Ortigia Island

Ortigia is the old heart of Syracuse: a small island linked to the city by two bridges, where in just a few steps you go from a Greek temple to a baroque square, and back to the sea. It's 55 km from Marzamemi, perfect for a day that ends with an aperitivo by the water.

What to see in Ortigia

Start in Piazza Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Sicily. The cathedral hides a surprise: it was built on top of a Greek temple dedicated to Athena, and the ancient columns are still visible, inside and out. A few minutes' walk away is the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring where papyrus grows, right on the seafront. In the morning, wander through the market, among stalls of fish, fruit and Sicilian produce. For the rest, our advice is to get lost: the alleyways are the real show.

Where to park

Ortigia is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) monitored by cameras, and the hours change often, so check them on the city council's website before you go. We usually park in front of the Ortea Palace hotel, just after the bridge, but you can only drive in when the ZTL isn't active. If you plan to stay into the evening, the easiest option is the Molo Sant'Antonio car park, just before the Santa Lucia bridge: from there it's a few minutes' walk.

Our tip

Stay until sunset and have an aperitivo on one of the terraces overlooking the sea. We've done it many times, and it never gets old.