What to Do in Syracuse, Sicily

A great question — and one that even locals sometimes struggle to answer. The reason is simple: Syracuse is a city in constant evolution. A perfect example is the new Porto Lakyos, the city's newly developed waterfront inaugurated in June 2026. When it comes to what to do across the wider Syracuse area, you could write an entire book. This article, however, focuses on the city itself — starting with its most popular spots, moving through nature, and ending with history.

Afternoons & Evenings — Where the Locals Go

One thing visitors rarely know: most Syracuse locals don't spend their summer weekends in the city centre. In the afternoon and evening, the real action moves to the Fontane Bianche and Ognina coastal area — bars and restaurants on the sea, music, food, and the kind of relaxed Sicilian atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. All of these spots sit right next to the beach, so the ideal day looks like this: swim in the morning, dry off, and end the afternoon with a drink or a meal overlooking the water.

Here are our picks along the coast:

• Samoa — Best visited around 6:30 PM when the music starts. More food-oriented but a great spot for a drink with a sea breeze.
• Ognina Sun and Food — Comes alive after sunset. Very spacious and easy to find a table. Usually no music — ideal if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
• Vista Mare Ognina — The finest seafood restaurant in the city, with breathtaking views and an excellent wine selection. Elegant and refined.
• Varco 23 — Not particularly family-friendly. A beach club with a volleyball court that transforms into a full nightclub on weekend evenings. Smart dress code enforced at the door.
• Punta Milocca — Family-friendly until sunset, then it becomes a nightclub with great electronic music. No strict dress code — come as you are.

Mornings — What to Do Before the Heat Kicks In

Yes, you can visit the Cathedral in Ortigia — and you absolutely should — but in the height of summer, mornings in the city centre can be brutally hot. Here are two alternatives that will keep you cool and make your morning genuinely memorable.

Kayaking on the Ciane River

Have you ever paddled through a papyrus forest? The Fiume Ciane is one of the most beautiful natural sites near Syracuse — rich in wildlife, surrounded by dense Mediterranean vegetation, and cool enough to make you forget the summer heat entirely. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even circumnavigate the historic part of the city by kayak, pull up on the shore for a swim, and paddle back.

Kayak and e-bike rental is available through our partner:

The Catacombs of San Giovanni — History Underground

Not everyone is a water sports enthusiast — and that's perfectly fine. Our alternative? Start the morning with a granita and a coffee at a local bar, then head underground. The Catacombs of San Giovanni are one of Syracuse's most extraordinary hidden treasures — a vast early Christian hypogeum, second in importance only to the catacombs of Rome. A dense network of underground corridors, loculi and ancient frescoes dating back to the first centuries of Christianity. Cool, quiet, and deeply fascinating. The perfect antidote to a Sicilian summer morning.

Syracuse has much more to offer from a historical perspective — we'll cover it in detail in the upcoming articles. For now, consider this your starting point.