Share The Article
Thinking of heading to a summery, idyllic Italy this summer, but the discouraging TikToks showing unbelievable crowds in places like Rome and Venice, not to mention the jaw-dropping prices, have been putting you off?
We might have just the perfect solution, or in any case, Delta Air Lines does:
All through summer, they will be flying a nonstop route from New York (JFK) to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) in Sicily, and though the city of Catania itself isn’t the most exciting of places to be, unless you love buzzing urban scenes, this lesser-known coastal gem is only 39 miles away:
Discover Syracuse, One Of The Oldest Cities In Europe
One of the oldest cities in Sicily, and even Europe as a whole, Syracuse is an ancient port dating back 2,759 years, originally founded as a Greek colony.
Culturally-rich and historically-significant as it may be, it’s yet to be discovered by most Americans—but that may be about to change.
Following a 15–20% increase in bookings this spring, it is expecting an equally successful summer, and you can bet more U.S. travelers will find their way there now that nonstop Sicily flights are available.
After all, you can board a train or bus to Syracuse straight from the airport, with tickets starting as cheap as $6, and the fastest journey by coach taking only 55 minutes.
That sounds convenient enough, considering how tricky planning European getaways can be, especially in lesser-known destinations like Syracuse, but other than the fact it’s very old, why would you go there anyway?
Syracuse Is The Clue To Understanding Sicily
I mean, have you looked at the iconic aerial shot of Syracuse’s Old Town from above?
Called Ortigia, it is in fact an island connected to the mainland by bridges, and it’s your usual, dream-like setting involving narrow pedestrianized lanes, stone-built buildings so narrow and ancient you sometimes wonder how they’re even inhabited, and a plethora of Baroque wonders.
The main attraction in town, the Duomo, or Cathedral, was originally a Greek temple dedicated to Athena, erected as early as the 5th century BC. Its current facade is attributed to the 18th-century Sicilian Baroque movement.
As mentioned previously, Syracuse was Greek at the very start, and in the heart of the Old Town, the ruined foundations and columns of the Temple of Apollo are indelible marks of the city’s Hellenic past.
Fonte Aretusa is yet another Greek-era gem, and a natural spring believed to have healing properties, and with its imposing Fountain of Diana, featuring bestial figures at the feet of the proud Greco-Roman goddess, and cozy café terraces, Piazza Archimede is simply Syracuse in a nutshell.
All That Ancient World Charm
On that note, were you even aware Archimedes, the Eureka guy, was born in Syracuse?
Make sure you pay his statue a visit, set on an islet between the two bridges that connect Ortigia to the mainland, and if you can’t get enough of Syracuse’s Old World allure, there’s plenty more historic sights on the edge of town, at the Neapolis Archaeological Park:
One of Sicily’s most prominent ensembles of temples and ruined structures, it has a well-preserved theater overlooking the modern part of the city, a smaller-sized, overgrown ‘Colosseum’, or Roman arena, and beautiful grottoes associated, said to be the home of mischievous nymphs.
The park is huge, covering an area of 170 acres, and only 2 times smaller than Pompeii, perhaps Italy’s most iconic ancient attraction, so you might want to allot enough time to see all that it has in offer, as it can take up to half a day.
Full tickets for a self-guided start from $19, or €17 in the local currency, and you can buy them directly from the official website here to avoid the lines at the entrance. Then again, it’s not like there’s crazy waiting times, anyway:
You’ll be glad to know that crowding levels here are far less intense than in other Italian hotspots.
It’s not exactly a hidden gem, far from that, but there seems to always be plenty of open space left in the main square, even at peak hours when odd few tour groups and Instagrammers flock into it, if you know what we mean.
Beautiful Coastal Views At Cheaper Prices
Syracuse is not exactly a beach destination, so don’t expect to find any wide stretches of sand or beach bars—for that, you might want to head out of town to Fontane Bianche)—yet it is still coastal.
Ortigia is famous for its lungomare, a 1.25-mile coastal walk looping around the Old Town, offering sweeping views of turquoise seas and narrow pebbly strips locals love to sunbathe on in summer, and of course, Ortigia’s ancient fortifications.
Pro tip? Start your walk right before sunset hours, from Castello Maniace, and up the eastern coast: you’ll have centuries-old houses on one side, and coastal breeze on the other, and on particularly pleasant days, you might even be graced with one of those epic blood orange-tinged sunsets.
At the end of your walk, once the sun has set, treat yourself to traditional Sicilian dishes in Hosteria Red Moon, a laid-back, fishermen-owned restaurant in the port facing Ortigia.
You just can’t go wrong with their freshly-caught whole octopus and sea urchin pasta, and prices are quite reasonable, ranging from $16 to $23.
Finally, if you’re looking for an inexpensive B&B, within short walking distance of the Old Town (island of Ortigia), and comfortable enough for a 2-night stint in Syracuse, check out La Casa di Pippo:
This one-bedroom apartment in a trendy residential area of the modern city has all of the must-have amenities for a short stay, and it will only set you back $48 per night.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.