Where to Stay in Syracuse, Sicily: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
Italy is one of our favorite destinations in the world. Since we’ve been countless times, we know where to stay in Syracuse (Siracusa), south-eastern Sicily. The city has an incredible heritage, a lovely historic core, and a very Italian vibe. Besides, the food is delicious and the locals so charming. You’ll love it here!
The best hotels in Syracuse are in some of the nicest neighborhoods in Sicily. Since it’s on the coast, it offers epic views of the Mediterranean. The ancient Greeks founded it in 734 BC. It soon became one the most powerful cities of its time.
The Romans took over in 212 BC. Then it was the capital of the Sicilian Caliphate. After 200 years of Muslim rule, it became part of the Sicilian Kingdom. That’s why Syracuse has such diverse neighborhoods. No wonder UNESCO included the entire city in its list of World Heritage Sites.
Ortigia – Near the Temple of Apollo
Ortigia Island is our favorite place to stay in Syracuse. Two bridges link the Island to the rest of the city. The statue of Syracuse’s most famous citizen, Archimedes, is on Ponte Nuovo. Walk along both bridges. As soon as you cross, you’ll see Emanuele Pancali Square. Keep walking, and you’ll reach the Temple of Apollo.
A lovely garden surrounds the 6th Century Greek temple. The Ortigia market is next door. It’s a traditional market with lots of character and delicious food. Two minutes from there is the Bourbon Prison from the mid 19th Century. The area north of the prison is a parking lot mostly.
There’s a beach next to the port. It’s a narrow pebbled beach with a couple of good restaurants and views of the city. Walk to the south of Apollo Temple to the Leonardo Da Vinci and Archimedes Museum. To the other side of Apollo Temple is another marina.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Temple of Apollo:
Grand Hotel Ortigia
The Grand Hotel Ortigia is our favorite in Sicily. Though the grand palace is from 1890, it features modern-day conveniences, including a spa. It’s got a museum with archaeological remains and lots of art! The best rooms have a balcony overlooking the sea. Have dinner or cocktails at the terrace while enjoying jaw-dropping views of Syracuse.
Ortea Luxury Palace
If you are into fabulous historic buildings, book a room at the Ortea Luxury Palace. It used to be Syracuse’s post office. The meticulously refurbished 1920 art nouveau building has a wonderful spa and an indoor pool. You can enjoy over 200 wines in its stunning underwater cellar. The Champagnette bar upstairs offers the best cocktails in the city!
Ortigia – Near the Cathedral
We’ve divided Ortigia in two parts. This area is to the south of Diana Foutain, around the cathedral, and north of Maniace Castle. Thus, you’ll be surrounded by the sea. Locals call the cathedral the Duomo di Siracusa.
The original 7th Century church was built over the ancient temple of Athena. The one we can see today is from the 17th Century. The Church of Santa Lucia is nearby. Contrary to popular belief, Caravaggio’s The Burial is not inside. There are 8 more churches in the area. Our favorite is San Philippo.
Walk next to the sea to Arethusa Spring, a freshwater fountain full of plants and life. Keep walking south until you reach the Maniace Castle on the tip of the island. The 13th Century castle hosts art exhibits. Go back north to Vigliena Fort. Then, explore the charming streets and isles of Ortigia. As you can see there are plenty of things to do in Ortigia.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Cathedral:
La Maison
La Maison is one of the best hotels in the city. The 19th Century mansion is 400 feet (120 meters) from the Cathedral. Tucked in a quiet street, it offers elegant rooms, tastefully decorated common areas, and superb service. Have a glass of wine or champagne at the onsite La Societe bar, the best in the city.
Hotel Henry’s House
For memorable views of the sea and the city, book a room at Hotel Henry’s House. The property is 400 feet (120 meters) from Maniace Castle. Thus, you can enjoy killer sunsets from its incredible terrace. The splendid building is full of art and history. Henry’s House is the best hotel for couples in Syracuse.
City Center – Between Foro Siracusano and Ortigia
If you want to be in the center and next to Ortigia Island, stay around the Foro Siracusano. It’s the nicest urban park in Syracuse. The area is small and very quiet. Most tourists cross it to go to the island. That’s why it feels very local.
The park itself is beautiful. It used to be the Greek agora. Look for the Greek columns, the remains of a city gate, and the forum’s road. However, the trees are even more impressive. Some are hundreds of years old! The Church of San Tommaso al Pantheon presides over the park.
The church is from 1919 and is also a monument to the victims of World War I. One of the city’s most important streets crosses the neighborhood and the park. Shops and all types of eateries line Corso Umberto I. We like having ice cream at Gelateria Bianca in the park.
We Recommend These Hotels in the City Center:
Caportigia Boutique Hotel
Book a room at the Caportigia Boutique Hotel if you want to stay in a 5 star hotel. It’s got an unbeatable location, walking distance to most attractions. We love the rooftop terrace. It has a great hot tub and awesome views over the city.
Grande Albergo Alfeo
The rooms at the Grande Albergo Alfeo are big, comfortable, and perfectly isolated. Most of the rooms come with a balcony and a tub. Considering its location and the services it offers, it’s great value for money. The complimentary breakfast is delicious, while the onsite bar is popular amongst the locals.
Borgata Santa Lucia
Borgata Santa Lucia is north of the historic core and east of the Neapolis archaeological park. This traditional neighborhood in central Syracuse is close to everything but off the touristy area. Note that the shops, bars, and restaurants in the area cater to the locals.
Not everything is old in Syracuse. The Basilica Madonna Delle Lacrima is a contemporary church complex. Construction of the temple began in the 1960s and ended in 1994! Locals call the controversial temple the inverted ice cream. The much older Church of Saint Lucia is to the east.
Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Burial of Saint Lucia is inside the church. There’s also an original sculpture by Tedeschi. Don’t forget to check the creepy but outstanding catacombs beneath the temple. The area next to the sea is pretty interesting. There’s even a tiny beach and some rocks where locals bathe.
We Recommend These Hotels in Borgata Santa Lucia:
Giuggiulena
Giuggiulena is a beachfront property some 15 minutes walking to the center. It’s a small building overlooking the sea. Though not a sandy beach, you can swim and snorkel amongst the massive rocks. All of the rooms have a balcony or a terrace. Syracuse is very hot in summer, so this is where to stay to enjoy the sea.
Musciara Syracusa Resort
The Musciara Syracuse Resort is where to stay if you want to go to the beach. It’s a beachfront property that provides free parasols and lounges. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and 2 bars, one by the beach. The best rooms have a private terrace overlooking the sea.
Neapolis – Near the Necropolis
If you are into archaeology, stay here. The Syracuse Archaeological Park has some of the best ancient ruins in Italy. We are talking about both Greek and Roman remains. It’s a fairly big place that attracts people from all over the world.
Both the Roman and Greek amphitheaters are the park’s most famous landmarks. However, there are quarries, arches, tombs, caves, and even Byzantine ruins. The Tomb of Archimedes is inside the park too. Don’t worry if you get hungry or thirsty. There’s a lovely coffeehouse inside the park.
Most tourists come to the park for a couple of hours and leave. Thus, the area is pretty quiet and atmospheric in the evening. The Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum is two blocks away, next to the Saint Giovanni catacombs. The museum exhibits ancient artifacts from all over Sicily.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Necropolis:
Momento Teatro Greco
Enjoy views of the archaeological park from the Momento Teatro Greco Hotel. The rooms are super comfortable and clean. We like the complimentary coffee and ice cream served in the lobby. This one is probably the best decently priced accommodation option in Syracuse. The service is warm and very Italian.
Mercure Syracuse
Between the archaeological park and the museum is the tall contemporary Mercure Hotel. It’s got a fantastic pool on the terrace with views over the ruins and the entire city. The hotel features a superb spa with an indoor heated pool. You get top-quality amenities at a competitive price.
Near the Train Station
Accommodation options near the Train Station are great value for money. The area is safe and centrally located. It’s a 20-minute walk to Ortigia Island. It takes the same time to walk to the archaeological park. Thus, it’s a great place to stay if you are in a bit of a rush.
Trains from Syracuse to beautiful Catania take 1.5 hours. From Syracuse to Taormina trains take between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The journey next to the coast is an attraction in itself so be sure to grab a window seat. You can also take a train to Palermo. It takes 5.5 hours to cross the island. There are also trains to Ragusa, Modica and Noto.
The bus station is a 2-minute walk from the train station. There are buses to all of Sicily. However, we strongly recommend you take the train. The Roman Gymnasium is in front of the train station. There’s a theatre and several cool sculptures.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Train Station:
Hotel Sorella Luna
The best hotel near the train station is the Sorella Luna. It’s a cute little building with comfortable rooms. They’ve got triple and quadruple rooms perfect for families and friends. There’s parking nearby. Everything is super clean and charming. They can help you arrange bus or train tickets.
Hotel Como
If you are looking for simple yet clean rooms, stay at the Hotel Como. You can’t get any closer to the station than here. The best apartment in Syracuse is also in the hotel. It’s big, fully equipped and comes with a huge terrace. You won’t get a better deal in Syracuse.
How Long to Stay in Syracuse
The city is so beautiful that you could stay for weeks. However, we all have time constraints and a wide world to discover. Thus, you are probably wondering how many days you should stay in Syracuse when traveling around Sicily? We strongly recommend you spend at least one night in the city.
Most tourists visit Syracuse from Catania or Taormina. They spend a couple of hours and leave. Therefore, you’ll have the entire place to yourself in the evening! Nights in Sicily are wonderful. You can smell flowers in the air while the breeze from the sea refreshes you.
Besides, you can hang out with the locals. Italians are so nice and friendly! However, during the day, with so many tourists around, there’s no way to mingle with them. As soon as the crowds leave, everybody relaxes. Have some wine and enjoy the best of Italy: its people!
