Syracuse Tourism Italy - Online Hotel reservations and reviews

The words of Cicero, according to which Syracuse is Syracuse, Sicily “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all” should be kept in mind, since one might argue that they are the very instance which issues the birth certificate of the place in terms of tourist interest. The fact that, on top of all, Syracuse, which is a region of Sicily, is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO should be considered a further tourist resource at least among travelers who have a keen interest in places with historic background.

However, the city does not feature the stiffness one could expect from a museum. On the contrary, it is a place where several clubs enable a lively night life, or where the natural topography makes possible for tourists to venture into outdoor activities: scuba diving, climbing, hiking, and so on.

Short History of Syracuse

The Greek origins of Syracuse have been well preserved in the nowadays city. Being founded in the 8th century BC. by Corinthians, the city had a 5-century history of existence under the rule of various Greek leaders. However, Romans took over the place sometime in the 3rd century BC., and Vandals, as well as Muslims succeeded in holding dominion over the place. Since the mid 19th century, Syracuse is a part of Italy.

Accommodation in Syracuse

In terms of splurging, Grand Hotel Minareto Deluxe is, perhaps, one of the most inspired choices one can make when it comes to accommodation, since it is placed in the old center of the city. Yet, the city is not all about splurging. On the contrary, hostels, bed and breakfasts, as well as cheaper hotels and mid range establishments are to be found throughout Syracuse.

Sicilian Gastronomy at Syracuse

Syracuse is not a place which is worth visiting only by force of its historic reputation, but one which also put forward a quite impressive offer of local specialties in terms of cuisine. Tuna, porpoise and octopus are some of the basic ingredients used to cook local delights or to season other dishes, pastas included. In terms of sweets, honey and almonds, as well as a large range of nuts, are used for preparing biscuits, nougat, or even milk. As for drinks, the most prestigious is Moscato di Siracusa, which is said to be the oldest wine in the entire Italy.

Syracuse Tourist Attractions and Objectives

Both ancient Greek and Roman landmarks must be ticked off when it comes to tourist objectives. Thus, the Theater (of Greek origin), the Roman Amphitheater, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa and the Tomb of Archimedes are among the attractions which render Syracuse a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city excels in an impressive display of palaces, such as the Lanza Buccheri Palace, the Mergulese-Montalto Palace, the Vermexio Palace, the Senate Palace or the Archbishop's Palace. Churches represent yet another must-see. The Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Lucia, the Church of the Jesuit College are just of few of such religious edifices.

Syracuse Events and Festivals

The Festival of Santa Lucia, the patron saint of Syracuse, is held each year in December. Next to it, the Theatrical Season at the Greek Theater gathers together enthusiasts of Greek classical authors, the plays of whom are staged for three month in a row. The Ortigia Festival is also worth mentioning, along with a series of other events which are hosted by localities nearby Syracuse, such as the Ricotta Cheese Festival (in Buscemi), the Strawberry Festival (in Cassibile) or the Honey Festival (in Sortino).

Tourist hotspots on the Mediterranean Sea

Agritourism is fairly developed in Sardinia, which is why a rusticated approach of this island is, some tend to believe, one of the most adequate. The meeting point of agritourism with gastronomic and wine tourism yields further thrills, since Sardinia also excels in cuisine and wine production alike.

Wine is held in great respect in Sorrento too. Visitors of Sorrento should indulge in the tasting of the historic Falerno, Lacrima Christi or Taurasi. Of course, they should also explore the rest of the tourist opportunities available in Sorrento.

The Amalfi Coast used to be a mere coastline formerly dotted with fishermen villages. Given the huge potential of the coast, it rapidly turned into a tourist hotspot which manages to suit the tastes and budgets of a fairly miscellaneous tourist flow, a feature mirrored by the range of accommodation solutions, varying from 5-star luxury hotels to more down to earth alternatives.

Famed for its White Beach, Red Beach and Black Beach, Santorini (Greece) is first and foremost a beach resort. Yet, sightseeing is also fairly rewarding in Santorini. The architectural display yielded by the whitewashed houses and blue domed churches is a genuine source of visual pleasure.

Ischia is a definite stop on the Mediterranean tourist circuit. The richness of the natural and human history is complemented by the wealth and specificity of the local cuisine and wine production which reach their climaxes in the rabbit dishes and the Ischia Bianco wine, respectively.

Located in Sicily, Taormina has long managed to top the bill of the island from a tourist point of view. The natural spectacle is enriched by the historic charge of the place easily searchable out by means of a solid tourist infrastructure.