Must-see attracions
«The largest and most beautiful Greek city.» These are the words that Cicero used to describe Syracuse, a place shrouded in thousands of years of history and a glorious metropolis of the classical age. Lying on the south-eastern side of Sicily, it is famous for the charm of its oldest area, the island of Ortigia. This particular geography has often been referred to as the ‘island within an island’, not least because of the spectacular sunsets and glimpses of pure, authentic beauty.
In 2005, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the artistic and cultural riches found throughout the area: from the incredible Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with the Greek Theatre, the Latomy and the Euryalus Ear of Dionysus, to the Maniace Castle on the tip of Ortigia, and the Euryalus Castle, an ancient Greek fortress. Also not to be missed are the imposing Baroque Duomo, Syracuse’s most important place of worship, and Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater pool with lush papyri.
From a naturalistic point of view, this destination offers two unspoilt reserves: the Cavagrande del Cassibile Oriented Nature Reserve and the Pantalica Reserve, where you can admire the famous rocky necropolis. Sea lovers can also dive into the ever-clear waters and stroll along golden shores, such as the Beaches of Calamosche and Vendicari. The Island of Correnti, the southern end of the region, is a truly scenic gem.