard BOATS Zafiro Solarium Taverna Giudecca La Bodeguita Ortigia Il club Kaleido Terrace BREAKFAST Irma La Dolce (pancakes, yogurt parfaits, light sandwich, fruit) Ortea Palace Hotel (American Breakfast à la carte & buffet for non-guests 7:00-11:00am) RESTAURANTS Ortigia Fish Bar Pane di Mare Vibes Ciauru Anticu Oz Ortigia Ostaria MICHELIN Cortile Spirito Santo Don Camillo QUICK BITE Caseficio Borderi (Panini) FM The Bar Pigghia e Potta Ortigia U’Sicilianu Ortigia Fratelli Burgio Forneria DOLCE Kurtò Ortigia Levante CCÁ e DDÁ (granite) VEGAN/VEGETARIAN OPTIONS A Putia MOON Just Veggie Ortigia Irma La Dolce Zenzero Agape Dentero Ortigia Gelateria Il Cucchiano *Check out veganfoodtourortigia.com for gluten free and vegan food tours OUR FAVORITE Macallè
Fonte Aretusa
A peaceful freshwater spring, famous in Greek mythology, located by the sea.
Castello Maniace
A medieval castle offering panoramic views of Ortigia and the sea.
Mercato di Ortigia
A vibrant open-air market selling fresh local produce, seafood, and more.
Lungomare di Levante
Stroll the seafront for sunset views.
Sicily by Boat
Located at Syracuse Marina (short walk from Ortigia) offering guided boat tours with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and explore the sea caves and beaches around the island.
Greek Theatre of Syracuse
Dating back to the 5th century BC, an open-air theater once hosted dramatic performances for thousands of spectators (15 min drive).
Lido Fly Beach Club
A well maintained beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a stylish bar and restaurant. This is a the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean sea (15-20 min drive). *May charge an entrance fee or require reservations, especially during peak season, contact prior just incase!
Azienda Agricola Pupillo Winery
A charming, family-run winery known for it’s wine, olive oil, produce and warm Sicilian hospitality. (15-20 min drive).
Vendicari Nature Reserve
A peaceful natural reserve with gorgeous beaches, walking trails, and wildlife. Perfect for nature lovers! (35 min drive)
Worth the drive beaches (our favorites)
FONTANE BIANCHE Soft white sand and calm, turquoise waters (20 min). SAN LORENZO (Agua Beach Club) Our FAVORITE beach club/beach! A gorgeous beach with golden sand and crystal-clear water. For a more elevated experience, check out Agua Beach Club right, where you can rent loungers, sip cocktails, and relax (40 min).
Day Trip to Noto
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Baroque architecture. Explore Corso Vittorio Emanuele (shopping, restaurants, bars, cafès) and visit the Noto Cathedral (30 min drive).
Day trip to Marzamemi
A charming seaside village with colorful streets, seafood restaurants, and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s very small, we suggest pairing it with a beach day (45 min drive)!
The other gems of Sicily's east coast: Taormina & Mt. Etna
If you’d like to explore more of Sicily before or after the wedding, Taormina and Mount Etna are both worth a visit. Taormina (1.5-2 hours from Ortigia) is a charming town with ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and panoramic views of the coast. Mount Etna (2 hours from Ortigia) is Europe’s most active volcano, offering hiking opportunities and stunning views of the island. Both are perfect for a day trip or overnight adventure, allowing you to experience even more of Sicily’s breathtaking landscapes and culture.
Check out airbnb experiences
Make sure to check out Airbnb Experiences, where you can book (sometimes more affordable) activities hosted by locals, such as boat rides, culinary classes, guided tours, and other unique experiences. It’s a fantastic way to get to know Sicily in a more intimate, personal way!
Check out Get Your Guide
For easy and reliable tours, GetYourGuide offers great options…from ancient ruins to boat trips and food tours. Book in advance or find something last-minute to make the most of your trip!