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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Syracuse is a historic city on the southeast coast of the island. The city is home to a number of ancient ruins, such as the Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysius, as well as the stunning Ortigia Island. 

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Ortigia is a small island located off the coast of Syracuse, in southeastern Sicily. It is often referred to as the heart of Syracuse, as it is the historic center of the city and home to some of its most important landmarks. 

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

During my visit to Sicily, I had the pleasure of spending 3 days exploring the narrow streets and stunning architecture of Ortigia.

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

The first thing that struck me about Ortigia was its beauty. The island is a mix of ancient Greek and Baroque architecture, with stunning buildings, churches, and piazzas at every turn.

As I wandered through the winding streets, I came across the stunning Piazza del Duomo, with its ornate Baroque cathedral dominating the skyline. The piazza is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the scenery.

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Is Ortigia worth visiting?

Ortigia is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful and historic place that has a lot to offer to visitors.

Ortigia is home to many ancient buildings and landmarks, including the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa, and the Cathedral of Syracuse. The island also has a charming old town, filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional markets.

The island is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and traditional Sicilian dishes.

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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Ortigia is also home to some fascinating historical landmarks, including the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Greek temples in Sicily. It’s a stunning example of ancient Greek architecture, and it’s incredible to think that it has stood for over 2,500 years.

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Another must-see landmark is the Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring that is home to a variety of wildlife, including swans and ducks. Legend has it that the nymph Aretusa transformed into the spring to escape the advances of the river god Alpheus. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery, and it’s a great place to escape the heat during the hot Sicilian summer.

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

If you’re planning a trip to Ortigia, Sicily, and have three days to spend on the island, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Day 1 in Ortigia:

Start your day by exploring the historic center of Ortigia on foot. Wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, and admire the beautiful Baroque architecture and ancient landmarks such as the Cathedral of Syracuse and the Fountain of Arethusa.

Visit the Mercato di Ortigia, a vibrant and colorful market that offers a wide variety of fresh and local products. Shop for fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional Sicilian products such as olives, capers, and dried tomatoes.

In the afternoon, head to the beach and soak up some sun. Cala Rossa Beach and Fontane Bianche are both popular beaches near Ortigia.

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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Day 2 in Ortigia:

Start your day with a visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, which features ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including a Greek theater and a Roman amphitheater.
Head to the Ear of Dionysius, a unique limestone cave named after the Greek tyrant Dionysius I, located in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis.

In the afternoon, take a boat tour around Ortigia and the surrounding coastline. Admire the stunning cliffs and sea caves, and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Ortigia’s many traditional restaurants, which serve delicious Sicilian cuisine.

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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Day 3 in Ortigia:

Visit the Museum of Papyrus, located on the mainland near Syracuse, which showcases the history and production of papyrus in ancient Egypt and its influence on the Mediterranean world.

In the evening, take a sunset stroll along the Lungomare di Levante, a scenic promenade along the eastern coast of Ortigia.

This three-day itinerary will allow you to experience the best of Ortigia’s historical and cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and traditional markets, while also exploring the surrounding area and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.

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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Top Tip:

Take a boat tour around Ortigia Island to capture stunning views of the city from the sea.

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

Where to eat in Ortigia

Another highlight of my visit was the food. Ortigia is known for its excellent seafood. I had some of the best seafood dishes of my trip at a local restaurant. From fresh calamari to succulent prawns, every dish was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection.

My favourite restaurant was Casa Trimarchi. Order caponata, baccalà, and pasta all norma. I chose this restaurant to celebrate my birthday. The ambience was warm and friendly and the service was attentive and kind.

If you are looking for vegan options, go to “MOON – Move Ortigia Out of Normality”.

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

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All you need to go before you go to Siracuse

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All you need to go before you go to Siracuse

The Cathedral of Ortigia

The Cathedral of Ortigia, also known as the Cathedral of Syracuse, is one of the most important and impressive landmarks in the historic center of Ortigia. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is located on the Piazza del Duomo and dates back to the 7th century.

All you need to go before you go to Siracuse

Over the centuries, the cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded several times, resulting in a beautiful mix of architectural styles. The exterior features a Baroque façade, while the interior boasts a mix of Byzantine, Norman, Gothic, and Baroque elements.

All you need to go before you go to Siracuse

The cathedral is open to visitors and offers guided tours, which provide a fascinating insight into the history and architecture of this impressive building.

Whether you’re interested in art and architecture or just want to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of this ancient landmark, the Cathedral of Ortigia is definitely worth a visit.

All you need to go before you go to Siracuse

Movies that have been filmed in Ortigia

The Piazza Duomo in Syracuse is a beautiful and historic square that plays an important role in Giuseppe Tornatore’s 2000 film “Malèna”. The film, set in a small Sicilian village during World War II, tells the story of a young boy named Renato who becomes infatuated with the beautiful Malèna, played by Monica Bellucci.

Throughout the film, the Piazza Duomo serves as a central gathering place for the villagers, and is often shown bustling with activity and life. In one memorable scene, Malèna walks through the square, causing heads to turn and tongues to wag with her stunning beauty and elegance.

The Piazza Duomo also serves as a symbol of the changing times, as the arrival of American soldiers during the war brings new energy and excitement to the village. The square becomes a hub of activity as soldiers mingle with the locals, dancing and celebrating together in the shadow of the cathedral.

All you need to go before you go to Siracuse

The Cathedral of Syracuse, which overlooks the square, also plays an important role in the film. Its grandeur and beauty serve as a counterpoint to the poverty and hardship experienced by many of the villagers, and its presence provides a sense of continuity and stability in the midst of a chaotic and uncertain time.

All you need to go before you go to Siracuse
Overall, the Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral of Syracuse provide a stunning backdrop for Tornatore’s beautiful film, capturing the essence of Sicilian village life and the power of beauty and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

Stay connected with me and my adventures by following me on Instagram!

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips
The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips
 

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips
The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips
 

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

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The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips
The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips
 

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The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

Ortigia is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is definitely worth visiting if you are planning a trip to Sicily.

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The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

The Mercato di Ortigia

The Mercato di Ortigia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the island.

The local market is a vibrant and colourful market that offers a wide variety of fresh and local products. It is a great place to experience the local culture and get a taste of traditional Sicilian cuisine.

The Viennese Girl: Best photography and travel tips

One of the highlights of the market is the fresh seafood section. The fishmongers offer a variety of fresh fish, including swordfish, tuna, and octopus, that are caught locally and sold the same day. Visitors can watch as the vendors clean and prepare the fish right in front of them.

The market also features a section for fruits and vegetables, where visitors can find locally grown produce such as tomatoes, eggplants, oranges, and lemons. The fruits and vegetables are freshly picked and bursting with flavor, making them a great addition to any meal.

The Mercato di Ortigia

In addition to seafood and produce, the market also offers a variety of meats, cheeses, and traditional Sicilian products such as olives, capers, and dried tomatoes. There are also stalls selling handmade pottery, textiles, and other souvenirs.

The Mercato di Ortigia is not only a great place to shop for food and souvenirs, but also a place to socialize and connect with the locals.

Visitors can chat with the vendors and learn more about the products they are selling, as well as get tips on how to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes.

The Mercato di Ortigia

In conclusion, Ortigia is a small but incredibly beautiful island that should not be missed during a visit to Sicily. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food and fascinating history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you spend a day or a week exploring Ortigia, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to Sicily.

WHERE TO NEXT?

Discover more of my Italy guides!

3 days in Cefalù

One week in Palermo

Puglia: Things to do & places to visit 

A guide to Milano

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Visit Milano

Visit Milano

Visit Milano

Visit Milano: The “United Cities of Tourism” initiative

You may have already seen on Instagram that I spent a few days in Milan at the beginning of this month. Reason of my visit was the “United Cities of Tourism” initiative that the Vienna Tourist Board launched in the beginning of May.

With the “United Cities of Tourism” initiative, the Vienna Tourist Board aims to bring back the intercultural exchange in Europe, open borders, tear down barriers and restore the sense of togetherness. To celebrate and revive city tourism again.

I am very glad to be one of those who have joined forces with the Vienna Tourist Board to support this initiative. Within this context, I traveled with the ÖBB Nightjet to Milano to discover the city, photograph it and share with you all my discoveries.

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Visit Milano
Visit Milano
 

Visit Milano: Join the initiative

To all Viennese residents out there: Click on this link, fill out the form, and with a bit of luck you can win one of more than 2,000 free train or plane trips to a European city!

If you are not a Vienna resident, but you want to help your city, then travel to Vienna.

Click on this link and become an ambassador for the United Cities of Tourism initiative by traveling to Vienna. The Vienna Tourist Board together with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Austrian Airlines, will send one Vienna resident to a European city for every 100 people that come to the Austrian capital.

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Visit Milano

Three days in Milan

I spent three days in Milan walking and taking photos of everything that caught my attention. It was my third visit to Milan, but this time, my visit was the most interesting and the most significant of all.

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Visit Milano

The weather in May was amazing. It was perfect for walking around without sweating because of the heat, and without freezing because of the cold. As a result, I went everywhere on foot! Despite my sojourn in Milan being short, I managed to do and see several things that I’d like to share with you in this blog post.

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Visit Milano

Where to stay in Milan

If you wish to visit Milano and you are looking for a city hotel, I can highly recommend Worldhotel Cristoforo Colombo. This hotel has been recently renovated, it is centrally located, and the prices are quite reasonable. On top of that, you get a lovely rose when you do the check – in!

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Visit Milano

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Visit Milano

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Visit Milano

Visit Milano
Visit Milano
 

Where to eat in Milan

Milan is recognised internationally as one of the world’s most important fashion capitals. Βut during my visit, along with some nice fashion shops, I also discovered a few nice restaurants. 

Where to eat in Milan

I stopped by Pizzeria Giolina for a mouthwatering heart-shaped buffalo pizza which was delicious. And I also went to Lubar for dinner, a Mediterranean restaurant with Sicilian flavors and fragrances. For a quick snack on the go, I visited Panzerotti Luini and All’antico vinaio. 

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Where to eat in Milan
Where to eat in Milan
 

When you travel to Italy, one thing is certain: you are in for some seriously good food.

Where to eat in Milan

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Where to eat in Milan

Where to eat in Milan

Where to eat in Milan

Six things to do in Milan

I would start my trip to Milan with a visit to the Duomo, the impressive cathedral church of Milan, its rooftop terraces and museum. The roof is around 250 steps up, but you can also get the elevator. There is so much detail to look at in the Duomo, and once you reach the top you get spectacular views over Milan

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Where to eat in Milan

Visit the Galleria of Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall. Look for the “little Torino” bull. Who knows? Maybe if you spin around on it a few times, it will bring you good luck! 

Visit Milano

Visit Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. 

Visit Milano

Visit Brera district

A quaint district with plenty of fashion shops, great restaurants, boutiques, and galleries to browse. Walk around, admire the architecture of the elegant buildings and allow yourself to get pleasantly lost. 

Visit Milano

Visit Milano
Visit Milano
 

Visit Milano

Let’s stay connected! Follow me on Instagram @theviennesegirl for more great content.

Visit Milano

Visit Milano
Visit Milano
 

 "United Cities of Tourism" initiative

SUPPORT MY WORK

If you have found this article useful and if you enjoy my content and you’d like to support this channel, so that I will be able to continue offering you that kind of content for free, please consider using my AFFILIATE LINK on Booking. When you make a booking with BOOKING.COM using my link, I earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for using my affiliate link!

Alternatively, if you enjoy my travel stories, tips and photography, you can say Thank you by offering me a ‘virtual’ coffee here.

In case you’d like to book me as your photographer in Vienna, you can find more info here. Please have a look at my portfolio, if you’d like to know more about my photography work.

Pizzeria Giolina

Pizzeria Giolina Milan
Pizzeria Giolina Milan
 

Pizzeria Giolina Milan

Brera district Milan
Brera district Milan
 

Brera district Milan

Milan courtyards

streets of Milan
streets of Milan
 

Visit La Vigna Di Leonardo, a small and tiny piece of heaven that is brimming with atmosphere. Located in the middle of bustling Milan, Leonardo’s vineyard is a place of serenity and wonder. Explore the house and the garden with the audio guide to learn about Leonardo and the city. Or simply sit back and appreciate the centuries of history.

La Vigna Di Leonardo

La Vigna Di Leonardo

La Vigna Di Leonardo
La Vigna Di Leonardo
 

La Vigna Di Leonardo

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La Vigna Di Leonardo

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La Vigna Di Leonardo

Visit the Navigli! Great area for a walk along the canal on a warm afternoon and for an aperitivo. 

Marchesi 1824

Marchesi 1824
Marchesi 1824
 

Marchesi 1824

Highlight of the trip 

Highlight of the trip was the night train ride with the ÖBB Nightjet from Vienna to Milano. That was something I have never done before. The train ride with the Nightjet gave the trip a whole new meaning. It was THE EXPERIENCE. 

I especially enjoyed having my own bathroom, my own bed, my privacy in my own compartment. It felt like a hotel room that was moving from one city to another. In the morning, after the wake up call, you get breakfast with the ingredients that you have chosen the night before. And you get to enjoy your breakfast with a great view from the window. Everything is clean, relaxed and enjoyable. 

With the ÖBB Nightjet trains, you can travel overnight in a climate-friendly and comfortable way to the most beautiful cities and destinations in Europe.

The Rotonda della Besana

The Rotonda della Besana

The Perfect Weekend City Break

If you are looking for a city destination to escape from Vienna for a while, visit Milano

Milan has it all…history, museums, shops, design hotels and restaurants…and it’s just a romantic night train ride away from Vienna.

The Rotonda della Besana

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WHERE TO NEXT? Discover more of my TRAVEL GUIDES!

Where to stay in Budapest

Karpathos travel guide

Planning a trip to Ljubljana?

Follow me on Instagram

Disclaimer: The trip to Milan was powered by Vienna Tourist Board, ÖBB and Visit Milano. This blog post contains affiliate links.

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