Syracuse, the most flourishing Hellenic city of Sicily, has featured prominent men of history. In Syracuse, in fact, the genius Archimedes lived and died, and numerous writers such as Livio, Plutarco and Cicerone have represented the city as "sumptuousness and elegance". The city of Syracuse is today one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The monumental preserved remains, art objects, statues and landscapes present make the idea of ​​the prestigious value that the polis has had over the centuries. Even today, the city of Syracuse (built from the Corinthians in 734 B.C.) preserves some of the most important testimonies of the Greco-Roman tradition in Sicily. Among these, the Greek Theater, L'Ara di Lerone, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus and the Grotta dei Cordari. And the archaeological itinerary could also continue with the visit to the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Gymnasium as well, of course, to the National Archaeological Museum, a among the most appreciated in Europe. The city of Syracuse is easily reachable from the "Vincenzo Bellini" airport of Catania (just 45 minutes) and with the city center of Catania (about 65 km).

Fountain of Diana - Syracuse (Source: Andrea Schaffer - CC BY 2.0)

How to reach Siracusa

By car

From the city of Catania (the shortest way) to reach the center of Syracuse you need to take the NSA 339 Catania-Siracusa (toll road), up to the link with the state road SS 114 (Orientale Sicula). Then continue towards Siracusa (about 70 km). From the city of Palermo, however, it is necessary to cover over 260 km to reach the center of Syracuse. The recommended route from the Sicilian capital is the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway. Once you reach the city of Etnea, continue on the Tangenziale to the entrance with the SS 114 state road and continue up to Syracuse.

Greek Theater - Syracuse (Source: Jerome Bon - CC BY 2.0)

By plane

The town of Syracuse is about 60 km from the international airport of Catania Fontanarossa. It is easily accessible by bus, taxi or through the car rental service with driver (NCC) on our website Bravodriver.com . Our drivers will pick you up at the arrivals and leave you at the address you want, on our portal find the best drivers in the area with a regular license. By bus, from the Catania airport, there are no direct connections with the city of Syracuse. The fastest route is the rental service with driver (NCC) or TAXI remains therefore comfortable. Alternatively, from the airport you must first reach the central train station of Catania (Piazza Giovanni Paolo XXIII) and then continue to Syracuse by train or bus of the company Sais Trasporti . To reach the station central from the Catania airport an alternative to the transfer with driver is the shuttle bus service offered by the company Amt-Alibus .

For information on transfer prices, see our page Syracuse Transfers - Prices.

By train

From Catania central train station (Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII), the Catania-Syracuse line is served by Trenitalia . To know timetables, seasonal promotions and daily trips are advised to visit the site of the rail transport service.

By Bus

From Catania's central bus station there are connections to the central bus station of Syracuse (Piazza Umberto I) offered by the companies Sicilian Transport Company and Interbus Buses . For info and reservations it is advisable to visit the website of the companies that perform the service.

By ship or ferry

To reach the city of Syracuse by ship or hydrofoil from the main Italian ports it is recommended to disembark in Catania, connected with daily routes with the ports of Naples, Livorno, Cagliari and Genoa. Possible also the docking in the ports of Augusta and Pozzallo with smaller boats.

The island of Syracuse: Ortigia

The islet of Ortigia represents the oldest part of Syracuse. Ortigia, in fact, was the seat of the Sicilian settlements (first) and of the Greci-Corinzi (later). Homeland of myths legends, the island annexed to Syracuse and has always been a destination for illustrious travelers. The islet extends for about 1660 meters, separates the Porto Grande from Porto Piccolo, and is practically annexed to mainland from the two bridges that connect it to the center of Syracuse. In the island of Ortigia the Temple of Apollo is splendidly preserved, which is the oldest Dorian sacred building present in Sicily (VI century BC), but also the Palazzo Montalto, one of the most valuable buildings of medieval origin. And even the genius of Archimedes could not miss Ortigia. The main square of the city, with the wonderful fountain of Diana placed in the center, is in fact dedicated to the mathematician of Syracuse who has never hidden his attachment to the small island of Syracuse.