Siracusa suits couples and families who want Greek ruins and an island old town, Ortigia, with a villa and often a pool a short drive out. Homes are spread around the city, so check how far yours is from the sea and Ortigia.
Siracusa is Sicily's fourth largest city, partly on the island of Ortigia and partly on the mainland. Ortigia has the cathedral, built over a Greek temple of Athena, the Fountain of Arethusa on the seafront and a food market near the entrance to the island selling spices, almond cakes and fresh fish. On the mainland the Neapolis archaeological park holds the Greek Theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius. Our homes are scattered around the city rather than in the centre, mostly built for two to four people, nearly all air-conditioned and most with a private pool. The city has over a hundred thousand residents, so it does not shut down out of season.
The island old town with the cathedral, the Fountain of Arethusa and the food market near its entrance.
Greek Theatre, Roman amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius, all in one park on the mainland.
A frazione of Siracusa at the mouth of the Cassibile river, part of the city's own territory away from the centre.
A nearby town in the Siracusa area, worth a day trip from a villa base around the city.
Nature reserve with its own beaches, one of the coastal outings near Siracusa along with Marzamemi.
Catania Fontanarossa is the airport to use, about 45 minutes by car, with an hourly train and bus as well. A hire car is worth having, because the homes are scattered around Siracusa and the beaches and Noto are all a drive away.
Siracusa is a real city, so it works in most seasons. The Greek Theatre hosts an annual cycle of classical performances, so check the dates if you want to see one. For beach time, check what is open at the coast outside the warm months, and book Ortigia restaurants ahead in busy periods.
Yes. Siracusa is the Italian name for Syracuse. The city is on the south-east coast of Sicily, part on the island of Ortigia and part on the mainland, and it is also a UNESCO site with the Necropolis of Pantalica.
Yes, Ortigia is an island old town you explore on foot, with the cathedral, the Fountain of Arethusa and a market near the entrance. Two bridges connect it to the mainland.
The Greek Theatre is in the Neapolis archaeological park and is carved into rock, among the largest in the world. The park also has the Roman amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius, and the theatre hosts an annual cycle of classical performances.
Around 45 minutes by car, a drive of about 38 miles. Trains and buses run roughly hourly, but with villas outside the centre a hire car makes the stay easier.
Siracusa has more to see in the city itself, with Ortigia and the Neapolis park. Noto is close enough to visit as a day trip, so a base around Siracusa lets you do both.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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